Top 10 Oldest Temples Of India To Visit

List of Oldest Temples in India

10 Oldest Temples In India You Must Visit

The oldest temples of India are a true symbol of rich history and devotion. These holy places with amazing carvings, architectural brilliance and massiveness show the country's rich culture. They attract millions of pilgrims worldwide to explore their divine beauty and connect with India's spiritual and historical significance.

1. Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of the oldest temples in India. This 212-foot-tall Shiva temple is home to one of the largest Shiva Lingas in the country. A majestic Nandhi (bull) stands guard over the temple. Brihadeeswarar Temple was built by Raja Raja Chola 1st in the 11th century in a Chola architectural style. Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the south bank of the Cauvery River in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

Brihadeeswarar Temple Built By: Chola King Rajaraja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD

Also Known As: The Big Temple and Peruvudaiyar Kovil

Dedicated To: Lord Shiva

Time to Visit: January to December

Brihadeeswarar Temple darshan timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM - Everyday

How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from cities like Chennai, Trichy, and Madurai 

Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Junction

Nearby Bus Station: Thanjavur Old Bus Stand

Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport

Recognized As: A UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Great Living Chola Temples"

2. Kailasa Temple Maharashtra

The Kailasa Temple in Maharashtra, located in the Ellora Caves, is an architectural wonder and a testament to India's ancient craftsmanship. Kailasa Temple was built by Krishna 1st of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. It is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu temples, Carved entirely from a single rock, it stands as one of the largest monolithic structures in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents Mount Kailash.

Kailasa Temple Built By: Rashtrakuta King Krishna I 756–773 AD

Also Known As: Kailasanatha Temple

Dedicated To: Lord Shiva

Time to Visit: October to March

Kailasa Temple darshan timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM - Everyday

How to Reach: Accessible via roadways from cities like Aurangabad and Mumbai

Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station

Nearby Bus Station: Ellora Bus Stand

Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport

3.  Konark Sun Temple Konark

Konark Sun Temple is designed as a chariot for the Sun God. It features 24 massive wheels, each 10 feet in diameter, with beautifully carved spokes and detailed designs. This amazing temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate sculptures. It is located about 35 kilometres northeast of Puri city in Odisha. Konark Sun Temple was built by King Narasimhadeva 1st of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. 

Konark Sun Temple Built By: King Narasingha Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th Century

Also Known As: Surya Devalaya, Black Pagoda
Dedicated To: Hindu Sun-god Surya
Time to Visit: November to February
Konark Sun Temple darshan timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM - Everyday
How to Reach: Connected by roadways from cities like Bhubaneswar and Puri
Nearest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Konark Bus Stand
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar

Declared as: a  UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984

4. Jagannath Temple Puri

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the most revered Vaishnava sites in India. Jagannath Temple was King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century. The temple is known for its rich history and shows Kalinga-style architecture. Its annual Rath Yatra, where lords are taken on chariots, attracts millions of devotees.

Jagannath Temple Built By: King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century AD
Completion: Completed in 1230 AD by Anangabheema Deva III
Dedicated To: Lord Jagannath (a form of Vishnu)
Time to Visit: January to December
Jagannath Temple darshan timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Everyday
How to Reach: Easily accessible via roadways from cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
Nearest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Puri Bus Stand
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar

5.  Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is one of the most visited Hindu temples in India, with an average of 45,000 pilgrims per day. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. The original temple, known as the Adi Vishveshwar Temple, was demolished by Muhammad Ghori. It was later rebuilt by Man Singh I and Todar Mal under Emperor Akbar. The temple was again destroyed by Aurangzeb. The current structure of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was constructed by the Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Built By: Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780
Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples and a key Hindu pilgr site.
Dedicated To: Lord Shiva

Time to Visit: January to December
Kashi Vishwanath Temple darshan timings: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM - Everyday
How to Reach: Well-connected by roadways from cities like Lucknow and Allahabad.
Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction
Nearby Bus Station: Varanasi Bus Station
Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi

6. Meenakshi Temple Madurai

Meenakshi Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi Amman, a form of Parvati, and lord Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva. Meenakshi Temple Tamil Nadu stands as a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is famous for its stunning gopurams (gateway towers). 

Meenakshi Temple Built By: Pandya King Kulasekara Pandya in the 6th century CE
Dedicated To: Goddess Meenakshi and her consort, God Sundareswarar (Shiva)
Time to Visit: October to March
Meenakshi Temple darshan timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Everyday
How to Reach: Accessible via roadways from cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Trichy
Nearest Railway Station: Madurai Junction
Nearby Bus Station: Madurai Mattuthavani Bus Stand
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

7. Ramanathaswamy Temple Rameswaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva located in Rameswaram in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Char Dham pilgr sites and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. Its corridor is the longest among all the Hindu temples of India. According to Ramanathaswamy Temple history, it was established and worshipped by Lord Ram before he crossed the bridge called Rama Setu to the island kingdom of Lanka. 

Ramanathaswamy Temple Built By: King Kizhavan Sethupathi in the 17th century (present design)
Dedicated To: Lord Shiva (Ramanathaswamy)

Time to Visit: January to December
Ramanathaswamy Temple darshan timings: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Everyday
How to Reach: Connected by roadways from cities like Madurai, Trichy, and Chennai
Nearest Railway Station: Rameswaram Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Rameswaram Bus Stand
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

8. Badami Cave Temples | Badami

The Badami Cave Temple is a complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples located at Badami in the Bagalkot district, Karnataka. Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, and Badami Cave 3 are dedicated to Hindu deities, with intricate carvings and sculptures that showcase early Dravidian architecture. Badami Cave 4, a Jain temple, is particularly noteworthy for its detailed artwork. These caves are a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Badami Cave Temple Built By: Chalukya King Mangalesa (598–610 AD)
Location: Badami, Karnataka, India
Dedicated To: Shiva, Vishnu, Mahavira (Different caves dedicated to various deities)

Time to Visit: January to December
Badami Cave Temple darshan timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM - Everyday
Nearby Places: Agastya Lake, Badami Fort, Banashankari Temple

Nearest Railway Station: Badami Railway Station

Nearby Bus Station: Badami Bus Stand

Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport

9. Mahabodhi Temple Bodh Gaya

The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world. The temple is located on the banks of the Niranjana River in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The temple complex includes the sacred Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The temple's design, with its towering spire and intricate carvings, reflects the Gupta architectural style.   

Mahabodhi Temple Built By: Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire (3rd century BC)
Dedicated To: Lord Buddha

Time to Visit: January to December
Mahabodhi Temple darshan timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Everyday
Nearby Places: Bodhi Tree, Great Buddha Statue, Tibetan Monastery

Nearest Railway Station: Gaya Junction

Nearby Bus Station: Bodh Gaya Bus Stand

Nearest Airport: Gaya Airport

10. Mundeshwari Temple Kaimur, Bihar

Mundeshwari Temple is situated on the Panwara hill of Ramgarh village in the Kaimur district of Bihar. The main attraction of this temple is the grand and ancient stone idol of Goddess Mundeshwari in the eastern section. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. The temple is also called as Mundeshwari Devi temple. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in India and showcases Nagara-style architecture with intricate carvings and inscriptions.  

Mundeshwari Temple Built By: Estimated during the Gupta Empire (6th century CE), with renovations and additions in the 10th or 11th century CE.
Dedicated To: Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti

Time to Visit: January to December
Mundeshwari Temple darshan timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Monday - Sunday)

How to Reach: Easily accessible from Patna, Gaya, or Varanasi.

Nearest Railway Station: Mohania - Bhabua Road Railway Station (22 km away by road).

Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (102 km away from the temple).

The oldest temples in India are timeless treasures that reflect the country's spiritual essence and cultural richness. While some may have certain traditions or rules, most invite visitors to explore their grandeur. These temples offer a chance to experience the richness of India's deep-rooted traditions and religious heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oldest Temples of India

Q: When was the 1st temple built in India?

A: The Mundeshwari Temple is one of the oldest temples in India. It was built during the Gupta Empire around the 4th or 5th century CE but its exact origins remain unclear.

Q: Who built the Brihadeshwara Temple?

A: The Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as Periya Kovil or the Big Temple, was built by Raja Chola 1st, a ruler of the Chola dynasty, in the early 11th century (around 1010 CE).

Q: Which God is in Kailasa Temple?

A: Lord Shiva is in Kailasa Temple. It represents Mount Kailash, which is believed to be the heavenly abode of Shiva in Hindu mythology.

Q: Which UNESCO site is in Odisha?

A: The Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Odisha. This 13th-century temple, dedicated to the Sun God is renowned for its magnificent architecture and intricate carvings.

Q: Is Kashi Vishwanath a jyotirlinga?

A: Yes, Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds great spiritual significance for Hindus.

Q: Who constructed the Jagannath Temple?

A: The Jagannath Temple was constructed by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 12th century. This historical temple is located in Puri, Odisha.

Q: Which dynasty built the Meenakshi Temple?

A: The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai was originally built by the Pandya dynasty. It was later expanded and beautifully renovated by the Nayaka dynasty during the 16th and 17th centuries.

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