Ancient Temples Across India That Have Been Around For Several Hundred Years

India is defined by its rich history and culture, of which temples form a huge part of its heritage. Carved beautifully out of rock, stone, and mortar, in a time when ‘precise architectural planning’ was a thing of the future, ancient temples with beautiful carvings and unimaginable grandeur were built with precision and expertise, and we’re in awe of how these have stood the test of time, even today. So, if you’re game for a spiritual and cultural walk down history, we’ve got a list of 14 of the most ancient temples to exist in India today. Scroll on!   

1. Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu ( 2,500+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: M. Prasanna Kumar

Meenakshi Temple is arguably one of the most culturally significant temples in all of South India. It is believed that the spot where the temple stands today, was where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) got married, hence the temple is dedicated to the two deities. Meenakshi Temple’s foundation dates back to the 1st Century after which it was torn down, restored and renovated innumerable times by rulers of various dynasties throughout the millennia. The temple covers a massive area of 14 acres and houses marvellous stone-carved shrines dedicated to several deities. The pillared-halls, or ‘Mandapas’, and the colossal gateways or ‘Gopurams’, depict the finest architectural elements one could find. 
National temples to have existed in the world, let alone India. Adorning the summit of Piwara hill at a height of 600 m, it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. The temple’s uniqueness also stems from its distinctive hexagonal shape, making it stand apart from the rest! If you’re curious to know more, do go and have a look at this ancient novel temple and marvel at its beauty!  

Where | Meenakshi Temple - Madurai, Tamil Nadu

2. Maa Mundeshwari Temple, Bihar  (2,000+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: Abhay Kant Singh

Maa Mundeshwari Temple is by far one of the oldest functional temples to have existed in the world, let alone India. Adorning the summit of Piwara hill at a height of 600 m, it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. The uniqueness of the temple also stems from its distinctive hexagonal shape, making it stand apart from the rest! If you’re curious to know more, do go and have a look at this ancient novel temple and marvel at its beauty! 

Where | Maa Mundeshwari Temple - Mundeshwari Dham Road, Bhabua, Bihar

3. Brahmaji Temple, Rajasthan (2,000+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: Aryan Mishra

This Brahma temple is situated in Pushkar, very close to the sacred Pushkar Lake that has close links to the temple through legends. Dating back to the 14th century, this temple is also one of the few prominent temples in existence, solely dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Brahma. Beautifully carved out of marble and stone slabs, it is distinguished by the red pinnacle (shikhara) and a hamsa bird motif on its facade. The best time to visit would be during the Kartik Purnima, to fully immerse yourself in the huge festival that is held during this time to honour god Brahma! 

Where | Brahmaji Temple - Brahma Temple Rd, Ganahera, Pushkar, Rajasthan

4. Sree Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka (2,000+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: Prakash Hebballi

Located in the Hampi District, this UNESCO World Heritage site is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Lord Virupaksha, and has survived the test of time. Built even before the Vijayanagar empire, and once a small shrine, it grew and flourished into a huge temple complex under the reign of Vijayanagara rulers. It is to date, an important pilgrimage site in Hampi and has been considered as one of the most sacred sanctuaries over centuries. This striking temple needs to fosho be on your to-visit list, folks!

Where | Sree Virupaksha Temple - River Road, Hampi, Karnataka

5. Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka (1,500+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: Amith ajith

Badami Cave temples are a huge network of Hindu and Jain temple caves, located in Badami, Karnataka. These are considered fine examples of Indian Rock-cut architecture which dates back centuries. These sandstone cave temples are situated on the west bank of a man-made lake ringed by earthen walls with stone steps and make for a picture-perfect serene atmosphere. If you’re on the lookout for a mind-blowing experience, then do go and check out these caves with fine carvings of idols, and various sculptures of Hindu divinities and bask in all its glory! 

Where | Badami Cave Temples - Badami, Karnataka

6. Mahabalipuram Temples, Tamil Nadu  (1,300+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: Ivon Murugesan

Recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the cluster of temples in Mahabalipuram represent the foundation of Tamil Nadu’s vibrant culture. The noteworthy commonality of these temples is the intricate stone-carved designs that portray eminent personalities, deities and scenes covering a myriad of themes. This 7th-century cluster of monuments comprises chariot-shaped temples or “Rathas”, rock-cut cave temples called Mandapas and rock-reliefs carved on isolated boulders and temples situated on the Bay of Bengal seashore. These temples are absolute delights for history buffs owing to the plethora of ancient niches to observe here!

Where | Mahabalipuram Temples - Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

7. Shree Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand   (1,300+ Years Old)

Situated in a town of its namesake, Badrinath temple is a majestic religious edifice, dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. The temple is a constituent of the four major ‘Char Dham’ pilgrimage sites and owing to this, it hosts oodles of patrons from all over the world, regularly. The origin of this holy abode of Lord Vishnu is associated with varying folklore, one popular story of which says that Lord Shiva and Parvati used to live here and later it was conceived as a temple by Ancient Philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. The temple as we see today - a glorifying edifice flocked with snow-capped hillocks all over, is the result of several restoration works, which began as early as the 16th century by a Garhwal king.

Where | Shree Badrinath Temple - Badrinath, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand

8. Kailasa Temple, Maharashtra (1,200+ Years Old) 

Picture Credits: findingtemples

Kailasa Temple, AKA Kailashnath Temple is the largest temple built and carved out of a single piece of rock! How absolutely astonishing is that?! And the crazy part is that it has almost perfect measurements and alignment, which is practically unheard of, considering the time period it was established. This massive structure was carved out of cave 16 of the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, full of intricate carvings, mind-boggling architecture, and portraits of animals and deities carved into the stone -  we’re in utter shock. How about, y’all?! 

Where | Kailasha Temple - Ellora, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 

9. Mottai Gopura Vasal Athi Kumbeshwarar Temple, Tamil Nadu (1,200+ Years)

Picture Credits: bhurtel

Here’s another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and we’ve realised that there seems to be a pattern here. Built during the years when Shaivism was at its peak this temple continues to be revered in Tamil Nadu, considered to be the birthplace of Shaivism. The temple complex houses four getaways known as gopurams, and one of its main hallways consists of the 16 pillars, built during the Vijayanagar period and has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone. We’d really like to witness its magnificence first hand! 

Where | Mottai Gopura Vasal Athi Kumbeshwarar Temple - Thanjavur Main Road, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

10. Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand (1,000+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: LAZY looser

If that one was the oldest, this one’s the highest Shiva Temple in existence throughout the world, standing at a height of 3,680 m. *Woah* What’s more, according to legends, it is also considered to be one of the Panch Kedar temples built by the Pandavas! The temperatures are pleasant in this region, but during the winters, it drops down to sub-zero temperatures, and the temple gets covered in mounds of snow. The temple remains closed for 6 months during the winter because of this reason, so we’d suggest you visit only during the summers!

Where | Tungnath Temple - Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand 

11. Lingaraja Temple, Odisha ( 1,000+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: hindustan_temples

One of the oldest temples in the state, Lingaraja Temple is a massive shrine dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Built in the 11th century by King Jajati Keshari, this temple exhibits some of the finest elements of Kalinga architecture, the most notable of which are Redstone construction and stone-carved sculptures and adornments on the building. The temple complex is spread over a sprawling area and houses more than 150 smaller shrines apart from the main Shiva temple structure that stands at a massive height of 180 feet. P.S. One should definitely visit the place during Shivaratri to indulge in the divinity of the purest form!

Where | Lingaraja Temple - Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

12. Chennakeshava Temple, Karnataka (900+ Years Old) 

Picture Credits: Nandan Ramaswamy

This 900-year-old Chennakeshava Temple in Karnataka is said to have taken around 103 years to make! *Woah* The temple has been repeatedly damaged and plundered during wars that broke out, and has been repeatedly built again from the wreckage. Interestingly even though the temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, you get to see motifs and carvings that evidently include many themes from Shaivism and Shaktism, as well as images of a Jina from Jainism, and Buddha from Buddhism! We appreciate the inclusivity, y’all!

Where | Chennakeshava Temple - Temple Road, Belur, Karnataka

13. Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan (900+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: Ayush Singh

If you’re looking for an awesome holiday in the lush green mountains of Mount Abu, Rajasthan as you fulfil all your pilgrimage plans, then this is where you need to be. These are a cluster of Jain temples situated a few Kms from the only Hill Station Settlement in Rajasthan, and are a sight to behold, with their white marble arches and finely carved pillars. Exuding a feeling of opulence and grandeur because of the use of very pure white marble - these temples are well-known for their style of Māru-Gurjara architecture. Head over to witness this marvellous temple soon!

Where | Dilwara Temples -  Delwara, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

14. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha (800+ Years Old)

Picture Credits: Karunmanchi Prabhudas

Built somewhere around the 1200s, this enchanting temple is dedicated to the sun god Surya, the temple is built in the shape of a chariot, with 7 horses and 24 huge wheels were added (representing the 24 hours of a day) carved out of stone. Once built over 200 m high, much of the temple is now in ruins, but the structure and elements that have survived are famed for their exquisite artwork, themes, and iconography. We’d say that this one’s a must-visit! 

Where | Konark Sun Temple - Konark, Puri, Odisha

 So, if this list also ignites a curiosity in you to go and explore each of these beautiful temples, then go ahead! We’ll be right behind, y’all!