Top 10 Holiest Temples in India

India is world-wide famous for its beautiful and sacred temples and the religious thoughts behind them. The religious establishments, excellent architecture, history, and more importantly the peace in the temples not only attract Indians but also many people from different parts of the world. The temples below in the list purely signify the spiritual freedom to the Indian people.

10. SAI BABA TEMPLE, MAHARASHTRA

The very beautiful Sai Baba temple is located in Shirdi, a village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The Sai temple on the Samadhi of Shri Sai Baba was built in 1922. It is generally called as a Hindu temple but many Muslim followers also worship Sai Baba with deep faith and compassion. It is belived that the assurances of Sai Baba to devotees are still experienced in the temple. The idol of Sai baba has been made in such a way that it appears real when place of sight is very close. Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust at Shirdi runs this temple.

9. KHAJURAHO TEMPLE, MADHYA PRADESH

Khajuraho is a small village in the Chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh where the Khajuraho temple is situated. Chandravarman of Chandela dynasty initiated the construction work of the Khajuraho temple thousands of years ago. This is one the most famous heritage site all over world due to its sculptural grace and Indian architectural splendor. Of the original eighty five temples, only twenty two survive till date. The Khajuraho temples carved with erotic sand stone are grouped into three geographical divisions of west, east and south.

8. KEDARNATH TEMPLE, UTTRAKHAND

The highest linga of all the twelve jyotirlingas is the Kedarnath temple which is situated in the Rudra Himalaya range near the Mandakini River, Uttrakhand, India. This major Lord Shiva temple contains one of the Panch Kedars. It is said that the solidly built Kedarnath temple is more than 1000 years old and was built by Pandavas. The structure or the walls of the temple depict Indian mythology. The temple remains closed for six months due to the extreme temperature conditions in that Himalayan region. An eight day Badri Kedar Festival which is held in the month of June contributes a lot to make it most revered pilgrimage site.

7. GOLDEN TEMPLE, PUNJAB

The major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs as well as the divinest temple in Sikhism is the Golden Temple in Amritsar which was earlier known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Shri Darbar Shaib. The construction of Golden temple began in 1574. The 67ft. rectangular platform in the center of the Amrit Sarovar Lake holds this great three storeys high temple. The building of the temple is gold plated and possesses many fine features like white marble walls decorated in Islamic style, copper cupolas and the Granth Sahib verses all over the structure. Basically it is considered as the best architectural specimen of the world. The Jubi tree present near the temple is also worshipped with deep faith.

6. TIRUMALA VENKATESWARATIRUPATI BALAJI TEMPLE, ANDHRA PRADESH

Tirumala, the hill town near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh encompasses the oldest and most sacred hindu temple called Tirumala Venkateswara temple or the Temple of Seven Hills. It is believed to be the origination of 500B.C by an ancient Tamil state ruler named Thondaiman. Lord Venkateswara also known as Balaji or govinda is the chief divinity of the temple. The traditional Dravidian styled architecture of the temple has eight feet tall idol of the Lord Venjateswara. The major attraction of pilgrims and tourists from different areas to the temple is the nine day celebration of a festival called Brahmotsava. This temple is considered as the richest temple of India because it is visited by lakhs daily.

5. LORD JAGGANATH PURI TEMPLE, ORRISA

The very renowned and big Jagganath temple which is dedicated to Lord Jagganath is located in the northern coast of Orissa i.e. in Puri. Jagganath temple came into existence in 12^thcentury and it was built by Raja Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. It is considered as the main dham out of all four dhams. The pyramidal shaped architecture of the temple in the 10.7acres area is worth seeing as it includes exquisite carvings, pictures depicting the life of Lord Krishna, tall spires, etc. The temple consists of four main parts whose name refers to lion, horse, elephant and tiger. The temple of Jagganath Puri is surrounded by 30 different smaller temples. Rath yatra or chariot festival takes place at the temple every year.

4. KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE, UTTAR PRADESH

In the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh state of India and on the western bank of river Ganges, is situated a part of Indian mythology called Varanasi which is also famously known as Banaras or Kashi. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is dedicated to the deity known as Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha. It is said that Maharani Ahilya Bai of Indore built this temple after it’s ruining by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The architecture of the temple consists of a mandapa and sanctum and a group of five lingas.  Mahashivratri is celebrated here in this temple in a very outstanding manner every year.

3. SOMNATH TEMPLE, GUJARAT

The very well-known Somnath temple is located in Prabhas Kshetra near Verawal in Saurashtra, Gujarat. The Somnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The biggest significance of Somnath temple is that it comprise of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The tall seven storied architecture of the Somnath temple resembles Chalukya style. Since seventh century, Somnath temple was being invaded by many conquerors but now it is under the maintenance of Shree Somnath Trust. The great and interesting history of this religious temple as well as the nearby beach attracts the majority crowd from different parts of the world.

2. VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE, JAMMU & KASHMIR

Maa Vaishno devi temple is one of the oldest holy Hindu shrine in India. It is basically located in the folds of holy Trikuta Hills of Shivalik Hill Range at a height of approximately 5300 feet. The distance between the vaishno devi temple (mata rani) temple and katra is 13kms. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The way to the temple is a long walk on the steep road. It is strongly believed that one can visit and successfully takes her blessings on when mata rani calls her devotee. Three more places can be visited while going the temple are Mata’s cave, Bhairon mandir and Baan Ganga.

1. SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE, MAHARASHTRA

Siddhivinayak temple is a very famous ancient temple of eighteenth century of elephant–head idol of Hinduism, Lord Ganesh. This temple is situated at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was built by Late Mr. Laxman Vithu and Late Mrs. Deubai Patil. Shree Siddhivinayak temple is not only popular and religious but is also an appreciable testament of architecture and beauty. The idol of Lord Ganesh is made of single black stone which is 2’6’’ high and 2’ wide along with his trunk tilted to the right side and an eye engraved on his forehead. The main santorum of the temple has gold plated inner roof, marvelously carved wooden doors and many more attractive features.

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