Of Spirituality and Prayer: Must-Visit Temples in India

India is well-known for its varied culture and spirituality and is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. It is also known as the origin of a few of the world’s most prominent religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. 

There are many temples to visit for a spiritual awakening. But, a few among these receive more devotees and tourists every year. Temples of different styles and architecture can be found across the country. Although some temples date back more than a thousand years, and some were built only in the last decade, their significance varies from place to place. 

A worshipper of Shiva ideally visits all the Jyotirlinga Temples. There are also about 51 Shakti Peethas that are of great importance. You can visit many important Jain temples in India, known for their elaborate architecture and rich history. This article highlights a few temples to visit for sure among the many beautiful and interesting temples in India:- 

Jagannath Temple, Puri

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of India’s most revered and visited pilgrimages. If you plan to visit this temple, it is highly recommended to do so during the annual festival of Rath Yatra. The three deities worshipped at the temple are Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. You can stay in OYO 84935 Versa Hermitage or OYO 9344 Hotel Gangotri, within 1 km of the temple. 

Maa Vaishno Devi Cave and Temple, Katra

The holy shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi is located in the Trikuta mountains, 13 kilometres from Katra. You might be pondering the best time to visit Vaishno Devi temple, which is open throughout the year. You must walk along a 12 km long trek to reach the temple. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with grandeur in the temple and is usually considered the best time to visit Vaishno Devi temple. You can stay in OYO 5667 Katra Continental or OYO 80507 Ram Palace, about 6 km from the temple. 

Golden Temple, Amritsar

The holiest pilgrim site for Sikhs is the Golden Temple in Amritsar. It is also referred to as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Swarna Mandir. Golden Temple’s dome is made up of real gold, which adds to its grandeur and beauty. You can stay in OYO 4038 Hotel Winner Inn or OYO 27650 Gian Residency for a comfortable stay.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath temple, also known as the temple of ‘the Lord of the universe, is dedicated to Lord Shiva in Varanasi. The towers of this temple are plated with 800 kg of gold. There is a well called Jnana Vapi inside the temple, which can be visited only by Hindus. You can stay in OYO 15530 Hotel G.S. Residency or OYO 70146 SSP Guest house. 

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu

One of the most famous temples in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is the Meenakshi temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sundareshwar and Goddess Parvati, referred to as Meenakshi Amman. You can stay in OYO 88806 KS Mahal and rooms or OYO 19959 Hotel Radhakrishna for a comfortable stay. 

Brihadeeswara temple, Thanjavur

The Brihadeeswara Temple is one of the largest temples in South India, dedicated to Lord Shiva in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. One unique fact about this temple is that it never casts a shadow on the ground. Choose OYO Flagship 66133 Hotel Sri Karuna Residency, about 4 km from the temple, for an affordable and comfortable stay. 

Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati

The Kamakhya Temple is situated in the Nilachal hills, around 7 km away from the city of Guwahati. It is one of the Shakti Piths of India. Many devotees visit the shrine every year. It is known best for its annual 4-day gathering (mela) called Ambubachi. You can stay in OYO 77896 Darshini Homes or OYO flagship 15894 Kamakhya Dham and enjoy a blissful stay. 

Dakshineshwar Temple, West Bengal

Dakshineshwar temple is situated on the holy banks of the Hooghly river in Kolkata, West Bengal. The prime deity worshipped in the temple premise is Goddess Bhavatarini, a form of Adya Kali; also referred to as Adishakti Kalika. Rani Rashmoni founded this temple in 1855. The riverfront is dotted with twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva, a ghat, a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni and a temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna. You can stay in OYO 14373 Shree Krishna Hotel or OYO Collection O 78264 Westin Plaza. 

Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan

The Banke Bihari Temple is situated in Vrindavan and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The prime deity is that of Radha-Krishna, embellished and enhanced in Rajasthani attire. Lord Krishna is also there in a child-like form and stands in a Tribhanga or threefold position. You can stay in OYO 83899 Baikunth Dham, OYO 17059 Prabhu Resort or OYO 83329 Dwarika Dham. 

Conclusion

Visiting these holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Krishna, and Goddess Kali is expected to be a great experience for you. Book your rooms in advance in the OYO hotels to avail of discounts and make the most of your trip to Indian temples.