One of the greatest and the oldest cultures in the world, the Harappan Culture had grown in India, approximately in 2600 BC. Since that time, this marvellous country has seen so many transgressions. Some of the plunderers came with the motive of loot only while others chose to stay here forever. That is why India is all about diverse cultures and different religions. So many great people have praised this incredible country for its diversity which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The religious beliefs and the temples have become an indispensable part of rich Indian culture.
These temples are the recognised to be the home of God. Hence, it is also believed that these temples possess enormous powers. When people need close interaction with the eternal power, they visit the temple. Along with that, these famous temples of India are also an extensive part of Indian culture. These are also recognised to be an architectural heritage. Some of them were constructed over hundreds of years ago. The unparalleled beauty and the artistic work attract people from all across the world. Today we are going to check five most famous temples in India. People believe that if you pray here wholeheartedly, your wish will be fulfilled.
Vaishno Devi temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most famous and the holiest temples in India. This cave temple is situated in the magnificent valley of Jammu and Kashmir. There you’ll find a place named Katra. Trikuta Mountains is located in Katra and on the top of the mountain this shrine is situated. People get surprised when they come to know that over million people visit this temple every year to take the benediction of Maa Vaishno Devi. Goddess Mahalakshmi’s another form is known to be Vaishno Devi. Devotees also call her Mata Rani, Vaishnavi or Trikuta.
It is believed that Maa (mother) chooses her visitors. Therefore, someone can successfully reach the doorstep of Mata Rani to get her blessings only if she wants. After walking 12 km from Katra town, one can enter the holy abode of Maa Vaishno Devi. Here the visitors can see three different rock heads which have formed naturally. These are believed to be the three forms of Maa Vaishno Devi. Those are Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali and Maha Saraswati. According to legends, Pandavas visited Trikuta before the battle of Kurukshetra to get the blessings of Maa Vaishnavi.
Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
Kamakhya Devi Temple is one of the most prominent attractions of Assam and also one of the most significant temples in India. In Guwahati city of Assam, there is a place named Nilachal Hill. This pious sculpture is situated there. This spiritual temple is known to be one of the famous pilgrimage sites, mostly worshipped by the tantric. Total 51 Shakti Pithas are there. This temple is one of them.
Goddess Sati was the daughter of King Daksha. She was married to Lord Shiva. Daksha once arranged a yagna. He invited all gods except Shiva. Sati participated in the yagna where Daksha, her father, insulted Lord Shiva in front of everyone. Sati couldn’t bear this insult towards Shiva, and she immolated herself in front of everyone. After hearing this tragic incident, Shiva was enraged. He started dancing by picking up Sati’s body. It was the dance of destruction which is also known as Tandav. Lord Vishnu then cut her body with his Chakra. Sati’s Yoni fell here, and this place got famous as Kamakhya temple. Here the devotees offer goats to Maa Kamakhya. The main attraction is Ambubachi Mela festival. Thousands of devotees from all over the world visit this temple in June to participate in this annual celebration.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Andhra Pradesh:
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is one of the most visited sacred places in the world. This site is often abbreviated as TTD. This holy temple is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Whenever you visit this place, you’ll see the most significant number of devotees come from all across the world. That is why this magnificent temple is known to be one of the famous pilgrim destinations of the world. This temple is worshipped by everyone because of Lord Vishnu. He manifested himself here to guide people towards emancipation. That is why this site is also recognized as Bhuloka Vaikuntam. It means Vishnu’s abode on the earth.
The antique nature of this sacred place, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams temple has been found in several Puranas like the Bhavishyottara Purana and the Varaha Purana. According to the Hindu mythology, sage Bhrighu once, tried to find out the most supreme power among Hindu triad. At first, he went to Brahma and Shiva, but he was not satisfied with their hospitality, and then he went to Vishnu. To grab the attention of Vishnu, he kicked on his chest. Lord Vishnu’s wife, Lakshmi resided in his chest, and she felt very much insulted by the behaviour of the sage. She left Vaikunta and taken birth in the name Padmavati. She enshrined in Tirupati forever to save people’s life.
Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra:
The holiest temple of Maharashtra Siddhivinayak temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple is open throughout the year, but on Tuesday this temple becomes full of devotees. This one is one of the Ashtavinayak temples which are located in Maharashtra. The other seven temples among Ashtavinayak temples are found in different parts of the country. Navasacha Ganapati and Navasala Pavanara Ganapati are other two names of Siddhivinayak Temple.
This temple was not so big when it was constructed. That time, it had just one small idol of Ganesha. Later on, the doors of the temple were decorated with Ashtavinayaka, and the inner roof is entirely gold plated. You’ll find a statue of Mushak or mouse, the ride or Vahana of Lord Ganesha. It is also believed that if you whisper your wish in Mushak’s ear, it comes true. Bollywood actors frequently visit this place before the release of their films.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar
Mahabodhi temple is situated in the district of Gaya, Bihar state. This one is also recognised to be the World Heritage site of UNESCO. This is the place where Gautama Buddha accomplished enlightenment. So it is one of the greatest and the oldest Buddhist temples. You can see the brick structures of the Gupta period.
This temple is the sculpture of 7th century. Later on, it was repaired many times. If you visit this remarkable temple, you’ll find a 55 meters long central tower which is surrounded by four smaller towers. The stone railings of the temple have been carved delicately. Two types of railings are founded here. The first one is the oldest from 150 BCE. This one is made of sandstone. The other railings are constructed with coarse granite. King Ashoka built the massive statue of Lord Buddha. This figure is covered in gold and built of black stone. If you are a worshipper of Lord Buddha, you must visit this holiest temple.