SEVEN MOST BEAUTIFUL TEMPLES IN INDIA
India has a 1.3 million square mile landscape and a population of 1.3 billion. Yet, people still think that the Taj Mahal is the center of all attention! Yes, it is the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. And, yes, you want one of those photos where you appear to be holding it by the dome. However, don’t miss out on the cultural history of Hindu temples like the Golden Temple and Akshardham temple of Delhi. These are some of the most beautiful temples in India.
Even though India is a secular and diverse country, the religion of the majority is Hinduism. As a result, the presence of a holy Hindu temple is relatively high in India. Rulers from various empires built those to leave behind their existence. Since the Indus Valley civilization, Hinduism has been there ever since the rise of any other religion globally. India rule by several rulers.
- Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho
This collection of Hindu and Jain temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With towers and spacious inner exploration sites, the architecture of the temple is unique. Only 25 of the 85 temples that once stood on the site remain. The visitors can get there by taking the Khajuraho-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express train. At one point, dense vegetation overtook the ruins giving them the appearance almost like the Lost City from The Jungle Book.
Art is in the structures in this small town. It is a classic example of the finesse of India’s cultural and artistic heritage. Although scores of plunderers attempted to destroy the entire complex. But they were never successful. Even though they did manage to reduce the number of temples and caves to 25 from a staggering 85.
2. Jain Temple in Ranakpur
This is one of the most unique teachings of Jainism. Hence, it is reason enough to visit Rajasthan. The state has many beautiful places to visit, such as Amer Fort and City Palace in Jaipur. Since the 15th century, Ranakpur has entertained worshippers and visitors.
Ranakpur’s well-known Jain temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha. A local Jain businessman started constructing the temple in the 15th century. The temple honors Adinath, the first Tirthankar of the current half-cycle. Ranakpur and the temple name Rana Kumbha.
3. Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s Meenakshi Amman Temple
Madurai is easily one of the most beautiful temples in India. On the south of the Vaigai River in Madurai, it is a city known for both poets and temples. It has a long and complex history. In the sixth century, the construction of temples started. It was then destroyed and rebuilt in the 16th century. Still, the temple’s 14 towers and holy pond maintain its elegance.
In the 12th century, Meenakshi Temple was built. Although the architectural magnificence of the temple does not reflect this. It is epic, and it is one of the new seven wonders of the world. The temple is made for Goddess Parvati and is in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The entire temple was built with 985 pillars, each of which was carved. Tourists from all over the world visit the temple not only for religious reasons. Thus also for the temple’s grandeur.
4.Temple of Ramanathaswamy
This Jyotirlinga temple, built to honor Shiva. It is in Tamil Nadu and serves as a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Temples’ elegant and decorated exterior corridors are the longest. The holy water is used by pilgrims for bathing. It is the most essential ritual for devotees.
5. Amritsar’s Golden Temple
This marvelous temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib. It is the holiest place of worship for the Sikh religion. Built-in, the mid-15th century on the banks of a man-made lake in Amritsar.
The temple’s golden exterior and religious importance are a massive attraction. Although devotees and tourists alike wise up to its doors all year. The temple also celebrates Guru Nanak’s birthday and Guru Ram Das’s birthday. The temple is lit up with earthen lamps, or diyas, during Diwali.
Many people visit the temple to experience its divine atmosphere, peace, and beauty. Every year, the annual Vaisakhi festival is celebrated with great pride. Anyone who wants to help can cook the food and wash the dishes in the temple’s kitchen. The temple’s importance stems from the universal generosity it extends to ordinary people. It is a Sikh temple, but it is loved and cherished by people of all faiths worldwide.
6.Uttarakhand’s Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is in the heart of Badrinath, surrounded by the Garhwal Hills. Its stone bodywork covered in the gold roof make it one of India’s most recognized temples.
According to Hindu legend, this is where the god Vishnu sat in meditation. God was unaware of the cold weather while meditating. Thus Goddess Lakshmi protected him with the Badri tree. He named the location Badrika Ashram in tribute to Lakshmi’s devotion. As a result, Goddess Lakshmi is “Badri Vishal.” Lord Vishnu’s name is “Badrinath,” Badri’s husband. According to Atkinson (1979), the area used to be a jujube forest, which no longer exists.
7. Somnath temple Gujarat
Somnath temple of Gujarat is an ancient temple that was rebuilt many times throughout history. The most recent version was build in 1951 and became one of India’s most famous Hindu temples.
The Shivling in Somnath, according to legend, is one of India’s 12 jyotirlingas. It is where Shiva is considered as a flame column of light. The jyotirlingas are the supreme powers from which Shiva appears. Each of the twelve jyotirlingas has a different symbolic representation of Shiva. Foreign visitors remark that India is a land of temples, shrines, and holy places. Many religious, famous, and social stories interlink with India’s history. From Kashmir to Kerala, many temples represent various Gods and Goddesses.
India is a land full of temples. There are many beautiful temples in India. They range in size from tiny structures in the middle of roads to massive ancient rock temples. Some are well-known and decorated in gold, while others are far more respectable. There are even some temples in India that have sensuous carvings on them. If you are visiting a temple, don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering any of these temples though.