1 / 8Renowned for its rich cultural diversity and spiritual heritage, India is home to a stunning collection of temples. From intricately carved temples of Southern India to the majestic shrines of North India, each state has unique places of worship that reflect the diverse beliefs and practices of the people, and the era they were built in. Embark on a journey to explore the states with the most temples in India. (Image: Shutterstock)
2 / 8No 7. West Bengal | Number of temples: 53,500 | With a cultural history dating back centuries, West Bengal is also on the list with about 53,500 temples. From the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple to the stunning Birla Mandir, the state is home to numerous temples that attract a huge number of tourists from across the world. This state is a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the spiritual landscape.
3 / 8No 6. Gujarat | Number of temples: 50,000 | Known for its spirituality and rich cultural heritage, Gujarat is home to as many as 50,000 temples. From modern spiritual complexes to ancient architectural marvels, the state has many temples that attract devotees and tourists. The renowned list of temples includes Somnath Temple, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Temple and Shri Shatrunjaya Temples, among others. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 8Lepakshi Temple, Anantapur | Though a bit further away, Lepakshi Temple in Andhra Pradesh is worth the visit for its stunning Vijayanagara architecture and the famous hanging pillar. This temple, built in the 16th century, has carvings and paintings adorning nearly every visible surface, making it visually stunning for visitors. (Image: Shutterstock)
5 / 8No 4. Rajasthan | Number of temples: 39,000 | Known as the ‘Land of Kings,’ Rajasthan is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. With magnificent forts and stunning palaces, Rajasthan is a famous tourist attraction. To find out more about the state’s culture and heritage, exploring temples is a great way. It is home to around 39,000 temples, which are a must-visit for people seeking to explore the spiritual landscape. The list of temples includes Brahma Temple, Eklingji Temple, Karni Mata Mandir, Sai Dham and others. (Image: Shutterstock)
6 / 8No 3. Karnataka | Number of temples: 61,000 | Being home to around 61,000 temples, this southwestern state is the ultimate destination for temple tours. These temples are renowned for their historical significance, religious beliefs and architectural grandeur and are a must-visit destination for spiritual souls. Some of the most famous temples in the states are Udupi Srikrishna Temple, Vidyashankara Temple, Murudeshwar Shiva Temple and others. (Image: Shutterstock)
7 / 8No 2. Maharashtra | Number of temples: 77,000 | Located in the western part of India, Maharashtra boasts an impressive 77,000 temples. From Bhimashankar to Siddhivinayak, the state’s temples are a testament to its enduring faith and traditions. The most famous temples in the state are the Trimbakeshwar Temple, the Grishneshwar Temple and the Aundha Nagnath Temple, among others. (Image: Shutterstock)
8 / 8No 1. Tamil Nadu | Number of temples: 79,000 | Tamil Nadu tops the list with a staggering 79,000 temples, showcasing its immense spiritual significance and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as the ‘Land of Temples,’ each temple in the state has its own unique history, architecture and cultural significance. From the ancient temple of Mahabalipuram to the popular Brihadeeswara Temple, the state is home to some of the most revered temples in Hinduism.. (Image: Shutterstock)
