Famous temples – Ironically, you might have to cover more miles to find a hospital than to hear enchanting of bells and whisper of prayers in a temple, in India.
With more than 2 million temples recorded during 2001 Census, India displays heterogeneity among them.
Let’s have a glance on some of the Famous temples, pilgrim centers of the country, famed for its architecture, practices, tourism, practices and above all the faith and beliefs of the pilgrims.
Famous temples in India –
1 – Konark Sun temple, Odisha
Marked as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, known for its 13th century’s rich architecture and the dexterity displayed by 1200 artisans in 12 years, make it a marvel of the country. The temple is considered as the chariot of the Sun God, and thus constructed in the form of exquisite chariot mounted on 24 wheels, drawn by 7 mighty horses. Even the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote for Konark, “here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.”
2 – ISKCON temple, Vrindavan
The International Society for Krishna Consiousness (ISKCON), better known as Hare Krishna movement, though first established in New York City, in 1996, has been one of the most popular temples of the country. For a person with a little knowledge regarding the history and background of the ISKCON community, might find it absurd yet feel connected at the very next moment of entering inside the temple premises. Though in India itself, ISKCON temple has myriads of centers, out of which, the one build in Vrindavan has been one of the most visited site of the country, round the year.
3 – Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar
As the name suggests, the temple is considered as the divine abode of the Almighty. Traditionally styled, the complex is a humble tribute to the great sages of Hinduism. Beautifully constructed and well maintained, the temple is one of the biggest tourist spot of the country. Stepping into the premises you would see how each element plays a significant role to the abode and thus echos the chorus of much needed spirituality. Besides Gujarat, even country’s capital has one of the Akshardham complex built with the same notion and feelings.
4 – Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Build on the shore of Arabian sea and on the sacred soil from where Lord Krishna took his last journey to neejdham, Somnath temple is considered as the place of Aadi Jyotirling (lighted lingas). With its splendid architecture and a story to interests all, this sacred temple has attracted people from all over the country.
5 – Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Also known as Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, is dedicated to the Lord Shiva as the beautiful God and his consort, Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi). Though the complex houses 14 Gopurams (towers), the main deities resides in the golden Gopurams, sculpted, painted and built during 17thcentury, considered as one of the best examples of sculpture and magnificent architecture. Do visit the temple if you haven’t yet.
6 – Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu
Famed for its extraordinary architecture, Dilwara temple is one of the finest Jain temple round the globe. The exquisite marble stone carvings of the temple made some experts considering it superior to the Taj Mahal. Hard to believe, the dexterity praised is the work of 11th century to 13thcentury. The lush green mountains and pleasing ambience of the temple is no less than a cherry on the cake.
7 – Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
One of the most popular heritage sites of the Central India, the Khajurao temples are the best example of human creativity, imagination, architecture and deriving peace through eroticism. Build during the golden period of Chandella rulers, between 900 AD to 1130 AD, it is the finest example of medieval monuments in the country.
These are Famous temples of India – From childhood onwards we have been taught and preached about one soul with miscellaneous names and diverse characteristics, the God, the reason why we heart and pray them. Since time immemorial, the human has displayed their creativity and artistic skills in creating abodes for the almighty, a sacred place to worship and housing their emotions and faith in it. Visit a temple, not to please the God, but to find the inner one in you.
