Top Hindu Temples in India - AUM Karma

India is a classic example of Unity with Diversity, hosting thousands of pilgrimage places, temples and other places of religious and cultural relevance. Apart from people/ devotees of Indian origin, a lot of International tourists also visit these temples and appreciate the architecture techniques of some of the most beautifully carved ancient structures.

Here is a list of some popular temples worth visiting in India:

1. Tirupati-Tirumala Venkateswara Temple: Tirupati-Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is devoted to Lord Venkateswara who is the epitome of Lord Vishnu. It is a temple with the highest recognition in India and is located at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. This temple is famous for its religious belief as well as the style of its structure. It has Dravidian architecture and there are inscriptions printed that grab attention. The temple carries various marks of the empires which are in Indian history like the Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas and Yadavarayas. Devotees perform various rituals here to please the god like Puja/ Archana, Head Tonsuring/ Mundan, Thulabharam/ Temple Donations, Arjitha Seva, Homam/ Hawan etc. Some key festivals celebrated here include Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Makara Sankranti, Ugadi, Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Ratha Saptami and Vasanthotsavam etc.

2. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: This temple is devoted to Sri Sai Baba who is very well recognised by the devotees all over the world. Shirdi temple is the third richest temple in India. The town Shirdi (Maharashtra), where this temple is situated, has been a religious place and is identified worldwide as Sai Baba’s Temple. Shirdi is the place where Sai Baba did all the miracles and teachings, he gave the concept of ‘Shraddha’ and ‘Saburi’ which means trust and tender feeling. Millions of admirers visit Sai Baba Temple despite their sub-culture and ethnicity. The main festivals celebrated here are Ram Navami, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashmi.

3. Ramanathaswamy Temple: The Ramanathaswamy Temple is part of the famous Char Dham Temple Yatra. It is believed that Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is located at Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. Devoted to Lord Shiva, it is mainly for both the Shivaites and Vaishnavites devotees. There are many stories related to this temple, but many believe that Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva here to seek forgiveness for all the sins he may have committed during the war with Ravana. For this puja, he sent Hanuman to bring the lingam from the Himalayas but Hanuman got delayed while returning, and hence Lord Rama’s wife Sita made a small lingam which is believed to still be preserved in the temple. Both the lingam are still preserved and are known by different names: the one made by Sita is known as Ramalingam and the other one brought by Hanuman is known as Vshwalingam. Mahashivratri and Navratri are the two festivals which are celebrated here mainly.

4. Somnath and Dwarka Temple: Also called Dwarkadhish Temple, this shrine is devoted to Lord Krishna. Built on the bank of River Gomti at Dwarka (Gujarat), Dwarkadhish is famous for its five-storied structure which is supported by seventy-two pillars. This structure fascinates the tourist coming from all over the world. The entrance of Dwarka Krishna temple is known as “Swarg Dwar” (Gateway to Heaven) and the exit is called “Moksha Dwar” (Gateway to Salvation). This temple has won a nomination in the UNESCO list of Work Heritage Sites particularly for the cleanliness maintained here. The “Somnath Temple” is just 230 km from Dwarka temple, and is devoted to Lord Shiva. Somnath Temple is one of the most renowned and recognised jyotirlingas in India.

5. Vaishno Devi: A popular temple of Northern India, Maa Vaishno Devi Temple located at an altitude of 5,200 ft at Katra in Jammu & Kashmir. Millions of devotees visit this temple every year especially during Navratri. This temple is devoted to the goddess Shakti. There are 51 Shakti Peethas in India and Vaishno Devi Temple has three rock heads which are known as Pindies.

6. Jagannath Temple: A part of Char Dham Yatra, Jagannath Temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. Jagannath Krishna temple is located at Puri in Odisha (Orissa). Here you will find idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balabhadra (Krishna's Brother) and Goddess Subhadra (Krishna's Sister). The main centre of attraction for the visitors here is the completely different look of the idols that have big eyes, different complexion and are made of a very special kind of wood known as ‘Daru Brahma’.

7. Golden Temple: The Golden Temple, also known as Shri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib is an important religious destination for Sikh and Punjabi communities. It has four doors opening in four main directions indicating that people from all religions and ethnicity are welcome here. Baisakhi and Guru Nanak Jayanti are celebrated here. It is the most visited place in the world and is located at Amritsar, Punjab.

8. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Also one of the 12 jyotirlingas, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that devotees visit here to take blessings of Lord Shiva by taking a dip in the divine water of Ganga River to get rid of their sins and get salvation. It is also believed that performing puja at this temple is equal to worshipping the other 11 jyotirlingas. Mahashivratri is the main festival celebrated here. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

9. Meenakshi Amman Temple: Situated on the bank of river Vaigai, this is one of the largest and ancient temples situated in India. It is believed that the temple is around 2500 years old and is devoted to Meenakshi which is an avatar of Goddess Parvati and her husband Sundareswarar, also known as Lord Shiva. The temple, located at Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is known for its beautiful and unique architecture.

10. Kedarnath Temple: Located in the Himalayan ranges of Garhwal (Uttarakhand), Kedarnath Temple is one of the most magnificent temples and beautiful across India. People have a belief that Pandavas built this temple on top of a high hill to worship Lord Shiva. This temple can be visited from April to November because of the freezing temperature during the winter season. It is one of the top pilgrimage destinations in India which is visited by many devotees every season.