Travel Guide to Visiting Temples of India 

For all those who are planning to visit the famous temples of India, this is just the page they were looking for. Here, you will find complete and comprehensive information regarding the famous temples across the country, the etiquette to follow, and some useful tips.

TransIndus is one platform where you can easily plan your temple tours and get a customized trip based on your preferences. What you need is a perfectly tailored itinerary if you are passionate about Indian temples and want to explore famous destinations. Browse through the following travel guide to temples of India.

The most Iconic temples to visit in India

The following are the most famous temples of India that are visited by hundreds and thousands of visitors within India and from abroad.

Temples in North India

• Badrinath – Dedicated to Vishnu
  One of the most famous temples in North India, Badrinath and located at the height of more than 10,000 feet. Accessed only during the summer months, It is also one of the four Char Dhams and among the holiest temples in India.
• Brahmaji Temple– Dedicated to Brahma
  Situated in the town of Pushkar, the temple is considered to be the most sacred space. It is among the very few temples dedicated to the God Brahmaji, who was the creator of the universe. It lies close to the sacred Pushkar Lake and is among the most popular and visited temples in India.
• Kedarnath Temple– Dedicated to Shiva
  Thousands of Hindus make pilgrimages to one of the most famed temples in India in the Himalayas, which is Kedarnath. The sacred Shiva temple lies at an elevation of more than 11,000 feet and is one of the most difficult to access in the winter. Pilgrims wait for months to visit this 8th-century temple.
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple– dedicated to Shiva
• People from all across India and the world come to the city of Varanasi to visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located on the banks of the river Ganges. Varanasi city and the temple are one of the oldest and date back to the 11th century B.C. Hindu devotees believe that they can get free through the laws of Karma by making a visit to Kashi Vishwanath.

Temples in South India

• Rameshwaram – Dedicated to Shiva
  Located on a small island that lies between India and Sri Lanka, the Rameshwaram temple has several shrines tied to it. Dedicated to. The temple, which is well known as Ramanathaswamy, was a small, thatched hut originally, and today it is stunningly beautiful.
• Sri Virupaksha – Dedicated to Lord Virupaksha
  Located in Hampi in Karnataka, Sri Virupaksha temple is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple dates back to the days of the impressive Vijayanagara Empire and boasts stunning architecture, and Bhuvaneshwari and Vidyaranya are two shrines within the temple.
• Meenakshi Temple– Dedicated to Parvati and Shiva
  Meenakshi Temple is located on the river Vaigai banks, and it is also known as Sundareswarar Temple due to its marvelous architecture. The grand appearance of halls, gopurams, and shrines is sure to leave you impressed. The raised right leg of Nataraja and the Meenakshi holding a parrot are two distinct features of the temple iconography.

Temples in West India

• Dwarkadhish Temple – Dedicated to Krishna
  Located in Dwarka, a town along the Arabian Sea and near the Gomti River, the Dwarkadhish Temple is the fourth of the Char Dhams. Also famous as Jagat Mandir, the Hindu temple dates from 400 B.C. and is totally serene and beautiful.
• Somnath Temple – Dedicated to Shiva
  Somnath Temple is situated on the western coast of Gujarat and is a very important pilgrimage for Hindus. The temple architecture is done in Chaulukya style, and the temple site is the spot for the confluence of three rivers- Sarasvati, Hiran, and Kapila.
• Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple – Dedicated to Shiva
  Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is dedicated to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is seen as the most sacred abode of Shiva. Located in Madhya Pradesh, the famous temple is situated on the banks of the river Shipra. The unique feature of Dakshin Mukhi is found only in Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingas temple, which is built on five levels.

Temples in East India

• Jagannath temple – Dedicated to Vishnu
  Jagannath temple is the third of the four Char Dhams and looks over the Bay of Bengal. Jagannath means Lord of the universe, and it is the only temple where Subhadra, who is a sister of Lord Krishna, is worshipped. Jagannath temple dates back to the 12th Century A.D. and is famous for the ‘Rath Yatra.’
• Lingaraja temple – Dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu
  Lingaraja temple is the oldest and largest temple which is located in Odisha. Only Hindus are allowed to enter this temple, but other visitors come here to enjoy the incredible surroundings and experience Lake Bindu Sagar. The lake lies behind the team and is said to have healing properties.
• Kamakhya Devi Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Shakti
  Located in Assam, Kamakhya Devi Temple blesses all its devotees who come here. It is a must-visit temple which is located in Assam. The temple dates back to the 8th-9th century, and one of the key attractions is Ambubasi Melam.

Temple etiquette to follow when in India

When visiting famous Indian temples and religious places, you must keep some useful tips in mind so that you not only avoid breaking any rules as well as can enjoy a beautiful and enriching experience.

• Dress conservatively and cover your head and do not show too much skin and wear traditional outfits if possible.
• Remove your shoes before entering the temple, and most
• temples have staff and counters to take care of your shoes while you are inside for a visit.
• Wash your hand and feet before going inside, and you will find taps or shallow water pools for cleansing your feet and hands.
• Carry some change or Indian currency in rupees as it is a custom to make some cash offerings in the temples. However, discourage people who approach you for some donation for the temple.
• When inside, kneel down and bow your head, and you can sit down to pray for a little while. You may be offered holy water on your right hand.
• Most of the temples do not allow photography inside, but you can click some amazing pictures of the temples and their surroundings.
• As temples are always crowded, be wary of pickpockets who may be present in the crowds, looking for an opportunity.

Just follow the above guideline to have an enriching experience as you visit the famous Indian temples. It is a great idea to research the temple you are visiting and look forward to a more inspiring time and venture.