India, the land of rich culture, traditions, and spiritual diversity, is home to numerous temples that stand as living testaments to its glorious past and enduring faith. Whether you seek solace, history, or architectural brilliance, the temples in India offer something for every traveler and devotee. Here’s a guide to the top 30 famous Hindu temples in India that have captured the hearts and minds of millions.
Overview Of Famous Temples in India
Hindu temples in India are hallowed places devoted to a wide range of gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon, including Durga, Lakshmi, Shiva, Vishnu, and many more. These temples are frequently hubs of art, culture, and communal life in addition to being places of prayer.
Indian temples are renowned for their unique architectural designs, which differ depending on the location. The Dravidian style in South India, the Nagara style in North India, and the Vesara style in Central India are a few notable architectural styles. The major idol or god is housed in the center sanctum (garbhagriha), which is frequently decorated with elaborate carvings, sculptures, and spacious courtyards.
30 Famous Temples in India That You Must Visit
1. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh)

Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, this temple is one of the richest in the world. Located on the Tirumala hills, it attracts millions of pilgrims annually, offering a serene blend of devotion and architectural marvel.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva located in the spiritually abode city of Varanasi. The temples here are considered to be the important pilgrimage sites for Hindu, where they can find much closer connection with spiritual liberty.
3. Golden Temple – Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar (Punjab)

The Golden temple is the holiest shrine of Sikhism, especially known for its golden facade. It also offers a peaceful serene surrounding. The temple showcases peace, devotion, and equality.
4. Jagannath Temple, Puri (Odisha)

Known for the annual Rath Yatra, Jagannath Temple houses Lord Jagannath, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Due to its rich history and cultural significance, it is one of the famous temples in India and is a must-visit for devotees.
5. Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan (Gujarat)

Known as the first Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, Somnath Temple’s majestic architecture and spiritual energy attract pilgrims from all over the world. It stands on the shores of the Arabian Sea, creating a stunning natural backdrop.
6. Badrinath Temple, Badrinath (Uttarakhand)

Located in the Himalayan region, Badrinath Temple worships Lord Vishnu. It’s one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, offering breathtaking views and a serene environment.
7. Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta (Kerala)

One of the most visited and famous temples in India, Sabarimala Temple is a shrine that worships Lord Ayyappa. Millions of followers visit the shrine during each year’s Mandala season.
8. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai (Tamil Nadu)

Meenakshi Temple is famous for its beautiful architecture and is home to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar who is Shiva. The major gopurams and other sculptures are amazing examples of Dravidian art.
9. Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, Tiruchendur (Tamil Nadu)

Tiruchendur Temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Situated on the sea shore, it is one of the important worship centers for Tamil Hindus and also gives an excellent view of the surrounding area.
10. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)

This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and holds a very sacred place in the hearts of the Hindus. The corridors of the temple and its holy water are an epitome of profound religious value.
11. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka (Gujarat)

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Dwarkadhish Temple is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple is built along the Arabian Sea shore and dates back thousands of years.
12. Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)

Another one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath Temple, is situated amidst the Himalayas. This is a significant shrine for devotees to obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva.
13. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (Odisha)

This is a beautiful example of Kalinga architecture and worships to Lord Shiva. One of the famous temples in India, it is famous for its magnificent carvings and architectural grandeur.
14. Annamalaiyar Temple, Thiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu)

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the largest in India. Its vast grounds and towering gopurams make it a sight to behold. It is located at the base of the Anamalai hills.
15. Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra (Jammu and Kashmir)

One of the most popularly visited Hindu temples in India is the Vaishno Devi Temple devoted to Goddess Vaishno. The devotees journey to climb up the mountains to this cave shrine that has so much spiritual significance.
16. Nageshwar Temple, Dwarka (Gujarat)

Nageshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and for Shiva worshipers, it is of special importance. The temple is located near the Dwarka coast, which is a quiet retreat and is also one of the famous temples in India.
17. Kanchipuram Temples, Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)

Kanchipuram known as the “City of Thousand Temples” houses some of the greatest temples in South India, namely the Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple.
18. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu)

Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, it is very popular for its dance of cosmos. The golden hall within the temple complex is an architectural wonder in Tamil Nadu making it one of the famous temples in India.
19. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu)

This temple is famously known as the Big Temple and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The towering dome and excellent sculptures of this Brihadeeswarar Temple are testimonies to the architectural prowess of the Chola dynasty.
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20. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi (Maharashtra)

One of the most revered and famous temples in India, the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple honors the revered saint, Sai Baba. Known for its serene atmosphere and deep spiritual energy, it attracts millions of followers from across the globe.
21. Puri Jagannath Temple, Puri (Odisha)

The Puri Jagannath Temple is equally popular for its religious importance, along with the magnificent Rath Yatra that attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each year.
22. Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)

The temple’s primary deity is Lord Vishnu and is prominent due to its attractive structure and serenity. This temple is one of the prominent pilgrim centers for Vaishnavites.
23. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai (Maharashtra)

Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the prominent shrines in Mumbai. Thousands of devotees, including celebrities and politicians, visit it every day.
24. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam (Tamil Nadu)

One of the biggest temple complexes in India, Ranganathaswamy Temple worships to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the major centers of Vaishnavism and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
25. Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata (West Bengal)

Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, this temple worships Goddess Kali. The temple is also known for its association with Ramakrishna Paramhansa and is an important spiritual destination.
26. Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala (Kerala)

Known for its strict rituals and devotion, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims, especially from southern India, undertake a difficult journey to reach the shrine.
27. Patan Devi Temple, Patan (Gujarat)

One of the most worshiped temples of Gujarat, Patan Devi Temple worships to Goddess Patan. It has huge historical and religious significance, making it one of the famous temples in India.
28. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)

Famous for its treasure trove, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple worships Lord Vishnu. Its stunning architecture and spiritual significance make it a must-visit.
29. Vishwanath Temple, Haridwar (Uttarakhand)

One of the holiest cities in India, Haridwar is home to the Vishwanath Temple. The temple worships Lord Shiva and forms part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
30. Kailashnath Temple, Ellora Caves (Maharashtra)

The Kailashnath Temple is a stunning example of rock-cut architecture, one of the largest monolithic temples in the world. Carved out of a single rock, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Conclusion
India houses some of the richest tapestries of temples, each with its history, culture, and beauty in architecture. In these top 30 Hindu temples lies pilgrimage to spiritual solace, and Indian grandeur is awaiting anyone curious about such a rich culture. These famous temples in India not only connect one to ancient traditions but also the soul of India.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs on Famous Temples in India
1. Can non-Hindus visit the temples in India?
Most temples in India welcome visitors from all religions. However, some temples may have restrictions or specific rules for non-Hindu visitors, so it is advisable to check the temple’s visitor guidelines before your visit.
2. How do I make offerings at famous temples?
Offerings such as flowers, fruits, and sweets are commonly presented to the deities in most temples. Each temple may have its own customs for making offerings, and priests can guide you on the appropriate procedures.
3. Are there any dress codes for temple visits?
Yes, in many temples in India, modest dress is required. For men, it is dhotis or pants, while for women, it can be sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts. Reveal clothing should be avoided.
4. What is the best time to visit the Meenakshi Temple?
The best time to visit the Meenakshi Temple is during early morning or evening time, especially during festival seasons like Chithirai Festival, where the temple celebrates the divine marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.
5. How can I join the Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple?
The Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple in Puri (Odisha) is a grand festival each year, and pilgrims from all over the world can participate by pulling the chariots and forming part of the procession.
6. Are there festivals to visit famous temples in India?
Yes, festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Maha Shivaratri attract a lot of visitors, and attending temple rituals during these times is a very enriching experience. However, expect large crowds and make necessary arrangements in advance.