India is dotted with some of the most exquisite and ancient temples. So many kingdoms rose and collapsed, and so many calamities took place, but the temples are still there with their vivid architecture and beauty. As a matter of fact, the temples in the country are not only popular for worshipping the idols placed there but also appreciated for their architecture. The temple architecture is a reflection of the tastes and beliefs of many dynasties and kingdoms. In different regions of the country, you will find unique temple structures. So, let us discuss some of the best architectural temples in India that are popular because of their unique design.
To make your visit to these unique temple architectures in India smooth and hassle-free, book a self-drive car rental and travel across the length and breadth of the country at your own pace.
Also called Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi Temple is located at a close distance from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The main attraction of this temple is the hanging pillar. The pillar can be found in the central hall of this temple. Apart from this, the temple has several other mysterious legends associated with it. The temple dates back to the 16th century, and the main deities here are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Veerabhadra. The temple was built by two brothers, Virupanna and Viranna, who served as governors under the Vijayanagar Empire. They commissioned the construction of this temple at Lepakshi and were responsible for its intricate architecture and sculptures, making it one of the most famous architectural temples in India.
Visiting this temple will give you a clear idea of the regality of the Vijayanagara Empire. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, and you can find the architecture and design dedicated to him. The temple is a World Heritage Site under UNESCO.
South Indian temple architecture has always been praised for its grandeur. One of the South Indian temples that must be mentioned here is the Chennakeshava Temple. Located on the banks of the Yagachi River in Karnataka’s Hassan region, Chennakeshava Temple is the main temple in the town. The temple is also known as the Keshava temple, and it is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. You can find scriptures carved on the walls of the temple. The texts of the scriptures are from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The temple dates back to the 12th century AD.
On your trip to Kanchi temple, you will be able to see lots of Pallava art and architecture. Kanchi Kamakshi temple is one of the most beautiful ancient temples in the country. Its architecture is praised across the world. The exact date of the construction of this temple is not known. However, according to a rough estimate, it was built between the 6th BCE and the 8th BCE, which makes the archaeological age of this temple around 1600 years.
Those who appreciate temple architecture in India must visit Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. The temple was built by Kulasekara Pandyan. You will be able to see the actual Dravidian-style architecture in this temple.
Located in the Thanjavur region, the Tanjore Temple is an example of great Hindu temple architecture. Regarded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this temple also houses various attractions, including the Gangaikonda temple, Airavateshwara Temple, Vijayanagar Fort, and Thanjavur Royal Palace. A visit to this temple will help you explore the Chola architecture. The temple was built between 1003 and 1010 AD. Although the temple has been in existence for several years, it became popular during the reign of the Chola dynasty.
Also called the Hoysaleswara temple, Halebidu Temple was built during the era of the Hoysala dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will be able to witness the Hoysala’s architectural style when you visit this temple. The construction of this temple started in the 12th century. Upon visiting this temple, you will be able to see its grand architecture and learn a great deal about the history of the land.
The main deity of this temple is the Hindu Sun God. The temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot, which is carried by seven horses. Built in the 13th century, the temple has always been praised for its beautiful and unique architecture. You will be able to witness the true example of the Kalinga architecture in this temple. This is one of the main attractions in Odisha.
Counted among the ancient temple architectures of India, the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh are a global attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These temples are decorated with beautiful erotic and mythological carvings, representing the pinnacle of Chandelas’ art and architecture.
Not only does it rank among the most significant temples of Jain culture, but it also features 1,444 white marble pillars, each distinctly different from the others. The beauty of the place is remarkable, especially considering the temple dates back to the 1400s.
The Kailasa temple at the Ellora Caves is carved entirely out of a single rock. The temple was built in the 8th century and serves as a testament to the architectural wonder of ancient India. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva.
Dilwara Jain Temples, famous for their intricate marble carvings, are located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The beautiful architecture of the temple showcases unparalleled craftsmanship.
To visit these temples and see their one-of-a-kind architecture, you can opt for a self-drive car rental from Revv. Revv’s car rental service in India is affordable, and you can use the vehicle for as many days as you want. All that you need to do is download the Revv app on your phone and check out the cars available there to choose your preferred vehicle. While touring these temples, you can also visit nearby places and attractions located on your way in your Revv self-drive car.
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