Temples of India
India is often called the land of temples. From Himalayan shrines reached only on foot to the great
carved temple cities of the South, these sacred places hold centuries of faith, art and history.
This section is dedicated to devotees and to everyone who is drawn to India's spiritual heritage.
Visiting a temple is, for many people, a way to find calm and perspective — a place to set worries down, pray,
and trust that the divine is looking after them. Below you'll find some of India's most important temples and
sacred sites, the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage, and the story of the 51 Shakti Peeth.
A note from MoonAstro: if your faith in God is strong, you do not need astrology
to see you through life's difficulties. Faith and prayer come first; astrology is only ever a guide.
Himalayan Pilgrimage
Chota Char Dham
The Chota Char Dham is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage circuits, set high in the Garhwal Himalayas of
Uttarakhand. Pilgrims traditionally travel from west to east — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and finally
Badrinath. Alongside their deep religious significance, the four shrines are surrounded by some of the most
breathtaking mountain scenery in India. They are generally open from late April or May until around Diwali,
when snow closes the high routes for winter.
Sacred Sites
Famous Temples of India
Each of these temples has its own presiding deity, history and traditions. Select a temple to read more about it.
Hindu Temples
Jain & Buddhist Heritage
Other Sacred Places of India
Natural and Built Temples
India's temples can be loosely divided into two kinds. Some are natural temples — sacred
places formed by nature itself. The Amarnath cave in Kashmir is the best-known example: according to tradition it
was discovered by a shepherd, and the Shiva lingam inside it forms naturally from ice. It is at once a natural
wonder and one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, and pilgrims come both to witness it and to pray.
Others are built temples, raised by devotees and rulers over the centuries. Many of these, such as
the Kanyakumari Shakti Peeth and the Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati, draw millions of visitors every year.
Learning the story of the deity who presides over each temple makes a visit far more meaningful.
Legend & Pilgrimage
The 51 Shakti Peeth
According to legend, Sati married Lord Shiva against the wishes of her father, King Daksha. To humiliate Shiva,
Daksha held a great yagna and invited every god and sage — except Shiva and Sati. Sati went to the yagna
uninvited, hoping it was not true. There, Daksha insulted her husband in front of everyone, and unable to bear
the humiliation, Sati gave up her life in the sacrificial fire.
Overcome with grief and rage, Lord Shiva lifted Sati's body and began the Tandava, the cosmic dance of
destruction. To save the world, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to divide Sati's body, and its parts
fell to earth at different places. Each of these places became a Shakti Peeth — a seat of
the Goddess — where devotees from around the world come to pray.
The table below lists each Shakti Peeth, the part of Sati's body or ornament that is said to have fallen
there, and the form in which the Goddess (Shakti) is worshipped.
Tips for Visiting Temples in India
These places of worship carry a special calm, and many visitors say they feel a divine presence the moment they
step inside. Different temples are looked after by different religious trusts, priests and saints, and each
has its own customs. A little preparation helps you make the most of your visit.
Consider a guideLarge temple complexes can contain many shrines.
Local guides are usually available and can explain the history and the rituals.
Dress modestlyCover shoulders and knees, and be ready to remove
your shoes before entering the shrine.
Check timingsMany temples close in the afternoon, and darshan
queues can be long on festivals and weekends.
Respect local customsPhotography is not allowed in many inner
sanctums, and some temples have their own entry rules.