Updated May 26, 2023
Famous Temples in India
Even though India is a secular country, Hinduism is the dominant religion. As a result, the presence of sacred Hindu temples is relatively high in India because rulers from various dynasties built those for several hundred years to leave behind their presence in the lives of the country’s citizens. India is an intriguing destination for those interested in studying and understanding its spirit, as it is a land of diverse religious cultures, customs, faiths, languages, and traditions. With thousands of temples, the country attracts many mystics and spiritual followers. From Char Dhaam to Rameshwaram, India’s temples offer mysterious solace and tranquility to every troubled soul. Thousands of people from all over the world visit the below-listed Temples in India from all over the world.
Top 6 most visited Temples in India
The following is a list of well-known Indian temples to visit for a spiritual journey:-
#1 Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath temple is one of the most sacred shrines in the world, located in the Himalayan range of Garhwal (Uttarakhand). The Pandavas built Shiva’s holy abode, the Kedarnath temple, to apologize for their sins during the Mahabharata. The temple, located among the majestic Himalayan glaciers, attracts religious tourists and nature lovers. During the winter, the entire area is covered in snow, causing the temple to close for half of the year.
- Location: Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand
- Timings: 4:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Best Time to Visit: April- June
#2 Ramanathswamy Or Rameshwaram Temple
Rameswaram is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage places in the country. It is one of the country’s Char Dhams, the most religious place for Hindus. Rameshwaram sits on Pamban Island, connected to the mainland by the Pamban Channel. Hindus worldwide revere the Rameshwaram temple as the first place Lord Rama and Devi Sita visited after defeating Ravana. Located on the island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, the temple has gained fame.
- Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
- Timings: 4:30 am–1 pm, 3–8:30 pm
- Best Time to Visit: October – April
#3 Sai Baba Temple
Whenever you visit Maharashtra, visit Shirdi, a charming town in the state. Sai Baba’s followers built the holy temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra in 1922. Shirdi, located 296 kilometers from Mumbai, gained fame due to its association with the revered Shri Sai Baba. The temple, built over Sai Baba’s Samadhi, covers 200 square kilometers and attracts approximately 25,000 daily devotees who come to pray to him. This temple stands out as one of the few in India revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Sai Baba’s preachings, which emphasize faith (Shraddha) and compassion (Saburi), have earned him widespread respect and recognition.
- Location: Mauli Nagar, Shirdi, Maharashtra
- Timings: 6 am–9:30 pm
- Best Time to Visit: December – February
#4 Sun Temple
King Narasimhadeva built the Sun Temple in the 13th century in the small town of Konark, located in the Odisha district of Puri. Inspired by Surya’s chariot, the Hindu God of the Sun, the architect created this masterpiece. Konark’s Sun Temple is a one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece. This temple, one of the few in the country dedicated to the Sun God, is more architectural than religious. Sun Temple, one of India’s most ancient temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions of tourists from all over the country and the world. The beautifully carved wheels and the erotic sculptures of Mithunas are the main attractions of the Sun Temple at Konark.
- Location: Konark, Puri district, Odisha
- Timings: 6 am–8 pm
- Best Time to Visit: September – March
#5 Siddhivinayak Temple
One of Maharashtra’s eight Ganesha Temples is the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. It is also one of India’s most valuable temples. The temple worships Lord Ganesha as their supreme deity and always begins by worshiping him before starting anything new in life. Vighnaharta is another name for him (the terminator of impediments). There is also a Hanuman temple nearby the Siddhivinayak temple. Millions of people visit Siddhivinayak as part of their temple tour.
- Location: Prabhadevi Mumbai
- Timings: 5:30 am–9 pm
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
#6 Vaishno Devi Mandir
The Vaishno Devi temple is well-known and revered by Hindus worldwide, and it is the country’s second most visited temple. The temple boasts its religious sanctity and the trek from Katra to the temple is breathtakingly beautiful. Millions of pilgrims flock to Maa Vaishno Devi to admire the snow-capped hills surrounding the temple. People consider themselves extremely fortunate if they can meet Maa Vaishno Devi. Shakti Peethas are the shrines built over these divine relics. The Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the country’s 51 Shakti Peethas and one of India’s most important temples. The trek to the Vaishno Devi temple is challenging, requiring a long uphill walk. Despite the difficulties on the way to the temple, the number of devotees who visit it each year remains constant.
- Location: Jammu and Kashmir
- Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Best Time to Visit: March – June
Conclusion
People of different faiths consider all the temples listed previously sacred and maintain their unique integrity. Many tourists worldwide visit India to learn more about the country’s culture and traditions. So, if you’re planning a trip, spend some time exploring these Temples in India.
