Pilgrimage
7 Historical Temples of India
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
- Location: Thanjavur
- Built by: Raja Raja Chola I
- Period: 11th century
- Significance: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a massive central dome and intricate sculptures.
Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
- Location: Konark
- Built by: King Narasimhadeva I
- Period: 13th century
- Significance: Known for its exquisite stone carvings, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with intricately carved stone wheels, pillars, and walls. It is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
- Location: Kedarnath
- Period: Ancient, exact date unknown, reconstructed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya
- Significance: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, this temple is located in the Himalayan range and is a significant pilgrimage site.
Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
- Location: Khajuraho
- Built by: Chandela dynasty
- Period: 950-1050 AD
- Significance: Famous for their erotic sculptures and Nagara-style architectural symbolism, these temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka
- Location: Hampi
- Built by: Originally built in the 7th century, additions made by the Vijayanagara rulers
- Period: 7th century, expanded in the 14th century
- Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and showcases remarkable Vijayanagara architecture.
Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
- Location: Ranakpur
- Built by: Dharna Shah, a local Jain businessman
- Period: 15th century
- Significance: Known for its stunning marble architecture, this temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha and features intricate carvings and 1,444 unique pillars.
Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu
- Location: Madurai
- Built by: Ancient origins with significant contributions by the Nayak rulers in the 16th century
- Period: Significant contributions in the 16th century
- Significance: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). It’s renowned for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with colorful sculptures.