Inheritage Foundation
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage, one site at a time
Heritage Sites
Explore and discover India's rich architectural heritage
Temple
Ancient (Mahabharata era)
Vidur Kutir
Vidur Kuti Road, Vidur Kuti, Dara Nagar Ganj, Uttar Pradesh.
Simple, functional modern Indian style for the ashram and temple buildings.
Important local religious site, managed by local authorities/trust.
Located near Bijnor on the banks of the Ganges, Vidur Kuti is believed to be the place where Mahatma Vidur, the wise half-brother of Dhritarashtra and Pandu from the Mahabharata, spent significant time, especially after leaving Hastinapur. It houses the Vidur Seva Ashram and a temple, serving as a place of pilgrimage and reflection associated with Vidur's wisdom (Vidur Niti).
Completeness100%
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Monument
1764 CE
Kusum Sarovar
Govardhan, Mathura District
Rajasthani with Mughal influences
Protected Monument under Archaeological Survey of India
Kusum Sarovar is a historic sandstone monument with a large water tank situated at the sacred Govardhan Hill. Built during the 18th century, this magnificent structure features elaborate cenotaphs (chhatris) of the royal family of Bharatpur and showcases exceptional Rajasthani architecture. The site is surrounded by lush gardens and offers a serene atmosphere for visitors and pilgrims, making it a significant landmark in the Krishna pilgrimage circuit.
Completeness92%
Temple
1780 CE
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Gali, Lahori Tola, Varanasi
Nagara (Indo-Aryan architecture with North Indian temple motifs)
Protected Monument under state government and managed by temple trust
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara meaning Ruler of the Universe. The newly renovated complex now spans over 5 lakh square feet with 24 buildings.
Completeness87%
Temple
11th century CE
Kardameswar Mahadev Temple
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Nagara (North Indian temple architecture)
Protected Monument under ASI
The Mahadev Temple in Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is renowned for its religious and architectural significance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it showcases classical Nagara-style architecture characterized by ornate stone carvings, elaborate shikharas, and sanctified spaces that have hosted worship for centuries.
Completeness87%
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Temple
860 CE
Jarai Ka Math Temple
Barwasagar, Jhansi District
Nagara (North Indian temple architecture), Early Chandela
Protected Monument under Archaeological Survey of India
Jarai Ka Math is a remarkable 9th-century temple complex displaying exquisite Chandela architecture before their grand Khajuraho period. The temple features intricate stone carvings, a shikara-style spire, and showcases the transition from the early to mature Chandela temple design. Its historical significance and architectural excellence make it an important but lesser-known heritage site in central India.
Completeness82%
Temple
2020-2024 CE
Ram Mandir
Ramjanmabhoomi, Ayodhya
Nagara (North Indian temple architecture)
Not yet designated as protected monument (recently constructed)
The Ram Mandir is a grand Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Built on the site believed to be the birthplace of Rama, the temple represents one of the most significant modern religious architectural projects in India. The Nagara-style temple features intricate carvings, a soaring spire (shikhara), and is constructed entirely of pink sandstone without the use of steel. The complex spans 2.7 acres within a larger 70-acre complex and is designed to last over 1,000 years.
Completeness82%
Temple
1058
Brahmeswara Temple
Bhubaneswar (Khordha District), Odisha, India
Kalinga Architecture
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI).
Built in the 11th century in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Brahmeswara Temple is a fine example of mature Kalinga architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this sandstone temple is noted for its pyramidal tower (rekha deul) and attached porch (jagamohana). Its walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting deities, musicians, dancers, and religious scenes. While not as large as Lingaraj Temple, Brahmeswara is significant for its detailed sculptural work and architectural finesse, representing a key phase in Odia temple building history.
Completeness72%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
1250
Konark Sun Temple
Konark (Puri District), Odisha, India
Kalinga Architecture
UNESCO World Heritage Site, ASI protected monument (ruins).
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century architectural marvel dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Designed as a colossal chariot with 24 intricately carved wheels pulled by seven horses, it showcases the pinnacle of Kalinga architecture. Built by King Narasimhadeva I, the temple, though partially ruined, astounds visitors with its detailed stone sculptures depicting life, deities, and famous erotic figures. It stands as a testament to ancient India's artistic and engineering genius.
Completeness72%
Temple
1537
Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Vijayanagara / Dravidian Architecture
Protected Monument of State Importance (Karnataka Arch. Dept.).
Located in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, the Bull Temple is famous for housing one of the largest monolithic Nandi (Shiva's bull mount) statues in the world. Carved from a single granite rock, the massive Nandi is about 4.6 meters tall and 6.1 meters long. Built in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I in the Dravidian style, the temple attracts numerous devotees and tourists. It's particularly famous for the Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair) held annually near the temple grounds, a local tradition.
Completeness72%
Temple
750
Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath (Rudraprayag District), Uttarakhand, India
Nagara Architecture / Mountain Style
Major Pilgrimage Site (Char Dham, Jyotirlinga), managed by BKTC; ASI conservation role.
Perched high in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Housing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the ancient stone temple stands amidst breathtaking mountain scenery near the Mandakini River. Accessible only for about six months annually due to heavy snowfall, it requires a strenuous trek, attracting devout pilgrims seeking spiritual merit and blessings at this remote, powerful abode of Shiva.
Completeness72%
Monument
1025
Rajarani Temple
Bhubaneswar (Khordha District), Odisha, India
Kalinga Architecture
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI).
Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Rajarani Temple, dating to the 11th century, is admired for its architectural elegance and exquisite sculptural details, particularly the graceful female figures (alasakanyas). Built from reddish-gold sandstone ('Rajarani' stone), it features a distinctive spire (rekha deul) and porch (jagamohana). Uniquely, it does not house a presiding deity and is maintained as a historical monument by the ASI. Its artistic merit makes it a significant example of Kalinga architecture here.
Completeness72%
Temple
N/A
Arunachaleswarar Temple
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
Dravidian Architecture
Major Pilgrimage Site (Shaivism), managed by HR&CE Dept. TN.
This vast Dravidian temple complex in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar, representing the element fire (Agni Lingam) as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. Situated at the base of the sacred Arunachala hill, the temple is famed for its massive gopurams (towers) and attracts millions, especially during the Karthigai Deepam festival. It remains a vital centre of Saivite pilgrimage and tradition, embodying deep spiritual significance and architectural grandeur unique to the region.
Completeness70%