Beyond history and culture, Punjab also stands out with its religious destinations, especially temples. There are various temples in Punjab, each being a sacred spot which is frequented by millions of devotees over the years. Punjab, the place where Rigved started to codify is also home to various ancient temples which showcase the deep-rooted faith of the people. As you are planning your itinerary to explore the different temples around Punjab, keep this blog handy to make your exploration easier.
10 Top Temples In Punjab
Visiting the temples in Punjab offers you a glimpse into the region’s history, its blend of Arya Vedic Sanatan Dharma and Sikh Panth, and the timeless spiritual devotion of its adherence.
1. Durgiana Temple
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
While tourists visit Amritsar to witness the charm of the “Hari Mandir Saheb,” Durgiana Temple is one place you must add to your plans. Also known as the “Silver Temple,” The Durgiana Temple in Amritsar resembles the Hari Mandir Saheb in its structure and style. The temple itself is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has a striking golden dome. Also, there is a sacred lake flowing adjacent to the temple, believed to have healing properties. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi beyond the main shrine.
Location: Hathi Gate Chowk, near Durgiana Mandir, opp. golbagh, Hathi Gate, Goal Bagh, Amritsar
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 10 PM
2. Kali Mata Mandir
Photo: Gurdeepdali / Wikimedia Commons
Among the famous temples in Punjab, Kali Mata Mandir is one of those destinations you wouldn’t regret visiting. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, which is the fiercest form of Maa Durga. It is believed that the construction of the temple dates back to the 19th century when it was built by the Maharaja of Patiala. Devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of Kali Mata, especially during the festival of Navratri when special prayers and rituals are conducted. Inside the main shrine, the idol of Goddess Kali is adorned with gold ornaments and flowers, which is a sight to behold.
Location: Manjit Nagar, Sidhu Colony, Patiala, Punjab 147001
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
3. Mata Lal Devi Temple
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular temples in Punjab is the Mata Lal Devi Temple, which is located in Amritsar. The temple is located 3.5 km from the Golden Temple and is dedicated to Goddess Lal Devi. The temple is alternatively known as Pujya Mata Ji Temple as well. Its construction dates back to the 20th century and it was later dedicated to a local female rishika. Mata Lal Devi, who is worshipped in the temple. The temple’s architecture and design are similar to the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu.
Location: Shivaji Park Rd, Model Town, Rani Ka Bagh, Mohindra Colony, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
4. Devi Talab Mandir
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Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Devi Talab Mandir is another one of the must-visit temples in Punjab. It is one of the Shaktipeeths of Mata Sati. Beyond the main shrine inside the temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga, you will also find additional shrines. One of the main attractions inside the temple is the model of the Amarnath Temple, which is located inside. Also, inside the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali, which you must visit as well.
Location: Tanda Rd, Shiv Nagar, Industrial Area, Jalandhar, Punjab
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
5. Shri Krishna Mandir
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The next time you are in Ludhiana, consider visiting the empowering and beautiful Shri Krishna Mandir, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is part of the model town initiative and it is built over 500 sq. yards of land, making it a fairly small temple. One of the main highlights of this temple is that it is constructed with 520 idols of different Gods and Goddesses. You will also be enraptured by the 37-foot-tall sculpture of Lord Hanuman at the entrance of the temple.
Location: Model Town Rd, Pritm Nagar, Model Town, Ludhiana, Punjab 141003
Timings: 5:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 4 PM – 9 PM
6. Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
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If you are in the mood for a religious and adventurous experience blended into one, a visit to the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is a must. It is one of the most popular Punjab temples that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on a hilltop, along the banks of River Ravi. Inside the temple, the main attraction is the Shiva lingam. Beyond that, you will also find numerous other shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Brahma, and Vishnu as well. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape.
Location: Rajpura, Thara Jhikla, Punjab 145029
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
7. Jayanti Devi Temple
Photo: OPMaurya / Wikimedia Commons
Another best temple in Punjab is the Jayanti Devi temple. The temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Jayanti Devi, who is a local deity that reportedly has protective powers in shielding the region and its people. It is located on top of the Jayanti Majri village hillock, which is roughly 15 km from the main town of Chandigarh. The history of the temple dates back 550 years when it was reportedly constructed by the Lodhi dynasty. You have to indulge in a short trek from the bottom of the hill to reach the temple, which is located at an elevation.
Location: Majrian, Punjab 133301
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
8. Mata Mansa Devi Temple
Photo: Aerorahulraj / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the outskirts of Chandigarh, Mata Mansa Devi Temple is another oldest temple in Punjab. The temple complex is spread across 100 acres of the Shivalik foothills, further adding to its significance. It is a Devi shrine and the construction of the temple was done by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra. Inside the temple, you can seek blessings from the presiding Goddess and once you finish that, the surroundings of the temple are quite peaceful, adding to the charm of the visit.
Location: Sector 12, Chandigarh, 160012
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
9. Panch Mandir
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular temple in Punjab worth adding to your itinerary is the Panch Mandir in Kapurthala. The reason why it is called so is because the temple complex is home to five smaller temples. The temple was constructed during the reign of Sardar Fateh Singh, who commissioned the construction of this unique temple. One of the main attractions of this temple is that when you enter through the gate, you get to witness all of the five idols at once and seek blessings during that time. Furthermore, the surroundings of the temple are quite peaceful.
Location: Shalamar Bagh, Kapurthala, Punjab 144601
Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
10. Shree Chintpurni Mandir
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Located in Jalandhar, Shree Chintpurni Mandir is another Hindu temple that you must add to your travel plans the next time you are in Punjab. The temple has a very basic architecture and since it is confined in a small space, you must visit during the early morning to beat the crowds. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is reportedly one of the most empowering temples in the area. This explains why the temple is not only famous among the locals but also the tourists as well. You can buy the items for your puja from the small shops located outside the temple.
Location: Near, circular Rd, Near Mai Heera Gate, Near Patel Chowk, Brahma Akhada
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
There are several different temples in Punjab, each with a history to delve further into. The next time you are in Punjab, after exploring all the Gurudwaras, you can also go ahead and explore all the temples that are scattered around in different cities and towns. To have a well-rounded and value-for-money vacation, ensure that you finalise all your bookings with TripXL for the ultimate discounts.
Cover Photo: Reubx / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only