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
1150
Janjgir Vishnu Mandir
Janjgir (Janjgir-Champa District), Chhattisgarh, India
Kalachuri / Nagara Influence
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI).
Located in Janjgir town, Chhattisgarh, the Vishnu Mandir is an incomplete but historically significant temple dating back to the 12th century, built during the Kalachuri dynasty. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is noted for its fine sculptures and intricate carvings depicting mythological scenes, showcasing the architectural prowess of the era. Although unfinished, its grandeur and artistic details make it an important protected monument and a point of interest for those exploring Chhattisgarh's history and culture today.
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%
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
N/A
Omkareshwar Temple
Mandhata (Khandwa District), Madhya Pradesh, India
Nagara Architecture / Maratha Influence
Major Pilgrimage Site (Jyotirlinga), complex includes protected elements (State/ASI interest).
Situated on Mandhata island in the Narmada River, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Temple is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. The island is shaped like the sacred 'Om' symbol. The main temple complex houses the Omkareshwar lingam, and another significant temple, Mamaleshwar, is located on the river's south bank. This ancient pilgrimage site draws countless devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva amidst the holy Narmada river's flowing waters and serene atmosphere.
Completeness67%
Temple Complex
N/A
Murudeshwar Temple
Murudeshwar (Uttara Kannada District), Karnataka, India
Dravidian Architecture (Modern)
Major Pilgrimage Site, dominated by modern construction.
Situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, Murudeshwar Temple is famous for housing the world's second-tallest Shiva statue (123 ft). The temple complex, located on Kanduka Hill surrounded by water on three sides, also features a towering 20-storied gopuram (Raja Gopura) with an elevator offering panoramic views. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the modern complex built around an ancient shrine attracts large numbers of pilgrims and tourists to its spectacular seaside setting now.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Shamlaji Temple
Shamlaji (Aravalli District), Gujarat, India
Chalukya Influence / Local Style
Major regional Pilgrimage Site; ancient archaeological context nearby (State/ASI interest).
Located on the banks of the Meshwo River in Aravalli district, Gujarat, Shamlaji Temple is an important Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna. The current temple structure dates back several centuries and features intricate carvings. Revered particularly by tribal communities in the region, the temple complex attracts numerous devotees and hosts large fairs, especially during Kartik Purnima. Its historical significance and continuous worship make it a key pilgrimage site in North Gujarat today.
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%
Jain Temple Complex
1050
Palitana Jain Temples
Palitana (Bhavnagar District), Gujarat, India
Maru-Gurjara / Jain Temple Style
Major Jain Pilgrimage Site (Tirtha), vast complex managed by Anandji Kalyanji Trust.
Located on Shatrunjaya Hill near Palitana city in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, this site comprises a stunning cluster of over 900 intricately carved marble Jain temples. Considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains (Śvetāmbara sect), the temples were built over centuries, starting from the 11th century. Devotees undertake a strenuous climb to reach the temple city, dedicated primarily to Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara. The sheer scale and artistry make it a unique architectural wonder.
Completeness67%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
N/A
Pashupatinath Temple
Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal
Nepalese Pagoda Style
UNESCO World Heritage Site, major Hindu pilgrimage site managed by PADT/Nepal DoA.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Pashupati, Lord of Animals). This sprawling complex features the main pagoda-style temple with a silver-plated sanctum, numerous smaller shrines, ashrams, and ghats used for cremations. Attracting devotees and sadhus from Nepal and India, it's a vibrant center of religious activity and a profound place to witness Hindu rituals and life cycles.
Completeness67%
Cave Temple/Shrine
N/A
Shivkhori Cave Shrine
Ransoo (Reasi District), Jammu and Kashmir, India
N/A (Natural Cave)
Important regional Pilgrimage Site (cave shrine), managed by Shrine Board.
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.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Ramanathaswamy Temple
Rameswaram (Ramanathapuram District), Tamil Nadu, India
Dravidian Architecture
Major Pilgrimage Site (Jyotirlinga, Ramayana link), managed by HR&CE TN.
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.
Completeness67%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
1213
Ramappa Temple (Rudreshwara Temple)
Palampet (Mulugu District), Telangana, India
Kakatiya Architecture
UNESCO World Heritage Site, ASI protected monument.
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.
Completeness67%