India has been mystifying people for ages. A hub of spirituality, culture, art, and philosophy, it has a phenomenal touristic draw. For those who are interested in the local religion and mysticism, the temples below are worth a visit.
Vaishno Devi Temple
Known as the Holy Cave of the Mother, Vaishno Devi Temple, located in Northern India, is visited by around 8 million pilgrims every year. A 12-kilometer uphill trail is the most common way to access the temple, taking around six hours.
The Golden Temple
The Golden Gurdwara, aka the Golden Temple, is a temple that serves as sacred ground for the Sikh religion. Aside from being a spiritual structure, visitors will also find sophisticated tile mosaics and beautiful paintings, which are the hallmarks of Mughal-style architecture.
Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple
Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, located in southeastern India, is a Dravidian-style Hindu temple that is around 1700 years old. Around 40 million annual visitors are greeted by the temple’s grandiose architecture, including a 1.5-acre pond and many gold-and-white temple towers dotted around the perimeter.
Swaminarayan Akshardham
Located in New Delhi, Swaminarayan Akshardham is the world’s largest Hindu temple and serves as an example of Indian Architecture. The 141-foot-tall main temple, called the mandir, is the centerpiece of the compound, filled with many carvings, life-size elephant statues, and nine domes.
The Lotus Temple
Unlike most famous temples, the Lotus Temple was only built in 1986, making it relatively new. It serves as one of seven major Houses of Worship for the Bahá’í. Iranian-American architect Fariborz Sahba was responsible for the rooftop’s blossoming lotus design.
Meenakshi Temple
Dating back to the 1st century, Meenakshi Temple’s entrance is nothing short of breathtaking, where several hundred ornate sculptures adorn the four huge towers. The interior of the 15-acre walled complex is filled with a series of side-by-side enclosures, pillared walkways, and lively markets.
