Top 5 Famous Temples of Uttar Pradesh

Discover the spiritual essence of Uttar Pradesh with our guide to the Top 5 Famous Temples of Uttar Pradesh. From ancient marvels to revered sanctuaries, explore the cultural treasures that define this sacred land. Join us on a journey through the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s religious heritage.

Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India, boasts a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, adorned with some of the most revered temples in the country. From the banks of the sacred Ganges to the historic lanes of Ayodhya, each corner of this diverse state echoes with the chants of devotees and the architectural marvels of its temples. Join us on a journey as we delve into the spiritual tapestry of Uttar Pradesh and explore some of its most famous temples, each offering a glimpse into the profound religious ethos and timeless traditions of this land. From the divine aura of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi to the grandeur of the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, get ready to embark on a soul-stirring pilgrimage through the iconic temples of Uttar Pradesh.

Some of the most significant temples in Uttar Pradesh are:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among the most important Hindu temples in India. The temple is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, which are considered the holiest of Shiva temples. The presiding deity is known by the names Vishwanath and Vishweshwara, meaning “Lord of the Universe”. The temple had been demolished several times, most recently by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site. The current structure, which is popularly known as the Golden Temple because of the gold used in the later plating of its spires and domes, is believed to have been built during the 18th century by Ahalya Bai of the Holkar dynasty.

2. Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan

The Banke Bihari Temple is a special place in Vrindavan, India, where people come to worship Lord Krishna. It’s one of the busiest temples in the area, drawing lots of visitors every year. This temple has been around since 1864 and sits close to the Shri Radha Vallabh Temple.

The name “Banke Bihari” has a cool meaning. “Banke” means Lord Krishna is shown with his knee bent in a certain way, and “Bihari” means he’s the ultimate enjoyer. So, when you see the statue of Lord Krishna playing his flute, his knee is bent and he looks super chill. The temple’s design is inspired by the beautiful architecture of Rajasthan.

Legend has it that the temple’s story goes back to Swami Haridas, who was a famous guru. One day, while he was singing in a place called Nidhivan, Lord Krishna and Radha appeared before him. Swami Haridas asked them to stay together forever, so they merged into one form, creating the idol of Banke Bihari that we see in the temple today.

The temple is open every day, so you can visit whenever you want. But if you ask the locals, they’ll tell you that winter is the best time to go. That’s when the atmosphere is just right for a peaceful visit. And during big festivals like Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Holi, Sharad Purnima, and Karthik Purnima, the temple really comes alive with lots of people celebrating and offering prayers.

3. Prem Mandir in Vrindavan

Prem Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the fifth Original Jagadguru, and is maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, an international non-profit, educational, spiritual, charitable trust. The temple is dedicated to Radha Krishna and Sita Ram, the divine couples of Hinduism. The temple is also known as the Temple of God’s Love, as it depicts the love and devotion of the devotees towards God. The foundation stone of the temple was laid by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj in 2001, and the temple took around 12 years to construct, involving around 1000 artisans. The temple is constructed entirely of Italian marble and is adorned with intricate carvings. The temple complex is spread over a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan and is a spiritual landmark that offers a glimpse into the ancient and medieval history of Vrindavan and Mathura. The temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the heritage and devotion of Vrindavan and Mathura. The temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists every year, especially during the festivals of Janmashtami, Radhastami, Ram Navami, and Diwali.

4. Sarnath Temple in Sarnath

Sarnath Temple is not a traditional Hindu temple but rather a historical site associated with Buddhism. Located near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, it is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. The temple complex includes various architectural wonders, such as the Dhamekh Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Mulagandhakuti Vihara. The Ashoka Pillar bears an inscription and a famous four-lion capital, which is now the national emblem of India. The site is also sacred to Jainism due to the death of Sreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara. Although no specific god is worshipped at Sarnath, it serves as a hub for Buddhist teachings and practices. Every year, Sarnath welcomes millions of domestic and international visitors, particularly between October and March

5. Hanuman Temple in Ayodhya

Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the most important sites in Ayodhya, and it is customary to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple. The temple is under the administration of Bairagi Mahants of Ramanandi Sampradaya and Nirvani Akhara. The main temple features a 6-inch tall statue of Hanuman in his youthful form, seated on the lap of his mother, Anjani. The temple complex consists of a four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner, containing shrines dedicated to Hanuman. Each year, Hanuman Garhi attracts thousands of devotees during festivals such as Dussehra, Hanuman Jayanti, Bada Mangal, Ram Navami, and Deepawali