Logo

Famous Oldest Temples of India

India is famous for its old temples, an excellent amalgamation of spirit, art, and history. These ancient temples portray architectural perfection and reflect the deep-seated passion for religion that prevailed during ancient times. More than simple places of worship, the old temples of India embody the nation's cultural depth and diversity. From carved rock shrines to intricately sculpted statues, these temples showcase a glorious past that captures the interest of both devotees and tourists. In many of these temples, rites are still actively performed, bridging the past with the present in a living testament to India’s religious traditions.

A unique aspect of these old temples is the reverence for deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya, each with grand temples dedicated to them. The ingenuity and artistry seen in the oldest temple of India, which dates back thousands of years, continue to inspire modern architecture. These temples have also served as blueprints for later designs, making them foundational to the temple architecture across the country. Each temple reflects a distinct regional style, including the Dravidian, Nagara, and Vesara styles, offering insights into the traditions of various communities and their unique approaches to art and worship.

The oldest Indian temples represent a robust spiritual heritage, particularly in historic regions like Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, where the architecture is exceptionally preserved. Visiting these ancient temples is a religious experience and a journey into the evolution of Indian art and architecture. This fusion of spirituality and art has made these temples a point of fascination for historians, archaeologists, and travellers worldwide, each drawn to the marvels that the ancient temples of India hold. Here are 20 significant temples from India, each representing centuries or even millennia of devotion, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage that are a tribute to ancient India's spiritual and architectural grandeur.

Destination Info
  • Currency INR
  • Phone Code +91
  • Time Zone +5:30
  • Capital City New Delhi
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Attractions Kerala, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Goa, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh

List of 20 Oldest Indian Temple

1
Jagatpita Brahma Temple in Pushkar
This Jagatpita Brahma Temple, located in Pushkar, Rajasthan, is one among very few temples throughout India that is attributed to the Lord Brahma, the deity for creation. This temple is considered to date more than 2000 years back; therefore, religious significance is very high there. A red spire covers it, and Brahma's silver idol with the Goddess Saraswati is on one side. This place is central to the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, which pilgrims and tourists from every corner of the world visit. Though not as ornate as other old temples in India, it still forms a sacred site for worship and fairs.
2
Brihadeshwara Temple Thanjavur
Dated back to the 11th century, the Brihadeshwara temple, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, and devoted to Shiva, was built by Raja Raja Chola I and is today a UNESCO World Heritage site and a grand ancient temple in India. The vimana, or the main tower, stands at an unbelievable height of 216 feet, and equally enormous is the monolithic Nandi statue, carving out Chola's expertise. This temple is known for. Its frescoes, sculptures, and inscriptions have epitomised the Chola dynasty's religious and artistic legacy—one of the oldest temples. Some top tourist destinations are deeply revered, breathtakingly beautiful, and fully functioning religious complexes.
3
Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
This image is located in the region of Odisha and belongs to the 13th century. It has also been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This ancient temple located in India is dedicated to the Sun god, Surya. It is built as a huge stone chariot that seven horses draw. Intricately carved wheels and walls depict various aspects of life, mythology, and nature. Although partially in ruins, the temple still stands as a testament to Kalinga architecture and remains a prominent pilgrimage and tourist destination. Glorified in its craftsmanship yet reflects the spiritual significance of worship at Surya, one of India's most ancient old temples, where the beauty of India's ancient craftsmanship is symbolised.
4
Kailasa Temple, Ellora Caves
The Kailasa Temple, situated in Ellora, Maharashtra, is regarded as one of the biggest monolithic sculptures of a single stone built in the 8th century, which is the historical era. As the temple dates back to ancient Indian civilisation, it is dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva, the zenith of rock-cut architectural temples carved from hills. Multistoried formations, delicate stone carvings, and paintings likened to scenes from renowned Hindu epic stories portray Rashtrakutas' art to achieve the best possible artwork. All these attributes describe why engineers and philosophers worldwide marvel at it to date. As one of the most ancient temples in India, the Kailasa Temple joins religion with an unmatched work of art.
5
Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Char Dham pilgrim centre in Puri, Odisha, is a significant worship site for Bhagwan Jagannath, regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This revered temple, constructed in the 12th century, is one of India's most significant religious sites and is especially famous for hosting the grand Rath Yatra festival, where enormous chariots carry the deities through the city streets. Built in the classic Kalinga architectural style, the temple complex's towering walls encircle several smaller shrines within the vast compound. Millions of devotees travel to Puri yearly to pay homage here, reflecting India’s ancient temple’s profound spiritual importance. The historic site embodies centuries of Indian worship and continues to inspire countless generations with its grandeur and devotion.
6
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu, is an architectural monument estimated to be around 1000 years old if the AD time scale is considered. The building dates back to the Pallava Dynasty's rule and is within walking distance from the Bay of Bengal. Inside the temple are two shrines dedicated to the two deities, Shiva and Vishnu, which indicates the ruling dynasty's polytheistic aspect. The temple is the epitome of ancient Indian architecture, and it forms part of history because its great carved sculptures have withstood time. This is one of the oldest temples in India, and it gained immense popularity because of its magnificent sculptural forms, which were carved wonderfully and stood the test of time.
7
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
It is considered one of the best-preserved temples from ancient India, located in Madurai City of Tamil Nadu state. This sacred place dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, another name for Parvati, and her husband, Lord Sundareshwar, or Shiva, stands out due to its glorious illustrations of the beautiful structure with such an excellent piece of art as it reflects Dravidian architecture. Pandy has constructed it, which boasts of mighty gopurams, colourful sculptures, detailed carvings, sacred water ponds, halls, and smaller shrines, giving a hue to the place. It remains one of the major pilgrimage centres where the grand Meenakshi Thirukalyanam festival occurs. It is one of the oldest temples in India.
8
Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar
The Lingaraja Temple, or the Lingaraj temple situated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha State, India, is said to have been constructed in the 7th century and is considered the main Shiva temple of Bhubaneswar devoted to Lord Shiva. The Lingaraja Mandir is one of the oldest temples in India. It was built in the Kalinga architectural style and stylishly has a dominating shikhara and elaborate sculptures. It consists of some minor shrines with a holy water pool and is an ineffective working shrine of prayer as it is overloaded with Shiva followers going there to get God's grace. The temple is said to be one of the oldest temples that were opened up for exposure in the state to exhibit culture.
9
Virupaksha Systems Temple Debhampi
Virupaksha is found in Karnataka, specifically Hampi, which dates back to the seventh century because it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It comes under the category of Empire Mining ruins in the Vijayanagara Empire. This temple is a religious centre annually hosts ritual festivals, ls, etc. Ancient Indian temples like this one exhibit fantastic gopuram, incredible carvings, and scintillating paintings in every nook. It stands without a doubt that this sense of spirituality infused into such effortless aesthetics of architecture does attract worshipers and tourists at once. This is one of the country's oldest items, witnessing successive generations of uninterrupted worship and forming one of the shining evidence of glorious art traditions in Karnataka.
10
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
The Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, Karnataka, is a magnificent example of Hoysala architecture from the 12th century. Built from durable andesite stone, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is renowned for its intricate carvings and detailed sculptures that illustrate scenes from Hindu epics. The ancient temple in India preserves various architectural styles of its time, showcasing remarkable stoneworking skills and finely sculpted pillars. The ornate pillars, featuring delicate designs and captivating artistry, add to the temple’s grandeur and cultural significance. Recognised as a masterpiece of Indian temple art, Chennakeshava Temple remains a symbol of the Hoysala dynasty's dedication to religious and artistic pursuits, drawing admirers from across the globe for its beauty and historical importance.
11
Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Somnath Temple is situated in Gujarat and is considered one of the top ancient temples of India, besides being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Somnath is a temple on the state's western coast and is discussed in epic stories like Skanda Purana. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a long history of being demolished and reconstructed because of several invasions. This modern-looking building constructed in Chalukya is compared to architectural finds facing the Arabian Sea and has a stunning view. One must appreciate the temple as the very symbol of hope and endurance of developing people in such a troubled history.
12
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage centres, enanthate Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is a temple that houses Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlis, hence one of India's most famous temples. The temple was constructed by the Pandya-Jaffna rulers. The structure boasts well-carved pillars and long pillared corridors, which makes it a brilliant example of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple is the most holy place of Indian spirituality. It is of great significance attached to it, mainly for pilgrims in atonement to ancestors. It is among the oldest Indian temples linked with the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama killed Ravana.
13
Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Tungnath Temple is the world's highest Shiva temple and one of the ancient temples in India. The structure has been placed at 12,073 feet above the Himalayas. It lies within the circuit of Panch Kedar pilgrimages. This is said to be over 1000 years old, and its origin is held by Mahabharata, which is attached to the temple, with adorning stone carvings representing both spirituality and beauty found in Himalayan scenery. Tungnath is a temple that attracts trekkers and pilgrims, offers breathtaking views and silent air, and stays alive even in the summer. It is considered a significant pilgrimage site. 
14
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered ancient temples in Inida, located in the holy city of Varanasi along the western bank of the sacred Ganges River. This temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, has been a place of unwavering faith and devotion for over a thousand years. Despite facing repeated destruction and reconstruction throughout history, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple remains a timeless symbol of spiritual resilience. Millions of devotees visit each year, drawn by the promise of moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth), which, they believe, can be attained by worshipping here. The temple uniquely intertwines India's history with its deep-rooted spirituality, featuring a gold-plated spire and a sacred Jyotirlinga.
15
Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu
The Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, are exceptional examples of Jain architecture and are among the most intricately carved ancient temples in India. Constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, these temples are particularly treasured for their exquisite marble carvings, which depict Jain deities, mythical scenes, and other symbolic motifs. Of the five principal temples in this complex, Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi stand out due to their architectural grandeur. The intricate detailing on ceilings, pillars, and doorways is so fine that visitors are captivated by its elegance and complexity. These 500-year-old temples serve as a significant pilgrimage centre for the Jain community, embodying the essence of ancient Indian craftsmanship and religious devotion.
16
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
Located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, this is one of the ancient temples of India and a revered site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed during the reign of the Chola kings, this temple exemplifies Dravidian architecture and is renowned for its grand sculptures and intricate design. The temple hosts the famous Mahamaham festival, celebrated once every 12 years, drawing thousands of devotees from all over the country. Within the complex, various shrines reflect the artistic mastery of early Tamil artisans. Steeped in history, it continues to thrive within regional traditions, not only as a historical monument but also as a significant pilgrimage centre that bridges India's ancient past with its vibrant present.
17
Pattadakal temples, Karnataka
The Pattadakal Temples in Karnataka are iconic temples dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These historic temples, built by the Chalukya dynasty, are celebrated for their blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles, showcasing the artistic mastery of that era. Notably, the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as one of the complex's largest and most elaborately sculpted ancient temples in India. The Pattadakal temples hold both artistic and religious significance, uniquely combining elements from North and South Indian architecture. This blend makes them a magnet for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike, offering a deep connection to India’s ancient heritage and cultural richness.
18
Mukteshwar Temple, Odisha
Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is the "Gem of Odisha" owing to its excellent carvings and beautiful Torana (arched gateway). The oldest Indian temple was completed in the 10th century and was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Different animals, heavenly beings, and human forms are adorned as sculptures of this temple as an epitome of a high point for Kalinga architecture. Mukteshwar is among the finest ancient temples built in India, which are significant in terms of spirituality and are the epitome of artistic greatness. The temple continues to be one of the prominent pilgrimage places. Meanwhile, many scholars visit Odisha for its architectural splendour.
19
Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
One of the most beautiful ancient Indian temples is the Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh, known for its stunning architecture and intricate sculptures. Constructed by the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 11th centuries, these temples represent Indian mythology and the way of life during that era. The elaborate carvings throughout the temple complex depict various love themes and sensuality, showcasing the artistic brilliance of ancient artisans. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho originally comprised 85 temples, of which around 20 remain remarkably well-preserved today. These temples attract tourists and art enthusiasts, drawn to their intricate craftsmanship that beautifully captures the spiritual world and cultural richness of ancient temples.
20
Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat
The Sun Temple of Modhera, built in the 11th century by the Solanki dynasty, is dedicated to the sun god Surya. This ancient temple of India is known for its carvings and great architecture. It was designed so that sunlight would light up the sanctum perfectly during the equinox. Today, it is not used as a place of worship but is still one of the prime tourist places. It reflects the glory of ancient temples and the Solanki kings' devotion to Surya. The highly carved pillars and walls, accompanied by a significant step, add beauty to the attraction, and this is also one of the oldest temples.

FAQs About India Oldest Temples of India

  1. Q1.
    Which one is the oldest temple in India?
    Mundeshwari Temple in Bihar is considered the oldest temple in India. It belongs to the 3rd century BCE and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti, which exists today as a functioning pilgrimage centre, illustrating the deep spirituality and artistic expression during the ancient times of Indian culture.
  2. Q2.
    In India, which ancient one is carved from a single rock?
    Kailasa Temple at Ellora, Maharashtra, carved in the 8th century CE, is a magnificent cave structure. This ancient Shiva temple in India boasts rock-cut architecture and evidence of the artistic skill and prowess of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
  3. Q3.
    Which Indian temple is dedicated to the Sun God?
    The old temples of India, Konark Sun Temple in Odisha and the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, are some of the famous temples. It is dedicated to Surya, the god of the sun. These temples reflect minute carvings and accurate architectural settings with the sun's movement.
  4. Q4.
    What do you mean by Dravidian architecture in the ancient temples of India?
    The Brihadeshwara and Meenakshi Temple feature tall gopurams, detailed carvings, and large courtyards, a part of Dravidian architecture. This style of architecture defines many old Indian temples in South India, blending art, devotion, and cultural heritage.
  5. Q5.
    Are there any Jain temples among the oldest temples of India?
    Dilwara Temples in Rajasthan are some of India's best examples of ancient temples. Dating between the 11th and 13th centuries, Jain temples are famous for marble carvings depicting spiritual dedication and architectural precision.
  6. Q6.
    Which is the highest Shiva temple in India?
    Located at 12,073 feet, the Tungnath Temple is the world's highest Shiva temple. Located in India, this temple from ancient times forms part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, with spiritual and scenic beauty against the grandeur of the Himalayas.
Call us at +91 1204985705

Fill Enquiry Form

Where do you want to go?

or
Adults
Children
Loading