India, the land of spirituality and heritage, is a place where many temples are found standing as a witness to centuries of cultural, architectural, and spiritual significance. These temples narrate the story of India's diverse history and provide a window into its rich traditions. Below is a list of the 10 most historical temples in India to visit by everyone, each offering a glimpse into the country's glorious past in its own way.

 Brihadeeswara Temple, Tamil Nadu

It is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is also known as the Big Temple, which was constructed during the 11th century by Raja Raja Chola I. The big Nandi statue, made of a single stone, presents an enchanting Dravidian architecture.

 Sun Temple, Konark

The great Sun Temple of Konark, Odisha, is a magnificent structure of the 13th century dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It was designed in the shape of a giant chariot, with intricate carvings adorning it, and it is an architectural wonder standing as testimony to the engineering brilliance of India.

Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas lies the Kedarnath Temple, one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, said to have been constructed by the Pandavas, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year due to its spiritual significance and breathtaking location.

Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu

Situated in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Meenakshi Temple is symbolic of the culmination of achievement that Tamil Nadu reached in architecture. Vibrant-colored gopurams, or the tower-like gateways, and the detailed sculptures narrate the holy wedlock between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. A bundle of vibrant cultural and spiritual heritage, it is a place that one should not miss.

Somnath Temple, Gujarat

The Somnath Temple in Gujarat is among the most respected jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple has faced reconstruction several times after being ravaged by invaders; it stands again and reflects resilience and faith.

 Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh 

The Khajuraho Temples are a collection of beautiful temples, quintessentially famous for their explicit erotic carvings and architectural beauty, besides being UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These were built during the 10th to 12th-century Chandela dynasty and have been dedicated both to Hindu and Jain deities.

 Jagannath Temple, Odisha

In Puri, the Jagannath Temple forms part of the Char Dham pilgrimages. This 12th-century temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival, wherein the deities are taken out on grand chariots.

Golden Temple, Punjab

Golden Temple- Harmandir Sahib, is situated in Amritsar, Punjab. This religious place of Sikhs is a symbol of brotherhood and equality in itself, with unparalleled brilliance because of its gold-plated structure imposing its beauty upon the serene Amrit Sarovar holy water tank.

Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka Located in Hampi

 Karnataka, the Virupaksha Temple is a shrine of Lord Shiva and one of the oldest active temples in India. This is a 7th-century wonder and a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rameshwaram Temple, Tamil Nadu

The Rameshwaram Temple, also known as the Ramanathaswamy Temple, falls under the Char Dham pilgrimage spots and holds great spiritual importance. Being famous for its long corridor and detailed carvings, it is an example of South Indian architecture.

Summary

  The temples of India are not only a source of spiritual experience but a window to the enviable history, architecture, and traditions of all time. The 10 most historical temples in India to visit by everyone will surely take you down memory lanes to the times when life was different and knob you deep inside your roots of spirituality. Be it the grandness of the Brihadeeswara Temple or the serenity lying within Kedarnath, these Temples are a must for everybody around.

FAQs

Q.. Which is the oldest temple in India?

Ans. The Mundeshwari Temple is among the oldest temples in India and is situated in Bihar, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti and built in 108 AD. 

Q. What is so special about the Sun Temple at Konark? 

Ans. The Sun Temple is built as a giant chariot, with intricately carved wheels, symbolizing the movement of the Sun God across the firmament. 

Q.  Are there any festivals associated with these temples?

Ans.  Yes, all the temples have their special festivals. For example, Jagannath Temple hosts a well-known festival named Rath Yatra while Meenakshi Temple's Chithirai Festival is a worldly famous one. 

Q.  Can these temples be visited throughout the year? 

Ans. While most temples are open throughout the year, it is always best to pay a visit during the time of major festivals or in winter for better experiences.

Q. How can I plan a trip to these temples?

Ans.  You can book customizable tour packages through Bookingnear.com to ensure a seamless and enriching temple-hopping experience.  

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