8 Temples Praised for their Unique Architecture in India 🛕

India is dotted with temples. So many kingdoms rose and collapsed, and so many calamities took place but the temples are still there. As a matter of fact, the temples in the country are not only popular for worshipping the idols placed there but also appreciated for their architecture. The temple architecture is something that also reflects the taste and beliefs of many dynasties and kingdoms. In different regions of the country, you will find unique temple structures. So, let us discuss some of the Hindu temples in India that are popular because of their unique design and architecture.

8 Famous Temple Architecture in India for 

• Lepakshi temple
• Hampi Virupaksha Temple
• Chennakeshava Temple
• Kanchi Temple
• Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Tanjore Temple
• Halebidu Temple
• Konark Temple

1. Lepakshi temple

Also called Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi Temple is located at a close distance from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The main attraction of this temple is the hanging pillar. The pillar can be found in the central hall of this temple. Apart from this, several other legends are mysterious. The temple dates back to the 16^th century and the main deities here are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Veerabhadra.  The temple was built by two brothers, Virupanna and Viranna.

• Best time to visit: October to February
• Things to do: Visit Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Gudibande Fort, Jataayu Park, Lepakshi Nandi, Vatadahosahalli Lake

2. Hampi Virupaksha Temple

Visiting this temple will give you a clear idea of the regality of the Vijayanagara Empire. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and you can find the architecture and design dedicated to him. The temple is a World Heritage Site under UNESCO.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Things to do: Visit Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Hemakuta Hill Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, etc.

3. Chennakeshava Temple

South Indian temple architecture has always been praised. And one of the South Indian temples that must be mentioned is Chennakeshava Temple. Located on the banks of the Yagachi River in Karnataka’s Hassan region, Chennakeshava Temple is the main temple in the town. The temple has another name as well, which is Keshava temple. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. You can find scriptures carved on the walls of the temple. The texts of the scriptures are from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple dates back to the 12^th century AD.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Things to do: Visit Hoysala Emblem, Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, Yagachi Bridge, etc.

4. Kanchi Temple

On your trip to Kanchi temple, you will be able to see lots of Pallava art and architecture. Kanchi Kamakshi temple is one of the most beautiful ancient temples in the country. Its architecture is praised across the world. Although nobody knows when this temple was built, as per the rough estimate it was built between 6^th BCE and 8^th BCE. In that case, the archeological age of the temple should be around 1600 years.

• • Best time to visit: November to February
  • Things to do: Visit Ekambaranathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchi Kudil

5. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

Those who appreciate temple architecture in India must visit Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. The temple was built by Kulasekara Pandyan. You will be able to see the actual Dravidian-style architecture in this temple.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Things to do: Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Shri Koodhal Azhagar Temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, etc.

6. Tanjore Temple

Located in the Thanjavur region, Tanjore Temple is an example of great Hindu temple architecture. This is one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This temple also houses various attractions such as Gangaikonda temple, Airavateshwara temple, Vijayanagar fort, and Thanjavur royal palace. By visiting this temple, you will get the exact idea of Chola architecture. The temple was built between 1003 and 1010 AD. Although the temple has been in existence for several years, it became popular during the reign of the Chola dynasty.

• Best time to visit: November to February
• Things to do: Visit Brihadeeswara Temple, Saraswati Mahal Library, Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Maratha Palace, Royal Palace Museum, etc.

7. Halebidu Temple

Also called Hoysaleswara temple, Halebidu Temple was built during the era of the Hoysala dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  You will be able to witness Hoysala’s architectural style when you visit this temple. The construction of this temple started in the 12^th century. On visiting this temple, you will not only be able to see a grand architecture but also learn a lot about the history of the land.

• Best time to visit: October to February
• Things to do: Visit Kedareshwara Temple, Sri Shantaleshwara Temple, Dwarasamudra, Jain Temple complex, etc.

8.Konark Temple

The main deity of this temple is the Hindu Sun God. The temple is in the shape of a gigantic chariot which is carried by seven horses. Built-in the 13^th century, the temple has always been praised for its beautiful and unique architecture. When you are at this temple, you will be able to witness the true example of the Kalinga architecture. This is one of the main attractions in Odisha.

• Best time to visit: October to March
• Things to do: Visit Chandrabagha beach, Ramachndi beach, etc.

While you are taking a tour of these temples, you can also choose the nearby places to visit. To visit these temples and see their one-of-a-kind architecture, you can opt for a self-drive car rental from Revv. The car on rent service from Revv is affordable and you can use the vehicle for as many days as you want. All that you need to do is to download the Revv app on your phone and check out the cars available there.