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
Siddheshwar Temple
Solapur, Maharashtra, India
Chalukya / Maratha Influence
Important regional Pilgrimage Site, managed by Trust.
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.
Completeness67%
Temple
N/A
Bhimashankar Temple
Khed (Pune District), Maharashtra, India
Nagara Architecture / Maratha Influence
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI), Jyotirlinga site.
Located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Nestled amidst dense forests, which form the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the temple features Nagara style architecture. It's the source of the River Bhima. The site attracts numerous pilgrims seeking blessings and trekkers exploring the surrounding natural beauty, making it a significant religious and ecological destination, deeply revered by devotees across many regions.
Completeness67%
Temple
1862
Banke Bihari Temple
Vrindavan (Mathura District), Uttar Pradesh, India
Rajput / North Indian Temple Style
Important Vaishnava Temple (19th C), managed by Goswamis/Trust.
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.
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
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
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%
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%
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%
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%
Temple
1750
Durga Mandir (Ramnagar)
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nagara Architecture
Important historical temple (18th C), managed by trust.
Situated in Ramnagar, adjacent to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this Durga Mandir is located within the Ramnagar Fort complex, the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Benares. Built in the 18th century in the Nagara style, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It features intricate stone carvings and is known for its association with the royal family and the month-long Ramlila celebrations held nearby. The temple, accessible within the fort premises, adds a spiritual dimension to the historical site and its many visitors.
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%
UNESCO World Heritage Site
1121
Hoysaleswara Temple
Halebidu (Hassan District), Karnataka, India
Hoysala Architecture
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas), ASI protected.
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Halebidu, Karnataka, the Hoysaleswara Temple is a magnificent example of 12th-century Hoysala architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this twin-shrined temple (for Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara) is renowned for its incredibly detailed soapstone carvings covering almost every surface. Elaborate friezes depict animals, scenes from Hindu epics, and deities. Although incomplete and damaged, its artistic excellence makes it a prime attraction for tourists and history enthusiasts studying India.
Completeness67%