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 Complex
N/A
Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Modern / North Indian Temple Style
Major Pilgrimage Site; complex includes ASI protected areas (ruins).
Located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, this temple complex marks the site traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It comprises several shrines, including the Keshavdeva Temple, the Garbha Griha shrine (indicating the exact birth spot), and the Bhagvata Bhavan. Adjacent to it stands the Shahi Eidgah mosque, a reminder of historical conflicts. The complex is a major pilgrimage center for Hindus, attracting vast crowds, especially during festivals like Janmashtami, celebrating Krishna's divine birth.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Kheer Bhawani Temple
Tulmul (Ganderbal District), Jammu and Kashmir, India
Kashmiri Pandit Temple Style
Important Pilgrimage Site for Kashmiri Pandits, managed by Dharmarth Trust.
Located in Tulmul village near Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Kheer Bhawani Temple is a highly revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi. Situated amidst chinar trees within a sacred spring, the temple complex is particularly important for Kashmiri Pandits. The temple gets its name from the traditional offering of kheer (rice pudding). The colour of the spring's water is believed to change, foretelling events for the region. It remains a significant symbol of faith and cultural identity for the community.
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%
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
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
150
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
Srisailam (Nandyal District), Andhra Pradesh, India
Dravidian Architecture
Major Pilgrimage Site (Jyotirlinga, Shakti Peetha), managed by Endowments Dept./Trust.
Situated atop the Nallamala Hills in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Mallikarjuna) and Goddess Parvati (as Bhramaramba Devi). It holds the unique distinction of being both one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas. This ancient temple complex, mentioned in scriptures, features Dravidian architecture and attracts Saivite and Shakta devotees from across India, making it a major pilgrimage center in South India today.
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%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
1117
Chennakesava Temple
Belur (Hassan District), Karnataka, India
Hoysala Architecture
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas), ASI protected.
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.
Completeness67%
Temple
1565
Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati (Kamrup Metropolitan District), Assam, India
Nilachal / Assamese Temple Style
Major Pilgrimage Site (Shakti Peetha), complex includes protected elements/nearby sites (ASI).
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.
Completeness67%
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
1691
Jagannath Temple (Ranchi)
Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Kalinga Influence / Local Style
Important historical temple (17th C replica), likely State recognized.
Built in the 17th century by the king of Barkagarh, Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo, the Jagannath Temple in Ranchi, Jharkhand, is modeled after the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. Located atop a small hill, the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. It also celebrates an annual Rath Yatra festival, which is a major local event attracting numerous devotees. While smaller than its Puri counterpart, it remains an important pilgrimage site for the people of Jharkhand and surrounding regions.
Completeness67%
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%