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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Located in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, the Bull Temple is famous for housing one of the largest monolithic Nandi (Shiva's bull mount) statues in the world. Carved from a single granite rock, the massive Nandi is about 4.6 meters tall and 6.1 meters long. Built in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I in the Dravidian style, the temple attracts numerous devotees and tourists. It's particularly famous for the Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair) held annually near the temple grounds, a local tradition.
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.