Hinduism has around 900 million followers around the
world and thus finding Hindu Temples in abundance in the country shouldn’t be a
surprise. There are lakhs of Hindu temples in the country. Some of them are as
ancient as the land itself. Hindu temples have been built in a wide variety of
styles that have amazed the onlookers. Worshippers have taken great care of
their ancestral heritage and therefore, ages old these temples still stand
unharmed by the ravages of time.
Considering the long list of temples in India, it is
impossible to choose ten from the lot. Choosing the best can sometimes offend
those whose favorite is not included in the list. Yet today, I have tried to
jot down the names of ten temples, which according to me, can be regarded as
the top ten owing to their popularity, strong faith, history and architectural
importance. So, here it goes-
1. Kashi Vishwanath
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the holiest temples
of India. The temple was built by Ahilyabai in 1780 and today its holds utmost
importance for the Hindus who believe that a bath in the Holy River Ganga can
liberate one from all the sins.
2. Lord Jagannath Temple
Location: Puri, Odisha
Housing about 120 shrines in its huge structure, Lord
Jagannath Temple is one of the oldest temples in India. It was built in the
12th century and is popular for its annual Rath Yatra. Pilgrims believe that
Mahaprasad served here is scrutinized by Goddess Lakshmi and those who have it
attain spiritual advancement.
3. Venkateshwara Tirupati Balaji
Location: Andhra Pradesh
With around 40 million annual visitors, Tirupati Balaji
deems as the most visited temple in India. It is also the second richest temple
of the country. It was built under the rule of Krishnadeva Raya. On special
occasions, the number of pilgrims visiting the temple in a day mounts up to 5
lacs.
4. Vaishno Devi Temple
Location: Jammu
Situated at the top of a hill, it is one of the notable
Hindu Temples in India. It is dedicated to Shakti and is the second most
visited temple in the country with an annual footfall of around 8 million
devotees.
5. Somnath Temple
Location: Gujarat
Somnath Temple has been revered as the first jyotirlinga
of Lord Shiva and it is said to have been built by the Moon God after Lord
Shiva freed him from the curse of waning. The temple has been restored several
times since then.
6. Kamakhya Temple
Location: Assam
Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, this temple is one of the
oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. It is the most important pilgrimage for the
Tantric Worshippers. As a form of worship, goats are offered to the Goddess by
the devotees who believe that Kamakhya is the yielder of all desires.
7. Mahabodhi Temple Complex
Location: Bihar
This is the holy place where Lord Buddha attained
enlightenment and thus it stands as the most revered sites for the Buddhists.
Recognized as a world heritage site by the UNESCO, the Mahabodhi temple is visited
by both Hindus and Buddhists from all over the world.
8. Siddhivinayak Temple
Location: Maharashtra
Built in the year 1801, Siddhivinayak temple is a
prominent temple of Lord Ganesha. The inner roof of the temple complex is
plated with gold and the wooden doors are carved with the images of
Ashtavinayaka.
9. Ramnathaswamy Temple (Rameshwaram)
Location: Tamil Nadu
One of the most popular temples of the south,
Ramnathaswamy temple is the abode of Lord Shiva. It is also among the twelve
jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in the country. There are two lingas inside the
sanctum; one built by Goddess Sita and the other was brought by Lord Hanuman.
10. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Location: Maharashtra
It is the holy shrine of Sai Baba and the also the third
richest temple of India. Shirdi is the land of Sai baba, therefore, it is
considered to be a pilgrimage for his followers. Millions of devotees,
irrespective of their religion, flock to the temple every year. Donations as
high as Rs.350 crores are offered at the temple annually.
