India’s heartland, Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its spiritual depth in addition to its historical landmarks. Shiva temples are particularly popular with both believers and visitors among the many temples that dot this state. It denotes the birthplace of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, two of Lord Vishnu’s avatars. Furthermore, Varanasi is regarded as one of the oldest cities in the world. Your temple visit will be unforgettable just by the sight of these architectural wonders, the sound of the temple bells, and the pleasant aroma of the incense sticks. Although there are countless temples in Uttar Pradesh, these are the most well-known ones that you absolutely must not miss.
Top 10 Most Religious Temples In Uttar Pradesh
From the splendour of Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Mathura’s serene Dwarkadheesh Temple, each temple offers a unique, spiritually and historically rich experience. The list of the majority of spiritual temples in Uttar Pradesh is provided here.
1. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi
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The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, a symbol of spiritual continuity, is reached through Varanasi’s winding lanes. One of the most well-known temples in Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple serves as a cornerstone of Hindu pilgrimage and a symbol of the enduring power of the ancient religion. With the weight of centuries contained within its hallowed walls, it is said to be one of the twelve brilliant Jyotirlingas. Rebuilt multiple times, the current building has a dignified grandeur, reflecting the Ganges’ reflection waters in its white marble façade. It’s a place where historical devotion blends with devotion and where mystical travellers cross temporal boundaries.
Location: Varanasi
Timings: 2:30 AM – 11 PM
Major Festival: Shivaratri
2. Shri Ram Janam Bhoomi, Ayodhya
Photo: Prime Minister’s Office / Wikimedia Commons
The Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Temple in Ayodhya rises from the pages of history like a phoenix on the banks of the Sarayu River. The temple honours the birthplace of the deity, Lord Rama, and is devoted to him. Over a turbulent trip through time, Babur’s 16th-century conquests destroyed the temple’s history. But its spirit never wavered, and now, as the temple draws closer to completion in 2024, there’s a communal pounding of expectancy. Devotees eagerly await the revival of this well-known temple in Uttar Pradesh, which they see as a symbol of the eternal story of Rama’s grace as well as a majestic building.
Location: Ayodhya
Timings: 7 AM – 12:30 PM, 3 PM – 4 PM and 6 PM – 9 PM
Major Festival: Ram Navami
3. Naimisharanya Temple, Lucknow
Photo: SandeepHanda / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Naimisharanya Temple in the holy state of Uttar Pradesh echoes the ages-old murmurs of celestial revelation. Of the eight temples that spontaneously arose among the Swayamvyaktha Kshetra or self-manifested temples, this sanctuary of Lord Vishnu is one of the most notable. One of Uttar Pradesh’s most obscure temples, Naimisharanya Temple is tucked away by the Gomati River and a treasure trove of mythical stories. A cosmic connection can be seen in the holy kund, which is thought to have been created from Lord Vishnu’s Chakra.
Location: Lucknow
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Major Festival: Dev Deepavali
4. Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons
The Banke Bihari Mandir, tucked away in the centre of Vrindavan, is a monument to the creative expression of devotion. Encrusted with exquisite marble sculptures that appear to come to life in the soft light of the sun, the temple contains an enthralling idol of Krishna that is said to have materialised via Swami Haridas’ spiritual grace. Built in the 18th century by Jaipur’s visionary Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this temple is a refuge where people can connect with the holy and experience a moment of timelessness.
Location: Vrindavan
Timings: 10 AM – 12:30 PM and 6 PM – 9 PM
Major Festival: Krishna Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Bihar Panchami, etc.
5. Shri Krishna Janambhoomi, Mathura
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
The birthplace of devotion is Mathura, the sacred grounds of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. This temple honours the site where the god himself was born and is devoted to Lord Krishna. The temple’s history is marred by the turmoil that followed Aurangzeb’s fury in the seventeenth century. Constructed throughout the 1900s, it represents the tenacity of belief and the unwavering connection between humanity and the divine. Travellers swarm to this hallowed location to take in the magnificence of the temple and become fully immersed in the heritage of Krishna’s earthly advent.
Location: Mathura
Timings: 5 AM – 9:30 PM
Major Festival: Janmashtami
6. Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura
Photo: Ramkumar TD / Wikimedia Commons
The Dwarkadheesh Temple is a monument to eternal love, a gleaming jewel in the spiritual fabric of Mathura. Resonant with the heavenly presence of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radharani, this temple was constructed in 1814 by the dedicated Seth Gokul Das Parikh. This stunning temple in the Uttar Pradesh region of Varanasi reflects a kaleidoscope of devotion across its halls, which is reflected in the colourful murals and sculpted statues inside its walls. The Dwarkadheesh Temple allows pilgrims to feel the light of Krishna’s heavenly grace, and its architectural beauty and spiritual resonance are testaments to this.
Location: Mathura
Timings: 6 AM – 11 PM
Major Festival: Janmashtami
7. Sarnath Temple, Varanasi
Photo: Yusuke Kawasaki / Wikimedia Commons
The Sarnath Temple is situated in the middle of the old city of Sarnath and serves as a reminder of a significant historical event in Buddhism. There is something peaceful and timeless about this hallowed compound, where Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon. Many pilgrims’ spiritual essences are cradled in the existing edifice, which dates back to the 18th century. While the Chowkhandi Stupa honours the occasion when the Buddha met his five disciples, stupas such as the Dhamek Stupa resound with the murmurs of ages past. Being a live example of the transformational power of enlightenment, the Sarnath Temple is more than just a place of refuge.
Location: Varanasi
Major Festival: Diwali, Dussehra, Purnima & Makar Sankranti
8. Maa Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyanchal
Photo: 03Ani03 / Wikimedia Commons
Maa Vindhyavasini Temple rises like a heavenly strength refuge in the middle of Mirzapur. The deity Mahishasura Mardini, who slew the demonic Mahishasura, is revered here as Maa Vindhyavasini, an avatar of Goddess Durga. The inhabitants of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have a deep affection for this shrine, which is situated against the Ganges backdrop. Everyday, worshippers assemble in anticipation of receiving the powerful goddess’ blessings of joy and wealth.
Location: Mirzapur
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 1:30 PM – 7:15 PM, 8:15 PM – 10:30 PM
Major Festival: Dussehra
9. Doodheshwar Nath Mandir, Ghaziabad
Photo: Villagebhat / Wikimedia Commons
The Doodheshwar Mahadev Mandir is a revered sanctuary steeped in mythology and history located in the centre of Ghaziabad. The blessings of ages past are bestowed upon this self-originated temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its narrative is woven with a mythology that combines the heavenly presence of Doodheshwar Mahadev with the favour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The temple, as a storehouse of myth and faith, is a dynamic part of the timeless story of devotion.
Location: Ghaziabad
Timings: 4 AM – 12 noon, 5 PM – 9 PM
Major Festival: Mahashivratri, Sharad Purnima
10. Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur
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The Gorakhnath Temple in the centre of Gorakhpur is a tribute to ageless spirituality. Established in the eleventh century by the esteemed Gorakhnath, the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and has a strong bond with the Nath Yogis. This pilgrimage site appeals to both Hindus and Yogis seeking spiritual development. Unlike other temple architecture in Uttar Pradesh, it combines traditional and contemporary building methods. The temple transcends time and continues to be a living example of the marriage of earthly devotion and yogic ambition, with its quiet environment and the serene Mansarovar pond next to it, where meditation and boat excursions blend together.
Location: Gorakhpur
Timings: 3 AM – 10 PM
Major Festival: Mahashivratri
In India, Uttar Pradesh has a plethora of temples that draw both pilgrims and tourists due to its rich cultural and religious legacy. In addition to developing a closer relationship with the divine, you will get fully immersed in the spiritual and cultural legacy of India as you set out on your spiritual pilgrimage through the state’s temples. Millions of travellers and searchers have sought comfort, inspiration, and enlightenment within the hallowed walls of these temples, and each one stands as a tribute to their eternal faith and dedication. Plan a trip to these temples in Uttar Pradesh with TripXL which promises a divine time.
Cover Photo: Simon / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only