The 8 Most Spectacular Temples in India That You Must Visit

India is home to some of the world's most spectacular temples, each with a unique history, stunning architecture, and profound spiritual significance. Here's a selection of these incredible places you should visit.

The Golden Temple, Amritsar

Spiritually, this is the most important site in Sikhism. Visually, it is one of the most beautiful temples in the world. Covered in pure gold and situated in the center of an artificial lake, it appears to float magically as devotees walk along the walkway to enter. The Sri Darbar Sahib is a symbol of brotherhood and equality; all people, regardless of their background, are welcome to seek spiritual solace. It represents the unique identity and heritage of the Sikh people.

The Temples and Monuments of Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu

This group of shrines, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved directly into the rock along the Coromandel coast between the 7th and 8th centuries. It is famous for its rathas (chariot-shaped temples), mandapas (cave shrines), and open-air reliefs such as the well-known 'Descent of the Ganges'. The Rivage temple complex boasts thousands of sculptures dedicated to the glory of Shiva.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho

Hidden away in the heart of India, this fascinating group of Hindu and Jain monuments is colloquially known as the Kama Sutra temples, as many are covered in highly erotic sculptures. Kandariya Mahadeva is the largest and most impressive, with three vertical tiers covered in hundreds of figures in sexual and yogic positions. The carvings are over a thousand years old. There are 22 more temples in the group to explore, so it's worth spending several days there.

Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan

Nestled in the forests of the Aravalli Hills, about 90 km from Udaipur, this 15th-century Jain temple is a magnificent structure. It stands gracefully on the banks of the Maghai River and features intricate designs reminiscent of fine embroidery. It is one of the most brilliant architectural monuments on the Indian subcontinent and the largest and most important place of worship for Jains.

The Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur

This Chola temple is over 1,000 years old. Its incredibly beautiful and timeless stone carvings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Protecting the pinkish-orange temple is a massive statue of a bull, Nandi, carved from a single piece of rock. Inside, you'll find a massive linga (an abstract representation of the god Shiva) weighing 81 tons, along with 100 smaller lingas , various shrines, and deities.

The Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Hampi transports you to another world; a landscape dotted with rocks and temples that seems to belong to another era. The Virupaksha Temple dominates the area with its enormous Gopuram (ornate entrance tower) that reaches for the sky. It is the oldest temple and the only one still functioning in Hampi. The main shrine is dedicated to an incarnation of Shiva. You can witness daily ceremonies in the morning and afternoon, but beware of the mischievous monkeys that roam freely.

The Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Visiting this fabulous Hindu temple is a profound and fascinating experience. Located in the heart of the bustling city, it is dedicated to a form of the goddess Parvati. Masses of devotees flock there daily with offerings of flowers and fruit. The pilgrimage site features shrines, secret chambers, and thousands of intricately carved pillars spread across a vast 14 acres.

The Ellora Cave Temples, Aurangabad

Here you'll explore 34 temples hand-carved from the rock. Some took 200 years to complete. The main Hindu temple alone required the removal of 200,000 tons of rock. The temples are so vast, intricate, and beautiful that it can be overwhelming. In addition to the Hindu temples, there are Buddhist and Jain monuments. Here you'll find the world's largest monolithic rock carving: the Kailasa Temple, incredibly hewn from a single piece of rock.

The grandeur of India is revealed in these temples, where architectural prowess and spiritual depth merge. Planning a visit to any of them is to embark on an unforgettable journey.