Top 14 Largest Temples In India With Highlights
The Indian subcontinent is the founding site of many different religions, Hinduism being the prominent one. The construction of temples in Indian began in caves around 400 BC. The stone temples gradually morphed into brick and wooden structures. The old Indians were believed to worship Gods such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The images of these gods discovered in cave temples show the custom of worshiping idols is as ancient as the religion. As time passed, and with the changing times they were worshiped under different names in various styles across different regions of India. Temples in the past of India were the hubs for cultural and social activities. They were surrounded by vast acres of land that were dedicated to temples. Some were home to 150 acres. The temples are surrounded by several enclosures known as ‘Prakarams’ which surround the inner sanctum of the temple. This article is focused on some of the biggest Temples in India.
The Largest Temples in India with Photos:
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple In Madurai.
2. Thillai Natarajah Temple At Chidambaram.
3. Brihadeeswarar Temple In Thanjavur.
4. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple In Srirangam.
5. Belur Math In Kolkata.
6. Nellaiappar Temple In Tirunelveli.
7. Annamalaiyar Temple In Thiruvannamalai.
8. Sripuram Golden Temple In Vellore.
9. Jagannath Temple In Puri.
10. Jambukeswarar Temple In Thiruvanaikaval.
11. Vaitheeswaran Koli Temple In Sirkazhi.
12. Birla Mandir In Delhi.
13. Akshardham In Delhi.
14. Tiruvarur Thyagarajaswamy Temple in Tiruvarur.
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple In Madurai:
In the gorgeous city of temples in Madurai, Meenakshi Amman temple is 170 feet tall and houses 14 gopurams. The magnificent temple is called Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple which is an alternative name for Parvati and Shiva turn. Madurai is the city of temples that was established over 25,000 years ago with this sacred construction. In the temple of the gods, There are two gold Vimanas with a structure. According to data, it is believed that 15,000 people go to the temple every day, and on Fridays, this amount is a lot higher at 25,000. The temple is well-known for its 30,000 statues.
Highlights:
Address: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
Timings: 5 AM to 12.30 PM, 4 PM to 9.30 PM
Dress Code strictly traditional wear.
Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
How to Access: It is located 2 km away from Madurai Railway station.
Temple Website: N/A
The best time to visit: Navarathri and all important Hindu celebrations.
Other Attractions: Golden Lotus Tank and Museum.
2. Thillai Natarajah Temple At Chidambaram:
Thillai Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram located situated in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Shiva is among the biggest shrines found in India. Since the 12th century, Thillai Koothan, or Nataraja was the main worshiper in the Temple. This temple is the start of all Saivite temples. Chidambaram is an element of five classic elements known as Aakash(aether) that is also commonly referred to as The Pancha Bootha Sthalams. Chidambaram temple is celebrated with a variety of celebrations throughout the year.
Highlights:
Address: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Dress code strictly Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
How to Get There: Nearest Airport is Puducherry which is just 51 kilometers away. Chidambaram is also home to a train station, and you can easily hire cabs to the temple
Temple Website: N/A
Best Time To Visit: Arudra Darsanam
The other attractions are: The Temple is adorned with amazing artifacts as well as old Thillai trees.
3. Brihadeeswarar Temple In Thanjavur:
The Brihadeeswarar temple located in Thanjavur is among the largest temples in India constructed by Emperor Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD. The most important god in the Brihadeeswar temple is Lord Shiva. The temple also houses the idols of the Ashta-dipaalakas, or guardians of the various directions, such as Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirrti, Varuna, Vayu Kubera, and Isana. A large figure of Nandi or the sacred bull that was made of one rock is located in the front of the temple. It is also the biggest Hindu temple of Shiva located in India.
Highlights:
Address: Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
Timings: 6 AM-12:30 PM, 4-8:30 PM
Dress Code Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
How To Get There: Nearest Airport is Puducherry which is 138 km away. Thanjavur railway station has a good quantity of trains that connect. It is also possible to take buses that connect to Thanjavur junction.
Temple Website: N/A
Best Time To Visit: Mahasivarathri Night Dance Festival
Another AttractionsApart from visiting temples is sure you take to your home the well-known Thanjavur dolls.
Top 14 Largest Temples In India With Highlights
4. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple In Srirangam:
Sri Ranganathaswamy Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is located within Srirangam and is among the most significant temples operating in India. It is surrounded by seven walls known as Prakarams and has 21 gopurams enclosed. It is home to 49 shrines, each in honor of Lord Vishnu. The entire temple isn’t utilized for worship, but it is used for other purposes. Of the seven walls, three of them are used as private commercial establishments, like restaurants, hotels, residential houses, and more.
Highlights:
Address: Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli – 620 006.
Timings: 3 AM to 10 PM
Dress Code: Traditional Wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
How to Reach: Srirangam has a railway station as well as connecting buses that connect to the main cities.
Temple Website: https://srirangam.org/
Best Time To Visit: Jestabhishekam, Oonjal, Pavithrotsavam
Additional AttractionsThis temple provides delicious food to 200 devotees per day.
5. Belur Math In Kolkata:
Belur Math is located on the west bank of the Hooghly River in Belur, close to Kolkata. Kolkata which is the capital of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission founded by Swami Vivekananda who was one of the most prominent followers of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is noted by its architecture, which blends Hindu, Christian, and Islamic designs to represent unification among all religions.
Highlights:
Address: Belur, Howrah, West Bengal 711202
Timings: 6 AM-12 PM, 4-9 PM
Dress Code Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
How To Get There:25 Minute drive from Kolkata airport
Temple Website: https://belurmath.org/
Best Time To Visit: All important Hindu festivals
Other AttractionsRamakrishna Samadhi, Museum, and many other sub-shrines
6. Nellaiappar Temple In Tirunelveli:
Nellaiappar temple, also known as Arulmigu Swami Nellaiappar and Arultharum Kanthimathi temple is located in the old town of Tirunelveli. It was constructed around 3000 years ago. It is famous as a musical landmark due to its pillars as well as other stunning sculptural beauty. It was designed through the efforts of Muluthukanda Rama Pandiyan. It includes Somavara Mandapam which is a 1,000 pillared hall. The temple is home to the oldest automobile festival in the world.
Highlights:
Address: 162, E Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006
Times: 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m
Dress Code Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
How to Reach: Tuticornis the nearest airport which is located 49 km from the temple.
Temple Website: N/A
The best time to visit: Generally suggested to visit between October and February. Thirukkalyanam,
Additional AttractionsBeautiful architectural design and the inscription on the temple.
Top 14 Largest Temples In India With Highlights
7. Annamalaiyar Temple In Thiruvannamalai:
Annamalaiyar temple is Annamalaiyar temple is a Hindu Temple that is dedicated to the god Lord Shiva situated within the Annamalai hills of the capital city of Thiruvannamalai. It is regarded as the second-largest temple in terms of an area that is used for religious reasons. The four-sided temple features four tall towers that are stately and high stone walls that resemble the rampart walls of forts. It is home to a Rajagopuram which is the eleven-tiered eastern tower. The walls of the temple are fortified which are punctured by four gopura entryways.
Highlights:
Address: Pavazhakundur, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601
Timings: 5:30 AM-12:30 PM and 3:30-9:30 PM
Dress Code Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 2 – 3 Hours
How Get To Chennai airport is around 200 km from the temple.
Temple Website: http://www.arunachaleswarartemple.tnhrce.in/
Best Time To Visit: Karteekamasam
Other Attractions: Ramana Maharshi Aashram
8. Sripuram Golden Temple In Vellore:
Sripuram Golden temple is a spiritual park that is situated in the middle of a small range of green hills in a tiny town known as Malaikodi within the town of Vellore. It is located near the southernmost point of Vellore which is also known as Tirumalaikodi. The gold-colored Temple of Sripuram can be described as one of the Laxmi Narayan temples or Mahalakshmi temples. Its ‘Vimanam’ and ArdhaMandapam are covered with gold, both in and out.
Highlights:
Address: Sri Narayani Peetam, Sri Puram, Thirumalai Kodi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632055
Time: 4:00 a.m. until 7:15 p.m
Dress Code Dress Code: Traditional Wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
How to reach: Tirupati is the main city that is 137 kilometers via road. Numerous direct trains run from Tirupati up to Vellore.
Temple Website:www.sripuram.org/
Best Time To Visit: Navarathiri Maha Utsav
Others Attractions The temple is a beautiful landscape.
9. Jagannath Temple In Puri:
Sri Jagannath temple is located in the town of Puri It is one of the well-known Hindu shrines that is dedicated to Jagannath as well as Lord Vishnu. It is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus since it is one of the Char Dham holy sites. It was constructed around the year 1299. the gods who rule are the main representations of the god’s Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra as well as Subhadra, the goddess of love. Its annually celebrated RathYatra (also known as the Chariot festival is extremely popular.
Highlights:
Address: Puri, Odisha
Time: 5:00 a.m. until 6:30p.m
Dress Code Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
How To Get There It is located 60km away from Bhubaneshwar airport.
Temple Website: www.jagannathtemplepuri.com
Best Time To Visit: Rath Yatra
Additional AttractionsFood is available inside the temple.
10. Jambukeswarar Temple In Thiruvanaikaval:
Jambukeswarar temple, also known as Thiruvanaikaval temple is situated at Tiruchirapalli and is dedicated to the god Lord Shiva. The temple was built about 1800 years ago. It was built by the first Cholas, Kocengannan. It is among the main Shiva temples within Tamil Nadu which represent the Mahabhuta or five elements. specifically, the temple is reminiscent of Neer, also known as water.
Highlights:
Address: Sannathi St, Thiruvanaikoil, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620005
Timings: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Dress Code Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
How to Get To Trichy is the nearest railway station, which is located 9 km from the temple.
Temple Website: http://www.thiruvanaikavaltemple.tnhrce.in
Best Time To Visit: Brahmotsavam, Aadi Pooram
Other Attractions: SreemathTheertham
Top 14 Largest Temples In India With Highlights
11. Vaitheeswaran Koli Temple In Sirkazhi:
Vaitheeswaran Koli temple is located 7 kilometers away from the city of Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu. This temple was committed to the god Shiva who is revered in the form of Vaitheeswaran which is the God of healing or God for healing, or medicine. It is among the 9 Navagraha (or nine planets) temples connected to the planet Mars. A bath in the holy water of the Siddhamirtham tank, which is a source of nectar is believed to heal every ailment.
Highlights:
Address: No: 25 Taluk Vaitheeswaran Koil, South Madavilagam, Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu 609117
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Dress Code Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
How To Get There: This temple is located 25 km from Chidambaram and 1.3 kilometers from Vaitheeswaran Railway station.
Temple Website: N/A
The best time to visit is the Annual temple festival that is held in April.
Additional AttractionsTemple Tank that has healing power.
12. Birla Mandir In Delhi:
Birla Mandir is in the capital of the nation, Delhi. It is also called the Laxminarayan temple and has been dedicated to the same goddess. It was constructed to honor Goddess Lakshmi also known as the goddess of wealth, and her companion Narayana (also known as Vishnu. It was constructed in 1622 and then renovated in 1793. It is believed to have been endorsed as a temple by Mahatma Gandhi, who was the founder of our nation. He established a rule that would let anyone into the temple, regardless of religious belief.
Highlights:
Address: Mandir Marg, Near, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings: 4:30 am – 1:30 pm 2:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Dress Code Dress Code: Traditional wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
How to Reach:14 Min drive from Delhi airport
Temple Website: NA
Best Time To Visit: Janmashtami
Other AttractionsSmall Subshrines inside the temple
13. Akshardham In Delhi:
Delhi Akshardham (also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham is located in the capital city of India, Delhi. The temple complex exhibits the diversity of traditional Indian and Hindu religions and cultures as well as architectural styles. The temple was inaugurated on the 25th of May 2005, by Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam. It is 43 meters high, spans 316 feet wide, and is 109 meters high.
Highlights:
Address: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110092
Timings: 9:30 AM-6:30 PM
Dress Code: No Dress Code
Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
How to Reach:34 Min drive from Delhi airport
Temple Website: https://akshardham.com/
Best Time To Visit: Janmashtami, Diwali, Navaratri
Other AttractionsThree cultural exhibits inside the temple.
14. Tiruvarur Thyagarajaswamy Temple in Tiruvarur:
Sri Thyagarajaswamy The temple of Sri Thyagarajaswamy is situated at Tiruvarur and is an ancient structure. It is dedicated to the Somaskanda part of Lord Shiva. Shrines dedicated to Vanmikanthar Tyagarajar as well as Kamaalamba are located within the temple complex that encompasses 20 acres all by itself. The temple has a tank known as Kamalalayam with a total area of 25 acres. It is the largest tank in India. The temple chariot is among the most massive in Tamil Nadu.
Highlights:
Address: Sannathi Street, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu 610001
Times: 5.00 a.m. until 12.00 a.m. in addition to 4.00 p.m. until 9.00 p.m.
Dress Code: Traditional Wear
Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
How to Get There: 34 Min drive from Delhi airport
Temple Website: http://www.thiyagarajaswamytemple.tnhrce.in/
Best Time To Visit: Annual Chariot Festival
Additional AttractionsMany Sub-Shrines inside the Temple
Top 14 Largest Temples In India With Highlights
Expert Questions and Answers:
1. Have you heard about the ‘Prakarams’ inside The Temples? What are They and What is Their Importance?
A ‘Prakaram’ can be described as an area that is built in the inner part of the temple to circumambulate around the temple. It is typically the first ritual performed in the traditional Hindu temple before going to the main god. Temples with large numbers have multiple Prakaram. Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple has the largest number of Prakarams with 7 enclosures. one of the largest Prakaram in India is the third enclosure of the Rameshwaram temple.
2. Are There any Specific Dress Codes to Follow While Visiting These Temples?
South Indian temples, particularly those located in Tamil Nadu prescribe decent dressing for both men and women. Although some temples are strict regarding wearing sarees or lungis, however, other temples such as Meenakshi Amman temple requests their visitors to dress in appropriate Indian attire and make sure their bodies are completely covered. It is recommended to follow the guidelines of the temples to ensure absolute security during your visit.
The temples in these temples are notable places for archeology as well as religion. They were not just places of religious belief but were significant cultural hubs that promoted architecture and art. The temples also functioned as hospitals as well as charitable institutions, educational institutions, and entertainment centers. The majority of them were closed to non-Hindus who could only access the initial sanctums. In the inner sanctuary, it was known as the Garbha Griha”, which translates to the “Womb of the Temple”. It is considered to be the most sacred spot in the temple, and with idols worshipped throughout the centuries, they’re the most sacred of places. The temples will amaze us with their size and importance.
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