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Located within the Ujjayanta Palace grounds in Agartala, Tripura, the Jagannath Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine in the state capital. Built in the 19th century by the Maharajas of Tripura, the temple is dedicated to Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Its architecture features a unique octagonal base and a four-storied, orange-coloured shikhara (tower), blending Islamic and Hindu styles. It serves as an important religious center for Vaishnavites in Tripura and hosts an annual Rath Yatra festival, drawing crowds.
Situated near Udaipur in Tripura, the Gunabati Group consists of three brick-built temples constructed in the 17th century. Named after Maharani Gunabati, wife of Maharaja Govinda Manikya, these temples showcase the regional 'char-chala' and 'dochala' Bengali architectural styles. Though now mostly in ruins and needing preservation, they represent an important phase of temple construction in Tripura under the Manikya dynasty. The site offers a glimpse into the historical and architectural heritage of the region's past glories.
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.
Located near Udaipur, Rajasthan, Eklingji is a vast temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, the principal deity of the Mewar rulers. The complex houses 108 temples within its high walls, with the main temple enshrining a unique four-faced black marble image of Shiva (Eklingji). Originally built in the 8th century and reconstructed several times, it features intricate carvings and silver doors. It remains an important religious site for the Mewar region, attracting devotees seeking blessings from their patron lord.
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Belur, Karnataka, the Chennakesava Temple is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture, commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in the 12th century. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is renowned for its intricate soapstone carvings, detailed sculptures depicting epics, dancers (Madanikas), and elaborate friezes. Its star-shaped platform and lathe-turned pillars showcase the zenith of Hoysala craftsmanship, attracting art lovers and historians from all over the world to see it.
Perched atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas in India. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, representing the essence of female power (Shakti), the temple complex is unique as it enshrines a yoni-like stone formation symbolizing the goddess, instead of an idol. It's a major center for Tantric practices and hosts the annual Ambubachi Mela, attracting pilgrims and sadhus from across the country to celebrate the divine feminine force.
Located in the historic city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the Kamakshi Amman Temple is a renowned shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati. Believed to be established by Adi Shankaracharya, the temple features the goddess in a seated Padmasana posture, unique among Parvati temples. As one of the key Shakti Peethas, it forms part of Kanchipuram's spiritual landscape alongside Ekambareswarar and Varadharaja Perumal temples. It attracts numerous devotees seeking the blessings of the powerful goddess.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Ellora Caves complex in Maharashtra, the Kailasa Temple is an unparalleled architectural feat. Carved entirely out of a single massive basalt rock face in the 8th century under Rashtrakuta patronage, it represents Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. This monolithic marvel features intricate sculptures, multiple shrines, courtyards, and galleries, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship and devotion. It stands as one of the world's most remarkable rock-cut structures.
Located in Karmanghat, Hyderabad, Telangana, this popular Hanuman temple is believed to date back to the 12th century. According to legend, the idol appeared miraculously, and the temple was built around it. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it attracts a large number of devotees, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, seeking blessings for strength, courage, and protection. The temple complex has grown over the years and remains a significant place of worship for Hanuman devotees in the Hyderabad region and its areas.
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.
Situated atop Indrakeeladri Hill overlooking the Krishna River in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, the Kanaka Durga Temple is a famous shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga. The deity is depicted as Mahishasuramardini. Mentioned in sacred texts, the temple is believed to be a 'Swayambhu' (self-manifested) site. It draws vast crowds, especially during the Dasara festival (Navaratri), when special rituals are performed. It's one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Andhra Pradesh, revered by many.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lhasa, Tibet, the Jokhang Temple is considered the most sacred and important temple for Tibetan Buddhists. Founded in the 7th century, it houses the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue, believed to be a life-sized image of the Buddha at age 12. The temple complex blends Indian vihara, Chinese Tang dynasty, and Nepalese architectural styles. It remains a major pilgrimage destination, with devotees performing prostrations around it, embodying the heart of Tibetan spiritual life and devotion.