15 Temples That Reveal The Depth Of India’s Spiritual History

India’s ancient temples blend architecture and spirituality in ways that are still captivating. Set in striking terrains and built across centuries, each site tells its own story. For those drawn to heritage and sacred design, these temples offer journeys that go far beyond the guidebooks.

Bugga Ramalingeswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Situated near Tadipatri, this 16th-century temple dedicated to Shiva features intricately carved granite pillars and a natural spring that flows into its sanctum. Although architecturally striking, it is rarely mentioned in mainstream guides. A hidden gem for fans of Vijayanagara-style craftsmanship.

Alampur Navabrahma Temples, Telangana

You’ll find these sandstone temples near the Tungabhadra River. Built during the Badami Chalukya era, it features early Chalukyan art and carvings that draw inspiration from Hindu mythologies and Panchatantra tales. The site stayed hidden for years until the ASI (Architectural Survey of India) restored it in the 1980s.

Kalugumalai Jain Temple, Tamil Nadu

Dating back to the 8th-century Pandyan era, this temple predates many well-known sites in South India. It features around 150 sculpted niches, including detailed carvings of Jain figures such as Gomateshwara and Parsvanatha. You’ll also find an incomplete Shiva temple and a Murugan shrine nearby.

Baijnath Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Merchants Ahuka and Manyuka built this Shiva temple in 1204 CE. Set in the peaceful Kangra Valley, it follows a Nagara-style design and honors Shiva as the Lord of Physicians. It even survived the 1905 earthquake. Although it is a protected site, it remains an active place of worship, attracting pilgrims year-round.

Devipuram Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Just outside Visakhapatnam, this pyramid-shaped temple rises 54 feet and mirrors the Sri Meru Yantra. It honors the goddess Sahasrakshi and allows anyone to perform rituals. Yes, there are no caste or gender restrictions. With over 100 life-sized deities, the temple blends modern energy with deep spiritual purpose.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Maharashtra

The 8th-century Shiva temple sits along Pune’s busy Jangli Maharaj Road. Built during the Rashtrakuta period, it includes three cave sanctums and a rare circular Nandi mandapam. Its early Maru-Gurjara style is a stand-out site for most ancient architecture enthusiasts. ASI protects the site and ensures the preservation of its unique rock-cut architecture and historical context.

Kiradu Temples, Rajasthan

Located 35 km from Barmer, these 11th-century sandstone temples stand in the Thar Desert. Each shrine features detailed sculptures that highlight medieval Rajasthan’s craftsmanship. Visitors can catch a remarkable glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Western India. Though mostly in ruins, the remaining structures reflect a strong influence of Solanki-style architecture.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur

This hilltop site near Bhedaghat’s Marble Rocks holds 81 yogini shrines—more than the usual 64, hinting at the royal influence behind its design. Built in the 11th century by Kalachuri king Yuvaraja II, this massive circular temple spans 125 feet in diameter and offers views above the Narmada River.

Dhwaj Temple, Uttarakhand

You’ll need real stamina to reach this one. 10 km by road and another 4 km on foot. But at 2,100 meters high, the site serves as both a sacred destination and a natural viewpoint, offering panoramic Himalayan views. Because of its ecological sensitivity, it’s also under the watch of the forest department.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Odisha

Near Hirapur, just outside Bhubaneswar, this circular 9th-century temple houses 64 Yogini statues and offers a rare glimpse into India’s long-standing Tantric traditions. Often overshadowed by larger temples in Odisha, its open-air design and esoteric appeal make it a unique spiritual destination.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Karnataka

This 16th-century temple was built by Kempe Gowda I. Carved into a cave in Bangalore, it honors lord Shiva and features giant stone discs in the courtyard. At specific times of the year, sunlight streams through the entrance and illuminates the inner shrine—an impressive achievement of ancient engineering.

Maa Tara Tarini Temple, Odisha

Perched on Kumari Hills near the Rushikulya River, the site honors twin goddesses Tara and Tarini. It ranks among India’s four Adi Shakti Pithas. Located 28 km from Brahmapur, it draws devotees year-round. The temple is also a major stop during the Chaitra Yatra festival season.

Deogarh Jain Temples, Uttar Pradesh

This massive complex of 31 temples, situated near the Betwa River, holds over 2,000 Jain sculptures—the largest collection in the world. Spanning from the 8th to the 17th centuries, it has been protected by the ASI and managed by the Digambar Jain Committee.

Triprangode Shiva Temple, Kerala

The Malappuram temple is a major pilgrimage site, cited in the 15th-century Kokila Sandesa. Then, inscriptions from the Later Chera period detail land grants and ritual customs, offering insight into medieval Kerala. Its grand Maha Shivaratri festival continues to draw devotees from across the state.

Bhuleshwar Temple, Maharashtra

This 13th-century hilltop temple sits 45 km from Pune. Built during the Yadava dynasty, it blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles with domes that resemble mosques. Though dedicated to Shiva, its unique structure reflects the cultural fusion of medieval Maharashtra.