News India Live, Digital Desk: The real soul of India resides in its streets and centuries-old temples. From the Himalayan peaks in the north to the coastline in the south, these cities have preserved civilization and culture for thousands of years. Let us know about those 10 cities which are a unique confluence of history, peace and art.
1. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): City of salvation
One of the oldest surviving cities in the world, Varanasi is famous for its ghats and Kashi Vishwanath Temple Is famous for. The evening Ganga Aarti here is a divine experience.
2. Madurai (Tamil Nadu): An architectural marvel
It is called ‘Athens of the East’. from here Meenakshi Amman Temple Known all over the world for its huge gopurams (entry towers) and intricate carvings.
3. Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh): Vibrant art on stones
The temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for their erotic and classical sculpture. These temples were built by the Chandela kings in the 10th and 11th centuries.
4. Hampi (Karnataka): Remains of the Vijayanagara Empire
Hampi, situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, is an open museum of stones. from here Virupaksha Temple And the Stone Chariot made of stones is the main attraction for the travelers.
5. Jagannath Puri (Odisha): One of the Char Dham
This city situated on the sea shore is its own Rath Yatra And is famous for the 12th century Jagannath temple. It is one of the holy Char Dham of Hindus.
List of Major Ancient Temple Cities
| City | State | main temple | historical feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanjavur | Tamil Nadu | Brihadeshwar Temple | Chola Architecture (UNESCO Site) |
| Rishikesh | Uttarakhand | Trimbakeshwar Temple | Global capital of yoga and spirituality |
| Kanchipuram | Tamil Nadu | Kailashnath Temple | ‘City of Thousand Temples’ and silk sarees |
| Rameshwaram | Tamil Nadu | Ramanathaswamy Temple | India’s longest temple corridor |
| Amritsar | Punjab | Golden Temple | The holiest spiritual center of Sikhism |
6. Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu): Pride of the Chola Empire
from here Brihadeshwar Temple An engineering marvel of architecture. Its main dome (Vimana) is made of a single stone and its shadow does not fall on the ground.
7. Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu): The Holy City of the South
The temples here built by the Pallava dynasty are known for their grandeur and classical Dravidian style.
8. Rishikesh (Uttarakhand): Holy banks of Ganga
Rishikesh, situated in the lap of mountains, is famous for meditation and peace. The ancient temples and Lakshman Jhula here mesmerize the travelers.
9. Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu): Faith amidst the ocean
Located on an island, this city is known for its sacred ponds and a grand temple built on the seashore.
10. Amritsar (Punjab): Message of humanity
The tranquility of the Golden Temple and the ‘Langar’ here attracts millions of tourists every year. This city is a symbol of unwavering devotion and service.
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