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Being in the central region of India, Madhya Pradesh has numerous ancient and archaeological temples with historical significance. MP temples are architectural marvels of religious importance, where the guests get an opportunity to explore the essence of tranquility with the backdrop of history. Suppose you are religious or a history lover. What can be better than some of the most ancient Indian temples in Madhya Pradesh, where every visitor can feel the spirit of history? Below is a look at some of the most popular and oldest temples that can be found in the state.
Top 10 MP Temples You Can Visit
1. Khajuraho Temples
Photo: sfu.marcin / Wikimedia Commons
Khajuraho Temples are one of the most artistically renowned sites of India today, which are now listed in UNESCO’s heritage list because of its sensual and elaborate works of art and architecture depicted through the numerous sexual positions of gods and goddesses sculptures engraved on the walls of the temples with strong underlining of love, living, and devotion prevailing at that time. Located in central India and dating from 950/1050 AD, the Chandela temples are Hindu and Jain.
Location: Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
2. Mahakaleshwar Temple
Photo: Gyanendra_Singh_Chauhan / Wikimedia Commons
To suit different occasions, it is also called the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, which is out of 12 Jyotirlingas for Lord Shiva. It is respected as one of the country’s most religious sites, and people visit it annually. The temple is primarily known for the Bhasma Aarti, where ashes are offered to Lord Shiva in an extraordinary early morning. The temple was constructed centuries ago, and therefore, it is one of the Hindu religious shrines.Its unique underground sanctum, where the Jyotirlinga resides, is revered as self-manifested (Swayambhu).
Location: Ujjain, Ujjain district
Timings: 4 AM – 11 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Kandariya Mahadev Temple
Photo: Nishjain7 / Wikimedia Commons
Kandariya Mahadev is one of the temples that make up the Khajuraho group of temples, and it is the largest and the most detailed of all of them. This temple is located at Ujjain and is devoted to lord Shiva; though not very large compared to other temples, it is very famous as it has a spire that rises nearly to a height of 33 meters. It has sculptures describing different aspects such as life, love, and divinity etched on the outer walls of the building, thus making it an important historical and cultural structure.
Location: Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
4. Omkareshwar Temple
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Omkareshwar Temple, located on the island of Mandhata in the Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Its unique location, shaped like the sacred symbol “Om,” adds to its spiritual allure. Visitors can reach the temple by a boat ride or walking across a bridge. The serene surroundings and vibrant religious atmosphere attract devotees and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat for meditation and devotion amidst the natural beauty of the river and hills.
Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa district
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Chausath Yogini Temple
Photo: PankajSaxena / Wikimedia Commons
Chausath Yogini Temple is one of the oldest existing temples, even in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, constructed nearly in the 9th century. This temple is again one of the important and famous temples in Madhya Pradesh and is also known as Astasakhi Peeth – the seat of the eight forms of goddess Durga known as the 64 Yoginis. The spiritual building has a circular structure consisting of 64 tiny rooms, and the central temple is entirely distinctive and credited for creating the Indian Parliament House.
Location: Morena, near Gwalior
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
6. Bhojpur Temple
Photo: Manoj Kurve / Wikimedia Commons
Bhojpur Temple, located near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, is an unfinished Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj, it houses one of the largest Shiva lingams in India, standing at 18 feet tall. The temple’s unique construction and architectural style, despite being incomplete, attract historians and pilgrims alike. The site offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area and remains an important cultural and spiritual landmark. It’s easily accessible from Bhopal and is an ideal spot for history buffs and devotees.
Location: Bhojpur, Raisen district
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
7. Teli Ka Mandir
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Teli Ka Mandir is a 9th-century Hindu temple located in the Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh. Known for its unique architectural fusion of North Indian and Dravidian styles, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple’s striking 100-foot tall shikhara (tower) is one of the tallest in the region and features intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures. Though its origins are debated, it’s believed to have been built by the Pratiharas. Teli Ka Mandir is a significant cultural monument, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts to Gwalior.
Location: Gwalior Fort, Gwalior district
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹100 for foreign tourists
8. Sas-Bahu Temples
Photo: Anupam Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons
The Sas-Bahu Temples, located within the Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh, are twin temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in the 11th century by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, the temples are intricately carved and showcase fine architectural detailing. The temples are known for their ornate pillars, intricate carvings, and grand design, making them an important historical and religious site.
Location: Gwalior Fort, Gwalior district
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹100 for foreign
9. Harsiddhi Temple
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Harsiddhi Temple, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and holds great religious significance for devotees of Goddess Durga. Dedicated to the goddess Harsiddhi, an incarnation of Durga, the temple is renowned for its unique Maratha-style architecture, featuring two towering lamps (Deep Stambhas) that illuminate the temple during festivals. The temple is especially vibrant during Navratri, drawing pilgrims from across the country. Its spiritual ambiance, historical importance, and location near the sacred Shipra River make it a must-visit destination for both devotees and tourists.
Location: Ujjain, Ujjain district
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
10. Chaturbhuj Temple
Photo: Itsmalay~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
Chaturbhuj Temple, located in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built by the Bundela rulers in the late 16th century, the temple is known for its towering spires and unique blend of temple and fort architecture. Unlike other temples, its entrance is elevated, providing stunning views of the Orchha town. The temple’s name, Chaturbhuj, means “one with four arms,” referring to Lord Vishnu.
Location: Orchha, Niwari district
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
MP temples are home to some of the most magnificent temples in India, offering a unique blend of devotion, history, and architecture. From the grandeur of Khajuraho to the serenity of Omkareshwar, these MP temples provide a spiritual experience like no other. Plan your next adventure with TripXL and explore the untouched beauty and rich heritage of Madhya Pradesh’s temples.
Cover Photo: Varun Pyasi / Unsplash
