11 Ancient Temples of India

Ancient Temples of India

Ancient Temples of India: Temples of India are one of the most valuable assets. Some temples of India are 1000 years old. Due to which India is famous in the world. Kaliyasnath Temple built in the 8th century is about 1000 years old temple. Before this, Mundeshwari Devi Temple of Bihar is considered to be the oldest temple. Similarly, there are many temples in India, which have been in existence for thousands of years. All these temples of India are amazing. Which are best for worship. Today we will talk about the oldest temples of India which will inspire you with awe!

Ancient Temples of India List

Name of Ancient Temples of IndiaLocationYear Built
Mundeshwari Devi TempleBihar, India (Kaimur district, Pawra)108 CE
Kailasa TempleAurangabad, Maharashtra, India8th century
Adi Kumbeswara TempleKumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India7th century AD
Shore TempleMahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India8th century AD
Dwarkadhish TempleDwarka, Gujarat, IndiaOver 2,000 years ago
Sun Temple, KonarkKonark, Odisha, IndiaAround 1250 CE
Halasuru Someshwara TempleBangalore, Karnataka, India12th century
Airavatesvara TempleDarasuram, Tamil Nadu, India12th century CE
Brihadeeswara TempleThanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India11th century CE
Lad Khan TempleAihole, Karnataka, India5th century

1. Mundeshwari Devi Temple

Mundeshwari Devi Temple is an ancient and historical temple located on the Pavara Hill in Kaimur district of Bihar state of India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mundeshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga in Hinduism. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest functioning temples in the Indian subcontinent.

The Mundeshwari Devi Temple is believed to have been built in 108 AD, making it one of the oldest Hindu temples in India. The architecture and art of this temple shows the influence of the Gupta, Pala and Chera dynasties of the time. The construction style of the temple is of Nagar style, which includes shikhara, sanctum and mandap.

2. Kailasa Temple, Aurangabad

The Kailasa Temple, located in the Ellora Caves of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is a marvel of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is renowned for its massive size, intricate carvings, and the sheer ingenuity involved in its construction.

Built in the 8th century during the reign of the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, the Kailasa Temple stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and artistic excellence of ancient India. It is one of the 34 monasteries and temples that form the Ellora Caves complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The construction of the temple is believed to have taken around 18 years, involving the removal of approximately 200,000 tons of rock.

3. Adi Kumbeshwara Temple

Adi Kumbeswara Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the oldest and most significant Shiva temples in South India, with a rich history and architectural grandeur that attracts devotees and tourists alike.

The Adi Kumbeswara Temple dates back to the 7th century AD, with contributions from various dynasties, including the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara kings. The temple is deeply rooted in the legend associated with the creation of the town of Kumbakonam. According to mythology, during the great deluge, Lord Shiva, in the form of a hunter, broke a pot (kumbha) containing the seeds of creation, which eventually settled in Kumbakonam. This act is commemorated in the temple’s name and its spiritual significance.

4. Shore Temple

The Shore Temple is a famous structural temple complex located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, dating back to the 8th century AD during the reign of the Pallava dynasty.

Built under the rule of Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha, the Shore Temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, known for its rock-cut monuments and temples. The temple complex originally served as a royal complex with shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.

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5. Dwarkadhish Temple

The Dwarkadhish Temple, located in Dwarka, Gujarat, is a major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Dwarkadhish, the ‘King of Dwarka’. This temple holds significant religious importance as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.

The Dwarkadhish Temple is believed to have been built over 2,000 years ago by Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. It stands on the site believed to be Krishna’s legendary kingdom, Dwarka, which according to Hindu mythology, was submerged after Lord Krishna’s departure from Earth.

6. Cave Temples

Cave temples are ancient religious structures carved into natural rock formations, found across various regions of the world but notably prominent in India. These temples are remarkable for their architectural ingenuity and cultural significance, often serving as centers of worship and meditation for different religious communities.

Cave temples have a long history dating back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples found in India. They were created by excavating solid rock to form elaborate chambers, halls, and sanctuaries for religious rituals and practices. In India, cave temples were predominantly associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, reflecting the diverse religious traditions of the subcontinent.

7. Sun Temple, Konark

The Sun Temple at Konark, located in Odisha, India, is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the sun god Surya. Renowned for its architectural grandeur and artistic finesse, the temple is designed in the form of a colossal chariot with twelve pairs of intricately carved wheels pulled by seven horses.

Built during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty around 1250 CE, the Konark Sun Temple stands as a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient India. It was conceived as a monumental representation of Surya’s chariot, symbolizing the passage of time and the sun’s journey across the sky.

8. Halasuru Someshwara Temple

The Halasuru Someshwara Temple, located in Halasuru (Ulsoor), Bangalore, Karnataka, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Someshwara. This ancient temple is renowned for its historical significance, architectural splendor, and religious importance in the region.

Believed to have been originally constructed during the Chola dynasty in the 12th century, the Halasuru Someshwara Temple underwent renovations and expansions under various dynasties, including the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple complex reflects a blend of Chola, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara architectural styles.

9. Airavatesvara Temple

The Airavatesvara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. Built by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Airavatesvara.

Constructed during the reign of Rajaraja Chola II (1146-1162 CE), the Airavatesvara Temple is part of the Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built as a testimony to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Chola dynasty, known for their patronage of temple construction and art.

10. Brihadeeswara Temple

The Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Brihadisvara Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Built by the Chola king Rajaraja I in the 11th century CE, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its grandeur, architectural brilliance, and cultural significance.

Commissioned by Rajaraja I (r. 985-1014 CE), the Brihadeeswara Temple is a masterpiece of Chola architecture and a symbol of the Chola dynasty’s power and patronage of the arts. It was built to commemorate the king’s victory over his rivals and to demonstrate his devotion to Lord Shiva.

11. Lad Khan Temple

The Lad Khan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Aihole, Karnataka, India. It is one of the oldest temples in the region and holds significant historical and architectural importance.

Believed to have been built in the 5th century during the Chalukya dynasty rule, the Lad Khan Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is named after a Muslim prince, Lad Khan, who is said to have used the temple as a residence during later centuries, although the temple predates Islamic rule in the area.

Conclusion

India is a country of temples. Where there are the most temples in the world. Which were built thousands of years ago. Today we have talked about all these temples. Knowing which you may feel shocked. Because their history is years old. Which can surprise you. Hope you liked this article. Share it with your friends.

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