5 Famous & Ancient Indian Temple Architectures
1. The Kailasa Temple (Ellora Caves)
Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
Constructed: 8th Century AD, during the Rashtrakuta dynasty
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open all days)
The Kailasa Temple is a rock-cut monolithic temple located in the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Ellora cave complex, which includes 34 monasteries and temples. What makes this temple unique is that it was carved out of a single rock, making it an engineering wonder of ancient India.
2. The Brihadeeswarar Temple
Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Constructed: 1010 AD, during the Chola dynasty
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Open all days)
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is one of the largest and most famous temples in India. It was built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a significant example of Dravidian architecture.
3. The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
Location: Amritsar, Punjab
Constructed: 1581 AD, during the Mughal era
Visiting Hours: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Open all days)
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest Sikh Gurdwara and a symbol of spiritual and historical significance for Sikhs. Located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, the temple was founded by Guru Ram Das in 1581 and completed by Guru Arjan.
4. The Konark Sun Temple
Location: Konark, Odisha
Constructed: 13th Century AD, during the Eastern Ganga dynasty
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Open all days)
The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the Sun God (Surya). Located in Konark, Odisha, it was constructed in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I. The temple is designed in the shape of a giant chariot with twelve pairs of wheels, symbolizing the chariot of the Sun God.
5. The Meenakshi Temple
Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Constructed: 6th Century AD, expanded by Nayak rulers in the 17th century
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Open all days)
The Meenakshi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and her consort, Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). Located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, this temple has a history that dates back over 2,500 years, though its most impressive features were added during the 17th century under the Nayak rulers.