TOP 5 TEMPLE IN INDIA

 1. Thanjavur Kovil :

1. Introduction to Thanjavur Kovil: Introducing Thanjavur Kovil, a magnificent temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Built in the 11th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Brihadeeswarar and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ‘Great Living Chola Temples’. Thanjavur Kovil is renowned for its architectural excellence and is one of the most visited temples in India.

Age : 

The Thanjavur Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century CE and is one of the largest temples in India. It is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

2. History and Architecture of Thanjavur Kovil: Thanjavur Kovil was built by the Chola king Raja Raja I in the 11th century. The temple is one of the most important Chola architectural masterpieces and is built in the Dravidian style. It is a massive structure with a three-tiered gopuram, inner and outer prakarams, and several mandapams. The vimana (shrine) of the temple is 66 metres tall and is topped by a dome made of solid granite. 3. Significance of Thanjavur Kovil: Thanjavur Kovil is one of the most important temples in India and has been a pilgrimage site for many centuries. It is believed to be the first temple to be built with a Vimana of such a large height. The temple is also known for its beautiful sculptures, frescoes, and inscriptions that depict the life and times of the Chola period. 4. Festivals and Rituals of Thanjavur Kovil: Thanjavur Kovil is a popular pilgrimage spot and is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year. The main festivals celebrated at the temple are Mahashivaratri, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Navaratri. Various rituals such as homams, pujas, and abhishekams are also performed at the temple. 5. How to Reach Thanjavur Kovil: Thanjavur Kovil is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 50 km away. The Thanjavur Railway Station is the nearest railway station, about 10 km away. There are regular buses from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, and other nearby cities to Thanjavur Kovil.

2. Meenakshi Amman Temple :

Meenakshi Amman Temple: An Introduction Located in the bustling city of Madurai, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most revered temples in India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Meenakshi, who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The temple attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year and is an important religious and cultural center in Tamil Nadu. The temple is known for its grand architecture, detailed sculptures, and vibrant festivals. This article will provide an introduction to the Meenakshi Amman Temple and its history. Heading: History of the Meenakshi Amman Temple The Meenakshi Amman Temple is believed to have been constructed in the 7th century CE by the Pandya kings. The temple underwent several renovations and additions over the centuries, and is now considered one of the most important Hindu temples in India. The temple is a Dravidian style temple, with a four-tiered gopuram (tower) and a sprawling courtyard. The temple complex is surrounded by two concentric quadrangular walls, and is believed to have been built to protect the temple from natural disasters. Features of the Meenakshi Amman Temple The Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the largest temples in South India and is an architectural marvel. The temple complex consists of four main gopurams, a thousand-pillared hall, and a thousand-pillared courtyard. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the main deity, Meenakshi, and her consort, Lord Shiva. The temple also houses several other shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. As per the temple tradition, devotees must enter the complex through the east gate and circumambulate the temple in a clockwise direction. Festivals at the Meenakshi Amman Temple The Meenakshi Amman Temple is known for its colorful festivals and celebrations. The most important festival celebrated at the temple is the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, which is celebrated every April. During the festival, the main deities, Meenakshi and Shiva, are married in a grand ceremony. The temple also hosts several other festivals throughout the year such as Panguni Uttiram, Navaratri, and Vaikasi Visakam. Conclusion The Meenakshi Amman Temple is an important religious and cultural center in Tamil Nadu. The temple is renowned for its grand architecture, detailed sculptures, and vibrant festivals. The temple attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world and is a must-visit destination in South India.

3. Virupaksha Temple :

Virupaksha Temple: A Brief History Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in India. It is located in Hampi, Karnataka and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple is a part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Architecture of Virupaksha Temple The Virupaksha Temple is an example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture. The temple is constructed of sandstone and granite and is a three-tiered structure. The walls are adorned with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple is also surrounded by a series of pillared pavilions, known as mandapas. The most impressive of these is the 100-pillared Kalyana Mandapa, which is used for religious ceremonies. The Inner Sanctum of Virupaksha Temple The inner sanctum of the temple is the most important part and houses the main deity, Lord Shiva. The shrine is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple also houses other shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consorts, Rama and Sita. The main deity of the temple is worshiped in the form of a linga. Festivals Celebrated at Virupaksha Temple The Virupaksha Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple also hosts several festivals throughout the year, the most important of which is the annual Pampa Festival. This festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva and is attended by thousands of devotees from all over the country.

Conclusion : In conclusion, the Virupaksha Temple is an important Hindu pilgrimage site and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. It is an excellent example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture and is home to several shrines dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. It is also the venue for several important festivals throughout the year, the most important of which is the Pampa Festival.

4. Khajuraho Group of Temples :

Khajuraho Group of Temples – An Overview The Khajuraho group of temples is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. These temples are famous for their beautiful and intricate carvings depicting ancient Indian art and culture. The temples are situated in a large complex and date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The group of temples was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. History of the Khajuraho Group of Temples The Khajuraho group of temples were built during the rule of the Chandela dynasty, which ruled over the area from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The temples were built between 950 AD and 1050 AD and are believed to have been constructed to honor the divine feminine energy, or shakti. The temples depict a variety of images, from gods and goddesses to everyday scenes from the 10th century. Architecture of the Khajuraho Group of Temples The Khajuraho group of temples are built in the Nagara style of architecture, which is characterized by a pyramidal tower called the shikhara. The temples are also built in the Panchayatana style, which is a system of five shrines surrounding a central shrine. The temples are adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings, depicting a variety of images ranging from gods and goddesses to everyday scenes. Significance of the Khajuraho Group of Temples The Khajuraho group of temples is considered to be one of the most significant monuments of medieval India. The sculptures and carvings depict the various aspects of life in the 10th century and are a testimony to the craftsmanship of the artists of that time. The temples are also a symbol of religious tolerance and syncretism, as they combine both Hindu and Jain architecture and art. Conclusion

The Khajuraho group of temples is a unique and significant monument of ancient India, and is a testament to the craftsmanship and religious tolerance of the people of that time. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the art and culture of medieval India.

5. Brihadeeswara Temple :

1. Introduction to Brihadeeswarar Temple: Brihadeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is also known as Rajarajeswaram or Peruvudaiyar Koyil and is one of the largest temples in India. The temple was built by the Chola King Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century CE and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”. 2. The Significance of Brihadeeswarar Temple: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is considered to be a masterpiece of Chola architecture and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is known as an architectural marvel and is an important example of South Indian temple architecture. The temple is a perfect example of the Chola’s power, wealth and artistic expertise and is an important symbol of South India’s cultural heritage. 3. The Architecture of the Brihadeeswarar Temple: The temple is made of granite and is built in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple is built on a raised platform with steps leading up to the main entrance. The temple is surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and has a large temple tank which is used for ritual ablutions. The main structure of the temple is the Vimana which is a tower that is decorated with sculptures and is topped with a monolithic granite cupola which is known as the "Kudu". 4. The Iconography of the Brihadeeswarar Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is home to many statues of Shiva and his consort Parvati. There are also sculptures of other Hindu gods and goddesses such as Ganesha, Murugan, Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. 5. The Religious Significance of the Brihadeeswarar Temple: The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple is believed to be a source of divine grace and it is said that prayers offered at the temple are granted. The temple is also associated with several legends and is believed to be a place of great spiritual power. 6. Conclusion: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is an important example of South Indian temple architecture and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is a masterpiece of Chola architecture and is home to many sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple is associated with several legends and is believed to be a source of divine grace.