A Spiritual Journey: The 10 Most Beautiful Temples In India

Waquar Habib

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu

Situated on the banks of Vaigai River, the Meenakshi Amman temple is a smorgasbord of colours with a rich history. It boasts 14 towers covered in 33,000 colourful sculptures dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.

Meenakshi Amman Temple | Unsplash

Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka

Located on the Tungabhadra River, this is one of the most beautiful temples of India. It has been functional since the 7th century when it was part of the Vijaynagar Empire.

Virupaksha Temple | Unsplash

Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Built between 900 and 1130 AD, the Khajuraho complex is among the most intricately beautiful temples of India. They were built under the Chandela dynasty and boast a plethora of erotic carvings in elaborate handwork.

Khajuraho Temples | Unsplash

Lotus Temple, Delhi

Opened to public in 1986, the Lotus Temple, is an architectural marvel designed by Fariborz Sahba. It boasts 27 marble petals giving it the shape of a lotus.

Lotus Temple | Unsplash

Sun Temple, Odisha

The Sun Temple, also called the Surya Deula or Surya Deul, is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya. Built in the 13th century, it is an example of Hindu Orissan architecture with unique sculptural innovations and carvings.

Sun Temple | Unsplash

Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar

Commissioned by Emperor Asoka, the Mahabodhi Temple, is built on the site where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained Enlightenment. It is considered to be the navel of the earth in the Jatakas.

Mahabodhi Temple | Wikimedia Commons

Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Once touted as the world's largest Hindu temple by the Guinness World Record, Akshardham is known for its grand aesthetic quality, unique exhibitions, sprawling campus, and majestic presence.

Akshardham Temple | Wikimedia Commons

Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu

The Shore Temple attracts countless visitors annually. In the early 2000s, excavations uncovered new structures buried under the sand. The temple comprises three shrines, with the main shrine dedicated to Shiva.

Shore Temple | Wikimedia Commons

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala

One of the most compelling temples of India, Sree Padmanabhaswamy, is an 8th-century structure renowned for its beauty and grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple | Unsplash

Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan

The Ranakpur Temple is renowned worldwide for its brilliant architectural style. Its intricately carved idol of Parshvanatha is made of a single marble slab with 1008 snake heads and numerous tails.

Ranakpur Temple | Unsplash