Top 10 Temples in India

1.Somnath Temple in Gujarat:

 Introduction

The word ‘Somnath’ means Lord of the Moon. Somnath temple has got the recognition of first jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and adorns the vibrant state of Gujarat. One of the most ancient temples of India, Somnath temple or the Somnath Mahadev Temple enjoys a favourable location in the west Indian state of Gujarat.

Location - 79 kilometers from Junagadh in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval

Best time to visit - October to March.

 

2.    Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the holiest and revered temples of Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to the Rigvedas, Varanasi is the favorite city of Lord Shiva. So in his high reverence, the Kashi Vishwanath temple stands in its splendor. It holds one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. All devoted Hindus aspire to visit this site once before they die, for they believe that liberation from worldly thing can be achieved here.

Best time to visit in Varanasi:

It is an ideal time to visit Varanasi during the winter season. The temperature ranges from 5 to 15 degree Celsius. The pleasant season starts from October TO March.

 

3.    Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa

Situated in the northern coast of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Jagannath and is famous for its annual Ratha yatra which is attended by millions of Hindu pilgrims every year.During this duration of yatra of one to two weeks, the main attractions are the holy yatras of the deities namely Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

Time for yatra: This annual festival is celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Ashadha month).

4.    Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho Group of Monuments better known as Khajuraho Temples consists of 20 temples; Hindu temples and Jain Temples. Khajuraho temples are renowned for their erotic carvings on the outer walls. Precision in the carvings and legendary tale of these temples are captivating. UNESCO has listed Khajuraho Group of Monuments as a World Heritage Site

location: Khajuraho Group of Temples have been divided into three groups as per their locations: Eastern Group, Western Group and Southern Group. Khajuraho is located in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, India.

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments: The Khajuraho Group of Temples has Hindu as well as Jain Temple. All of them are built similarly

1. Eastern Group of Temple

2. Southern Group of Temples

• Western Group of Temples

Best time to visit Khajuraho: From April till July in summer and From October till March in winter

 

5.    Venkateshwara Tirupati Balaji in Andhra Pradesh:

Tirupati Balaji is India's most visited religious shrine Tirupati Balaji is the largest visited temple in India with its annual visitors touching 40 million. It is renowned for the Sri Venkateshwara Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, who is also called by several names like Balaji in the North and Govinda in South India.

 

Location: Tirupati is located in the Chittoor District  of Andra Pradesh at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, and the temple of Sri Venkateshwarya is placed on the seventh peak Venkatachala.The temple lies on the Southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.

Best time to visit: Almost all the seasons are favourable for you to visit Tirupati. the best time would be to go during the festival time. Especially the festival of Brahmotsavam, celebrated around Diwali (October) is a good option

6.    Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and her consort Sundareshwar (Lord Shiva).

location : located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2,500-year-old city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, The temple attracts 15,000 visitors a day, around 25,000 on Fridays and receives an annual revenue of ? 60 million. The Meenakshi temple is believed to have been founded by Indra

Festivals: The most important festival associated with the temple is the "Meenakshi Thirukalyanam" (the divine marriage of Meenakshi) that is celebrated in April every year

 Major Hindu festivals like Navrathri and Shivrathri are celebrated in the temple. the Fridays during the Tamil months of Aadi (July–August) and Thai (January–February) are celebrated in the temple by thousands of devotees.

 

7.    Siddhivinayak Temple in Maharashtra

One of the most famous temples of India, located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Ganesh.  Built by Laxman Vithu Patil

The temple is not only the most popular destination among the devotees but it also acts as an archaeological site of India.Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, built in 19th November, 1801 is famous for housing the black stone idol of Shree Sidhivinayak with a tilted trunk On the forehead of the deity, is an eye, resembling the third eye of Shiva. On both sides of the deity are Siddhi and Riddhi which are the goddesses symbolizing riches, fulfillment, sanctity and prosperity. Siddhivinayak Temple is the 4th richest temple of India

Location: Situated in Prabhdevi, Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra.

Best time to visit:  winters are the best season to visit Siddhivinayak Temple

 

8.    Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab

Sri Harmandir Sahib also called Darbar Sahib and popularly referred to as the Golden Temple is the holiest site of Sikhs and the most iconic symbol of heritage and traditions of Sikhism.

Significance of Golden Temple Architecture and Design:

Golden Temple is also voted as one of the seven wonders of India. In golden temple There are 4 entrances which signifies Sikhism’s openness to other religion, creeds and people. It is open to all irrespective of caste, creed, religion or sex. Golden Temple is surrounded by a large lake known as Amrit Sarovar or the pond of immortal nectar. The most important celebration inside Golden Temple is held on second week of April on occasion of Vaisakhi which is also the founding date of Sikh Khalsa

 

Best time to visit: The months from October to March are considered as the best time to visit Amritsar.

9.    Akshardham Temple

Akshardham or the Swaminarayan Temple is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi. the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture.

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE:

A visit to Akshardham is a spiritually enriching experience. Whether it is in realising the power of prayer, in feeling the strength of non-violence, in being aware of the universal nature of Hinduism’s ancient principles, or just in admiring the beauty of God’s abode on Earth –- each element has a spiritual significance.

 

Akshardham' means the divine abode of God. It is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace. The Akshardham temple has over two hundred murtis, representing many of the spiritual stalwarts over many millennia.

 

Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu:Brihadeeshwarar Temple is one of the most prominent temples in south India owing to its religious significance and artistic brilliance.t is Designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO Built during the reign of Chola dynasty, this temple structure is purely built in granite. This magnificent temple flaunts exquisite carvings which are supreme examples of artistic creativity.

It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Tamil architecture during the Chola period. It is one Hindu temple, which they dedicate towards Lord Shiva. There is one statue of a sacred bull or Nandi at entrance of this temple measuring about thirteen feet high and sixteen feet long. It is result of a single rock carving. Important festivals is the Maha Shivaratri

Best Time To Visit: Best season for you to visit this beautiful city of Thanjavur is from October till March.