Inheritage Foundation
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage
Archaeological Site/Ruins
724
Martand Sun Temple
Mattan (Anantnag District), Jammu and Kashmir, India
Kashmiri Architecture
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI) - significant ruins.
Situated near Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, the Martand Sun Temple ruins are a significant archaeological site dating back to the 8th century CE, built during the Karkota dynasty. Dedicated to Surya (the Sun God), this grand temple complex showcased a blend of Gandharan, Gupta, and Kashmiri architectural styles. Though now in ruins, its massive limestone structures, colonnaded courtyard, and principal shrine atop a plateau offer a glimpse into its former splendor and the region's rich ancient past that is long gone.
Completeness67%
Temple
750
Badrinath Temple
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India
Nagara Architecture / Mountain Style
Major Pilgrimage Site (Char Dham), managed by BKTC.
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines and a principal component of both the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimages. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Badrinarayan form, the temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Its vibrant facade stands against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Open for only six months a year due to extreme weather, it draws countless pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual solace in its divine, high-altitude setting.
Completeness67%
Temple Complex
1680
Maluti Temples
Maluti (Dumka District), Jharkhand, India
Bengali Terracotta / Chala Style
Terracotta Temples recognized for unique heritage; State/National conservation interest.
Located in the small village of Maluti in Dumka district, Jharkhand, this unique site features a dense concentration of about 72 ancient terracotta temples showcasing the regional Chala style of Bengali architecture. Built mostly in the 17th and 18th centuries under the Baj Basanta dynasty, these small temples depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata on their terracotta panels. Though many are dilapidated, the site is an important archaeological and heritage location needing preservation efforts.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
Fudam (Diu District), Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, India
N/A (Natural Cave/Rock Setting)
Important local religious site (natural formation).
Situated near Fudam village in Diu, the Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple is uniquely located amidst rocks on the seashore, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features five Shiva Lingas of varying sizes, believed to have been installed by the Pandava brothers during their exile. These lingas are naturally washed by the sea waves during high tide, creating a dramatic and spiritually charged atmosphere. This serene coastal shrine offers a unique experience for devotees seeking blessings by the vast Arabian Sea.
Completeness67%
Archaeological Site/Ruins
N/A
Multan Sun Temple (Ruins)
Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
N/A (Ruins)
Historically significant site (ruins); official protection status unclear.
Located in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan, the site marks the location of an ancient and highly venerated Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God Surya, known as Aditya Sun Temple. Mentioned by early travelers like Xuanzang and Al-Biruni, it was renowned for its wealth and golden idol. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, particularly during Islamic conquests, only ruins remain today within the Multan Fort complex. These ruins signify the region's rich pre-Islamic past and historical religious diversity.
Completeness67%
Temple
350
Mundeshwari Devi Temple
Kaura (Kaimur District), Bihar, India
Gupta Period / Early Nagara
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI), ancient functioning temple.
Located on Mundeshwari Hill near Kaimur, Bihar, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti (as Mundeshwari) is considered one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in India, with archaeological evidence dating it possibly to the 4th century CE or earlier (Gupta period). Its unique octagonal stone structure showcases early Nagara architectural elements. Still used for active worship, it provides invaluable insights into the continuity of religious practices and early temple architecture in the entire region.
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%
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 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%
Temple
550
Lingaraj Temple
Bhubaneswar (Khordha District), Odisha, India
Kalinga Architecture
Major Pilgrimage Site; Monument of National Importance (ASI - exterior protection).
Dominating the skyline of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Harihara (a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva). Built predominantly in the 11th century, it represents the culmination of Kalinga architecture, featuring a towering 55-meter high vimana (main spire) and numerous subsidiary shrines within its spacious courtyard. A major pilgrimage site, access to the main sanctum is restricted to Hindus, preserving ancient rituals.
Completeness67%
Temple
1580
Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)
Orchha (Niwari District), Madhya Pradesh, India
Bundela Architecture / Nagara Influence
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI).
Situated in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, within the Orchha Fort complex, the Chaturbhuj Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Originally intended to house the image of Lord Rama that is now in the Ram Raja Temple, it features a grand multi-storied structure blending temple and fort architectural elements. Its soaring vimana (spire) and spacious interiors are notable. Though the main idol is absent, the temple's imposing architecture and historical significance make it a major attraction for many visitors today.
Completeness67%
Temple
650
Mahalaxmi Temple
Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
Chalukya Architecture (Hemadpanti)
Major Pilgrimage Site (Shakti Peetha), managed by PMDS.
Located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, the Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Ambabai (Mahalaxmi), the consort of Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple, built predominantly in the Chalukyan Hemadpanti style, features intricate stone carvings and a distinct multi-tiered structure. It holds immense religious significance, attracting millions of devotees annually, especially during festivals like Navaratri and Kiranotsav (Festival of Sun Rays), when sunlight illuminates the deity's idol directly.
Completeness67%