It doesn’t matter where you are in India; one thing will always be a constant in every city, town and village – Temples. Some small, some big, some extravagant, some ancient and some straight-up brand new, exploring the many temples in India a travel genre on its own.

However, the most revered among them are the ancient temples that stood tall even with the sands of time.

Today, we will discuss ten of such temples that have managed to make a name in history.

So, fasten your seatbelts, fellas! It is going to be an educational roller coaster.

Hey, before we move forward, a quick question. Do you know that you can book a trip to any of these temples in a few steps with the top travel agency? Yes, and all you need to do is to request a quote! Interested? Click here to learn more.

Brihadeshwara Temple, Tanjore, Tamil Nadu

Brihadeshwara is a beauty that embraces the city of Tanjore. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in 1002 AD by the Chola King Rajaraja.

This temple is laden with impalpable charms, and it will be an understatement to say that it is the finest example of Dravidian art.

Visit this shrine for its architecture, sculpture, paintings and possibly for everything that exists in the complex.

Fun fact: There are many interconnected structures here that you need to look-out for. Thank us later!

Do you know that the Vimana (the roof-like tower above the central shrine) of this temple is 66 m high?

Kailashnath Temple, Ellora

Kailashnath Temple in Ellora is venerated as the largest rock-cut temple in the world.

An incredible feat of Indian architecture, this temple is a masterpiece that pays homage to Lord Shiva.

Carved in perfect proportions and alignment with the nearby structures, the symmetry of this 8th-century temple is something to look out for. Do not forget to add this place to your India travel bucket list!

Chennakeshava Temple, Karnataka

The third temple on our list will take you to the banks of the Yagachi River.

Constructed in the 12th century, this beautiful temple in Karnataka speaks volumes about Hoysala architecture’s grandeur.

As the central temple for the then capital Belur, the temple was commemorated by

Vijayanagar’s ruler to celebrate his victory over the Cholas.

The temple pays celebrities Lord Vishnu. Most of the figural carving here depicts the Preserver in different lights. Do lookout for the mural of the God seated with Goddess Lakshmi while you are here.

Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Nestled in the Himalayas ’ laps, Tungnath is a 1000-year-old temple located on the top of a mountain ridge.

At an elevation 3680 metres above the sea level, this temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and also the highest of the five Panch Kedar ( 5 Shiva Pilgrimages)

Do you know that the Hindu epic Ramayana also talks about the temple? According to the text, Tugnath was the spot where Lord Rama meditated to seek forgiveness for “Brahmahatya” (killing a Brahmin) of Ravana.

Today this temple is a famous trekking destination famous for a cave of a temple where not more than ten people are allowed at one time.

Adi Kumbeswarar, Tamil Nadu

Adi Kumbeswarar came into existence in the 9th century.

Today in the temple town Kumbakonam, Adi Kumbeswarar is a spell-binding complex with an 11 story shrine, numerous pillared halls and four gateways.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the central shrine consists of a temple with Adi Kumbeswarar residing in a lingam form.

This lingam is believed to have been made by the Destroyer Lord Shiva himself. Do you know that Lord Shiva made this Lingam himself out of the sand and the nectar of immortality?

Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, Rajasthan

Embracing our list, up next, is a one of a kind Brahma temple!

With a temple structure that dates back to the 14^th Century, Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is one of the very few existing temples in the world that worships the creator, Lord Brahma.

According to the locals and ancient texts, the temple’s credit should be given to one of Hinduism’s most revered sages Vishwamitra.

Although this temple’s origin dates way back, the structure that we see today in Pushkar made entirely of marble and stone slabs is somewhat 2000 years old.

Visit this place during Kartik Purnima to enjoy the festivities and magic that surround it.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu

For this next one, we are going down south!

Located in the holy city Kanchipuram, Varadharaja Perumal is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

This shrine is one of the Divya Desams(Lord Vishnu’s 108 temples visited by 12 poet saints).

People pray to the deity here for achieving excellence in education, family welfare and prosperity.

Do you know that touching the lizard sculptures on the temple’s ceiling can help you wash away the sins of your past life?

Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

Konark temple is Odisha’s pride.

Built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around AD 1250, this temple is another ancient marvel that you cannot miss on your bucket list.

This shrine is shaped like a gigantic chariot and boasts of elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls.

Do you know that a significant part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is now in ruins?

Dilwara Temples near Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Often regarded as an architectural marvel, Dilwara temple is a complex with five temples.

Built between the 11^th and the 13^th century AD, each temple in this complex is unique.

All these five temples, including Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanatha Temple, and Mahavir Swami Temple, are considered the most beautiful Jain pilgrim sites in the world.

Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka

Badami Cave Temples is a group of 4 rock-cut temples that lies at the mouth of a ravine on either side.

It is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site that brims with the old world charms and spirituality.

An excellent example of Indian rock-cut architecture, the temples here are a reminder of the country’s rich history and art.

The setting of this place is also a sight to behold. On the one hand, the temple is lined with a ringed lake and on the other, it offers a panoramic view of the region.

If you fancy Hindu texts and divinities, take a trip to this temple as it takes inspiration for every aspect of the religion.

That was the list, fellas! Do let us know which temples towards which temple were you most inclined. And if you loved what you read, you can get more information on temples and spirituality here. Catch you on the other side!