10. Kedarnath Temple
Situated amidst the snow-capped Himalayan ranges in Garhwal, Uttarakhand this Shiva Temple is one of the oldest temples. People believe that the Pandavas constructed this temple built on a high hill. It is one great trekking experience up the hill at a distance of 14 kilometers. This temple is open only in from April to November months due to the freezing temperatures. The deity is worshiped at Ukhimath during the closed months. This is one of the top pilgrimage destinations in India.
9. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Location: Akshardham, New Delhi
This is one of the latest temples in India constructed on the Banks of the River Yamuna by BAPS. The massive complex is spread on 100 acres and is in the Guinness Book of World Records Committee. The temple is constructed in Medieval Architectural style combining five various forms of architecture with arches, floral motifs, and ornate pavilions.
Inside the complex, there is IMAX, a musical fountain show, Exhibitions, Swaminarayan Temple, Eateries gardens, elephant statues, water-bodies, and over 20000 statues. The pillars, domes, and quadrangle peaks are carved intricately. The Akshardham temple complex is closed on Mondays and there are various timings for each.
8. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
One of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva “Kashi Vishwanath Temple” is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that by coming Kashi Vishwanath temple and taking a dip in the divine water of Ganga River, devotees will free from all the sins and get moksha (salvation). Some others believe that the blessings taken by coming Kashi Vishwanath and witnessing the jyotirlinga are equal to the blessings got from the darshan of the 11 other jyotirlingas.
The main festival celebrated here is Mahashivratri.
7. Golden Temple
Location: Amritsar, Punjab
A Pilgrimage tour to the Indian temple is incomplete without visiting “Golden Temple”. Sri Harmandir Sahib also called as Darbar Sahib or Golden temple is the most religious place for Sikhs. Its four doors open in four main directions welcome all religious people.
Despite these, the temple’s architecture encircled picturesque Sarovar and the divine lake that is believed, to reside Amrit or holy water, adds to the fame of the temple building. Last but not least don’t miss the langar where thousands of pilgrims are fed regularly.
The main festival celebrated here are Guru Nanak Jayanti and Baisakhi.
6. Jagannath Temple
Location: Puri, Odisha.
One of the parts of Char Dham “Jagannath Temple” is devoted to Lord Krishna. Inside the main Jagannath Temple, despite lord Krishna idol, you find the idols of Lord Balabhadra (brother) and Goddess Subhadra (sister). The main feature that allures visitors are the idols of the Jagannath temple which are surely different from other temples of the country. With big eyes, different complexions, here idols are made by a special kind of wood called the ‘Daru Brahma’ (found by the main temple preacher once in every 12 years).
5. Vaishno Devi
Location: Katra, Jammu
Located at an altitude of 5200 ft. in a mountain known as Trikuta, “Vaishno Devi Temple” is devoted to the goddess Shakti. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, Vaishno Devi temple has three rock heads, known as Pindies, rather than of a statue. Millions of pilgrims flock here to take the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi. It’s believed that Maa Vaishno Devi decides and calls her pilgrims to her doorsteps. A successful journey on this temple is possible only because of Maa’s wish. The temple is open all year round.
The main festival celebrated here is Navratri.
4. Somnath and Dwarka Temple
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
Two splendid seashore temples “Dwarka” and “Somnath” are really amazing. A part of the Char Dham “Dwarkadhish Temple” is devoted to Lord Krishna. Nestled on the banks of River Gomti, Dwarkadhish temple has a 5-storied building which is supported by 72 pillars fascinate tourists all round the world. Mainly the temple has two doors for entry and exit. The entry door is known as “Swarg Dwar” (gateway to heaven) and the exit door is known as “Moksha Dwar” (gateway to salvation).
3. Ramanathaswamy Temple
Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
One of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva “Ramanathaswamy Temple” is also a part of the Char Dham. Ramanathaswamy Temple which is devoted to Lord Shiva is the main temple for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. According to legends, there are many myths related to the temple. It is believed that here Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva for all sins he may have committed during the war with Ravana.
2. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Location: Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
One of the most visited temples in India“Tirumala Venkateswara Temple” is devoted to Lord Venkateswara who is an epitome of Lord Vishnu. Visited by around 50,000 to 1, 00,000 devotees regularly; the temple is popular not only for its religious belief but its Dravidian architecture and inscriptions also allure devotees. The temple wall carry’s many inscriptions and the mark of various empires like the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas and Yadavarayas among the rest of the leading empires of those times.
1. Shirdi
Location: Shirdi, Maharashtra
Devoted to Saint Sai Baba, “Shirdi Temple” is the third richest temples in India. The whole religious town Shirdi is identified through Sai Baba. “Sai Baba”, the saint who is known and admired for his miracles and teaching give importance to “Shraddha” means trust and “Saburi” means tender feeling.
