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
1850
Jagannath Temple (Agartala)
Agartala (West Tripura District), Tripura, India
Composite (Hindu/Islamic Influence)
Important historical temple (Tripura kingdom heritage), managed by State/Trust.
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.
Completeness67%
Temple Complex
1668
Gunabati Group of Temples
Udaipur (Gomati District), Tripura, India
Bengali Charchala Style
Protected Monuments of National Importance (ASI).
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.
Completeness67%
Temple
1847
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Bengali Navaratna Style
Major Pilgrimage Site, historically significant (Ramakrishna connection), managed by Trust.
Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a famous Hindu shrine founded by Rani Rashmoni in the mid-19th century. The complex centers around the main temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini (a form of Kali) and includes twelve Shiva temples and a Radha-Krishna temple. It gained renown due to its association with the mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who served as its priest. It remains a major pilgrimage site and symbol of devotion in Bengal.
Completeness67%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
1121
Hoysaleswara Temple
Halebidu (Hassan District), Karnataka, India
Hoysala Architecture
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas), ASI protected.
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Halebidu, Karnataka, the Hoysaleswara Temple is a magnificent example of 12th-century Hoysala architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this twin-shrined temple (for Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara) is renowned for its incredibly detailed soapstone carvings covering almost every surface. Elaborate friezes depict animals, scenes from Hindu epics, and deities. Although incomplete and damaged, its artistic excellence makes it a prime attraction for tourists and history enthusiasts studying India.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Kanaka Durga Temple
Vijayawada (NTR District), Andhra Pradesh, India
South Indian Temple Style
Major Pilgrimage Site, managed by Endowments Dept. AP.
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.
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
1862
Banke Bihari Temple
Vrindavan (Mathura District), Uttar Pradesh, India
Rajput / North Indian Temple Style
Important Vaishnava Temple (19th C), managed by Goswamis/Trust.
Located in the holy town of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Established by Swami Haridas, it enshrines the Tribhanga posture image of Banke Bihari (Krishna). The temple is unique for its tradition of drawing a curtain before the deity frequently, believed to protect devotees from being overwhelmed by the Lord's intense gaze. It's a major centre for Krishna bhakti, attracting throngs of devotees, especially during festivals like Janmashtami.
Completeness67%
Temple
1143
Karmanghat Hanuman Temple
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
South Indian Temple Style
Important historical temple, managed by Endowments Dept. Telangana.
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.
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%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
756
Kailasa Temple (Ellora Caves)
Ellora (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar District), Maharashtra, India
Rock-Cut / Dravidian Influence
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Ellora Caves), ASI protected monument.
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.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Kamakshi Amman Temple
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Dravidian Architecture
Major Pilgrimage Site (Shakti Peetha), important religious center managed by Peetam/HR&CE.
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.
Completeness67%
Temple Complex
734
Eklingji Temple
Kailashpuri (Udaipur District), Rajasthan, India
Nagara / Rajasthani Temple Style
Major historical temple complex (Mewar royal deity), managed by Trust.
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.
Completeness67%