India is home to one of the old civilisations in the world. The country had always been spiritual and welcoming for everyone. Today, we look at the 10 oldest temples in India along with brief descriptions:
Kailasa Temple, Ellora: Built in the 8th century CE, the Kailasa Temple is a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved from a single rock, it stands as one of the largest monolithic structures in the world.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur: Constructed in the 11th century CE by Chola emperor Raja Raja I, this temple is known for its massive lingam, intricate frescoes, and the imposing 216-feet tall vimana (tower).
Konark Sun Temple, Odisha: Dating back to the 13th century CE, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate stone carvings depicting mythological stories and the chariot-like architecture dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand: Situated in the Himalayas, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It has been mentioned in various Hindu scriptures and is believed to have been built around the 8th century CE.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram: Constructed in the 8th century CE during the Pallava dynasty, this temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. It overlooks the Bay of Bengal and is renowned for its Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings.
Jagannath Temple, Puri: Dating back to the 12th century CE, this temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Krishna) and hosts the famous Rath Yatra festival annually.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai: This sprawling temple complex dates back to around the 6th century CE, with significant expansions in later centuries. It is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) and is renowned for its gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with colorful sculptures.
Chennakesava Temple, Belur: Built in the 12th century CE by the Hoysala Empire, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is known for its intricate sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu: These Jain temples date back to the 11th-13th centuries CE and are famous for their extraordinary marble carvings and architectural details. They are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras.
Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand: Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It dates back to the 9th century CE and attracts thousands of devotees annually.
These temples not only reflect the rich cultural and architectural heritage of India but also serve as important religious and pilgrimage centers for millions of people worldwide.
