Explore seven of India's largest and most iconic temples, from the sprawling Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple to the opulent Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Discover their rich history, architectural marvels, and how to reach these spiritual destinations.
India, with its rich cultural heritage and diversity in traditions, boasts some of the grandest and architecturally beautiful temples. These holy places are not only spiritual retreats but also an embodiment of the glory of Indian history, and devotion. Here are the seven largest and most iconic temples across the country, giving you some taste of their grandeur, significance, and how to reach them.
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is one of the largest working temples in India and has an area of approximately 156 acres. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is an architectural delight with 21 majestic towers (gopurams), exquisite carvings, and vast spacious courtyards. The temple is noted for its 1000-pillared hall and grand artistry.
• Location:
Srirangam, Tamil Nadu.
• How to Reach:
The nearest major city is Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), located approximately 10 km away. Trichy has its own railway station and airport (Trichy International Airport). From there, one can take a taxi or local transport to reach the temple.
• The Akshardham Temple in Delhi is a fairly modern wonder symbolizing India's ancient art and cultural heritage. The central monument is set above the concentric temple complex sprawling over 100 acres, with the main attraction being the central Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir, made of pink sandstone and white marble. The temple also includes vast gardens, Yogi Hriday Kamal (lotus garden), an exhibition on Indian culture, and the Yajna Mandap.
• Location:
New Delhi, India.
• How to Reach:
Akshardham Temple is well-connected by road and metro. The nearest metro station is Akshardham (on the Blue Line). The temple is about 5 km away from the New Delhi Railway Station and can be easily reached via a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
• The Dwarkadhish Temple, located in the city of Dwarka, Gujarat, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Initiating one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, this is one of the holiest temples in India. This five-story temple is adorned with 72 pillars of exquisite architecture. Its main dome stands 43 meters high, ornately decorated with exquisite carvings. The temple stands in a very picturesque coastal setting, making it a very alluring view.
• Location:
Dwarka, Gujarat.
• How to Reach:
The nearest railway station is Dwarka Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport (about 137 km away). You can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
• Sri Meenakshi Temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in South India. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, and Lord Sundareswarar, an avatar of Shiva, is exemplary with Dravidian architecture. It has 14 gopurams, the most noteworthy among them being 52 meters high. The detailed sculptures, large halls, and historic significance of the temple are thought to be imposing enough in giving it a must-visit spiritual and architectural status.
• Location:
Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
• How to Reach:
Madurai has its own airport (Madurai International Airport) and railway station. From the airport or station, you can take a taxi or local transport to the temple.
• The Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Gujarat, and is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve holy jyotirlingas of India. The current architecture of the temple is Chalukya style and stands majestically overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is a flag of valour for having been rebuilt umpteen times in its lifetime, which includes extensive carvings that worked up to a magnificent height and the temple being of immense historical significance as it underwent plunder and devastation by the invaders.
• Location:
Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat.
• How to Reach:
The nearest railway station is Veraval, about 6 km away from the temple. The nearest airport is in Diu (about 90 km away). From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
• By far, Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is the holiest temple for Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is located on the Ganges River and is recognized by the shining gold spire and dome made entirely of gold. The temple building is located amidst a maze of narrow lanes jammed with thrall and shops. Being a spiritual centre, with its long legacy, right next to sacred Ganga, it can rightly be described as a must-see.
• Location:
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• How to Reach:
Varanasi is well-connected by rail, road, and air. The nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction, and the nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. From either point, the temple is a short distance away by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
• The Padmanabhaswamy temple is situated in Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form. The ancient temple is one of the wealthiest on the planet and is thus famous not only for its opulence but also for its hidden treasure. It is said to sport an imposing 100-foot high tower, besides a grand inner sanctum, bearing some extraordinarily elaborate murals and carvings. The temple is revered for a peculiar style of architecture in Kerala and deep-rooted association with the royal family of Travancore.
• Location:
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• How to Reach:
Thiruvananthapuram has its own international airport (Trivandrum International Airport), and the city is well-connected by rail. The temple is located around 3 km from the railway station and is easily accessible via taxis or auto-rickshaws.