Inheritage Foundation
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage
Archaeological Site/Ruins
N/A
Sharada Peeth Ruins
Sharda (Neelum Valley), Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmiri Architecture
Historically Major Center of Learning/Pilgrimage (ruins); status sensitive due to location.
Located near the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Sharada Peeth is the ruins of an ancient center of learning and a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sharada (Saraswati). Considered one of the Maha Shakti Peethas, it was a major pilgrimage site and educational hub for centuries. Though now inaccessible to most Indian pilgrims and largely in ruins, it remains a powerful symbol of Kashmiri Pandit heritage and the region's shared scholarly and religious past, awaiting much needed focus.
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%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
850
Prambanan Temple Compounds
Prambanan, Central Java/Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Central Javanese Hindu Architecture
UNESCO World Heritage Site, major archaeological park protected by Indonesian authorities.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Java, Indonesia, Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the most spectacular in Southeast Asia. Built in the 9th century, it is dedicated to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva). The central compound features towering, intricately carved temples, with the largest dedicated to Shiva. Though damaged by earthquakes, restoration efforts highlight its architectural grandeur, reflecting the region's historical Hindu-Buddhist cultural fusion.
Completeness67%
Jain Temple
1439
Ranakpur Jain Temple
Ranakpur (Pali District), Rajasthan, India
Maru-Gurjara Architecture
Major Jain Pilgrimage Site, architectural marvel managed by Trust.
Situated in Ranakpur village, Rajasthan, this spectacular 15th-century Jain temple is dedicated to Adinatha (Rishabhanatha), the first Tirthankara. Built from light-colored marble, it is renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural complexity, featuring 1,444 uniquely carved pillars, numerous domes, and detailed ceilings within its vast Chaumukha (four-faced) layout. Considered one of the most important and architecturally brilliant Jain temples in India, it attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.
Completeness67%
Temple
450
Chandreshwar Bhootnath Temple
Quepem, Goa, India
Goan Temple Architecture
Important local religious site, managed by local authorities/trust.
Perched atop Chandranath Hill near Quepem in South Goa, the Chandreshwar Bhootnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as the Lord of the Moon (Chandreshwar). The temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its Shiva Linga is uniquely carved from rock that reportedly oozes water on full moon nights. The temple complex, accessible via steps or road, is an ancient and important pilgrimage site in Goa, attracting devotees seeking blessings and enjoying the serene hilltop atmosphere.
Completeness67%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
700
Shore Temple
Mahabalipuram (Chengalpattu District), Tamil Nadu, India
Dravidian Architecture (Pallava Style)
UNESCO World Heritage Site (part of Mahabalipuram group), ASI protected monument.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, the Shore Temple dates back to the 8th century CE during the Pallava dynasty. Built with granite blocks on the Bay of Bengal coast, it comprises two main shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and a smaller one to Lord Vishnu. It exemplifies early Dravidian structural temple architecture and has withstood centuries of coastal erosion, standing as an iconic landmark of Pallava artistic and building achievements near the vast ocean.
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%
Jain Temple Complex
1031
Dilwara Temples
Mount Abu (Sirohi District), Rajasthan, India
Maru-Gurjara Architecture
Protected Monuments of National Importance (ASI), major Jain pilgrimage site.
Located near Mount Abu, Rajasthan, the Dilwara Temples are a renowned complex of five exquisite Jain temples built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Famed for their extraordinary use of marble and intricate carvings, they are considered masterpieces of Maru-Gurjara architecture. Dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras, the temples feature stunningly detailed ceilings, pillars, and doorways, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship. They are a major pilgrimage site for Jains and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Completeness67%
Temple
1847
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Bengali Navaratna Style
Major Pilgrimage Site, historically significant (Ramakrishna connection), managed by Trust.
Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a famous Hindu shrine founded by Rani Rashmoni in the mid-19th century. The complex centers around the main temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini (a form of Kali) and includes twelve Shiva temples and a Radha-Krishna temple. It gained renown due to its association with the mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who served as its priest. It remains a major pilgrimage site and symbol of devotion in Bengal.
Completeness67%
Archaeological Site/Ruins
50
Fayaz Tepe Buddhist Ruins
Termez, Surxondaryo Region, Uzbekistan
Greco-Bactrian / Kushan Buddhist
Important Archaeological Site (Buddhist ruins), protected by Uzbekistan authorities.
Fayaz Tepe, located near Termez in Uzbekistan, is an important archaeological site revealing extensive Greco-Bactrian and Kushan-era Buddhist monastery ruins dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. Excavations uncovered stupas, courtyards, sanctuaries, monks' cells, and numerous artifacts including sculptures, murals, and pottery reflecting Gandharan artistic influences. These ruins provide valuable insights into the spread and practice of Buddhism along the ancient Silk Road routes connecting India and Central Asia in ancient times.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Grishneshwar Temple
Verul (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar District), Maharashtra, India
South Indian / Maratha Influence
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI), Jyotirlinga site.
Located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, Grishneshwar Temple is revered as the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga shrine of Lord Shiva. Rebuilt in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the temple showcases South Indian architectural style with intricate carvings on red rock. It features a five-tiered shikhara (tower) and a large Nandi bull statue. This significant pilgrimage site attracts numerous devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva at one of his most sacred abodes, completing the Jyotirlinga journey.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Baidyanath Temple
Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
Nagara Architecture (Variant)
Major Pilgrimage Site (Jyotirlinga), managed by Temple Committee.
Located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, Baidyanath Temple is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site, enshrining one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest representations of Lord Shiva. Known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, the complex comprises the main Shiva temple and 21 other temples dedicated to various deities. It attracts vast crowds, particularly during the Shravan Mela, where devotees carry sacred water from the Ganges to offer to the Jyotirlinga. The site holds immense religious importance for Hindus across India and beyond.
Completeness67%