Temples of India

Note: Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. On weekends, musicians present their concerts at the temple.
Badami Cave Temples: Badami is famous for its cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the cliff of a hill. Badami arrayed with most picturesque location is worth a visit site. The region is adorned with pristine blue lake, famous ancient temple shrines, museum and above all Hindu and Jain caves, carved out of Sandstone. The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu.
A reservoir thronged with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva (holy deities of Hindu's) is another attraction of the region. Also a must are the Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.
Markandeshwara Temple at Kallur Near Raichur: Markandeshwara Temple at Kallur is dedicated to Lord Markandeshwara (Shiva). Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar Empire worshipped in these temples along with his family. The Markandeshwara is the oldest temple with exquisitely carved, polished pillars.
Mookambika Temple at Kollur Near Mangalore: Mookambika Temple is located in Kollur town near Mangalore. This famous temple is dedicated to the deity Mookambika (Devi). In front of the image of the Goddess Mookambika their is a Jyotirlingam which is of great antiquity.
Special features of the lingam - a golden line divides this lingam into two unequal parts and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed at the lingam. The right portion of this lingam is said to represent Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva - and the larger left part represents the Godess Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Adi Sankara the great religious leader had installed the metal image of the Goddess behind the lingam.
Nandi Temples At Nandi Hills Near Bangalore: The Nandi Temple perched on the foothills of Nandi Hills dates back to the period of the Banas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple is dedicated to deities Bhoganandiswara, Yoganandiswara (Shiva). The temple received extensive patronage from the Vijayanagar Kings. The pillars and metalwork deserve special mention.
Narada Temple At Naradagadde Near Raichur: Narada Temple is dedicated to the Divine Sage Narada. This temple is constructed on Naradagadde - one of the most scenic islands on the Krishna River. Due to its exquisite location the temple is not only visited by devotees but also by the travel enthusiast who make their day on the bank of the river.
Pattabhirama Temple At Hampi Near Hospet: Pattabhirama Temple is situated in the city of Hampi. Lord Rama is the holy deity who is worshipped here with full dedication. This majestic temple is known for its splendid architecture that dates back to Vijayanagar period.
Sravanabelagola At Sravanabelagola Near Mysore: This history of Sravanabelagola goes back to the 3rd century BC. Sravanabelagola near Mysore is famous for a structural marvel - a monolithic statue of Gomateswara rising up to a height of about 60 feet. This majestic statue was erected in the 10th century AD. There are several Jain temples in Sravanabelagola, some of which are built in the Hoysala style.
Iskcon Temple: Iskcon temple in the city of Bangalore is one of the most popular and sought after pilgrimage centers in the region. The majestic temple complex, the supreme deities of Lord Krishna, Radha and the spiritual atmosphere makes the pilgrimage one of the most holy sites. This temple attracts people from national and international front every week.
Gavi Gangadhareshvara Temple: The Gavi Gangadhareshvara temple was constructed in the 16th century by Kemoe Gowda. The temple is located inside a rock cave in Gavipuram and is one of the Banglore's oldest temples. The main attractions of the temple are the granite pillars that supports colossal discs symbolizing the sun and the moon. The special feature of the temple is a unique phenomenon of the evening sun's rays passing between Nandhi's horns and falling directly on the linga inside the cave.

Tamil Nadu was ruled by different ruling dynasties, thus, the famous temple art touched its zenith in Tamil Nadu. The monuments and temples in Tamil Nadu are of great artistic value and speak volumes about the grandeur of the bygone era.
Rameshwaram, Thanjavur, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Meenakshi Temple, and Ekambareswarar Temple are some of the famous temples of Tamil Nadu. These temples were not only the worshiped shrines but more then that, they were used as hospitals and as social gathering venue. Temple was a place where art, in all its forms i.e. music, dance, drama and handicrafts gained boost and flourished.
The Famous Meenakshi Temple: The Meenakshi Temple complex is a city temple situated in Madurai. It is one of the largest and one of the most ancient temples here. At the same time it is the most revered in India. The temple complex has soaring and exquisitely carved towers in Madurai. The south gateway contains the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi and is about nine storeys high. Meenakshi temple is one of the most popular temples in Tamil Nadu and is world famous for its marvelous architecture.
The Natarajh of Chidambaram: This temple is dedicated to lord Natarajah and is one of the most venerated. Chidambaram is situated about 250 km south of Chennai (Madras) and is easily accessible. In Tamil the word temple is known as 'Koil' and Chidambaram is referred to, in Hindu scriptures by other names such as Thillai, Puliyur, Chittambalam, Vyagrapuram and Pundareekapuram. These temples are abode of sanctity and sacredness due to its dignity and the miracle stories mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
The Ancient Kapaleeswarar Temple: The Kapaleeswarar temple, situated in Mylapore a suburb of Chennai, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshiped here as Kapaleeswarar and the Goddess as Katpahavalli. This temple is about 1000 years old. Some scholars believe that the age of the present building , on the basis of the architecture and the images in this temple traces back to a period of about 300 years ago. Regardless, Kapaleeswarar Temple has become very famous and attracts a large number of devotees mainly during festival days.
The Sri Parthasarathy Temple: Established in the Triplicane area of Chennai, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshiped as Lord Venkatakrishnar here. In this temple he can be seen with his consort Rukmani on his right and his brother Sri Balaraman on his left. Apart from these deities, Sri Parthasarathy is installed as a processional deity with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi on either side.
The Divine Palaniandavar Temple: The Palaniandavar temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanyam and he is worshiped as Pazhani andavar. The temple is situated at Vadapalani, in the northern part of Chennai. A picture of Lord Subrahmanya was brought here from Palani that became a very potent divinity, thus deriving the name Vadapalani.
The Holy Island of Rameswaram: Rameswaram is an island about 160 km Southeast of Madurai, well connected to the mainland both by a railway and a road bridge. A major pilgrim center of the Hindus, Rameshwaram is the place where Lord Rama had stationed the Lingam, which therefore gains significance and is venerated by all the Hindus of India. The other pilgrimage site here is Dhanuskodi, also called 'Sethu'. Apart from this, there are several other small temples of interest dotted around this island.
Swamimalai, The Adobe of Subramanyam: Swamimalai is one of the 6 well known abodes of Lord Subramanya. The temple stands on an artificial hill and is approached by a flight of steps. Swaminathan is the deity worshiped her. The temple here has three 'gopuram' with three 'praharam'. The 'gopuram' on the south side of the temple is decorated with statues and contains five storeys while the other two entrances have no towers above them.
The Kanyakumari Temple: Situated near the beautiful sea shore, Kumari Amman Temple and the nearby Ghat attracts tourist from all over the world. According to a legend, Devi did penance here to secure Lord Siva's hand in marriage. When she was unsuccessful, she vowed to remain a virgin (Kanya). The Diamond nose-ring of this deity is famous for its glittering charm which is supposed to be seen even from the sea.

The Southern State of Kerala has much to offer in terms of its hoary temple tradition. Kerala temple architecture is unique, and it is in harmony with the natural resources the climatic conditions of the region. Elephants are an integral part of several of the festivities. A colorful calendar of festivals and strict worship protocols are associated with the hundreds of temples that line the landscape of Kerala.
Ambalapuzha Temple: The ancient Sree Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated 8 miles south of Alappuzha/ Allepey. This temple is famous throughout Kerala for the milk porridge, 'Palpayasam' served here. At Karumadi, near by, is an image of the Buddha, a relic of the times when Buddhism flourished in the State. It is also in this temple that 'Pallipana' is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years. Human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times. However, cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar.
Neighbouring Alleppey, with its beautiful backwaters and canals has a water carnival and Regatta conducted every year as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
Guruvayoor Temple: Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.
In Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for infants). It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a historic movement demanding temple entry rights for the 'so called' lower castes.
The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine. In the 'Chuttambalam' (outer enclosure) is a 33.5-m tall gold-plated 'Dwajastambham' (flagpost). There is also a 7 m high 'Deepastambham' (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brillant spectacle, when lit.
The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy.
Punnathoorkotta, which is at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is home of 50 temple elephants, offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm.
Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
Kalpathy Temple: The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is a gala event. The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sree Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days. On the last three days, beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air.
The festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the presence of the lord. Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately grandeur.
Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple: Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha.
Holding immense historical importance, this is the place where 'Mamangam', a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held here once every 12 years, in olden times. This extravagant festival was held for the last time in 1755 AD. Today, Thirunavaya temple is also a famous pilgrim centre.
The ten-day annual festival at the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, dedicated to Navamukunda (Lord Vishnu), begins with Kodiyettam and concludes with Arattu. The last three days are the most auspicious.
Thiruvalla Temple: Thiruvalla Temple is one of the largest temples of Kerala and a fine specimen of its traditional style of temple architecture. The temple has many shrines though it is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The 50- feet high flag post is of granite. An idol of garuda, vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is fixed atop the flag post. A unique attraction of this temple is the Kathakali performance staged every evening, as ritual offering.
It is believed that Vishnu, the principal deity, watches the performance from his abode.

Mahabalipuram: Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram, lies on the Coromandel Coast, which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place with a well-established seaport during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram.
The richness of Mahabalipuram was not known to many, as these Pallavas did not outlet and expose their quality and innovative creations to the outer world for obvious reasons. The aestheticism in Mahabalipuram was hidden until the late 185h century. What is special about Mahabalipuram? Of course every one can point out the rock - cut caves, temples made from a single rock, temples and strives of different structures, and bas-reliefs, which are so artistic and sheer creativity. Mamallapuram is referred as an ‘open-air museum’. The great Pallava kings Narasimha I and Rajasimha have well preserved these stylistic qualities that one enjoys in Mahabalipuram even in the present day. The beauty of the place is not only due to these architecture but the vast casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach the classical hand male crafts around have made them all to form what is a collective splendor. Any visitor, on their Trip to India, who visits Mahabalipuram, will remain startled and intoxicated with the grandeur.

Golden Temple
Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, informallyreferred to as The Golden Temple or Temple of God, is culturally the most significant place of worship of the Sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras. It is located in the city of Amritsar, which was established by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, and is, also due to the shrine, known as Guru Di Nagri meaning city of the Guru.
The Harmandir Sahib is considered the holiest shrine by Sikhs. The 11th and eternal Guru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is present inside it. It is moved to the Sri Akal Takhat Sahib at around 10 PM and then moved back from there to Sri Harmandir Sahib at 4.45 AM. Its construction was mainly intended as a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to come and worship God equally. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the holiest literature in the Sikh religion, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh on 7 October 1708 made it the eternal Sikh Guru and the leader of Sikhism. Anywhere in the world where the Guru Granth Sahib is present is equally holy and precious to Sikhs. Harmandir Sahib was built with four doors to show that every religion or faith is allowed to go in to meditate or just listen to the prayers for peace.

The Akshardham Temple
The Akshardham Temple Complex in Delhi is the addition made to the tourist attraction list of Delhi. The Temple built near the Akshardham Flyover in the East Delhi area, is one of the finest structures build in the modern India.
It took about 2 years to build this massive edifice, which was complete on the second last month of 2005. The magnificent Akshardham Temple in Delhi has been constructed under the patronage of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and was inaugurated on November 7, 2005.
The temple showcases an amazing world of Indian culture through its ornate with 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches and exceptionally carved pillars.
The temple is built on the lines of the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar (Gujarat). The temple complex promises a unique view of the Hindu religion and Indian culture.
Lying in the wide-open 100 acres of land, amidst luxuriant lawns adorned with water fountains and carved pavilions, the temple complex stand imposingly on the banks of the serene River Yamuna. A huge amount of 2 billions have been spent to raise this grand place of worship.
The main monument is about 141-ft high and houses a striking statue of Lord Swaminarayan.

Lotus Temple: Lotus Temple, New Delhi, is one of the remarkable architectures of Bahai faith.
The temple looks like a lotus flower and is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. The temple has no restrictions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. The place provides immaculate environment for meditation, peace and wisdom. The Bahai temple was completed in 1986. Since then the temple has received recognition from all over the world for its splendid architecture and design. Lotus Temple is among the most visited monuments in India. The credit for building this beautiful structure goes to the Persian architect Fariborz Sabha from Canada.
Personifying Lotus in the temple does not merely mean giving a lotus shape to the edifice but it has a message to the people of India in the form of a manifestation from the almighty. Lotus is a symbol of peace, purity, love and immortality. It is this particular specialty of Lotus flower, which makes the flower an important icon in Indian culture and society. This is why the design of Lotus temple has been inspired by lotus flower.

The design looks like a half opened Lotus flower with 27 freestanding "petals" made of marble. The architect, while designing the temple took into account the eternal beauty of Lotus flower. The construction work took almost 10 years before it finally got shape and was open for public. The team comprised of 800 engineers, technicians, workers and artisans who worked diligently to give realization to one of the most complex edifices in the world. The temple integrates the aesthetic values along with the technological influence within the whole structure. There are nine reflecting pools that encompass the temple from outside. Converting the geometry of the design that did not have any straight line to the actual structure needed a lot of effort and dedicated engineering.