Hindu temples are the focal points of Hindu worship. The central shrine contains images of gods associated with the temple. The outer squares, in contrast, depict the lesser gods. The images of Hindu gods are meant to invoke their respective emotions. In addition, the rituals that take place in Hindu temples are based on symbolism.
Temples are also places for contemplation and meditation. While some Hindu temples accommodate entire communities, most are meant to be personal and designed to be used by a single individual or couple. These temples have small private areas for darsana (prayer or meditation). In addition, these temples are often dedicated to a single deity.
Devotees chant the names of God in this way in order to reunite with the Supreme. In many cases, chanting the name of the Lord helps one attain enlightenment. Hindu temples also serve as learning centers. They provide students with a chance to learn about the culture and values of Hinduism. Classes are offered in Hindi language, Sanskrit script, and traditional yoga.
Here is the list of the top 10 ancient Hindi Temples
Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia
Located on the Indonesian island of Bali, Tanah Lot is the home of an ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple, Pura Tanah Lot. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination and cultural icon. Photography enthusiasts will find the temple to be a breathtaking backdrop for their images. However, you’ll need to make reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Visitors can reach the Hindu temples by cab or Grab a cab. A Grab cab costs less than a normal cab, though charges may vary by region. Another option is to take a bus. The combination of cab and bus fare will cost almost the same as a cab alone. Once inside, however, you can take a short walk along the beach side.
During the day, you’ll find plenty of tourists swarming the temple. Most of them come to see the sunset when the temple is illuminated by the sun. Visitors should also be aware that Tanah Lot Temple is home to a poisonous snake, which is said to guard the temple. To visit the temple, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of IDR 60,000 (USD 4.18). You’ll also be asked to donate a small amount after entering.
Kanchipuram Temples
One of the most interesting temples in India is the Kanchipuram Temple, which has an architecture that reflects influences from different dynasties. You can visit the temple during the day, between 6 am and 11 am and from 5 pm to 8 pm. During the festival of Mahashivratri, the temple is especially beautiful.
The Hindu temples are located in the heart of Kanchipuram. It is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, who is believed to be the carnation of Goddess Parvati. It has great religious significance and represents the rich cultural heritage of South India. The temple is maintained by the Department of Archaeology of Tamil Nadu.
The temple has three levels and is home to a three-tiered Rajagopuram and sanctum sanctorum. According to Hindu legend, the temple was built by the Chola dynasty in the ninth century. Today, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department of Tamil Nadu markets the temple as a significant South Indian tourist destination.
In India, temples have always been the center of culture and landscapes. The temples of Kanchipuram are among the holiest in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city is known as the City of a Thousand Temples and is an ideal destination for pilgrimage.
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Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to the god Shiva and is known locally as Thanjai Periya Kovil. This ancient temple is a popular tourist destination and is located in a beautiful setting.
The temple was built during the 11th century by Rajaraja Chola I, a son of Sundara Chola (Parantaka-II) and Vanavan Mahadevi. These Hindu temples are famous for their symmetrical layout and axial geometry. Like the other temples of the same era, this temple exhibits the glories of the Tamil Chola empire. The temple also features multifaceted columns, which indicate that the Chola style was introduced at this time.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple also features beautiful paintings on its ceilings. Many of these murals date back to the Nayak dynasty and the Maratha kings. The pillars of the Nandi Mandapam also depict mythical Yellis. The temple’s exterior features a pavilion built by the Nayaka kings in the 16th century.
The central shrine, vestibule, and large courtyard surround the temple. There are also frescoes and inscriptions on the walls. The main lingam, which stands at more than 216 feet high, is covered by a tall, thin Vimanam. Its exterior is made from granite and the temple is built on an east-west axis.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
In Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, you will find the Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Meenakshi and is the largest in India. The shrine was built in the late twelfth century. It is also called the Shri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple.
To visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, you must be in the area at least two hours before sunset or three hours after sunrise. The temple is best visited early in the morning or early in the evening. The temple was built by king Malayadwaja Pandya, who had asked Lord Shiva for a son. The king and his wife Kanchanamali requested the god and he appeared as a triple-breasted girl. The royal couple was reassured that the third breast would disappear when Meenakshi met her future husband.
The temple is a symbol of national pride and is visited by thousands of people every day. The Hindu temples attract more than 1 million visitors annually. On Fridays, the temple receives about 25,000 visitors. This brings in a lot of revenue for the town and the local economy. So, if you’re looking for something different to do on your next vacation, you should try Meenakshi Amman Temple!
Besides worshipping Lord Shiva, visitors can experience other Hindu festivals at Meenakshi Amman Temple. During the Navarathri festival, Gollu – the colorful dolls – are displayed. These colorful dolls convey stories from mythological scenes.
Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Prambanan Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Trimurti, a symbol of God as Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. The temple is considered one of the most beautiful and impressive temples in Indonesia.
If you are planning to visit the temple, there are a number of ways to get there. First, you can take a bus. It takes approximately one hour from Yogyakarta to Prambanan and costs IDR 3,600. Buses depart at six in the morning and run every 20 minutes throughout the day. Alternatively, you can hire a car.
The construction of the Prambanan Temple began in 850 C.E., but the Hindu devotees abandoned the complex shortly after its completion. It was only in the late 19th century CE that it was rediscovered and restored. Today, some parts of the Hindu temples are still being renovated and maintained. In 2006, the temple was damaged by an earthquake, but subsequent reconstruction has allowed it to reopen.
The temple complex is arranged in three zones. The outer zone is marked by a large rectangular wall, which may have been a sacred park or priests’ boarding school. The inner zone contains the temples and a bas-relief that depicts the story of Ramayana. The east gate is where you can see the famous Shiva statue, which stands three meters tall.
The Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka, India
Located in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, the Virupaksha Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva. This temple is a popular destination for tourists and locals.
The Virupaksha Temple has many pillared halls. One of the temple’s highest pillars is the eastern gopuram with a height of 50 meters. The temple is also home to several carvings that tell stories of Lord Shiva. The temple is also home to a separate temple dedicated to Lord Vidyaranya. In addition, the Virupaksha Temple is a popular attraction for children.
This temple is one of the oldest Hindu Temples in India and is one of the most visited places in Hampi. The temple is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It is surrounded by many other temples and is visited by many pilgrims every year. The temple is located in the Nalagamapalle district of Andhra Pradesh.
The Virupaksha Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for tourists from all over the world. The main sanctum is a particularly impressive hall that has been adorned with exquisite artwork and stunning carvings. Sadly, photography is prohibited in the sanctum area. However, this beautiful temple is well worth the visit.
In 1510, the Tuluvas greatly extended the Virupaksha Temple. During this time, the gopura was added opposite the main shrine. They may also have begun the colonnaded street.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu, India
Sri Ranganathaswamy Hindu Temples in the city of Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a popular tourist destination because of its history and beautiful architecture. The temple has been around for several centuries and has attracted pilgrims from all over the world.
The temple is also one of the eight Svayam Vyakta Kshetras or self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. Sri Rangam is considered to be one of the most important of these shrines. Major festivals are celebrated at the temple including Vaikunta Ekadesi, Aadi Bharam Mahotsavam, and Adhyanotsavam.
The main sanctum houses the statue of Lord Ranganatha, flanked by his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There are also beautiful sculptures that date back to the Vijayanagara period. The temple also houses several shrines dedicated to different forms of Lord Vishnu.
Srirangam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO’s Asia Pacific region awarded it an Award of Merit for its efforts to rebuild the temple while preserving its traditional splendor and Vedic rituals. In the past, the temple had been under threat from earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Located on National Highway 38, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is accessible by bus from many major cities in South India. The nearest town is Tiruchirappalli.
Banteay Srei Temple, Cambodia
The Banteay Srei temple in Cambodia is one of the 10th-century Hindu temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It lies near the hill of Phnom Dei, 25 km north of the main Angkor temple group. The site was once a part of the medieval capitals of Yasodharapura and Angkor Thom.
The temple has a number of architectural features that help it stand out from other Angkor sites. One such feature is its beautiful exterior decoration. The walls are covered with vine-like flourishes and feature devatas, topless female gods. A few decades after it was constructed, Andre Malraux broke in and stole four devatas from the temple.
Although the temple was ruined for several years, it was eventually restored and reconstructed. Restoration work was completed in the late 19th century. The structure is made of red sandstone. It was originally built by a courtier named Yajnavaraha. Later, it was expanded and was used until the 14th century.
Banteay Srei Temple is located northeast of the main Angkor area, along a mountaintop site called Kbal Spean. It is a unique temple, as it is the smallest in the entire Angkor complex. Despite its size, Banteay Srei contains some of the finest stone carvings. The temple is also dedicated to Shiva, and many of the carvings are three-dimensional.
Khajuraho Temples, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
The history of the Khajuraho temples dates back to the Rajput Chandela dynasty. The name “Khajuraho” comes from the word Khajur, which means “date palm.” The Hindu temples were mostly built between 950 and 1050 AD, during the reigns of the Hindu Kings Yasovarman and Dhanga.
The Parsvanath Temple was constructed in the mid-10th century, and it is the largest of the Jain complex. It contains some of the best sculptures in all of Khajuraho. The design is a rectangle with a separate spire in the rear. It features statues of flying angels and sloe-eyed beauties. The interior of the temple features carvings of deities and daily life.
The Khajuraho temples are a combination of Jain and Hindu architecture. The three major Shiva temples are considered symbolic representations of cosmic design. The temples include the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Matangeshwar Temple, and Vishwanath Temple. In addition to the Shiva and Jain temples, the complex also contains a necropolis that is considered the center of the physical universe.
In addition to the Hindu temples, visitors to Khajuraho should check out the archeological museum located next to the Matangesvara Temple. The museum contains a collection of sculptures and carvings that are worth admiring. The museum’s three galleries are designed to place the sculptures in their proper context.
Angkor Wat Temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat Temple is an impressive religious complex that contains three distinct levels that increase in height and size. The first two levels are divided by covered galleries, while the upper level is composed of five towers. Known as the Bakan Sanctuary, the upper level is open to only a certain number of visitors per day. The architecture is composed of repetitive elements that are reminiscent of nature.
One of the best ways to get a great photo of the Hindu temples is to approach them in the evening. A headlamp will help you locate the reflection pond. The best photos will show the temple towers reflecting in the water. Angkor Wat is a fascinating temple to visit, and it will take between 40 minutes and an hour to explore it all.
The most popular panel of bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat is the Ocean of Milk panel. This panel was derived from the epic Bhagavata-Purana and features gods and demons churning the water to create the Amrta, which is a symbol of prosperity. The Apsaras are located at the base of the five central towers.
The temple is set on a terrace raised higher than the surrounding city. The upper levels are divided into steps. The first three levels contain four large towers and a fifth, higher tower. The central portion of the temple is home to a sacred image, and it is also the highest point in the complex.
For more Hindu Temples, please visit the Official Wikipedia Link