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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%
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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
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
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%
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%
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%
Sacred Site
N/A
Dhosi Hill Temples
Narnaul (Mahendragarh District), Haryana, India
N/A (Primarily Natural Site)
Ancient site with ruins, archaeological importance, potential State protection.
Dhosi Hill, an extinct volcano located on the Haryana-Rajasthan border, is a revered site dotted with ancient temples, kunds (water tanks), and ashrams. Associated with the Vedic sage Chyavana, who is said to have regained his youth here using Chyavanprash, the hill holds mythological significance. Temples dedicated to various deities attract pilgrims, especially during festivals. The site offers panoramic views and insights into ancient hermitages, blending natural beauty with deep spiritual and historical heritage.
Completeness67%
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%
Temple
N/A
Bhimashankar Temple
Khed (Pune District), Maharashtra, India
Nagara Architecture / Maratha Influence
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI), Jyotirlinga site.
Located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Nestled amidst dense forests, which form the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the temple features Nagara style architecture. It's the source of the River Bhima. The site attracts numerous pilgrims seeking blessings and trekkers exploring the surrounding natural beauty, making it a significant religious and ecological destination, deeply revered by devotees across many regions.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Grishneshwar Temple
Verul (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar District), Maharashtra, India
South Indian / Maratha Influence
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI), Jyotirlinga site.
Located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, Grishneshwar Temple is revered as the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga shrine of Lord Shiva. Rebuilt in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the temple showcases South Indian architectural style with intricate carvings on red rock. It features a five-tiered shikhara (tower) and a large Nandi bull statue. This significant pilgrimage site attracts numerous devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva at one of his most sacred abodes, completing the Jyotirlinga journey.
Completeness67%
Temple
1750
Durga Mandir (Ramnagar)
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nagara Architecture
Important historical temple (18th C), managed by trust.
Situated in Ramnagar, adjacent to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this Durga Mandir is located within the Ramnagar Fort complex, the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Benares. Built in the 18th century in the Nagara style, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It features intricate stone carvings and is known for its association with the royal family and the month-long Ramlila celebrations held nearby. The temple, accessible within the fort premises, adds a spiritual dimension to the historical site and its many visitors.
Completeness67%