15 Famous Oldest Temples in India and Their Details
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No history of India is complete without mentioning its incredible temples. There is no doubt why this country is called the “Land of Temples”, with over 600,000 shrines large and small scattered all over the place. Among them, ancient temples stand the test of time and attract the attention of domestic and foreign tourists. Some of these magnificent temples have existed for over 1,000 years and are now living examples of a bygone era. Not only do they promote tourism, but they are important monuments that help us study the way of life and history of our predecessors. Come on, discover these ancient historical temples in India and get ready to marvel at their incredible architecture.
Ancient Heritage Temples of India:
Read on to learn about the history of Hindu temples at 15 of the most famous shrines. Check out the names of these ancient temples in India.
Contents of the table:
- Konark Sun Temple, Odisha.
- Golden Temple, Amritsar.
- Laxminarayan Temple, Delhi.
- Dirwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu.
- Dakshishwar Temple, Kolkata.
- Tirupati Balaji, Andhra Pradesh.
- Badami Cave Temple, Karnataka.
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra.
- Amarnath cave temple, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Brihadiswara Temple, Tanjor.
- Tugnath Temple, Uttarakhand.
- Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, Rajasthan.
- Temple of Vitara, Hampi.
- Lingaraj Mandir, Bhubaneswar.
- Temple of Kailash, Ellora.
1. Konark Sun Temple, Orissa:
Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is one of the oldest temples dedicated to the sun god and is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of India. Built by Narasimhadeva I during the Eastern Ganges Dynasty, this temple is unique in that its architecture resembles a lavishly carved chariot with carved stone wheels and columns. In Sanskrit, “kona” means corner and “arka” means sun. It is one of the oldest temples in India.
- address: Konark, Odisha 752111
- time: 6am to 8pm
- Dress Code: no dress code
- About. Visiting time: 2 hours
- how can I get there: 35 km from Puri, 64 km from Bhubaneswar Airport
- Temple website: http://www.konark.nic.in/
- Best time to visit: There is no specific date to visit this temple as it has no idols to worship
- Other attractions: You can buy some artifacts as souvenirs outside the temple.
2. Amritsar Golden Temple:
Darbar Sahib at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab is a temple painted in soft dewy gold, but that’s not the only reason we call it a “Golden Temple”. The dome of this compact structure is plated with 750 kilograms of pure gold, as the temple opens on four sides, depicting its openness to all people, any caste, any religion. The milky-white marble passages and temples built by the fourth Sikh master are themselves a peaceful embodiment of the rich Sikh religion.
- address: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
- time: 3am to 10pm
- Dress Code: Unisex strict traditional dress with a scarf
- About. Visiting time: 2 hours
- how can I get there: 2 minutes drive from Amritsar Railway Station
- Temple website: http://sgpc.net/sri-harmandir-sahib/
- Best time to visit: Baisakhi, Guru Purab, Basant Panchami, etc.
- Other attractions: It has the largest free kitchen in the world with delicious food
3. Srilaks Minarayan Temple:
Located in the busy city of Delhi, Laxminarayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, was built by BR Birla and Jugal Kishore Birla themselves. Veteran freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi himself inaugurated the temple, which now spans 7.5 acres and includes fountains, gardens and beautifully landscaped architecture. The temple was built for Lord Vishnu, and adjacent temples include Lord Buddha and Lord Shiva.
- address: Mandir Marg, Near, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
- time: 4:30am – 1:30pm and 2:30pm – 9:00pm.
- Dress Code: Traditional clothing
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: The temple is 16 km from Delhi Railway Station.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: All important Hindu festivals
- Other attractions: There are many branch shrines in the temple
4. Abu Shandirwara Jain Temple:
The Dilwara Temple in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, employs the best architecture the human hand has to offer, with luxurious and magnificent hand structures etched into marble and pillars, ceilings and floors. The interior of the temple is a real treat, with five main sections dedicated to five Jain saints.
- address: Delwara, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501
- time: 6:00am to 6:00pm
- Dress Code: Traditional clothing
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: The temple is 2.5 km from Mount Abu.You can rent a taxi to get to the location
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: All important Hindu festivals
- Other attractions: There is a hot water bath in front of the mountain.
5. Dakshishwar Temple, Kolkata:
On the banks of the Hooghly River, the ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Kali stands majestically. Thousands of people flock to the magnificent temple, which has 12 shrines dedicated to the other half of Lord Shiva, Goddess Kali, and nine spires that open their doors to people from all walks of life.
- address: Dakshishwar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700076
- time: 5:00am to 8:00pm
- Dress Code: Traditional clothing
- About. Visiting time: 2 hours
- how can I get there: 21 minutes from Kolkata Airport
- Temple website: http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org/
- Best time to visit: Mahasivarathri and Navarathri
- Other attractions: There are many small temples on campus.
6. Tirupati Balaji, Andhra Pradesh:
Also known as Tirumala Venkateshwara, the Tirupati Balaji Temple in the hill town of Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, is to show loyalty to Lord Venkateshwara or “Balaji”, the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Aside from the crowds, the temple is also known for its delicious ladoos, which are passed on as religious offerings.
- address: Tirumala, Tirupati temple Andhra Pradesh
- time: 2:30am to 1:30am (between rest darshans)
- Dress Code: strict traditional dress
- About. Visiting time: 2-3 hours (may take longer depending on the queue)
- how can I get there: It connects buses from all states and cities. The junction of Renigon Tower and Tirupati is the nearest railway station. There is also an airport in Tirupati, from where you can rent a taxi and go up the seven hills.
- Temple website: www.tirumala.org/
- Best time to visit: Brahmostavams and other important festivals. However, it can get very crowded and the best season is March to April.
- Other attractions: Many famous temples like ISCKON, Padmavati Ammavari temple etc.
7. Badami Cave Temple, Karnataka:
Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Badami Cave forms a cave wall consisting of four main temples, each built to worship a different deity. The temple is backed by an artificial green lake, and the cave itself is made of soft brown sandstone. The first cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the next two caves are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The fourth temple was built for Jainism, and another natural cave next to it was reserved for the Buddha.
- address: Badami, Karnataka 587201
- time: 9:00am to 5:30pm
- Dress Code: no dress code
- About. Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours
- how can I get there: 106 km from Hubli Airport, 5 km from Badami Bus Station
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: July to September is the ideal time to visit Badami
- Other attractions: Lake Agastia
8. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra:
Located nearly 296 kilometers from Mumbai, Shirdi has one of the most eloquent wealthy Sai baba temples ever built. Thousands of devout followers find themselves at the foot of the Temple every year. Built in 1922, this temple is one of the most visited temples in India after Tirupati Balaji.
- address: Temple Road, Mauli Nagar, Shirdi, Maharashtra 423109
- time: 4:00 am to 11:30 am
- Dress Code: no dress code
- About. Visiting time: 2 hours
- how can I get there: Kopergaon Railway Station is the closest to the temple, which is 16 km away.Multiple taxis to help you get to the location
- Temple website: https://www.sai.org.in/
- Best time to visit: Gurupur Nyima
- Other attractions: Museum, Dhuni, Dwarakamayee Temple
9. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu and Kashmir:
A cave temple with natural ice stalagmites, graceful, intimate and intoxicating beauty, is the last on our list of ancient temples in India. Located in a hollow cave in Jammu Kashmir, Amarnath Cave attracts huge crowds every year. It is located at an altitude of 12,756 feet above sea level and requires a treacherous trek to get to this place. This is the oldest Shiva temple in India.
- address: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192230
- time: 6:00am to 3:00pm
- Dress Code: Hike with a sweater and proper gear
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: It involves trekking in the mountains with prior permission
- Temple website: http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Other attractions: surrounding Himalayan landscape
10. Brihadeswara Temple in Tanjor:
Also known as Tanjai Periya Kovil, this Shiva temple is one of the largest temples in South India. It has also been declared part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built in the 11th century and the Vimana Pagoda is the tallest tower in South India. Built in the Chalukyan era, it is one of the most popular temples in Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest in South India.
- address: Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
- time: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm, 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- dress code: Traditional clothing
- About. Visiting time: 2-3 hours
- how can I get there: The nearest airport is Pondicherry Airport, 138 km away. Thanjavur railway station has many train connections. You can also opt for a bus to Thanjavur Junction.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Mahasivarathri Night Dance Festival
- Other attractions: Besides visiting the temple, be sure to bring home the famous Thanjavur doll.
11. Tugnath Temple, Uttarakhand:
The ancient temple is said to be at least 5,000 years old and is one of the oldest Hindu temples in India. Located at 3.460 m above sea level, this temple is the highest Shiva shrine in the world. It even has a close mythological connection with the Mahabharata, said to have been built by the Pandavas. It is also believed that Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva in this place during his stay. The temple remains closed during winter due to bad weather conditions.
- address: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand 246419
- time: 6am to 4pm
- Dress Code: no dress code
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: 2 km from Chandrasra, walking distance to temple
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: April-November
- Other attractions: Chandrasila
12. Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, Rajasthan:
This 14th-century temple is one of the most visited shrines in Rajasthan, near Pushkar Lake. The temple is built with marble and granite stone. It is rare to see offerings to the creator Brahma. It is believed that the temple was originally built by the sage Viswamitra after applying a yagna to Brahma. The temple was later renovated by Adi Shankaracharya.
- address: Brahma Temple Rd, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
- time: 6:30am to 9:00pm
- Dress Code: no dress code
- About. Visiting time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: It is located 14 km from Ajmer.You can rent a taxi to reach the temple
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Whole Kartheeka Masam
- Other attractions: There are many beautiful temples nearby
13. Hampi Vitara Temple:
The Temple of Vitara is the ruins of Lord Vitara, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Built during the reign of Sri Krishna Devaraya in the 15th century, it is one of the most magnificent structures ever built. This temple is a building…