Top 15 Oldest Temples In India

India is home to some of the oldest temples in the world. These temples are not only places of worship but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. In this article, we will look at the top 10 oldest temples in India.

1. Kedarnath Temple: Located in the state of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the oldest temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to have been built in the 8th century AD.

2. Mahabalipuram Temple: The Mahabalipuram Temple is located in Tamil Nadu and is also known as the Shore Temple. It was built during the 7th century AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Brihadeeswara Temple: The Brihadeeswara Temple is located in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It was built by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

4. Kailasa Temple: The Kailasa Temple is located in Ellora, Maharashtra and was built during the 8th century AD. It is one of the largest rock-cut temples in the world and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

5. Konark Sun Temple: The Konark Sun Temple is located in Odisha and was built in the 13th century AD. It is dedicated to the sun god, Surya.

6. Lingaraj Temple: The Lingaraj Temple is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha and was built in the 11th century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in India.

7. Somnath Temple: The Somnath Temple is located in Gujarat and was first built in the 7th century AD. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the years and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

8. Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple is located in Puri, Odisha and was built in the 12th century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.

9. Meenakshi Temple: The Meenakshi Temple is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu and was built in the 17th century AD. It is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and is known for its intricate architecture.

10. Badrinath Temple: The Badrinath Temple is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. It was built in the 9th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

In conclusion, India is home to some of the oldest temples in the world, and these temples are not only places of worship but also a testament to India's rich cultural heritage. The temples listed above are just a few examples of the many ancient temples in India that continue to draw devotees and tourists from all over the world

11. Ramanathaswamy Temple: The Ramanathaswamy Temple is located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and was built during the 12th century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.

12. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple: The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu and was built in the 8th century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and architecture.

13. Sanchi Stupa: The Sanchi Stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh and was built during the 3rd century BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest stone structures in India. It is a Buddhist temple and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

14. Mahabodhi Temple: The Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in India. It was built during the 5th century AD and is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.

15. Tungnath Temple: The Tungnath Temple is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in India and was built during the 8th century AD.

These ancient temples in India are not only important from a religious perspective but also from a historical and cultural standpoint. They have stood the test of time and continue to be an important part of India's heritage.