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12 Unique Temples Of India That Have Created Their Place In The World

12 Unique Temples Of India That Have Created Their Place In The World

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 IST

India is a fascinating land of vivid cultures and rich history. This is best showcased in the stunning Hindu temples across the country. Know for far more than their religious importance, these temples display stunning architecture, a vast understanding of science and are living proof of the opulence of Indian kingdoms. Take a look at these 12 temples of India that are ranked best the world over!

1. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Where: Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.

What: Occupying an area of 156 acres, it takes its rightful place as the largest functional Hindu temple complex in the world! Built in Dravidian style, it sports stunning architecture and plays host to over a million people during the temple festival held in Decebber-January.

2. Akshardham

Where: Delhi

What: Collection of the most stunning carvings and artistic representation in a modern temple. Opened in 2005, it attracts majority of the tourist population in Delhi. Spanning a large area, the temple was created painstakingly by over 7,000 artisans. Don’t miss the 234 ornate pillars, over 20,000 idol sculptures and 148 wonderfully portrayed temple elephants.

3. Thillai Nataraja Temple

Where: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

What: This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has been the cornerstone of architectural, artistic and cultural inspiration for more than two millenia. Dating back to the 12th century, the temple displays early Pallava style of architecture. The large temple complex is popular for five unique halls. Don’t miss the statue of Nataraja performing the “Dance of Ecstacy”.

4. Meenakshi Amman Temple

Where: Madurai, Tamil Nadu

What: Among the most iconic temples in India is the magnificent Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple at the heart of Madurai city. The 2500 year old city attracts majority of its tourism for the temple. Don’t miss this temple that has over 33,000 sculptures and stunning Gopurams or temple entrance towers.

5. Belur Math

Where: Calcutta, West Bengal

What: Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, the temple is the headquarters of Swami Vivekananda’s Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The unique feature of this temple is that it consolidates Hindu, Christian and Islamic architecture to form a temple that represents unity of religion.

6. Jagannath Temple

Where: Puri, Odisha

What: This popular pilgrimage destination is located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Odisha and is unique for one particular feature. Where most Hindu temples have idols in metal or stone, this one has idols made of Neem bark and this is replaced with new replicas every 12 years.

7. Birla Mandir or Laxminarayan Temple

Where: Delhi

What: The temple complex spread over 7.5 acres is among the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world. Built by the Birla family, the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple based on the clause that it would remain open to people of varying religions and castes.

8. Brihadeeswarar Temple

Where: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

What: This temple is part of the UNESCO’s list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’. It is also popular as the largest temple structure in the world to be built completely in granite. The temple turned 1000 years old in 2010. But more importantly it has one among the tallest Vimanams in the world at a height of 216 ft.

9. Siddhivinayak Temple

Where: Mumbai, Maharashtra

What: The temple that is most covered by the media is also the richest temple in Mumbai. It rose to fame with continued patronage from politicians and celebrities from the film industry. The name of the temple literally translates to “Ganesha who grants your wishes” little wonder that it is always crowded!

10. Guruvayur Shree Krishna Temple

Where: Thrissur, Kerala

What: Considered the holy abode of Lord Vishnu on earth, this Krishna temple is charmingly located in the green district of Thrissur. The temple dates back to 3000 BC according to legends. The current structure was rebuilt after the fire in 1970. The structure is built in typical Kerala temple architecture. The inner sanctum and the Krishna idol is indeed a delight to observe. Do not miss feeding the temple elephants as well!

11. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Where: Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh

What: It is popular the world over as the richest temple. Located near the hill town of Tirupati, this temple of Lord Venketeshwara is the temple of prosperity. People from across the globe flock to the temple every year to seek blessings. It is among the most visited holy places in the world!

12. Somnath Temple

Where: Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra, Gujarat

What: One of the strongest survivors of our volatile history, the Somanth temple was destroyed several times only to be re-built and preserved again. This stunning temple in Gujarat key to the state’s tourism. The current structure follows the Chalukya style of temple architecture.