India, known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, is also home to some of the world’s oldest temples. These sacred sites are not only places of worship but also architectural marvels that preserve India’s vast cultural history. For those interested, here are 15 of the oldest temples in India and their locations.
15. Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand – 8th century
Tungnath Temple: Located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, this temple is revered as the highest Shiva temple in the world. Over a millennium old, it is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sites and offers breathtaking views.
14. Parshvanatha Temple, Madhya Pradesh – 10th century CE
Parshvanatha Temple: One of the largest Jain temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, it was built in the 10th century CE and is dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha, featuring detailed carvings.
13. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha – 13th century CE
Konark Sun Temple: Situated in Odisha, this 13th-century temple dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, is known for its chariot-shaped architecture and intricate stone carvings.
12. Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka – 7th century CE
Virupaksha Temple: Located in Hampi, Karnataka, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, this 7th-century CE temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and boasts a towering gateway tower.
11. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra – 2nd century BCE
Ajanta Caves: These rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments in Maharashtra date from the 2nd century BCE to around 480 CE and are celebrated for their beautiful paintings and sculptures.
10. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh – 3rd century BC
Sanchi Stupa: One of India’s oldest Buddhist monuments, located in Madhya Pradesh, dates back to the 3rd century BCE. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, it features a large dome and intricately carved gateways.
9. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh – 885 CE and 1000 CE
Khajuraho Temples: Constructed by the Chandela dynasty between 885 CE and 1000 CE in Madhya Pradesh, these temples are famous for their detailed sculptures that blend art with spirituality.
8. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Vaishno Devi Temple: Situated in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, this prominent Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi attracts numerous pilgrims who undertake a challenging trek to reach the shrine.
7. Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan – 11th – 13th century AD
Dilwara Temples: Located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, these Jain temples, built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, are celebrated for their intricate marble work and serene environment.
6. Jagatpita Brahma Temple, Rajasthan – 14th century CE
Jagatpita Brahma Temple: Near Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan, this rare temple dedicated to Lord Brahma was constructed in the 14th century CE and is a significant pilgrimage site.
5. Kailasa Temple, Maharashtra – 8th century CE
Kailasa Temple: At Ellora in Maharashtra, this 8th-century CE rock-cut monolithic temple was built under the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is renowned for its grand architecture and detailed sculptures.
4. Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu -725 AD
Shore Temple: Located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, and dating back to 725 AD, this temple was built by the Pallavas. It is among the earliest stone temples in South India and includes three shrines with elaborate carvings.
3. Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar – 260 BCE
Mahabodhi Temple: Found in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, this UNESCO World Heritage site marks the enlightenment of Gautam Buddha. It features a prominent pyramidal spire and multiple smaller stupas.
2. Mundeshwari Temple, Bihar – 108 CE
Mundeshwari Temple: Situated in Bihar, this temple is one of the oldest continuously functional temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti. It is notable for its octagonal design and intricate carvings.
1. Temple, Tamil Nadu – 1010 CE
Brihadeeswarar Temple: Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, this temple, also known as the Big Temple, was built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it exemplifies Dravidian architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.