India is a land like no other, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, there are a bewildering number of temples for an equally large number of deities. However, there are very noticeable architectural differences between the temples of North and South India. The temples in South India tends to have a horizontal shikharas that diminish as it climbs to form a rough pyramid like shape. The north Indian temples are designed with an upturned cone like shikhara that is decorated by several miniature conical shikharas. Here are the 5 Top Temples of North India.
Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu: - One of India's most visited temples, the Vaishno Devi shrine is located around 60 km from Jammu, atop the Trikuta Mountain. The main shrine is nestled within in a cave in the Himalaya Mountains. The main sanctum is reached by a 13 km tunnel where a running stream (Char an Ganga) flows. The best time to visit the Vaishno Devi temple is between March-April and September-October.
The Golden Temple, Punjab: - The most sacred shrine of the Sikhs, the 'Golden Temple was built in 1579 by Guru Ramdas. The holy structure is located in the midst of a large tank and the doors to the temple can approached by 4 directions (North, South, East, West). The Golden Temple's architecture borrows from both the Hindu and Muslim styles reiterating the tolerance and acceptance of the religion. The temple houses the holy book Sikhs, the 'Har ki Paure'.
Somnath Temple, Gujarat: - Located in Somnath, this shrine is considered to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Believed to be abode of Shiva and the most holiest of Jyothirlingas, the Somnath Temple is referred to as the 'Shrine Eternal' after it was destroyed multiple times by several rulers and kings.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Utttar Pradesh: - Considered to be on of the twelve Jyothirlingas, this is one of the sacred temples in Varanasi. Once in his lifetime, a Hindu devotee are expected to pay a pilgrimage to this holy temple. The temple is popularly referred to as Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Lord Jagannath Temple, Orissa: - This is a famed temple dedicated to Jagannath and is popular for its annual Rath yatra which is attended by millions of devotees every year. Built by Raja Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century, the temple complex houses 120 shrines and is fortified by a massive wall. The prasad served at the temple is a pure vegetarian meal and is believed to fuel the spiritual advancement of whoever consumes it.
While planning for a pilgrimage tour to north india ensure cheap air tickets, hotels and travel deals from online travel agencies available. There are various agencies that are known for best holiday packages. Some of them are MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, Yatra and Via. Compare these portal and book the cheapest travel deals to save while travelling.
Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu: - One of India's most visited temples, the Vaishno Devi shrine is located around 60 km from Jammu, atop the Trikuta Mountain. The main shrine is nestled within in a cave in the Himalaya Mountains. The main sanctum is reached by a 13 km tunnel where a running stream (Char an Ganga) flows. The best time to visit the Vaishno Devi temple is between March-April and September-October.
The Golden Temple, Punjab: - The most sacred shrine of the Sikhs, the 'Golden Temple was built in 1579 by Guru Ramdas. The holy structure is located in the midst of a large tank and the doors to the temple can approached by 4 directions (North, South, East, West). The Golden Temple's architecture borrows from both the Hindu and Muslim styles reiterating the tolerance and acceptance of the religion. The temple houses the holy book Sikhs, the 'Har ki Paure'.
Somnath Temple, Gujarat: - Located in Somnath, this shrine is considered to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Believed to be abode of Shiva and the most holiest of Jyothirlingas, the Somnath Temple is referred to as the 'Shrine Eternal' after it was destroyed multiple times by several rulers and kings.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Utttar Pradesh: - Considered to be on of the twelve Jyothirlingas, this is one of the sacred temples in Varanasi. Once in his lifetime, a Hindu devotee are expected to pay a pilgrimage to this holy temple. The temple is popularly referred to as Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Lord Jagannath Temple, Orissa: - This is a famed temple dedicated to Jagannath and is popular for its annual Rath yatra which is attended by millions of devotees every year. Built by Raja Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century, the temple complex houses 120 shrines and is fortified by a massive wall. The prasad served at the temple is a pure vegetarian meal and is believed to fuel the spiritual advancement of whoever consumes it.
While planning for a pilgrimage tour to north india ensure cheap air tickets, hotels and travel deals from online travel agencies available. There are various agencies that are known for best holiday packages. Some of them are MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, Yatra and Via. Compare these portal and book the cheapest travel deals to save while travelling.
