As one of the world’s oldest cultures, India is home to a wide variety of religious traditions, myths, and beliefs. Being the cradle of four major world religions, India is justifiably proud of its cultural and religious heritage. Those of several faiths may coexist peacefully and openly in India. It is generally agreed that Hinduism is the oldest religion in existence. Hinduism, unlike other religions, is not the result of the consolidation of many disparate faiths. The religion is described as a way of life in several historical texts and modern researchers, with no clear origin or finish.
In Hinduism, “Mandir” refers to the physical location of sacred worship. Awe-inspiring temples may be found in just about every city and town throughout the nation. There is a different tale and background to every temple. Indian emperors back in the day were big fans of the arts and often commissioned monumental works of art like temples from local painters and sculptors to show off their might. Many of the most well-known and impressive temples in all of India are featured on Tour My India.
Sun Temple, Odisha
Konark, a tiny town in the Puri region of Odisha, is home to the Sun Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in honour of Surya, the Hindu god of the sun. The configuration of his chariot, pulled by seven horses, inspired the design of the temple.
A monarch named Narasimhadeva commissioned the construction of the temple in the 13th century. There is an ancient legend attached to this temple, once Lord Krishna cursed one of his own sons with leprosy. Samba, his son, sacrificed himself to Surya for twelve years as an act of penance.
Surya, moved by the man’s faith, decided to cure him. To show his appreciation, Samba built the Temple of the Sun. Rabindranath Tagore said it best when he said, “Here the language of stone transcends the language of man.”
Brihadeeswara Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is one of the biggest temples in all of South India. This temple, which has many other names, was commissioned by Raja Raja Chola I, the Chola ruler, in the 11th century. As a culture, the Cholas are renowned for their appreciation of the arts.
The grand and magnificent architecture of the temple is a fitting testament to the Cholas’ wealth and artistic prowess. It was constructed entirely of granite stone in accordance with Vaastu Shastra guidelines.
The fact that this World Heritage Site casts no shadow at midday is perhaps its most striking feature. The significance of religious faith in Hinduism is reflected in the presence of a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Somnath Temple Gujarat
The ancient scriptures Shiv Puran, Skanda Puran, and Shreemad Bhagvat Git all make reference to the Somnath Temple, making it one of the earliest pilgrimage centres in India. Soma means “Moon God,” hence “Protector of the Moon God” best describes what Somnath does.
The Indian moon god Soma was allegedly cursed by his father-in-law to become dull. After Soma’s ailment was healed by Lord Shiva, the latter was honoured with a temple constructed by Soma. It is one of the most revered ‘jyotirlinga’ among the 12 jyotirlingas of India.
Prabhas Kshetra, in the state of Saurashtra, is home to the temple (Gujarat). Lord Krishna is said to have ascended to heaven from Prabhas Kshetra. In addition to the beach, the Junagadh gate, the museum dedicated to Somnath, and the sound and light show, there is also a museum dedicated to Somnath.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
The Kedarnath temple is one of the holiest places of worship on Earth, and it can be found in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, a mountainous state in the Indian subcontinent. Pandavas are said to have constructed the temple to Shiva as penance for their actions during the Mahabharata war.
In the eighth century, Adi Sankaracharya oversaw a restoration of the temple. It’s one of Uttarakhand’s Chota Char Dhams, and getting there involves a 14-kilometre hike across the hills.
The temple, which is situated at an elevation of 3,583 metres and is surrounded by glaciers and snow-clad peaks, is closed during the winter months due to the extreme weather conditions. Lord Shiva’s idol is moved to Ukhimath when the temple is closed for the winter.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
One of the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, Rameswaram is a tiny island town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Legend has it that Lord Rama and his wife Sita arrived on this island after vanquishing the brahmin demon king, Ravana.
Lord Rama wished to beg to Lord Shiva for forgiveness after he accidentally killed a brahmin. For a Shivalinga, he enlisted the help of Hanuman and had him go to Kailash. Sita, the goddess, meantime, fashioned a little lingam. Those carried by Hanuman are known as Vishwalingams, while the one Goddess Sita fashioned is known as Ramalingams.
Lord Rama decreed that the Vishwalingam, not the Ramalingam, should be worshipped first, and this tradition continues to this day.
