Top 11 Richest Temples In India: History And Architecture

Posted on Thursday, September 28th, 2023 by Heena Ganotra Leave a Comment

Temples in India are the places where people pray for peace, prosperity, and happiness. Many of these temples are considered architectural masterpieces and many of them were built during ancient times having some great stories behind them. Some of the richest temples in India even own large pieces of land or gold. Others have rich collections of precious items and antiques that have been handed down through generations. Deities in these temples are adorned with priceless ornaments and garments, studded with gems, and kept in special chambers. 

Here is the list of the top 11 richest temples in India, which are known for their wealth as well as grandeur. 

Table Of Contents

1. Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple	Kerala
2. Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple	Andhra Pradesh
3. Siddhivinayak Temple	Maharashtra
4. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple	Shirdi
5. Golden Temple	Amritsar
6. Guruvayur Temple	Kerala
7. Meenakshi Temple	Tamil Nadu
8. Somnath Temple	Gujarat
9. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple	Delhi
10. Vaishno Devi Temple	Jammu
11. Sri Jagannatha Temple Puri	Odisha

1. Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a temple of the Hindu god Vishnu, located in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, India. It is one of 108 Divya Desams (Holy Abodes) and one of the five ancient temples in Kerala. The Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the richest Hindu temple in the world. The presiding deity of the temple is Padmanabha, a form of Lord Vishnu who is lying on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha. 

The Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple was built in the 16th century. The architecture of this temple includes three sanctums, a pillared hall, and an open area. It was built in an intricate fusion of the Chera style and the MalayalaTamilan style. Besides, the architecture of this temple reflects the influence of Vaishnavism which is one of the principal sects within Hinduism. You can experience the grandeur of this temple by booking one of the many Kerala Tour Packages.

After you book the package and are physically present at the location, you’ll see how the temple features exquisite stone carvings and artwork on its walls, and pillars. The city of Tirumala gets its name from this beautiful shrine, which was built in the 8th century. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of India’s richest temples, with a huge treasure trove worth more than US$20 billion. It is believed that the temple vault has assets that can solve most of the world’s issues, but they are bound by an ancient curse.

• Location: Thiruvananthapuram
• State: Kerala
• Country: India
• Address: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
• Built-In: 8th century CE
• Architectural Styles: Dravidian architecture, Architecture of Kerala
• Deity: Maha Vishnu
• Temple Timings: 03:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM
• Festivals: Painkuni Utsavam, Chingam 1st, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Thiruvonam, Navarathri Pooja, Valiya Ganapathi Homam, Swargavathil Ekadasi, Bhadradeepam, Sivarathri, Sree Rama Navami, Lakshadeepam, Murajapam
• Best Time To Visit In: July to August or September
• Nearby Location To Visit: Napier Museum, Shangumugham Beach, Samudra Beach Park, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

2. Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Situated on the hilltown of Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateswara Swami Vaari Temple is the 1st richest Hindu temple in the world. Built in the 8th century, this ancient temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus around the world and has been driving tourism in India for the past several decades. The Lord Venkateswara Swamy deity has been worshipped by several kings and left their impact on the history and architecture of this holy shrine. Built in accordance with the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has three entrances, which lead to the sanctum sanctorum. 

Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple or Lord Vishnu also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, and Veṅkaṭachalapati temple is considered the largest and richest temple in India. According to stories in Hindu mythology, the appearance of Vishnu was to save mankind from the trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple houses the 8 feet tall Lord Venkateshwara statue under a gold-plated dome. The eyes of the idol are decorated with camphor and covered in tilak, while precious and semi-precious stones adorn it. 

Tirupati is considered to be the richest architecture in India and there are around three million pilgrims that visit the temple every year. In fact, it is the richest temple in India and has a total wealth of approximately $13.6 billion. It makes around $0.75 million per day from selling laddus and gets an annual donation of $650 million (Rs 650 crore).

• Location: Tirupati
• State: Andhra Pradesh
• Country: India
• Address: S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
• Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport
• Built-In: 300 AD
• Architectural Styles: Dravidian
• Deity: Venkateswara (Vishnu)
• Temple Timings: 05:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM
• Festivals: Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Ratha Saptami
• Best Time To Visit In: September to February
• Nearby Location To Visit: Natural Arch (Silathoranam), Shri Varaha Swamy Temple, Srivari Paadaalu, Sri Venkateswara Museum

3. Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra 

Siddhivinayak Temple is a famous Hindu temple in India dedicated to the god Ganesha in Siddhatek, Mumbai. It was constructed by Balasaheb Sawant. The Siddhivinayak Mandir has become one of the most visited temples in Mumbai and attracts devotees from all over India as well as international tourists. The temple is built in marble with gold-painted domes, spires and shrines.

Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the most famous temples in India. The temple has a small mandapa with a shrine for Siddhi Vinayaka, and wooden doors and pillars inscribed with the images of Ashtavinayak. The inner roof of the temple is made of gold, as well as the temple has a dome that is lit with many colours. The idol of Shri Ganesh situated under the dome mesmerizes many devotees. 

The temple of Lord Ganesha is one of the richest temples in India in terms of donations received and annual income. The main deity of the temple is made of 4 kg gold. Also, a net worth of 125 crore rupees has been recorded, with a daily income of Rs 30 lakhs from donations.

• Location: Mumbai
• State: Maharashtra
• Country: India
• Address: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
• Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
• Built-In: 8th century CE
• Built By: Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil
• Architectural Styles: Dravidian
• Deity: Lord Ganesha
• Temple Timings: Wednesday to Monday: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Tuesdays: 3:15 AM to 12:00 AM
• Festivals: Ganesha Chaturthi
• Best Time To Visit In: November to March
• Nearby Location To Visit: Banganga Tank, Borivali National Park, Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

4. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is a temple of Indian guru Shri Sai Baba, located in Shirdi, Maharashtra. This is the place where the renowned saint Sai Baba lived and worked for the most part of his life (1835-1918). It is at this place that he attained Samadhi, meaning “entered into eternal bliss”.

Sai Baba of Shirdi was a spiritual master who was identified as a saint and a fakir. His teachings were primarily focused on selfless love, faith, charity, contentment, inner peace, and devotion to the one true God (Vishnu). The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple draws lakhs of devotees from all over the world every year, who come to pay their respects to Sai Baba. The main attraction at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is the idol of Shri Sai Baba where people offer prayers and seek blessings for their wishes to be fulfilled. Further, the throne on which Sai Baba sits is made of 94 kg of gold.

Also known as Sai Baba Temple, it is one of the most visited places in India. Situated in Shirdi, this place is considered a holy place for Hindu followers. Sai Baba Temple in Maharashtra Known as one of the richest temples in India, its assets are more than Rs.320 crores. Every day 25,000 devotees visit here from all over the world.

• Location: Shirdi
• State: Maharashtra
• Country: India
• Address: Shirdi, Maharashtra 423109
• Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport
• Built-In: 1952
• Architectural Styles: Hindu Architecture
• Deity: Sai Baba
• Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 10 PM
• Festivals: Ramnavami (March/April), Guru Purnima (July), and Vijayadashami (September)
• Best Time To Visit In: June and February
• Nearby Location To Visit: Sai Baba Samadhi, Sai Teerth Theme Park, Gurusthan, Sai Heritage Village, Shani Shingnapur

5. Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple, Amritsar was established by Guru Ram Das Ji in 1574 and since then it has become one of the most visited tourist sites in India. The Harmandir Sahib is the centre of attention for Sikhs around the world. Golden Temple is an iconic monument of the Sikh faith and is the best temple in India that reflects the unique identity of Sikh culture. It has been built according to a unique architectural design and is one of the holiest places for Sikhs all over the world. 

The Golden Temple of Amritsar is one of the most sacred places in Sikhism and represents the faith, strength and power of the Sikh people. Over 32 million people visit this beautiful religious site every year. It earns over Rs 200 crore annually from its visitors, visits and donations. In addition, it has a gold-plated dome of 500 kg of pure 24-karat gold, which is worth Rs 130 crore, making it one of the most valuable and richest temples in India.

• Location: Amritsar
• State: Punjab
• Country: India
• Address: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
• Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
• Founder: Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan
• Built-In:1589
• Architectural Styles: Indo-Islamic Mughal and Hindu Rajput Architecture
• Deity: Adi Granth
• Temple Timings: 24 Hours
• Festivals: Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi, Diwali, etc.
• Best Time To Visit In: November to March
• Nearby Location To Visit: Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Durgiana Temple,· Akal Takht, Tarn Taran

6. Guruvayur Temple, Kerala

Guruvayur Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in India, dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus and also a major pilgrimage centre for devotees of Krishna. Guruvayur temple is also considered an important pilgrimage centre by Vaishnavites and has been included among the 108 holy sites related to Vishnu (Divya Desams).

Sri Krishna Temple is one of the best places of worship and is often referred to as “Bhuloka Vaikunta,” which means the “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth.” The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Krishna, depicted as a four-armed Bhagavathy with Shesha on his chest. The temple has other shrines dedicated to Krishna consorts, Rukmini and Satyabhama. 

Built in the 14th century, the temple architecture is a mixture of both North and South Indian styles, such as Nagara (North Indian) and Dravidian (South Indian). The Guruvayur Temple is one of the richest temples in India with a net worth of Rs 2,500 crore, as well as gold assets of over Rs 110 crore and an annual earning of around Rs 400 crore in both cash and gold.

• Location: Guruvayur
• State: Kerala
• Country: India
• Address: Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101
• Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
• Built-In: 14th Century
• Architectural Styles: Architecture of Kerala
• Deity: Guruvayurappan(Lord Vishnu with four arms at the time of Krishna avatar)
• Temple Timings: 3:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
• Festivals: Janmashtami, Kumbham Utsavam, Guruvayur Ekadasi
• Best Time To Visit In: September to March
• Nearby Locations To Visit: Punnathur Kotta, Mammiyur Mahadeva Kshetram, Elephant Camp

7. Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu

Meenakshi Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the banks of the Vaigai River in the southeastern part of India’s Tamil Nadu state. It is dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar (Shiva). The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. 

The Meenakshi Temple was built about 1600 years ago and has many unique architectural elements including a huge gopuram or tower over its main entrance. This tower is brightly coloured and covered with intricate carvings. Located in the heart of the city, Meenakshi Temple is on the list of largest temples in the world. This major tourist attraction in Madurai draws millions of visitors each year.

The temple is called the “Golden Temple” because its spire is studded with gold. The Meenakshi Temple was built in the 17th century and is now believed to be worth 6 crores. Moreover, it is one of the most important temples in Tamil Nadu and it ranks as one of the world’s richest temples. The temple features two golden vimanas (domes), which add to the splendour of this popular Hindu Shrine. 

• Location: Madurai
• State: Tamil Nadu
• Country: India
• Address: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
• Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
• Built-In: 1190–1216 CE
• Built By: King Kulasekara Pandya
• Architectural Styles: Dravidian
• Deity: Meenakshi (Parvati), Sundareswarar/Chokkanathar (Shiva)
• Temple Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (everyday)
• Festivals: Chithirai Thiruvizha, Navaratri, Cradle festival, Aavanimoolam, Meenakshi Tirukkalyaanam, Alagar’s river plunge
• Best Time To Visit In: December to February
• Nearby Location To Visit: 1000 Pillar mandapam, Pazhamudhir Solai, Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine, Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

8. Somnath Temple, Gujarat 

Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple located on the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent, in the state of Gujarat, India. Here, Somnath refers to Shiva which means “The Protector of Moon God”. The Somnath Temple is one of the important shrines dedicated to the god Shiva, located in the city of Veraval in Gujarat, India. The temple has been destroyed several times by various foreign invaders and natural disasters.

The present temple architecture was built in form by Ahilyabhai Holkar of Indore, with carved sandstone and marble pillars around a sanctum sanctorum where the lingam is placed. The temple is known for its unusual design and is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India and a declared monument of national importance. 

The Somnath Temple in Gujarat has a large collection of valuable items and is considered the richest temple in India. The total assets of the temple are worth around 90,000 million rupees. In addition, the daily collection includes gold, gold idols, antique silver, emeralds, diamonds and brass. The temple has two golden coconut shells that are studded with precious stones.

• Location: Veraval (Somnath)
• State: Gujarat
• Country: India
• Address: Somnath Mandir Rd, Veraval, Gujarat 362268
• Nearest Airport: Diu Airport
• Built-In: 1951
• Architectural Styles: Māru-Gurjara
• Deity: Shiva
• Temple Timings: 7:30 AM – 11 AM, 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Festivals: Maha Shivaratri
• Best Time To Visit In: September to March
• Nearby Location To Visit: Veraval Beach, Chorwad Beach, Bhalka Tirth, Gita Mandir, Panch Pandav Gufa

9. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Located in Delhi, India, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is one of the world’s largest Hindu temples. The Akshardham complex features a museum that explores traditional Indian culture, including Hindu mythology and the country’s rich history. The complex includes not only the main temple and several community buildings but also a group of carved monumental statues depicting key events from Indian mythology. 

This 3D structure of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is clearly mind-blowing and has the richest architecture in the world. Also, the temple was built in 2005 by Sadhu Swami Maharaj and cost $150 million to build. It took 10,000 volunteers and 1,500 artisans to construct this magnificent place of worship. 

The idol of God in Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is made of gold and worth Rs 500 crore, making it one of the richest temples in India. In fact, it has several gold crowns, ornaments, a golden bow, diamonds, and antique jewellery bejewelled with diamonds and emeralds. If you are curious to explore the beauty of this temple, you can customise your Golden Triangle Tour Package and get this place added to your itinerary.

• Location: Noida Mor
• State: New Delhi
• Country: India
• Address: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110092
• Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
• Built-In: November 2005
• Built By: Pramukh Swami Maharaj
• Architectural Styles: Nagara Style
• Deity: Swaminarayan, Sita-Rama, Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati and Lakshmi-Narayana
• Temple Timings: 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM ( closed on Mondays)
• Festivals: All Hindu Religious Festivals
• Best Time To Visit In: March to April or August or September
• Nearby Location To Visit: Sunder Nursery Park, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Red Fort

10. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu

Vaishno Devi temple is a very famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of power, Maha Kali or Durga. It is located at an altitude of 5100 feet on the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage spots in India and attracts more than 10 million visitors every year from all over India as well as abroad. While this is mostly included in a Jammu and Kashmir Tour Package if it’s a religious one, you can get it customised as well.

Vaishno Devi temple is located in the foothills of the Mountains and holds great religious significance for Hindus. According to Hindu Mythology, Vaishnavi was formed by the combined energy of Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati. As well, it is believed that the ankle bone of Goddess Sati is inscribed on the mountain. Built by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846, this temple attracts thousands of devotees every year.

Shri Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu is one of the richest temples in India due to its source of revenue which is INR 500 Crore annually. Moreover, Vaishno Devi Temple received over 1,800 kgs of gold, 4,700 kilos of silver, and a whopping Rs 2,000 crore cash in the last two decades (2000-2020) as donations. 

• Location: Katra
• State: Jammu & Kashmir
• Country: India
• Address: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301
• Nearest Airport: Jammu airport
• Built-In: 1846
• Built By: Maharaja Gulab Singh
• Architectural Styles: Cave Temple
• Deity: Goddess Vaishno Devi (Vaishnavi, Mata Rani, Ambe, Trikuta, Sherawali, Jyotawali, Pahadawali)
• Temple Timings: 24 Hours
• Festivals: Navratri, Mahashivratri
• Best Time To Visit In: March and October
• Nearby Location To Visit: Ardhkuwari, Adhkuwari Hill View Spot, Baba Dhansar

11. Sri Jagannatha Temple Puri, Odisha

Sri Jagannatha Temple is one of the four major pilgrimage sites associated with Lord Jagannath in Puri, Orissa. The first-ever temple was built here by King Indradyumna in the 12th century CE as a dedication to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. It has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, but original parts still exist from that time. 

Sri Jagannath Temple at Puri is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus all over the world. The temple is famous as it houses the deities of Sri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Located on the eastern coast of India, Shri Jagannath Puri Temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are brought out of the main temple and placed on a large chariot. 

Jagannath Puri Temple is considered one of the richest temples in India, attracting over 350,000 visitors every year. Shri Jagannath Puri Temple has an annual earning of the temple is around 150 crores. In addition, the temple receives more than Rs 1.72 crore as a donation every year. 

• Location: Puri
• State: Odisha
• Country: India
• Address: Grand Rd, At post, Puri, Odisha 752001
• Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
• Built-In: 12th century
• Built By: Indradyumna
• Architectural Styles: Hindu temple architecture, Dravidian architecture, Kalinga architecture
• Deity: Jagannath
• Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Festivals: Navratri, Mahashivratri
• Best Time To Visit In: June to March
• Nearby Location To Visit: Puri Beach, Markandeshwara Temple, Narendra Tank, Sudarshan Crafts Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which temple in India has the highest gold?

Answer: It’s the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, Kerala. The temple has over 6,000 kilograms (13,000 lb) of gold and precious stones stored in its vaults.

Q: Which temple is very famous in India?

Answer: Mundeshwari temple is one of the famous religious and ancient temples in India. The Mundeshwari Devi Mandir, dedicated to Devi Durga, is located in Paunra, Bihar.

Q: Which is the oldest temple in India?

Answer: Mundeshwari Temple is the oldest temple in India, which is located in the Kaimur district in the state of Bihar. This temple has a long history, and it was built by Siji Ram in 3-4 BC.

Q: How many Vishnu temples are there in India?

Answer: Hindu temple dedicated to the Vaishnava deity Lord Vishnu – protector and one of the most popular deities in India. There are a total of 108 famous temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations.

Q: How to reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in India?

Answer: Akshardham Temple is one of the most popular and well-known Hindu temples located in India. It is situated in New Delhi, the capital city of India. The temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan, who was a spiritual guru and social reformer during the 19th century. There are many ways to reach this religious place. You can book a flight to Delhi from your location for the fastest way and hire a taxi or cab from the airport to reach the temple.

Conclusion 

India is a country with a unique culture and traditions. From long history and multifaceted lands to rich heritage sites, India has something to offer in every corner. Here, you can explore India’s richest temples by booking Holiday Packages in India through Shipra Travels at affordable prices.

We are one of the leading travel companies in India offering customized tour packages for both domestic and international travellers. We are able to make your travel process easy and provide you with complete guidance. Give us a call at +91 800 023 5865 and book the most suitable tour package for you.