India is full of diverse cultures, traditions, religions, and worshippers. It is also the place where the oldest religion in the world, Hinduism was founded. A land full of temples of different faiths, India is also called a spiritual land because of the number of Gods, sadhus, gurus and yogis that exist in the country. For people who want to visit temples, mosques, churches and monasteries, India is a one-stop destination for all. So without further ado, we present the top places of worship that you shouldn’t miss when in India.
1. Jagannath Temple, Puri
We start off with the majestic Jagannath Temple at Puri. Apart from being one of the most famous tourist attractions and an important pilgrimage destination, the Jagannath Temple is a part of the ‘Char Dham Yatra’. Shrouded in many mysteries, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Krishna)and worshipped along with the deities Balabhadra and Subhadra. This marvellous temple has been built with the sculptural richness of the Orissan style of temple architecture. The temple is also famous for its annual Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival, where all the three deities are moved in elaborately decorated chariots and bathed in perfumed water with one hundred and eight pitchers.
2. Golden Temple, Amritsar
Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as Darbar Sahib and informally referred to as the Golden Temple is one of the famous Gurudwaras and a most revered spiritual sites of Sikhism. Built in the centre of a holy tank, Amrit Sarovar, the Golden Temple has four entrances in four directions, representing the openness of the Sikhs to all people and religions. The temple has been constructed of marble and embellished with real gold, thereby earning the name of ‘Golden Temple’. Structurally, the temple has been constructed a level below the ground level as it signifies that one must be humble and go down to reach God. The main hall of the Golden Temple houses the sacred scripture of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib which is placed on a raised platform under a canopy studded with precious jewels.
3. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
Nestled amongst magnificent Himalayan ranges and situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet is the largest monastery in India, the Tawang Galdan Namgye Lhatse, more popularly known as the Tawang Monastery. This monastery was founded by Merek Lama Lodre Gyamtso in 1680-81 as per the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. The monastery is three-storied and consists of a big assembly hall, a centre of Buddhist studies and a school. The monastery also has a printing press for printing religious books using a locally made paper. Located in the town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang monastery is a feast to eyes with scenic views and a pleasant climate!
4. Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah, Fatehpur Sikri
One of the finest examples of the Mughal architecture is the tomb of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri, also known as Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah. A well-known religious site for Muslims, this Dargah was built by Emperor Akbar in honour of the Sufi Saint. Built between the years 1580 and 1581, this mausoleum is built on a 1-meter-high platform and is decorated with mosaics of black and yellow marbles arranged in geometric patterns. The main hall boasts of intricate carvings on the marble and delicate latticework, while an ebony ‘chhaparkhat’ enclosure surrounds the marble cenotaph. A must-visit to admire the Mughal architecture and fine craftsmanship.
5. Shatrughna Temple, Rishikesh
For those who seek all the peace and calm in the world, must head towards the Shatrughna Temple which happens to be one of the best temples in Rishikesh. People can not only worship inside the temple, but can also relax and practice yoga within the temple’s premises. This temple is constructed as a dedication to the younger brother of Lord Ram along with the temple that exists in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Located at a distance of just 4 kms away from the main railway station, this temple is just perfect to start one’s holistic journey in life.
6. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Maharashtra
Located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most popular temples in Maharashtra. Being dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is home to one of the jyotirlingas mentioned in the Shiva Purana. Believed to be the 12th jyotirlinga, Shiva at this temple is known by different names such as Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeswara, Ghrushmeswara and Grishneswara. The temple went through several reconstructions during the reign of Maloji Raje Bhosale and Rani Ahilyabhai Holkar. Built with red volcanic rock, this temple is often recognized for its fine medieval architecture and 5-tier Shikara. Today the temple contains a garbhagriha, an antarala and a sabha mandapa. Many devotees visit this temple during the Maha Shivaratri which is a significantly important religious festival at this jyotirling temple in maharashtra.
7. Tali Temple, Kerala
Explore the rich culture, heritage, and undying devotion of the people of Kerala. Temples in Kerala are a beacon of hope for devotees who come to visit them from all across the world. Some of the famous temples in India are among the world’s richest temples, and they should be on your bucket list. Other than being divine places, these temples are also architectural wonders.
8. Udiyanoor Devi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Udiyanoor Devi Temple is another place of worship in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a famous Shiva temples in Kerala for Hindus. The shrine of Udiyanoor Devi has four hands, holding weapons with the gesture of Shiva and Vaishnava together. Other deities worshipped in this temple are Lord Ganesha, Nagaraja, Dharma Sastha and Sri Madan Thampuran. This is perhaps the only temple in Kerala, which faces north direction. The major festivals celebrated here are Urootu Mahotsav, Pongala Mahostsav and Thrikkodiyettu. Built 1300 years ago, this is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
9. Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Amarnath temple is situated in Jammu & Kashmir state in north India. The temple is considered as one of the important part of Hinduism. The temple is made in the form of a cave which is 19 metres long, 16 metres wide and 11 metres high. The temple is dedicated to God Shiva. One has to cover a distance of 45 KM to reach the temple. This travelling is known as Amarnath Yatra which opens for only 45 days in a year in the month of July and August. The place is known as Amarnath or Amreshwara because God Shiva told Godess Parvati about Amaratva or immortality here.
Faith can move mountains. Well, this can possibly be one of the reasons why we seek answers from the Gods we have faith in. People who are keen on travelling long distances to visit these temples, please comment down in the section below and tell us how if you visited any of the places we suggested before.