India is known for its rich cultural heritage and religious diversity. The country is home to some of the oldest and most revered temples in the world. These temples have withstood the test of time and are a testament to the architectural, cultural, and religious traditions of India. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 oldest temples in India and explore their history, architecture, and significance in Hinduism.
Top 10 Oldest Temples In India
Kedarnath Temple:
The Kedarnath Temple, which can be found in the Himalayas, is both one of India’s most renowned and one of its oldest temples. It is widely held that Adi Shankaracharya, an eminent Indian philosopher, and theologian, constructed it sometime in the eighth century. One of the four dhams, or holy locations, in Hinduism, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is considered a pilgrimage destination.
Badrinath Temple:
The Badrinath Temple is another important Hindu pilgrimage site, and it can be found in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya constructed it sometime during the 9th century and that it is devoted to the worship of Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in India because of the beautiful sculptures that adorn its inside.
Kailash Temple:
The Kailash Temple is one of the oldest rock-cut temples in India. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be found in the Ellora Caves in the state of Maharashtra. The temple was constructed in the eighth century and is devoted to the god Shiva. The temple is a well-known destination due to its remarkable architecture and draws a large number of visitors each year.
Brihadeeswara Temple:
The Brihadeeswara Temple is one of the oldest and most majestic temples in India. It can be found in the city of Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Chola dynasty was responsible for its construction in the 11th century, and they devoted it to the worship of Lord Shiva. The temple’s imposing gopuram, also known as the entry tower, earned it a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lingaraj Temple:
The Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in India. It can be found in the city of Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha. It is said that construction began in the 11th century, and Lord Shiva now resides there. The temple has received recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to the quality of its architecture.
Konark Sun Temple:
The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is widely considered to be one of the most well-known temples in all of India. The temple can be found in the Indian state of Odisha. The Sun God is honored by this structure, which dates back to the 13th century and was created in his honor. The temple is well-known for its extraordinary architecture as well as its beautiful carvings.
Meenakshi Temple:
The Meenakshi Temple is one of the oldest and most well-known temples in India. It can be found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu in the city of Madurai. Constructed in the 17th century, the temple was designed to honor Goddess Meenakshi, one of the incarnations of Mother Parvati. The temple is a well-known destination for vacationers due to its magnificent gopurams, which literally translate to “entry towers.”
Somnath Temple:
The Somnath Temple, which can be found in the Indian state of Gujarat, is widely considered to be one of the holiest and most venerable temples in all of India. It is thought to have been constructed in the 7th century, and it is a temple that is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is a symbol of steadfastness and commitment because of its history of being both destroyed and rebuilt on multiple occasions.
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple:
The Mahabalipuram Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest temples in India. It can be found near the seaside town of Mahabalipuram in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was constructed in the eighth century and is devoted to the god Shiva. The temple is a well-known destination due to its remarkable architecture and draws a large number of visitors each year.
Jagannath Temple:
The Jagannath Temple is one of the most well-known and significant temples in India, and it can be found in the state of Odisha’s capital city of Puri. It is believed that it was constructed in the 12th century and is devoted to a manifestation of Lord Vishnu known as Lord Jagannath. The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a significant event held at the temple. During this festival, the deities of the temple are transported outside in a large procession.
