India is a land of temples and the State of Uttar Pradesh in particular is one of the best holy destinations for Hindus. It hosts some of the most acclaimed temples of India, that are world famous for their architecture, mythology and spirituality. Another feature that makes Uttar Pradesh so special is that it is the fortunate land that witnessed the birth of two most significant Deities of the Hindus, Ram and Krishna. These temples speak untold stories of the glorious past of Hinduism, offering its visitors a trip down the memory lane of their ancestors. If you are planning for a trip to Uttar Pradesh, then don’t forget to visit these alluring Uttar Pradesh temples.
Famous Temples in Uttar Pradesh:
1. Augharnath Temple:
This temple is situated in Meerut which is located in the northern part of the state. The temple is of immense historical importance and gets visitors from people all around the world. A ‘shiv linga’ that had emerged on its own resides in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Individuals from all over Northern India come to visit this place frequently to find an effective solution to their physical, financial, and mental problems. According to legends, a saint used to reside here who requested the India soldiers to eliminate the British Empire.
- Address: Meerut Cantt., Meerut (U.P.), UP – 250001.
- Timings: 05 am to 10 pm.
- Dress Code: Decent attire.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- How to Reach: Local modes of transport are easily accessible.
- Temple Website: http://www.augharnathmandir.org/
- Best Time to Visit: during the day time or on Mahashivratri.
Other Attractions: Sadar Bazar, Shahid Smarak, Tank Square.
2. Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Temple:
Lord Ram is known as the utmost‘Propriety of Conduct and Peerless among men’(Maryada Purushottam) is the 7threincarnation of Hindu god Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama took birth in a place called Ayodhya, presently situated in UP, that is how this temple got its name which translates to ‘Ayodhya birth place of Ram temple’. In this holy city, there are a number of small and medium-sized temple, but amongst them, this one holds a superior significance. According to ancient Indian literature, Lord Rama spent most of his lifetime in this holy city.
- Address: On the banks of Saryu river, Sai Nagar, Ayodhya, UP
- Timings: Summers – 7:30 am to 11:30 am and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Winters – 9 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 9 pm.
- Dress Code: Decent attire.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- How to Reach: The Ayodhya railway station is just 2 kms away, the place has many modes of transport like Bus, Tonga, Taxis and Tempo.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Rama Navmi, Dussehra, Diwali
Other Attractions: Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhavan Temple and Naya Ghar.
3. Baladev Dauji Temple:
In the southeast region of Mathura, is situated a temple called Baladev Dauji Temple, which is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. It is also one of the most ancient temples of Uttar Pradesh, as well as across India. Dedicated to Lord Balarama, this temple is visited by a substantial number of people every year.Lord Balarama was the older brother of Lord Krishna who not only dearly loved him but who also guided him through his tough times.
- Address: Baldeo, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – 281301
- Timings: 7 am to 12:30 pm, 3 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm
- Dress Code: Decent attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- How to Reach: People can visit the temple through local modes of transport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the year
Other Attractions: Ksira Sagar Kunda, nearby town of Mathura
4. Banke Bihari Temple:
This is one of the most sacred temples in India and is also located in the district of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is visited throughout the year by Krishna lovers across the globe. The temple was founded by a well-known Hindu saint called Haridas of Nimbarka Sampradaya. This saint was believed to be one of the famous six Goswamis who lived in Vrindavan for most of their life. The Goswamis dedicated their life devoting their services to the Yuga-Avatar of Lord Krishna, Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Address: 143 Brahm Ganga Kunj, Bihai Pura, Vrindavan, Mathura – 281121, UP
- Timings: Summers – 7:45 am to 9:30 pm and Winters – 8:45 am to 8:30 pm
- Dress Code: No dress code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- How to Reach: The temple is easily accessible by the National Highway.
- Temple Website: www.bankeybihari.info
- Best Time to Visit: Krishna Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Guru Poornima, HaryaliTeej
Other Attractions: Krishna Balaram Mandir, Dwarkadhish
5. Bharat Mata Mandir:
Situated in Varanasi, the Bharat Mata Mandir is a popular sacred place of the country, showcasing the love people have for their mother land. The temple is devoted to the land of India, lovingly called as Mother India (Bharat Mata)and is located very close to the ashram at Haridwar. The temple displays a magnificent standing statue of Bharat Mata which is made up of marble. The temple was inaugurated in the 19th century by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Address: Cannt Road, Guru Nanak Nagar Colony, Chetganj, Varanasi, UP – 221001
- Timings: 9:30 am to 8 pm
- Dress Code: No dress code
- Approx. Visit Duration: ½ hour to 1 hour
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by any local mode of transport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Republic Day and Independence Day of India
Other Attractions: Ram Nagar Fort, Banaras Ghat
6. Dwarkadhish Mandir:
Among all the shrines located in Mathura, this one is the most important and the most visited one. Situated in the city of Dwarkadhish in this small town, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple has two idols, a black Krishna idol and a white stoned Radha Rani idol.Lord Krishna was known to be of a darker complexion (bluish) the colour of ‘Shyama’, his mystical form whereas Radha, his most beloved consort was of a fair complexion, thus giving the statues their respective colours. It is well known for its intricate architecture and beautifully painted ceilings. The Dwarkadhish Mandir is also one of the most crowded UP temples.
- Address: Raja Dhiraz Bazar Road, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – 281001
- Timings: 6:30 am to 11 am and 3:30 pm to 7 pm.
- Dress Code: Traditional or conservative attire.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- How to Reach: Mathura Junction is just 3 km away from the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Hindola Festival, Sri Krishna Janmashtami.
Other Attractions: Vrindavan, Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi
7. JK Temple:
Constructed in the year 1960, JK Temple Kanpur also famously known as Sri Radha Krishna temple, is a perfect blend of ancient and modern India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna and his beloved consort Radha Rani. Well known for its architecture, the temple is built on the basis of traditional Hindu architecture which is considered very significant in the Hindu culture. The beauty of the temple and the pious air attracts lakhs of tourists throughout the year.
- Address: First Street, Sarvodaya Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 208005
- Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
- Dress Code: Traditional or Conservative Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- How to Reach: The temple can be visited by the local modes of transport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Other Attractions: Moti Jheel, Kanpur Zoological Park
8. Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
The Kashi Vishwanath temple can be addressed as one of the most popular temples of Lord Shiva of all times. Located in the beautiful town of Varanasi, this shiva temple in Uttar Pradesh is considered as one of the most holy places according to the Hindus. The shivalinga in the temple is one of the Jyothirlingas(representation of Lord Shiva) according to the Puranas. This temple has been a center of religious disputes for a long time, yet it is the most visited Uttar Pradesh famous temple.
- Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221001
- Timings: 3 am to 11 pm
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- How to Reach: The temple is just 2 km away from the main city of Varanasi, easily accessible by local modes of transport.
- Temple Website: www.shrikashivishwanath.org
- Best Time to Visit: Maha Shivratri or between the months of October and March.
Other Attractions: Ganga Ghat
9. Sarnath Temple:
There are many significant temples in the Northern part of India, one such temple is the Sarnath Temple Uttar Pradesh. Apart from being a place of religious and holy significance, the temple also educates the visitors and worshippers about the history of this temple and the city of Varanasi. This well-known Buddhist temple gets thousands of visitors throughout the year who come from all over the world.
- Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221007
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Dress Code: Decent attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- How to Reach: The temple can be accessed through the national highway as well as other local modes of transport in the city.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Other Attractions: Dhamek Stupa, Choukhandi Stupa
10. ISKCON Temple Vrindavan:
The famous ISKCON temple Uttar Pradesh is dedicated to the worshipping of Lord Krishna. This temple is a breathtakingly beautiful monument built in white marble in the year 1975. It is also known as Sri Krishna Balaram temple. The devotees who visit the temple are sure to get mesmerised not just with the stunning courtyards and intricate construction, but also with the Bhajans that bring Krishna closer to his devotees.
- Address: Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman reti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: 5 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm
- Dress Code: Decent attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- How to Reach: Local modes of transport are easily available.
- Temple Website: https://iskconvrindavan.com/
- Best Time to Visit: Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Holi
Other Attractions: Prem Mandir, Radha Raman Temple
The temples in Uttar Pradesh are not just famous in India, but lakhs of devotees from across the world fly to the holy state to visit these shrines. There is an air of spirituality in these temples that make devotees feel closer to God. These temples are considered as a place of divine intervention that helps mankind transcend their obstacles and reach a state of liberation. A visit to these famous temples in UP will surely give an individual an unforgettable trip to last for a lifetime.
Frequently asked Questions and Answers:
1.Which are the two Most Famous Temples in UP?
Uttar Pradesh is well known as a holy state because as it is the birthplace of significant gods and has many places of historical and religious importance. There are several famous temples in UP, the two most famous temples are the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
2. Which are the Holiest Cities in Uttar Pradesh?
While the entire state of UP is considered to be of cultural and holy significance, there are some cities that hold a place of higher regards. These holy cities are Ayodhya, Varanasi and Vrindavan. These cities consist of famous temples such as the Banke Bihari Temple and other temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva and other deities.
3. Which are Some of the Famous Temples Situated in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh?
There are many famous temples in the district of Mathura, some of these famous temples are Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple and ISKCON Temple. These temples are globally famous and attract visitors 365 days of the year.
