Popularly known as the “Heart of India” , Madhya Pradesh has a lot of things to offer - from UNESCO heritage sites to carved temples and forts! While the spirituality of these temples will undoubtedly calm your heart, the artworks and sculptures are a true visual pleasure.
1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain
Enlightened by an incredible mythological tale, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most visited temples in Madhya Pradesh. The tranquility of this place is beyond words and as stated by the tourists, the season of monsoon adds more beauty to the temple as Shravan is the birth month of Lord Shiva. On the occasion of Maha Shivratri, a huge fair is organised for devotees, and the temple remains open all night long.
Timing: 3AM - 11PM
Entry Fee: Nil
2. Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho
Having been constructed between 1025 and 1050AD, Kandariya Mahadev Temple has enlisted its name amongst the oldest temples in the nation! Located in Khajuraho, the capital of the Chandela Dynasty, this temple is decorated with amusing erotic sculptures and devoted to Lord Shiva. UNESCO has declared it as a world heritage site in 2015.
Timing: 5AM - 12PM and 4PM - 9PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per head
3. Adinath Temple, Khajuraho
One of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Adinath Temple is included as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Jain deity is Tirthankara Adinatha is even worshipped there; so the temple sculptures feature Hindu deities alongside Jain Yakshinis and others. It was built in the 11th century CE. It has been reckoned by the Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of National Importance.
Timing: 5AM - 12PM and 4PM - 9PM
Entry Fee: Nil
4. Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain
Dedicated to Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of Ujjain, this is one of the most famous temples to visit in Madhya Pradesh. More than thousands of devotees come to the temple every week. According to Panchamakara, a tantric ritual, the deity is given liquor as an offering.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Nil
5. Omkareshwar Temple, Omkareshwar
Situated upon Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas where the Hindu deity Omkareshwar (another name of Lord Shiva) is worshipped. Shivratri and Shravan Utsav are the two most celebrated festivals here.
Timing: 5AM - 9:30PM
Entry Fee: Nil
6. Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Omkareshwar
Amreshwar Temple, popularly known as Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, is a protected monument with a beautiful architectural design. The temple is on the bank of the Narmada River where Lord Shiva, known as the lord of the immortals, is worshipped.
Timing: 5:30 AM - 9 PM
Entry Fee: Nil
7. Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir, Ujjain
As the temple's name refers, a humongous idol of Lord Ganesha is worshipped inside the temple. The overall view, including the idol, fills the souls of the visitors with charm and calming vibes. It is situated in the city of Ujjain near Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Timing: 5AM - 12PM and 4PM - 8PM
Entry Fee: Nil
8. Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho
Devoted to Lord Shiva, the Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho is one of the oldest temples built in the 11th century CE. Among all the temples of the Chandela Dynasty in Khajuraho, it has the plainest and simplest architectural styles. The temple is categorised as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India and is actively used by the devotees in present days of worship.
Timing: 5AM - 10PM
Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners
9. Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain
Harsiddhi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Maa Sati where Mata Annapurna, an incarnation of Maa Parvati, is worshipped. The architecture of the temple has Maratha touches. Navratri festival is celebrated in the temple in a colossal manner, dressing the temple with an enormous amount of lights. These make a spot for the temple among the famous temples to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Timing: 5:45AM - 7PM
Entry Fee: Nil
10. Parshvanath Temple, Khajuraho
It is a 10th century monument in Khajuraho devoted to the Jain deity Parshvanath. The temple's architecture is undoubtedly a visual treat. It is also a part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Timing: 5AM - 12PM and 4PM - 9PM
Entry Fee: Nil
11. Gauri Somnath Mandir, Omkareshwar
Gauri Somnath Temple, which exhibits the Bhumji style of architecture, was built in the 11th century in Omkareshwar. The temple has a huge Shivalinga and statue of Nandi that has been the key attraction for the visitors. No pair can touch their hands from opposite ends while embracing Lingam unless they are an uncle and nephew.
Timing: 5AM - 6PM
Entry Fee: Nil
12. Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha
Chaturbhuj Temple is a Ram mandir (an avatar of Lord Vishnu), constructed in Orchha by the Bundela Rajputs in the 16th century. Lord Ram is believed to have four (chatur) arms (Bhuj), and that is why the temple is called Chaturbhuj. Having the combination of Maru- Gurjara architecture, the temple has become a place of great interest among visitors.
Timing: 9AM - 5PM
Entry Fee: Nil
13. Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho
Yashovarman, a sovereign king of the Chandela dynasty, built the Lakshmana Temple in the 10th century to worship Lord Vaikuntha Vishnu. Statues are sculpted in the temple alongside Narashima, Varaha, Ganesha, etc. The structure of this temple is quite different from other Khajuraho temples as it depicts a Panchayatana shape in the outer part and a Pancharatha layout inside.
Timing: 8AM - 6PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per head
14. Shri Pashupatinath Temple, Mandsaur
Pashupatinath, a form of Lord Shiva, is revered by the devotees in Shri Pashupatinath Mandir, constructed in the 5th or 6th century in Mandsaur. The main attraction of this Shiva temple is an Ashtamukhi (eight-faced) Shivalinga which was discovered on the bank of the Shiva River.
Timing: 6AM - 8PM
15. Bharat Milap Mandir, Chitrakoot
As described by the pilgrims, the footprints of Lord Rama and Bharat can be seen at their meeting spot. Bharat Milap festival is celebrated there on the day after Dussehra, which is joined by thousands of people. This place's mythological and spiritual value makes it one of the extremely famous temple to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Timing: 7AM - 6PM
Entry Fee: Nil
Whether you are thinking of a solo trip or going with your partner or family, the temples of Madhya Pradesh can be a perfect escape route for you. Those great temples will leave you amazed, from the mythological stories to the sculptural wonders.
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