Badrinath Temple
Located close to the Alaknanda River, the abode of Lord Badrinath lies in the Chamoli area, a small community of Badrinath (Uttarakhand). This holy temple of Lord Vishnu creates a part of the four holiest websites (Char Dhams) in Hindu religion. It is additionally one of the four Chota Char Dham expedition websites (comparatively small pilgrimage websites). It is one of the 108 holy places devoted to Lord Vishnu (Divya Desams), which find mention in the works of Tamil saints that dated 6th to 9th century. The ancient abode of Lord Vishnu can be visited only in between April to November as in the remainder of the months the weather is as well extreme for taking on a pilgrimage journey.

The Konark Sun Temple
The Sun temple is situated in the small town of Konark, which is positioned in the Puri district of Odisha. This marvel of architecture is dedicated to Lord Sun. As well as resembling his carriage, the temple has been integrated in the shape of a chariot, which has twelve wheels and is revealed as being dragged by the seven horses.The temple is thought to be constructed in the 13th century by a king called Narasimhadeva. Like with most things in India, this holy place as well has links with a couple of legends. As per one of the legends, God Krishna cursed, among his own children with leprosy. To look for penance, Samba venerated Lord Sun (Surya) for a duration of twelve years. Delighted with his dedication, Surya recovered him. Samba made the Sun temple in return to share his thankfulness.

Brihadeeswara Temple
Likewise referred to as Peruvudaiyar Kovil and RajaRajeswaram, this 11th century temple was developed by the Chola emperor Raja Chola I. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Brihadeeswara temple is the largest temple in India that is positioned at Thanjavur city of Tamil Nadu. Cholas are understood for their magnificent and also magnificent scale of structures. The luxury and creative proficiency of Cholas is well reflected in the grand and stunning design of the temple. Made completely of granite rock, it was built based on the principles of Vaastu Shastras and also Agamas.

Somnath Temple
This is among the earliest expedition centres in India and discovers reference in the ancient publications, like Shivpuran, Skandpuran and Shreemad Bhagvat. Som describes the 'Moon God', thus Somnath indicates 'Protector of the Moon God'. According to a tale, Som obtained the temple integrated in the honor of Lord Shiva as it was Shiva that cured the disease, which was caused on him due to his father-in-law's curse.It is just one of one of the most revered 'jyotirlings' among the 12 existing jyotirlings of India. The holy place lies in Prabhas Kshetra in Saurashtra (Gujarat). Prabhas Kshetra is additionally the area in which, it is thought that, Lord Krishna left his mortal body. An additional intriguing point concerning the area is that it is constructed on the coast of Arabian Sea and in between the holy place as well as the South Pole, in a straight line there is no acreage. Somnath temple was ruined as well as re-built sometimes. The place likewise has a Somnath gallery, Junagadh entrance, beach as well as a noise as well as light program to entertain the pilgrims.

Kedarnath Temple
Located in the Himalayan variety of Garhwal area (Uttarakhand), Kedarnath holy place is just one of the most spiritual Shiva temples worldwide. This divine residence of Shiva is said to be constructed by the Pandavas to atone for their wrongs dedicated throughout their battle with Kauravs. The holy place was restored by Adi Sankaracharya in 8th century. It is one of the Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand and needs an explorer to walk a range of 14 kilometres over the sloping surface area. One can utilize a pony or manchan to simplify the journey.Surrounded by the glaciers and also snow-covered tops and standing at an elevation of 3,583 m, the temple is closed throughout winter seasons because of extreme cold conditions. Also the idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Ukhimath and also venerated there throughout the 5/6 months for which the severe conditions prevail.

Sanchi Stupa Sanchi is a town in the Raisen area of Madhya Pradesh, which is a residence to numerous Buddhist frameworks constructed in between 3rd century BC to 12th century advertisement. The most considerable of them all is the Sanchi Stupa, likewise understood as the Great Stupa. A Stupa is a sanctuary of Buddhist, which is constructed in the form of a dome that includes relics of Buddha.

Ramanathaswamy (Rameshwaram) Temple
Rameshwaram is a little island community in Tamil Nadu as well as is just one of the 4 holiest pilgrimage places (Char Dhams) of the Hindus. The factor for its being so spiritual is the belief that Lord Rama in addition to his partner Sita first landed on its shore after beating the satanic force Ravana (who was also a Brahmin). To seek satisfaction for eliminating a Brahmin, Rama intended to hope to Shiva. Hanuman was dispatched to Kailash to bring an idolizer of the God. In the mean time, Sita made a small lingam. The one made by Sita is called Ramalingam as well as one brought by Hanuman is called Vishwalingam.As per the directions of Lord Rama, Vishwalingam is worshiped prior to the Ramalingam, even today.

Vaishno Devi Mandir After a trek of about 12 km from Katra (base camp), one reaches the divine cave, which is the house of Maa (mommy) Vaishno Deviand is situated at an altitude of 5200 feet in a mountain called Trikuta. It is located in Jammu and also Kashmir, near Katra town. Vaishno Devi is existing here in the type of three rock heads, called the Pindies, as opposed to a sculpture. Because of the solid belief of individuals, every year countless them pertain to take the true blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi. It is stated that it is Maa Vaishno who chooses her site visitors. It is she that calls her followers to her doorsteps. Any person making an effective trip to her temple exists as a result of her desire. The temple is open all year round.

Siddhivinayak Temple
Found in Prabha Devi, Mumbai, Siddhivinayak Temple was constructed in the 18th century. Siddhivinayak or Lord Ganesha is the supreme deity of the holy place as well as is popular for being the very first one to be venerated before commencing any kind of new work or task. That is why he is also called Vighnaharta (the terminator of impediments). On the wood doors of the shrine 8 impressions of Lord Ganapati (Ashtavinayak) are sculpted. Siddhivinayak temple is composed of one of the 8 pictures of the God.

Gangotri Temple
The sacred origin of Ganga Maa (mommy) is venerated at Gangotri holy place, which is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. A partially immersed Shivaling existing along the temple in the waters of Bhagirathi signifies the location where God Shiva entangled Ganga in his hair. Built in the 18th century the temple is made from the white granite.The holy temple of Gangotri opens up on Akshaya Tritiya (usually falling in the months of April or May). On this celebration, an idol of Ganga Maa is restored from the Mukhyamath temple (her wintertime house), which is at a distance of 20 kilometres. On Diwali, annually, Maa Ganga once again takes a trip back to the Mukhyamath temple.

Golden Temple
Sri Harmandir Sahib (likewise recognized Darbar Sahib or Golden holy place) is the most pious trip area for Sikhs. The temple was developed on the worths of global league and equality. The four doors, opening up in the four popular directions, honestly welcome individuals from any faith or race to look for spiritual and also spiritual contentment. The framework, revered for its exceptional architecture, is built on a degree lower than that of the prompt surroundings, symbolizing the worth of humility. The holy bible of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, was first placed in Sri Harmandir Sahib after its compilation and first Granthi (or head priest) of this Sikh trip centre in India was Baba Buddha ji.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Located in the old and divine city of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Kashi Vishwanath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, likewise referred to as Vishwanath or Vishweshwara, implying emperor of deep space. The city of Varanasi is also called Kashi that is why the temple is notoriously called Kashi Vishwanath holy place. The notable holy place has been checked out by many terrific divine men like Swami Vivekanand, Adi Shankaracharya, Goswami Tulsidas as well as Gurunanak. The merit or the true blessings gotten from spotting jyotirling at Kashi Vishwanath amounts to that made from seeing the remainder of the 11 jyotirlings placed at numerous locations in India. A browse through to the sacred holy place of Shiva is believed to be among the ways whereby one can achieve Moksha (supreme liberation of the spirit).

Lord Jagannath Temple
Integrated in the 12th century, Jagannath holy place is positioned in Puri (Orissa) and is popularly called Jagannath Puri. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is among the four holiest locations (Char Dhams) of India. Inside the main holy place, with the idol of Lord Krishna (Jagannath) in between, the idolizers of Lord Balabhadra (sibling) and also Goddess Subhadra (sister) are placed.Non-Hindus can not go into the premises of the temple. They can obtain a great sight of this amazing holy place from the roof-top of the Raghunandan Library situated just opposite to the holy place. The annual and also globe well-known Rath Yatra performed at Puri provides an opportunity to obtain a great look of the Lord Jagannath in addition to Balabhadra and Subhadra riding on the chariots. Thousands and thousands of people drawing the sacred chariot creates a thrilling phenomenon.

Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri holy place was developed in the 19th century in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and was damaged and reconstructed two times as a result of the damages caused by the all-natural catastrophes. Committed to Yamuna River, which is the 2nd holiest river of India, the temple also creates the part of the four Chota char dham websites. Found at the elevation of 3291 meters, the temple of Mother Yamuna holds the idolizer of Goddess, which is integrated in black marble. The holy place opens on the day of Akshaya Tritiya as well as shuts on the day after Diwali. Mom Yamuna invests the winter months at a close-by village referred to as village Kharsali. The location around the Yamunotri holy place doesn't have any motorable roadways, so it needs to be reached by trekking for a couple of kilometers. The environments of the Yamunotri temple have lots of warm water springs to the pleasure of the seeing pilgrims.

Meenakshi Temple
This building wonder is located in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) and is devoted to Goddess Parvati (additionally called Meenakshi) and her husband Lord Shiva. Madurai is the 2nd most significant city of India and also is likewise among the earliest continually inhabited cities of the world. A dip in the Golden Lotus container, situated in the temple, is thought about advantageous as well as is generally taken prior to going to the major temple of the God and Goddess. As per a tale, the pond was created by Shiva and is also older than the temple. The temple has a hall, which includes 985 columns; each column is in different ways and delicately sculpted. The 12th century vibrant temple was among the 30 candidates of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'.

Amarnath Cave Temple
The holy cavern of Amarnath lies at an elevation of 3,888 meters in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Engulfed with ice-clad mountains, the cavern is also covered with layers of snow most times of the year. In the summertime period, (June to August) it comes to be accessible and thus opens to get the pilgrims. The cavern is believed to be around 5000 years old. Based on a preferred tale, Buta Malik (a Muslim shepherd) fulfilled a holy man that handed him a bag loaded with coal. On reaching residence, he located that the coal has actually obtained transformed right into gold. Moved by the wonder the guard entered search of the saintly male and rather discovered the spiritual house of Lord Shiva.

Lingaraja Temple
Lingaraja temple is one of the oldest and biggest temples of the 'Temple City of India'-- Orissa. Drenched in the building design typical of Kalinga, the temple does not only draw in spiritual fans yet likewise the chroniclers. The idolizer of Lingaraj typically stands for Lord Shiva, but over right here it signifies Shiva as well as Vishnu. The mixed type of both the Gods is described as Harihara. A large lake called Bindu Sagar touches the holy place from one side and also is stated to have recovery powers. Non-Hindus are not allowed to get in the properties, hence they can see the spectacular framework from a platform outside the temple. Shivratri is the primary celebration of the temple.

Tirupati Balaji Located in the hilly community of Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh), the holy place is also referred to as Tirumala Venkateshwara temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Venkateshwara, who is popularly called 'Balaji' and is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Venkateshwara Tirupati Balaji is the second richest religious site with people offering money and gold to their Lord running into millions, each day.The ancient temple has been visited by the rulers of many grand dynasties of Southern India. The temple celebrates many festivals, most famous among them is Brahmotsavam (also known as 'Salakatla brahmotsavam'), which goes on for 9 days and witnesses a great mass of the devotees. The laddoos (a kind of sweet), which are given in the form of prasadam in the shrine are famous around the world for their unique delectable taste. As a religious ritual, people get their heads tonsured in large numbers over here.

Kanchipuram Temples ' The City of Thousand Temples'-- Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) is one of the seven sacred places in India wherein the people can attain Moksha, as per the Hindu religion. Every temple in Kanchipuram is a fascinating piece of architecture.

Among the most revered temples of Kanchi, 3 major ones are mentioned below: Kamakshi Amman Temple: Goddess Kamakshi is one of the manifestations of Parvati and unlike the standing poses in which we usually find her idols, the enchanting idol at Kamakshi temple is sitting in Padmasana (a yogic sitting posture). Ekambareswarar Temple: This shrine of Lord Shiva is also the largest among all the temples of Kanchipuram. The main lingam of the Ekambareswarar temple is made of sand and is said to be built by the Goddess Parvati. Varadaraja Perumal Temple: It is one of the 108 temples of Vishnu (Divya Desams). This temple along with the temples of Kamakshi and Ekambareswarar are collectively called Mumurtivasam (home of trio).

Khajuraho Temple
Khajuraho is a town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, which houses several temples built between 10th to 12th centuries. Spread across an area of 20 sq km, the monuments of the town are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are built of sandstone and dedicated to the deities of Hindus and Jains. The temples are world famous for the erotic cravings, which can be seen along other cravings depicting the activities of routine life. It is believed that there were over 75 temples in the area but right now about 20 exist.

Virupaksha Temple
Built in the 7th century, the temple is famous for being a functioning temple ever since it came into the existence. Located in the village of Hampi, it is one of the most famous temples among the various other temples of Hampi. All heritage sites of Hampi have been recognized by the UNESCO. A shrine of Shiva, Virupaksha temple is a very important religious as well as the tourist destination. The pilgrimage centre has expanded in scale over a period of time. Shiva in the form of Virupaksha is the consort of local goddess Pampa and that is why the temple is also called Pampapathi temple.

Akshardham Temple
Constructed on the principles of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, this temple is situated near the banks of Yamuna in Delhi. The Indian-ness of the temple is reflected in its resemblance with ancient Indian architecture and the spirituality that the place exudes. The principal deity of Swaminarayan faith, Lord Swaminarayan, is the central figure of Akshardham. His 11 feet high idol lies below the central dome of the temple. The structure has been built of Rajasthani pink stone and Italian Carrara marble. The magnificent temple of Akshardham looks more stunning during the night with the beautifully set lighting arrangements. There are many ways like exhibition, movie, statues and boat ride through which the information about the history and philosophy of the Swaminarayan sect and its founder is given to the visitors. Light and music show, which takes place in the evening, is the most fascinating element of the temple.

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Built during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1656, Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is the oldest Jain temple in Delhi. Made in the honor of the 23rd Tirthankara, Parashvanath, the temple is made in red sandstone.

Gomateshwara Temple
Situated in the Shravanabelagola town of Karnataka, Gomateshwara temple is dedicated to Lord Bahubali also known as Gomateshwara. Built in the 10th century it is one of the most important pilgrimage places for Jains. The statue inspires awe among people world over because of its unique structure. Standing at an enormous height of 58.8 ft the idol is carved out of a single granite rock. This monolithic structure stands at such a great height without any external support. The base of the Bahubali idol has got inscriptions written in three different languages-- Marathi, Kannada and Tamil. The most important event occurs in the temple after every 12 years. It is called Mahamastak abhishek and is a very important festival for Jains. In which Lord Bahubali is bathed and smeared with various things like saffron paste, sugarcane, turmeric, milk and vermillion and offered various precious stones and coins (like gold and silver).

Ranakpur Temple
Ranakpur is a village in the Pali district of Rajasthan and falls between Udaipur and Jodhpur. One of the very famous pilgrimage sites in India, the majestic 15th century Jain temple is dedicated to Lord Adinatha. It is counted among the 5 major sacred places of Jains. The marvelous architecture of the temple structure brought it among the list of 77 nominees at the time of determining the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
The holy temple of Sai baba was built in 1922, in the Shirdi town of Maharashtra. Located about 296 kms from Mumbai, the small town of Shirdi has attained fame due to its association with Shri Sai Baba. Spread in an area of 200 sq. Km, the shrine was made over the Samadhi of Sai Baba. Each day around 25,000 devotees come for Baba's darshan and on festivals the figure comes into lakhs. Ramnavmi, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami are the major festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion. The principles of Sai Baba (like love, charity, forgiveness) are spread through the land of Shirdi, which has been made holy by the pure soul.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala is the place where one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred dwellings of Lord Vishnu) is situated in the form of Lord Padmanabhaswamy. Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple can be visited only by the Hindus. There is a strict dress code while entering the temple for men (dhoti without any kind of shirt) and women (sari or skirt and blouse). The elegant and splendid idol of Lord Vishnu is reclining over a 5 hooded serpent called Anantha. The idol of the Lord is very fascinating as it displays the supreme trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (or Shiva). Out of the navel of Lord's statue a lotus is seen as coming out over which Lord Brahma (the protector) is sitting. That is why Vishnu (the creator) is also called Padmanabha, i.e. lotus-navel. Under the right palm of the stretched out hand of Padmanabha there is a Shiva lingum (the destroyer), completing all three powers into one.

Dwarkadhish Temple
The holy abode of Lord Krishna, Dwarkadhish temple is situated in the Dwarka city (Gujarat). Also known as Jagat Mandir, the temple has two doors for entry and exit for pilgrims. The entry door is called Swarg Dwar (doorway to heaven) and the exit door is called Moksha Dwar (the doorway to liberation).

Laxminarayan Temple
Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939, the temple was built by the industrialist Baldeo Das Birla in Delhi and can be visited by people of all castes and creed. Laxminarayan is a form of Lord Vishnu (Narayan) when he is with Goddess Lakshmi (his consort).

Iskcon Temple
Also known as the Krishna Balaram mandir, ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was built in the year 1975. Located in the holy land of Vrindavan (Mathura, Uttar Pradesh), the land which is believed to be the abode of Lord Krishna in his young age, the ISKCON temple is well known for the utmost standard of cleanliness and worship they maintain. The chants of 'Hare Krishna' reverberate in the temple all hours of the day. The temple belongs to the Gaudiya Vaishnava sect of Hinduism, which was founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century. Inside the temple there are idols of Krishna, Radha, Balarama, along with the idols of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Swami Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON).

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