The cultural and religious diversity of India can be seen in the numerous ancient temples spread across the length and breadth of the country, many of which are also architectural marvels
Khajuraho
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is globally renowned for its erotic sculptures and Nagara-style architecture. The exquisite artwork of Khajuraho temples have mesmerised visitors since time immemorial. Interestingly, the origins are shrouded in regional folklore. The temples were built in the short span of a 100 years, from 950-1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world’s great artistic wonders. Khajuraho, the ancient Kharjjura-vahaka represents today a distinct pattern of art and temple architecture of its own reminding one of the rich and creative period it witnessed during the Chandela rule. It was the principal seat of authority of the Chandela rulers who have left a rich architectural legacy. But for Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva which are of granite, all the other temples are of fine grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow in colour.
The architectural splendour testifies not only the craftsmen’s artistry but also the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed. Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana temple, is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the Chandelas. The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva which is attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29). The temple is decorated with intricate sculptures that are perfect examples of ancient Indian art. The other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed.
Accommodation options: The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho, Radisson Jass Hotel Khajuraho, Ramada Khajuraho, Hotel Clarks Khajuraho,Hotel Isabel Palace, etc.
Connectivity: Khajuraho is connected to Delhi and Agra with regular flights. Khajuraho has its own rail head.
Apart from that, the other nearest railheads are: Mahoba (64 km), Harpalpur (94 km) and Jhansi (175 km). Khajuraho is connected by regular bus services with Gwalior (276 km) and Bhopal (340 km).
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram, also known as the ‘City of Thousand Temples’, is one of India’s seven sacred cities and is famous world over for its exquisite temples. Apart from Hindu temples, Kanchipuram is also home to few Jain temples, Buddhist monasteries and mosques. The city is divided into two sectors – Vishnu Kanchi and Shiva Kanchi. While Lord Vishnu resides in the former division, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati can be found in the latter. The Ekambareswarar, Kailasanathar, Thirumarugal, Varadharaja Perumal, Kamakshi Amman and Devarajaswami temples are amongst the prominent ones.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Ekambareswarar Temple has been spoken about by Tamil poets of the second century. The temple is enormous and the doors are nearly 40 feet tall. The temple has a mango tree, which is 3,500 years old. Goddess Shakti is worshiped in three major cities out of which Kanchipuram ranks first in importance. The gold plated main tower and the golden chariot are the special features of the Kamakshi Amman Temple. This temple constructed on five acres of land, houses a gallery, which presents the life history of Adisankaracharya.
Belonging to the eighth century, Kailasanathar Temple is amongst the oldest structures in the city and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction was commenced by Rajasimha Pallava, while his son Mahendra Varma Pallava completed it. The Devarajaswami Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was constructed by the Vijayanagar kings. A 10-metre tall statue of Lord Vishnu lies immersed in a large tank, which is drained once every 40 years. It is that time when the statue can be viewed.
Accommodation options: GRT Regency-Kanchipuram, Hotel Baboo Soorya, Shelter Beach Resort, among others.
Connectivity: The closest airport to Kanchipuram is the Chennai Airport. Kanchipuram can also be reached via Chengalpattu Railway Station on the Chengalpattu-Arakkonam line. By road Kanchipuram is just 57 km from Chennai.
Haridwar
Haridwar is renowned destination when it comes to temple towns of India, being the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. Haridwar is also considered as the starting point among pilgrim tourists for their journey to the sacred sources of the rivers Ganga and the Yamuna. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to sage Kapil’s curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva’s locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their ancestors.
Hari Ki Pauri ghat, a major religious spot, was built by King Vikramaditya to commemorate the descending of Ganga after years of difficult prayers and fasting done by his ancestor Bhagirathi. It is believed that Lord Vishnu had left his foot prints on a rock at this ghat. Everyday at twilight, the Har Ki Pauri ghat comes to life with singing prayers and lit up lamps along the Ganges where masses of people witness this ritual. It is believed that a bath at Har Ki Pauri provides salvation from sins and completely cleanses soul. Floral tributes and lit up lamps floating on the Ganges is an enchanting sight at this ghat.
Standing atop the Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi is one of the prominent temples in Haridwar. The temple was built in 1929 A D by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. It is believed that the main statue of goddess Chandi Devi, who killed the demon brothers Shumbh and Nishumbh, was laid here in the eighth century A D by Adi Shankracharya. Ropeway facility is also available to reach the temple.
Bharat Mata Mandir is one of its kind in Haridwar and is dedicated to Mother India. The temple traces its history from the times of Ramayana to present day. This eight-storied temple houses the pictures and idols of some of the great Indian men from ancient to present times and pictures of the various cities of India. Other renowned temples and places of tourists’ interest include Mansa Devi temple, Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar, Sati Kund and Rajaji National Park.
Accommodation options: Radisson Blu Haridwar, Aalia On The Ganges, The Haveli Hari Ganga, The Palms Resort, Ganga Lahari, Hotel Maharaja Deluxe, Rosewood Apartment Hotel, Hotel Ganga Exotica, Gardenia Hotel, Spa & Resort, Ambrosia Sarovar Portico and more.
Connectivity: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, located about 30 km away. Haridwar is also well connected to all major cities and towns of India via rail and road.
Dwarka
The temple town of Dwarka, also known as “the kingdom of Lord Krishna”, is one of the most prominent pilgrim centres in India. Located at the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula, this town enjoys remarkable importance in Hindu lore. It is the only place considered both, one of the four principal holy places (Char Dham), and as one of the seven ancient towns (Sapta Puris). Dwarka has witnessed millions of pilgrims and historical scholars over the centuries. It is believed that immediately after the death of Lord Krishna and the consequent demise of the Yadav dynasty, a massive flood swallowed Dwarka and submerged the city to the the ocean bed. Presently, Dwarka sits at the opening of the Gomti river on the Arabian Sea and is renowned for notable historical and religious sites.
Dwarka is most known for Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir. The temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh Rathore; originally believed to be built by Vajranabh, the great grandson of Lord Krishna. Its exquisitely carved shikhar, reaching 43 m high and the huge flag made from 52 yards of cloth, can be seen from as far away as 10 km. The grandeur of the temple is enhanced by the flight of 56 steps leading to the rear side of the edifice on the side of the river Gomti. There are two gateways – Swarga Dwar, where pilgrims enter; and Moksha Dwar, where pilgrims exit. The lower section of the Dwarkadhish temple dates back to the 16th century and the soaring steeple with its numerous clusters of small towers dates back to the 19th century. The Gomati Ghat Temples also carry huge significance among visitors to Dwarka. Visitors can also hire a boat and enjoy a panoramic view of Dwarka.
Accommodation options: Manek The Ocean View, Goverdhan Greens, Dwarkadhish Lords Eco Inn, The Dwarika Hotel, Nova Narayan Inn, Hotel Damji and more.
Connectivity: Jamnagar airport is the nearest domestic airport, located 137 km away from Dwarka. Flights to Mumbai are operated from this airport. Dwarka has its own railway station and connected to all major Indian cities via direct and connecting trains. State-run bus service is operated from various parts of Gujarat to Dwarka.
Madurai
Madurai, spreading along the banks of the river Vaigai in Tamil Nadu, has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. There are several places of tourist attractions in Madurai, but among all Meenakshi Temple is the most popular. The Meenakshi Temple is the twin temple of Sundareswarar and Meenakshi. The construction process of the temple began 2000 years ago. Contributions from different rulers and especially from Thirmalai Naicker made this complex to extend drastically over an area of 65,000 sq m. The architectural excellence of this hall is that the pillars viewed from any angle will be on a straight line.
Another noteworthy temple is the Koodal Azhagar, which is located in the heart of the city and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Koodal is another name for Madurai and Azhagar means the beautiful hence He is called Koodal Azhagar. Mariamman Teppakulam, also called Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is two km from Meenakshi Temple in the town. Well laid out underground water channels connect Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. It has 12 step ghats on all four sides of the 16 acre Teppakulam measuring almost 300 m by 300 m in size. The Float Festival at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppkulam is one of the most colourful temple festivals, held annually in the month of Thai (January-February) to mark the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak.
Eight km from Madurai Junction is Thiruparankundram. One of the Six Special Abodes of Lord Murugan dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya is located here. The Sanctum Sanctorum is carved out of a single rock and the temple is believed to be in existence for many centuries. The Arulmigu Kallalagar Temple in Azhagar Kovil, located 21 km northwest of Madurai, is a Vishnu temple. During the Chitrai Festival in April/May, when the celestial marriage of Meenakshi to Sundareswarar is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai. Palamudhirsolai, one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya, is on the same hill, about four km above. Alagarkovil, a village situated very near Madurai at the foot of the range of hills called Alagarmalai, is famous for its ancient Vaishnavite temple.
Accommodation options: The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai, Hotel Kathir Palace, Hotel Padmam, TTDC Tamil Nadu II, Hotel Annamalai International, among others.
Connectivity: Madurai is well connected to major cities of the country via regular flights. You can also avail trains and buses to Madurai from major cities.
Puri
Puri in Odisha is among the most celebrated religious centres in India and home to the famous abode of Lord Jagannath. Traditionally, Puri was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras, pre-Aryan and pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family. Puri is most famous for its annual Rath Yatra festival, which commemorates Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to Gundicha temple.
The temple of Lord Jagannath, the most significant religious site in Puri, attracts a large proportion of temple tourism activities. Built during the 12th century A D by Chodaganga Deva, the temple dominates the landscape. Standing 65 m high, the temple is also the tallest in Odisha and one of the most magnificent monuments of India. A 16-sided, 11-metre-high monolithic pillar called Aruna Stambha stands in front of the main gate of the temple.
The Gundicha temple, located about three km from the temple of Lord Jagannath, is located amidst a beautiful garden, and is also known as the “Garden House of Lord Jagannath”. The temple was built during the reign of King Indradyumna and is named after his wife. The place where the Gundicha temple is situated is known as Sundarachala, which is compared to Vrindavana, and Nilachala, where Jagannatha resides. The temple of Sakhigopal stands 60 feet high and has images of Shri Krishna and Radha. Anla Navamee is the biggest festival of the centre, which attracts a large crowd every year to witness Radha Pada.
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Connectivity: Bhubhaneshwar Airport is the nearest airport, located about 60 km away from Puri. Puri has its own railway terminus, which is well connected to the domestic rail network.
Rameswaram
Rameswaram, a small island town in Tamil Nadu, is a major pilgrim centre in the Gulf of Mannar. Rameswaram is popular for its numerous temples carrying deep religious significance and is connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge. It is believed that, on his return from Ceylon after Ravana Yudhdham in Sri Lanka, Lord Rama offered his repentance prayer to Lord Shiva to absolve his sins that he had committed by slaying Ravana. Rameswaram witnesses thousands of pilgrims from across the Indian subcontinent to get absolved of their sins and also perform rituals for their ancestors. This is at par with Varanasi in sanctity of the North India.
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, located near the sea on the eastern side of the island, is well known for its architectural beauty of magnificent Prakaras – corridors with massive sculptured pillars on either side. The 197 m corridor is believed to be the longest in the world. This temple has undergone various changes in the 12th century under the reign of different rulers. A special daily Puja is performed to the Spatikalingam installed by Adi Sankara in this temple. There are two lingams in the Sanctum Sanctorum. One of which is believed to be brought by Lord Hanuman from Kailash, called Vishwalingam; and other built by Sita, called Ramalingam.
Another renowend temple is the Sugreevar Temple, situated on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham near the Doordarshan Kendra. Sugreeva is the younger brother of Vali of Ramayana. Whereas, the Satchi Hanuman Temple is three km away from the main temple, on the way to the Gandamadana Parvatham. This temple is the place where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita with the Choodamani, a jewel that belonged to Sita as Satchi (evidence) to Rama. The Panchamuga (five-faced) Hanuman Temple is located just two km away from the main temple. The deity of the Hanuman is drawn with senthooram (vermillion). Idol of Lord Ram, Sita and Hanuman brought from Danushkodi during the 1964 cyclone and the Floating Stone used to build the Setu Bandhanam, the bridge between India and Sri Lanka, too can be found in this temple.
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Connectivity: Madurai Airport is the nearest airport, located about 170 km. The Rameswaram railway station is connected to the rail network via direct and connecting trains. State-run buses are available regularly from Chennai, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Trichy and other cities, along with private services.
Tiruchirappalli
Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, Tiruchirappalli, also called Tiruchy or Trichy, is a city in Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Tiruchirappalli district. Tiruchirappalli is an ancient town with a recorded history that dates back to third century BC. A glimpse of this history can be witnessed at several temples that adorn this city. For instance, the Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatachalapathi Temple located three km away from Thuraiyur in Tiruchirappalli district is said to be constructed by the grandson of Karikal Chozhan. The kings Karuppannar and Veeraswamy are worshiped here. The stone sculptures of 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu can be found here as well. The Koranganatha Temple on the banks of the river Cauvery at Srinivasanallur about 50 km from Tiruchy, has some of the finest early Chola stone sculptures and is declared as a monument by ASI. The Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple lies 16 km from Tiruchirappalli at Gunaseelam. During the whole Dhanu month (December-January) Koodaravalli and Vaikunda Ekatasi festivals take place.
Arulmigu Viswanathar Temple, also called Neelivaneswarar Temple, lies 20 km north-west of Tiruchirappalli and is worth a visit. On the northern bank of Kollidam and on the south side of the main road, there is an ancient Chola temple of the period of Aditya I called Tiruk-Kadambatturai Udaiya Mahadevar (now named Matsyapurisvarar Temple).
Nityasundareswaraswami Temple is at a village five km north of Thiruverumbur via Thuvakudi. This temple is included in the Kshertavenba of the Tamil saint, Ayyadigal Kadavarkon.
Accommodation options: Hotel Rockfort View, Sangam Hotel, Hotel Royal Sathyam, Ramyas Hotel, among others.
Connectivity: Tiruchirappalli has a Central Bus Station and the Trichy City Junction. You can take flights to Tiruchirappalli from all over India.
Tirupati
Tirupati, a city in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites because of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple besides other historical temples, and is often referred to as the ‘Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh’. The most famous temple with historical importance is Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple located on the seventh peak of Tirumala Hill. The massive temple covers an area of 2.2 acres. It is the second most frequented shrine all over the world, the first being Vatican. It is also the richest temple in the world.
Srikalahasti Temple is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva situated on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. The renowned devotee of Lord Shiva, Kannappa, attained salvation here. This temple is 38 km away from Tirupati and is connected by frequent buses. The temple of Sri Padmavati Devi Alayam is visited by every pilgrim who visits Tirupati. It is located four km south of Tirupati. The temples of Sri Krishna Swamy and Sri Sundararaja Swamy are also inside the complex.
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is in Tirupati and is quite near from the railway station. The highlight of the temple is its outer pinnacle which is visible from a distance. Apart from Sri Govindaraja Swamy, the temple complex also houses the shrines of Andal Ammavaru, Sri Krishna, Sri Ramanuja Thirumangai Alwar, Sri Vedanta Desika, Sri Lakshmi and Sri Manevala Mahamunlu.
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple is also situated in Tirupati. This temple houses the shrines of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple is the only temple of Lord Shiva in Tirupati. Pilgrims proceed to Tirumala for darshan after taking a customary dip in the temple tank. Located amidst beautiful foothills of Tirumala, the place is also known for its water falls. Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is located at a place called Narayanavanam. According to legends, Lord Venkateswara is believed to have courted and married Goddess Padmavati Devi here.
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Connectivity: There are regular flights from major cities of the country to Tirupati. It is also well connected to major cities via regular trains. The railway stations are Renigunta Junction, Tirupati Main and Anantarajupet. You can easily get regular buses to Tirupati from major cities.
Varanasi
Varanasi or Banaras has been India’s ultimate temple town since time immemorial. Considered to be one of the oldest living cites in the world it has attracted travellers and pilgrims for thousands of years. The most famous temple here is that of Kashi Vishwanath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the point at which the first ‘jyotirlinga’, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over others gods, broke through the earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. Kedareshvara Temple is another important Shiva temple and the stone linga here is said to have emerged on its own.
The famous Durga Temple in the city was built in the 18th century by a queen from an estate in Bengal and is stained red with ochre. The Durga Temple is commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the many frisky monkeys that have made it their home. The Chausath Yogini Temple is located just above the Chausath Yogini Ghat. It is devoted to goddess Kali. Devotees visit the Sankat Mochan Temple at Durga Kund Road to pray to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that Ram Charit Manas was written by Goswami Tulsidas at the site of Tulsi Manas Temple. The walls of this temple are adorned with verses from Ram Charit Manas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. There is a museum in the premises which has a rare collection of manuscripts of the Ramayan and other artefacts. Bharat Mata Temple situated in the Kashi Vidyapeeth campus and is one of its kind. This temple is not dedicated to any deity but to the human manifestation of India popularly called Mother India or Bharat Mata in Hindi. It does not house the statue or bust of Bharat Mata; instead it has a big relief map of India carved out of marble.
Accommodation options: Taj Nadesar Palace, Hotel Varanasi Ashok, Hotel Clarks Varanasi, Radisson Hotel Varanasi, Hotel Hindustan International, Ramada Plaza JHV, etc.
Connectivity: The city’s airport is connected by flights from major cities in India. Varanasi is also a major railway junction.