10 Most Famous Temples To Visit In India

Officially known as the Republic of India, and affectionately referred to as Bharat, Hindustan, and Aryavrat, India is the seventh-largest country by land area and proudly holds the title of the world’s largest democracy. Renowned for its deep-rooted history and vibrant culture, India stands out for its spiritual richness, much of which is influenced by ancient traditions and events.

Unlike many countries, India embraces a philosophy where divinity is seen in all forms of life—trees, animals, rivers, and even celestial bodies. This spiritual connection manifests in countless festivals that celebrate nature and cosmic forces. The moon is worshipped during Karva Chauth, cows during Pongal, snakes on Nag Panchami, and the sun is honored each morning for vitality and clarity. Hindus believe that 33 crore deities reside in a cow, which is why cows are considered sacred and revered across the nation.

India is home to an astonishing number of temples—over 2 million, as per the 2001 census. These temples, scattered across every corner of the country, are not just architectural marvels but also centers of profound energy, devotion, and ancient legends. Many have withstood centuries and even natural calamities, remaining intact and spiritually potent.

Hindu temples are symbolic abodes of divinity, built as spaces for the pursuit of Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), Moksha (liberation), and Karma (action). Among the countless temples in India, some stand out for their extraordinary legends, architectural brilliance, and magnetic devotion. These are visited by millions—some daily, others once in a lifetime.

Here are the Top 10 Famous Temples in India:

# Golden Temple, Amritsar

Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is the most sacred shrine in Sikhism. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, it welcomes people of all faiths and serves free meals (langar) to over 100,000 visitors daily. The sanctum is surrounded by a serene water tank called Amrit Sarovar. Inside the entrance clock tower, the Sikh Museum narrates the community’s struggles under the Mughals, British, and during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

# Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra

Perched on the Trikuta Hills, 13 km from Katra in Jammu, this sacred cave shrine attracts millions annually. Devotees trek uphill to witness the three Pindies—natural rock formations symbolizing Goddess Kali, Saraswati, and Lakshmi. Legend says Mata Vaishno Devi was born in Treta Yuga as a divine union of the three goddesses for the welfare of humanity.

# Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Located in the Garhwal Himalayas at 3,583 meters, Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a key stop on the Char Dham Yatra. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the Mandakini River, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mythology recounts that the Pandavas sought Shiva’s forgiveness here for the sins of the Kurukshetra war.

# Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand

Nestled at 3,133 meters in Chamoli district, Badrinath Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan. The black stone idol is believed to be self-manifested. Located along the Alaknanda River, this shrine is a vital part of both the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimages.

# Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati

Situated in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, this is one of the most revered and wealthiest temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Venkateswara, the temple sees over 50,000 pilgrims daily. It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams, with well-managed queue systems and modern facilities to accommodate the massive footfall.

# Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). Spread over 14 acres, the temple is famed for its towering Gopurams (gateways) and 14 majestic towers. It is a brilliant example of Dravidian architecture and is an iconic spiritual hub in South India.

# Jagannath Temple, Puri

Situated in Puri, Odisha, this temple is one of the Char Dham and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu. Major festivals like Rath Yatra, Chandan Yatra, and Nabakalebara are held here. The main deities—Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra—are uniquely carved from wood and replaced periodically through sacred rituals.

# Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a part of the Char Dham Yatra. According to legend, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before building the bridge to Lanka. The temple houses two lingams—Ramalingam (made of sand by Rama) and Vishwalingam (brought by Hanuman from Kailash).

# Somnath Temple, Gujarat

Positioned in Veraval, Gujarat, Somnath is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Known as the “Lord of Soma,” this temple has been rebuilt several times due to repeated invasions but remains a powerful symbol of resilience and faith. Mahashivratri is celebrated here with immense devotion.

# Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Located in the capital of Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining posture on Ananta Shesha. The temple is famous for its seven secret vaults, one of which remains unopened despite numerous attempts. With a blend of Dravidian and Kerala-style architecture, it is also considered one of the richest temples in the world.