The City of Temples in India is considered a treasure trove of magnificent temples. Especially during specific festivals these cities are flooded with followers, curious travellers, history, and architectural enthusiasts. Each town is perfect for starting a unique and transformative journey toward self-healing. The awe-inspiring temples and mystical cities showcase India’s diverse religious traditions and architectural marvels. These sacred structures are testaments to the nation’s deep spirituality.
Despite this hustle and bustle of busy city life, each city illustrates its religious significance and historical importance, and the town’s vibrant colours never fade. So, let’s explore some of the must-visit cities of temples.
Some popular cities of temples in India (List)
| Cities | Notable features of the city |
| Varanasi | River Ganges; Kashi Vishwanath Temple; oldest inhabited cities in the world |
| Madurai | Meenakshi Amman Temple; vibrant rituals and the divine atmosphere; Vaigai river; historically and culturally vibrant. |
| Rishikesh | a hub for yoga and meditation; enchanting Ganga Aarti |
| Bhubaneswar | ancient temples; rich cultural and religious traditions |
Note: The above table is not based on a ranking system and there are more than these cities that are worth visiting.
Varanasi
Often referred to as Banaras, this city is actually an entire world for the Hindu community and it is also counted as one of the oldest inhabitant cities in the world. The city is nestled on the banks of the River Ganges. The entire city is surrounded by numerous temples and never loses its charm because it is always flooded with devotees from all over the world. Some of its prominent temples are,
Major religious sites of Varanasi,
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Tulsi Manas Temple
- Iconic Durga Temple
Madurai
The ancient city of Madurai is often referred to as Athens of the East. This city possesses Meenakshi Amman Temple which is well-known for its Dravidian architecture. In addition to being the capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is also the cultural capital of the state. Situated on the banks of the river Vaigai, the city has a great history, preserved and documented for more than 2500 years. Apart from having cultural importance, the city of Madurai is also becoming the industrial and educational hub of Tamil Nadu.
Major Religious sites of Madurai,
- Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Koodal Azhagar Temple
- Alagar Koyil
- Kazimar Big Mosque
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a spiritual haven and a hub for yoga and meditation and is dotted with numerous temples that are very popular for spiritual education. You can find many saints and sages meditating and their journey is to find higher knowledge. There are many ashrams here with a serene atmosphere.
Rishikesh is very famous for its physical wellness programs and is often referred to as the yoga capital of the world. Rishikesh is Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and it is the starting point of the char dham yatra. The city provides panoramic views of the Himalayas. It also has its mention in Skanda Purana.
Major religious sites of Rishikesh,
- Tera Manzil Temple
- Parmarth Niketan
- Neelkanth Mahadev temple
Bhubneshwar
The capital city of Odisha is often referred to as the Temple City of India because it was believed that the city used to have 700 temples. Furthermore, in the current scenario, it has become an attractive business destination and an education hub. The city is famous for spirituality, and architectural splendor. The temples of Bhubaneswar provide a captivating allure and illustrate history, devotion, and artistry converge in a harmonious blend.
Some of the major temples of Bhubaneswar are,
- Lingaraja Temple, Lord Shiva
- Mukteshwar Temple, Lord Shiva
- Rajarani Temple
- Parashurameshvara Temple, Lord Shiva
- Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Lord Krishna
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