Top 5 Ancient Temples in India That You Can Visit on Your Next Trip

5 of the most famous ancient temples in India

I'm not a big fan of going to religious places, but I'm a big fan of going to places of historical interest, so for me, these five temples are the most important ruins to see in the entire world. Each one is a total gem, with unique architecture and fascinating history. And, by visiting them, you can help them bring tourists to the once beautiful and now deserted locales. These 5 ancient temples are my top 5. 1. Shani Shingnapur - Shani Shingnapur is the largest Shiva temple in the world in Maharashtra, India. The temple is one of the four major Hindu sanctuaries that form a complex that once belonged to a local family. The Shingnapur temple was built in 1185 CE by Dnyaneshwar, a brahmin priest.

 

 

 

Temple #1

Goddess Hingla Hinglaj Mata Temple, located in Hingle village on top of a mountain, is a total tourist’s delight. The hillock on which the temple stands is also known as the temple of Hingle. The size of Hingle Mata’s temple is 30 ft. x 14 ft. in size. One can take a break and enjoy a bird-watching trip by taking the cable car ride up to the temple. There are two large idols of Hingla Mata in a semi-circular, circular mandapa (open court) besides a beautiful sandy (permanent, part of a Hindu feast) for the devotees. The sadya is served free of cost every day. This temple is one of the eight temples of the Goddess Hingle. It was constructed in the 10th century AD. The other seven temples are at Reodar, Kalika, Simdega, Jharsuguda, Garhwa, Bagodar, and Devour in Bihar.

 

 

 

Temple #2

Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola © Kamal AlKawakbashi All 5 temples of Sri Lankan Lord Ranganatha had beautiful beautifully built Mahabodhi pagodas. www.shravanabelagola.com/goals Temple of Vaiśeṣika Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola www.shravanabelagola.com/goals Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola www.shravanabelagola.com/goals Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola www.shravanabelagola.com/goals Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola © Kamal AlKawakbashi Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola www.shravanabelagola.com/goals Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola © Kamal AlKawakbashi Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola © Kamal AlKawakbashi Temple of Vaiśeṣika, Shravanabelagola © Kamal AlKawakbashi Worried if you're unable to afford the ticket?

 

 

 

Temple #3

Bamba - Temples of the Ladder Kings Bolamba is a village in Western Uganda, in the country's southeastern part. It was the capital of the kingdom of Buganda until 1888. The most notable ancient temple is that of the Lukiiko of Buganda, built-in in 1898 by king Mwanga I, who is still revered and has many devout followers. The religious center is situated on the top of a hill, where one can find the famous Royal Stool of the Lukiiko. The ancient symbol of the king is a sort of stairway that leads to heaven, on which sits the stool and upon which sits the king and his queens. There is a staircase leading up to heaven, and up this staircase, you can see a pretty building where you will be entertained by music and dancing, and so on. More... More... More... More...

 

 

 

Temple #4

Ancient Eran, India Eran is located in the Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, south of the snow-capped peaks of Himalaya. This temple is under the protection of the State Government of Himachal Pradesh and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. At the foot of this impressive temple complex is the 'Tandul Khani' or temple pond, from where one can enjoy a spectacular view of the temple. Ancient Eran is located in the Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, south of the snow-capped peaks of Himalaya. This temple is under the protection of the State Government of Himachal Pradesh and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. At the foot of this impressive temple complex is the 'Tandul Khani' or temple pond, from where one can enjoy a spectacular view of the temple.

 

 

 

Temple #5

Udayagiri Mahadeva Temple Udayagiri is located approximately 68 kilometers from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on the old Grand Trunk Road. When the Hindu king, Anantavarman Chodaganga Raya (13th Century CE), built the main temple, he called it Ananta-Devasthanam. The site was supposedly sacred, and during the 12th and 13th centuries, it was regularly visited by hundreds of visitors from far and wide. The Udayagiri Mahadeva Temple is known for its enormous sculptures, intricately carved stones, and sculptures made of painted wood and clay. Its wooden hallways, with arches and a central dome, are huge and clearly designed to keep people wandering off.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Please feel free to add and submit your favorite authentic ancient temples to this list by emailing us at [email protected]. Please let us know which states we have covered so that we can properly categorize and promote them. Also, feel free to add some of your own, a must-visit temple in your state that I missed! Let's spread the word about this list and other great publications about ancient India! Thank you for your time; we really appreciate it! Sources: Archaeology in India. Michael Coe Chronicles of India by Charles Thomas The Economist. Colin Mackenzie Historical Atlas of India. Carla Buckley The Hindu. Nehru: An India for India. Henry Mance The Privy Council of India. Albert Pollack The Secret History of India. Karen Armstrong Shiksha Sharma.

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