Top 11 Oldest Temple In India – All You Need To Know
India is rich in culture and history and temples are one of the most valuable assets of them to show their religious beliefs and respect. There are more than 1000+ years of temples are present in India and each has some significant features in it. Here, we are going to discuss the oldest temple in India that will hold your attention for a while.
The history of India will surely awaken you! Their traditions, culture, religious beliefs, architectural marvels, talents, etc., are the highlights of the Indian people.
Temples were built to worship God and people believe that their wishes will come true once they start worshipping god in temples. All people have their own religious beliefs and it differs accordingly.
Top 11 Oldest Temples In India
If you have the interest to know the past beliefs then you are reading the correct blog! Therefore, let?s not make you wait any further, here are the top eleven oldest temple in India that you must know in 2023,
1. Mundeshwari Temple, Bihar
The Mundeshwari Temple is situated in the Kaimur district of Bihar. This ancient temple is regarded as one of the oldest temples of Hindus and is popular all over the world.
During the Ramanavami and Shivratri festivals, this temple is visited by a large number of people each year. Mundeshwari temple is located in the Mundeshwao hills and this temple is dedicated to the worship of Shakti and Lord Shiva.
The Hindu inscriptions dated 635 CE were found in the temple. On the other hand, Bihar?s government allocated around two crores of rupees to improve the infrastructure of this temple.
2. Halasuru Someshwara Temple, Bangalore
Halasuru Someshwara Temple is situated in Bangalore and is regarded as one of the oldest temples in India back to the Chola era. This temple is dedicated to lord shiva.
The design and the culture of this temple will attract all your attention for some time. It is embellished with decorative moldings of vital animals and symbols.
People who live in Bangalore visit this temple every year to get peace of mind and soul. The temple is beautiful from the entrance to the hall and everywhere.
3. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttrakhand. This is a Hi8ndu temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is named Kedar for Lord Shiva because Kedar is another name of Shiva.
Many wish to visit this temple at least once in a lifetime. People believe that wishes come true if you visit this temple and worship Lord Shiva. On the other hand, the Kedarnath temple is regarded as a tourist place, and people from all over the world visit this temple.
Between the months of April and November, this temple is open for the general public. Moreover, this temple belongs to the Veerashaiva community from Karnataka.
4. Ambarnath Temple, Maharashtra
Ambarnath temple is also known as Shiva temple and is located at Ambarnath, near Mumbai, in Maharashtra. It was built in 1060 and is popular all over the world.
People from different countries all over the world visit this oldest temple in India to enjoy the heritage of India. The festivals that are related to Lord Shiva are celebrated in this temple with great enthusiasm.
It is beautifully carved in stone and regarded as one of the best ancient temples in India. You must visit this beautiful temple once in your life if you believe in Lord Shiva.
5. Kailashnath Temple, Maharashtra
The Kailashnath and Ambarnath temple both are regarded as gems of Maharashtra. The Kailasha temple is known as the rock-cut Hindu temple at the Ellora Caves, in Maharashtra.
Because of its size, sculptural treatment, and architecture, this temple is regarded as the best ancient temple all over the world. This temple was constructed during the 8th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The festivals that are related to lord shiva are celebrated wholeheartedly in this temple. People visit this temple if they visit Maharashtra at least once.
6. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, India, is one of the most revered and ancient Hindu temples. Believed to be over two millennia old, it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity of destruction and transformation.
The temple has undergone numerous renovations throughout history due to invasions and time. It’s situated on the banks of the Ganges River, attracting millions of devotees annually for spiritual rituals and prayers.
The temple’s architecture showcases intricate carvings and spires. Visiting Kashi Vishwanath is considered highly auspicious for Hindus, and the temple holds a significant place in India’s religious and cultural heritage.
7. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
The Kashi Mahabodhi Temple is located in Sarnath, near Varanasi, India. Constructed to commemorate the site where Gautama Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, it holds immense significance for Buddhists.
Dating back to the 5th to 6th century CE, the temple features a mix of Gupta and later architectural styles. Its central spire, surrounded by smaller stupas, reflects a rich historical and cultural legacy.
The temple complex stands as a symbol of Buddha’s teachings and the propagation of Buddhism, attracting pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual insight and historical connection.
8. Laxminarayan Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Laxminarayan Temple, also known as the Birla Mandir, is a renowned Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Constructed in the 20th century, it reflects the traditional Kalinga architectural style while incorporating modern elements.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, featuring intricate stone carvings depicting various mythological stories and deities. The complex includes a main shrine, a spacious courtyard, and smaller shrines dedicated to other gods.
With its grandeur, the Laxminarayan Temple is a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
9. Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Mukteshwar Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is an ancient Hindu temple renowned for its architectural and artistic significance. Believed to have been constructed around the 10th century CE, during the reign of the Somavanshi dynasty, it stands as a splendid example of Kalinga architecture.
The temple features intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Its ornate gateway, richly adorned with sculptures, leads to the sanctum housing the deity of Lord Shiva. The Mukteshwar Temple is celebrated for its detailed workmanship and is a testament to the region’s artistic heritage.
10. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
The Shore Temple, located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. Dating back to the 8th century CE, it stands as a testament to Pallava dynasty architecture.
The temple complex comprises three shrines showcasing intricate carvings and sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities. The temple’s proximity to the Bay of Bengal has led to its name, and it’s renowned for its stone-cutting precision and monolithic structures.
The Shore Temple exemplifies Dravidian architecture, featuring a pyramidal structure with ornate detailing, making it a captivating and historically significant landmark in Indian temple architecture.
11. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Rajarajeswaram Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It’s a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture, built by King Rajaraja I of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century CE.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a towering vimana (temple tower) that rises over 66 meters, showcasing the Chola’s engineering and artistic expertise. The inner sanctum houses a massive lingam (aniconic representation of Shiva).
Elaborate sculptures, frescoes, and inscriptions on the temple walls depict mythological stories and historical events, highlighting their cultural and religious significance.
The Final Thoughts
Therefore, these are the top 5 oldest temples in India that you must visit once in your lifetime. The history and the culture of India are truly going to amaze you if you do not have any interest in religious beliefs and god. You can plan a trip with your family members or family after this pandemic.
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