A great religious nation, India is dotted with sacred sites dedicated to divinities. Whether Hindu, Buddhist or Sikh, these edifices feature stunning traditional architecture (or modern) and offer devotees places of contemplation where ancestral customs endure. Discover the 12 most beautiful temples in India, from north to south, passing through the west – and the dress code to observe when visiting.

1. Golden Temple (Punjab): India's Largest Sikh Temple

Known as the Golden Temple because of its gilt facades, Harmandir Sahib is the most sacred temple of Sikhism – the world's fifth-largest religion. In 2011, it represented 21 million Sikhs in India, roughly 1.7% of the population.

The edifice, located in the province of Punjab, was built in the 17th century by the fifth spiritual master of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan. The location was chosen at the very spot where the first Guru would meditate. It was destroyed twice (in 1757 and again in 1984) before being rebuilt.

The temple is situated at the base of the city to signify that it welcomes all disciples, regardless of rank. As for the architecture? You can admire its white marble domes and superb golden sanctuary, reflected in the waters of the sacred pool Amrit Sarovar.

Harmandir Sahib is a vast complex, comprising several Sikh places of worship (gurdwâras), as well as langars (refectories) where meals are distributed to all (pilgrims, locals, tourists) for communal purposes. More than 30,000 meals are served each day!

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2. Akshardham (Delhi): The New Temple with IMAX Cinema

Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi, this Hindu temple is quite recent, with construction completed in 2005. It was built by more than 7,000 workers (and 3,000 volunteers), as a tribute to the founder of the modern Hindu movement, Swaminarayan. Its architecture blends traditional and modern India…

Indeed, beyond its religious structures, the complex features musical fountains, exhibition halls (where you'll discover notably the life and journey of the Hindu founder, as well as art exhibitions), themed gardens, and even an IMAX cinema.

The entire complex spans approximately 400,000 m² (of which 8,021.4 m² for the temple itself) and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest complete Hindu temple. Akshardham is also an important pilgrimage site, where many devotees come to meditate and participate in ceremonies.

3. Mahabodhi (Bodh Gaya): A Buddhist Temple on UNESCO's List

Located in the state of Bihar, the Mahabodhi temple is renowned as one of four sacred sites associated with Buddha's life. The first temple, built in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka, is not the one we know today.

The current temple dates from the 5th or 6th century. It is also one of the oldest Buddhist temples in India that has not been destroyed. Just behind the temple, you'll find the Bodhi tree.

The site has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2002 as "one of the rare surviving examples of ancient brick construction in India."

4. Jagannath (Odisha): A Major Pilgrimage Destination

In the state of Odisha, you'll find the Jagannath temple. Built in the 12th century in honor of the eponymous god, it is a major pilgrimage site as it is one of four temples that Hindus must visit during the Char Dham – a pilgrimage to sacred temples that every Hindu should make at least once in their lifetime.

The edifice was designed in the pure Kalinga architectural style (the traditional style of Odisha), featuring imposing towers (shikharas), stone sculptures, and a hall for the faithful situated in front of the sanctuary.

5. Sun Temple (Konark): One of the Country's Most Spectacular Temples

Still in Odisha, venture to discover the Temple of Surya. Dedicated to the Sun God in Hindu mythology, it was erected in the 8th century by King Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga dynasty. The entire temple represents the chariot of this Sun god. It consists of 24 wheels and is pulled by 7 horses.

The site has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1984 and is considered one of the most impressive in the country – it welcomes nearly 2.5 million visitors annually! You can admire its Kalinga-style architecture, numerous pillars, and ornaments depicting deities (mythological creatures, gods, animals, etc.).

6. Annamalaiyar (Tiruvannamalai): One of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams

The Annamalaiyar temple (also called Arunachaleswarar) was built in the 9th century in the state of Tamil Nadu, approximately 100 km west of Pondicherry. This site is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and particularly for followers of Shaivism – a branch of Hinduism.

The temple belongs to the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, a religious ensemble comprising five of the largest temples dedicated to the god Shiva in South India. Each of the temples symbolizes one of the five elements:

1. Fire (Agni): Annamalaiyar temple,
2. Earth (Prithvi): Ekambareswarar temple,
3. Water (Apas): Jambukeswarar temple,
4. Air (Vayu): Srikalahasteeswara temple,
5. Ether or space (Akasha): Nataraja temple.

The temple extends across 10 hectares and stands out for its six towers 66 meters high!

7. Kailasanatha (Kanchipuram): The Most Beautiful Temple in Tamil Nadu

Renowned as the most beautiful temple in Tamil Nadu, the Kailasanatha temple was erected in the 8th century by King Rajasimha Narasimhavarman II. Dedicated to Shiva, it houses numerous sculptures from Indian mythology carved in stone.

Traces of ancestral wall paintings and numerous wall ornaments can still be seen on the exterior facades. Located outside the city, the temple sits in a quiet area, far from tourist crowds.

8. Brihadishvara (Thanjavur): A Temple and Monkeys

Also dedicated to Shiva, the Brihadishvara temple is one of the largest in South India. Built in the 11th century by Emperor Rajaraja Chola, it is part of the three "Living Great Chola Temples" along with the Rajendreshvara and Airavatesvara temples. It was also the first of the three to be inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987.

According to UNESCO, the complex is a remarkable "architectural design of the pure form of the Dravidian temple type" – a type of temple architecture originating from South India.

Another asset? The temple is renowned for its animal colonies. Squirrels, parakeets, and monkeys can be spotted in its surroundings!

9. Laxminarayan (Birla Mandir): A Temple Inaugurated by Gandhi

The first major Hindu temple built in the Indian capital, this temple is dedicated to Laxminarayan, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. When its construction was completed in 1939, the site was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The event, open to all, broke social barriers by welcoming people from all walks of life.

The temple (also called Birla Mandir) attracts thousands of devotees annually during the festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali, two major religious events. The rituals and prayers then celebrate Shiva, as well as other deities such as Buddha or Krishna.

10. Sri Ranganathaswamy (Srirangam): The Largest Temple in the World

Dedicated to Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu – a Hindu god), Sri Ranganathaswamy is a temple featuring Dravidian architecture. Spanning over 600,000 m², this vast religious complex is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world (still in use) – while the Angkor complex, located in Cambodia, is the largest without active worship.

It stands out for its seven prakarams (concentric walls) with a total length of 9,934 meters and its stunning hall of thousand pillars adorned with superb sculptures.

Every year, in June-July (the month of Aani), the temple organizes the Jyestabishekam Festival, lasting three days. On the first day, the statues of the icons are adorned with diamond armor, on the second with pearl armor, and on the third with gold armor!

11. Minakshi (Madurai): A Treasure of Dravidian Architecture

In Tamil Nadu, you'll also find the Minakshi temple, an architectural masterpiece of Dravidian style. A major pilgrimage site, it is also one of the largest active Hindu temples. Construction took 120 years (1560 – 1680)! It is dedicated to Shiva and Minakshi (the avatar of his wife Parvati).

In Hindu religion, Shiva is a male god. He is one of the three principal deities, along with Brahma and Vishnu. In his Ardhanarishvara form (another symbolic form), Shiva is half-man and half-woman (Parvati).

12. Virupaksha (Hampi)

The Virupaksha temple, dedicated to Shiva, was built in the 7th century by clan chief Lakkan Dandesh in the Karnataka region. It is the oldest temple in the city. It is part of the monumental complex of Hampi, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Initially, in the 7th century, the site was a simple sanctuary that transformed into a vast religious complex over time. You can notably admire icons and a central pillar hall, called Ranga Mandapa. The site welcomes a large number of pilgrims throughout the year.

How to Dress and Behave When Visiting a Temple in India?

To respect Indian religious beliefs, it is important to adopt a specific dress code before entering a temple. Regardless of faith (Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism), you must:

• cover your arms and legs (even men cannot wear shorts)
• remove your shoes at the entrance (there is often a designated cloakroom). Alternatively, put your shoes in your bag, but don't leave them in the entrance.

Moreover, each religion has its own additional rules. For example, it is:

• mandatory to cover your head in a Sikh temple (even men) – it is possible to use a shawl, turban, or scarf.
• forbidden to enter with leather items in certain ancient and very traditional temples (leather being considered impure).

Photography is often prohibited in active temples. However, it is sometimes allowed outside the sanctuaries (where the faithful pray) or only with a smartphone (actual cameras or professional equipment being prohibited).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest Hindu temple in India?

With over 600,000 m², the Srirangam temple, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, is the largest active Hindu complex in India. It is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Vishnu. It is renowned for its impressive gopurams, tall towers typical of traditional architecture.

Are women allowed to visit temples in India?

Historically, women aged 10 to 50 were not allowed to enter temples, as they were considered "impure" during their menstrual cycle. Furthermore, their presence violated the celibacy vow of the deity Ayyappa (as in the Sabarimala temple). Since 2018, these restrictions have been completely prohibited by the Indian Supreme Court.

Can non-Hindus visit all temples?

Some religious buildings prohibit entry to non-Hindu visitors (with the exception of Sikh and Buddhist temples). Generally, this restriction applies from the kodimaram: an architectural element located just before the entrance to the main sanctuary (garbhagriha). It marks a symbolic boundary. Beyond it, the space is reserved for the faithful. Signs often indicate to foreigners not to go past this limit.