Inheritage Foundation
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage
Explore and discover India's rich architectural heritage
Located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is a major Hindu pilgrimage site, one of the Char Dham destinations, and houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is famous for its magnificent corridors, considered among the longest in the world, lined with intricately carved pillars. Pilgrims traditionally bathe in the sacred waters of Agni Theertham (sea) and the temple's 22 holy wells (theerthams) before worshipping the main lingams within this vast complex.
Located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, Shivkhori is a revered cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cave features a naturally formed Shiva Lingam and various natural formations resembling deities like Parvati, Ganesha, and Nandi. Pilgrims navigate through a narrow passage to reach the main cavern. This sacred cave attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival, who undertake the journey to seek blessings at this unique geological and spiritual site in these hills.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Palampet, Telangana, the Ramappa Temple, built in the 13th century during the Kakatiya dynasty, is renowned for its intricate carvings, lightweight porous bricks ('floating bricks'), and sandbox foundation technology. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Rudreshwara), the temple is uniquely named after its chief sculptor, Ramappa. Its detailed sculptures, bracket figures, and overall architectural finesse make it a standout example of Kakatiya artistic achievement in the Deccan region.
Located in Solapur, Maharashtra, the Siddheshwar Temple is situated within a picturesque lake (Siddheshwar Lake) and is dedicated to Siddheshwar, considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple complex, associated with the Lingayat saint Siddharameshwar, includes various shrines and is connected by pathways over the water. It's famous for the annual Gadda Yatra fair held during Makar Sankranti, attracting large numbers of devotees for worship and celebration at this unique lakeside location.
Situated on the banks of the Godavari River in Bhadrachalam, Telangana, this prominent temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Known as Sri Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, it holds immense significance in Hindu mythology, particularly associated with events from the Ramayana. The temple complex showcases intricate carvings and attracts legions of devotees, especially during Sri Rama Navami celebrations. It's a key pilgrimage destination in South India, revered for its spiritual ambiance and connection to Lord Rama's legendary life.
The Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, located in Dwarka, Gujarat, is a major Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna. As part of the Char Dham yatra, it holds immense significance. The towering, multi-storied main temple, built of limestone and sand, features intricate carvings and a flag (dhwaja) that is changed multiple times daily. Believed to stand near Krishna's ancient capital, it draws countless devotees seeking blessings and experiencing the divine aura of this sacred coastal city's history.
Situated in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the Baijnath Temple is an exquisite example of Nagara style medieval North Indian temple architecture, dating back to the 13th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath (Lord of Physicians), the temple features intricate carvings and sculptures. It holds significant religious importance and is known for its serene setting against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range. The temple attracts devotees and tourists interested in its history and architectural beauty.
Located on the banks of the Sivasagar tank (Borpukhuri) in Sivasagar, Assam, Sivadol is a prominent group of structures comprising three temples: Sivadol (dedicated to Shiva), Vishnudol (Vishnu), and Devidol (Durga). Built in the 18th century by the Ahom queen Ambika Konwari, Sivadol temple itself is believed to be the tallest Shiva temple in India, featuring a towering shikhara topped with a golden dome. The complex showcases Ahom architecture and remains an important religious center in Upper Assam area.
Located near Tezpur, Assam, the Dah Parvatiya site features the ruins of a 6th-century Gupta-era temple doorway. Considered one of the oldest examples of monumental stone carving in Assam, the intricately carved doorframe depicts goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, along with floral patterns and mythological figures. These ruins, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, offer valuable insights into the region's early architectural and artistic heritage during the Gupta period, highlighting its significance.
Located next to the former Royal Palace in Imphal, Manipur, Shree Govindajee Temple is the most important Vaishnavite temple in the state. Dedicated to Radha Govinda (Radha Krishna), Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, the temple features twin golden domes, a paved courtyard, and a large assembly hall. Originally built in the early 19th century, it serves as the center for religious activities and classical Manipuri Ras Lila dance performances, playing a vital role in the cultural life of the Manipuri people.
Located in the Potohar Plateau near Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan, Katas Raj is an ancient temple complex sacred to Hindus. It features a cluster of temples interconnected around a sacred pond (Katas Kund), believed in mythology to have been formed from Lord Shiva's tears. The site includes ruins dating from the Hindu Shahi period (7th-10th centuries CE) and later additions. Though needing preservation, it remains an important pilgrimage site and a symbol of the region's pre-Islamic history and shared cultural heritage.
Situated atop a small hill near the banks of the Gomati River in Udaipur, Tripura, the Bhubaneswari Temple is a historic Hindu shrine. Built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya in the 17th century, it gained prominence through Rabindranath Tagore's play 'Rajarshi' and novel 'Bishorjan'. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhubaneswari, features typical Bengali 'char-chala' architecture. Though modest in size, its historical and literary connections make it a significant landmark, attracting visitors exploring Tripura's past.