5 Famous Temples in North India You Must Try and Visit

Of all the other interesting things, India has always been famous for the array of temples. Devotees in every part of India worship a myriad of gods and goddesses. Interestingly enough, each part of India has a style and architecture of its own. Temples in North India, however, have always been as diverse as its numerous cultures.

The northern part of India is famous for its tourism. However, the fact that many are unaware of is that North India is one of the most sought after areas if one ever seeks out in search of the divine. The temples in North India are a true representation of every faith. Tons and thousands of devotees flock to North India every year in search of God, peace, hope, answers and everything else.

On this note, we bring to you a list of 5 famous temples in North India.

1. Golden Temple

One of the most famous temples in North India is undoubtedly the Golden Temple. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Sikhs. However, people from every religion flock the Gurudwara every day of the year.

The Golden Temple in Amritsar was founded in 1574 by the Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. The Guru Granth Sahib is present and worshiped in the temple premises all day long. Devotees from all caste and religion are welcome to the temple. The temple even has a community kitchen that runs meals all day long. The meals referred to as ‘langar’ is consumed by lacs of people every day. People are even welcome to serve in the kitchen out of the sheer goodness of their heart for as long as they desire to.

A water body known as the ‘Amrit Sarovar’ surrounds the temple. The Sarovar, allegedly has healing powers and is famous all over the world for the same reason. The temple is open to all, just follows one universal rule. Always remember to cover your head while in the temple premises. Also, you need to be appropriately dressed even otherwise as a sign of respect.

2. Amarnath Temple

Next on our list of famous temples in North India is the Amarnath Temple. The temple is at an elevation of about 3,900 meters above sea level. In fact, the temple is reputed for its natural formation of a ‘Shiva Linga’ from the snow. The ‘Shiva Linga’ holds a spiritual significance for the Hindus. Scientifically, the linga forms due to the formation of stalagmites in the cave.

The Amarnath temple is one of the holiest temples in North India. As per the scriptures, Amarnath was home to Lord Shiva on earth. This is where Lord Shiva supposedly enters the cave with Parvati to share the secret of creation and immortality with her. Devotees throng the temple during the 45 days in the months of July to August every year. This time to more commonly referred to as the ‘Shravan Mela’.

The Amarnath temple is full of both devotees and travelers. The snow-covered mountain peaks with a touch of divinity complete the whole picture. The only hindrance to accessing the temple is the extreme elevation and temperature of the place. Prepare well for the weather and other nature-related emergencies during your trip.

3. Badrinath Temple

Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand is considered to be one of the ‘Char Dhams’ as per the Hindu religion. This temple in North India is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is set in a picture-perfect setting along the banks of the Alakananda River. In fact, the temple is credited to be one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in India.

The temple is reputed for the black stone statue of Vishnu which is over 3 feet tall. This heavenly abode celebrates ‘Mata Murti Ka Mela’ with grandeur and is most visited during this time. The temple is at an elevation of approximately 3,100 meters above sea level. The elevation and extreme weather conditions make the temple accessible to the common public for only six months in a year.

4. Mansa Devi Temple

Next on our list of temples in North India is the Mansa Devi Temple in the city of Haridwar. In fact, it is one of the five famous temple sites in the holy city of Haridwar. The word ‘Mansa’ literally translates to ‘wishes’. The temple, as per belief is a holy site where wishes come true

The temple finds its place along the banks of the Ganges. It is most frequented by devotees during Navratra and Kumbh Mela. In earlier days, the temple was only accessible by way of climbing hundreds of stairs. The devotees, literally, had to earn the privilege of visiting the temple premises. However, today the temple is also accessible via a cable car going all the way up to the hill. The cable car charges a nominal fee and in return provides you with a mesmerizing view of the whole valley.

5. Vaishno Devi Temple

Last but definitely not least on our list of temples in North India is the famous Vaishno Devi Temple. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mahalakshmi. A cave; at an elevation of over 5,000 meters above sea level, houses the main temple and shrine. In spite of the helicopter services, the best way to visit the temple is to walk the entire route of about 14 kilometers. Despite the elevation and the weather conditions, the temple welcomes over 10 million devotees every year.

The temple houses the idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi. The Goddess has eight arms and rides a tiger. She holds a trident, bow, arrow, lotus, mace, and sword in each of her arms. The Goddess is a symbol of power.

Someone has rightly remarked, “The way you feel in the temple is a pattern for how you want to feel in your life”. On this note, let us allow divinity guide us rather than separate us in the name of religion. If you need any assistance, feel free to hit us up on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram. Better yet, Hire a Scout and make your trip a more hassle-free one by traveling confidently with their expert advice. 

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