India’s northern region is a spiritual and architectural goldmine. It houses some of the oldest temples in the subcontinent—each with unique legends, styles, and dynastic imprints. Here are 10 must-visit ancient temples in North India that will take you through centuries of devotion and cultural excellence.
Dashavatara Temple
- Location: Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh
- Built in: 6th Century CE
- Deity: Lord Vishnu
- Highlights: One of the earliest stone temples of North India. Built in the Gupta period, it features detailed carvings of Vishnu’s ten avatars. A pioneering example of the Nagara architectural style.
Masrur Rock-Cut Temple
- Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Built in: 8th Century CE
- Deity: Shiva, Vishnu, Devi
- Highlights: Carved from a single rock, this monolithic temple complex mirrors the grandeur of Ellora. The temples reflect a unique blend of Nagara architecture with Himalayan stone craft.
Krimchi Temple
- Location: Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir
- Built in: 8th–9th Century CE
- Deity: Shiva
- Highlights: This temple complex features seven structures with Pandava-era legends. The architecture reflects early medieval temple design and local stone artistry.
Kalayat Ancient Brick Temple
- Location: Kalayat, Haryana
- Built in: 8th Century CE
- Deity: Multiple (linked to Sage Kapila)
- Highlights: Rare brick temple complex in the 48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra. A prime example of Gurjara-Pratihara brick construction and temple architecture in Haryana.
Bhima Devi Temple Complex
- Location: Pinjore, Haryana
- Built in: 8th–12th Century CE
- Deity: Shakti (Bhima Devi)
- Highlights: Known for intricate erotic sculptures, this temple mirrors Khajuraho’s artistic style. It is located beside the 17th-century Pinjore Gardens.
Lakshana Devi Temple
- Location: Bharmour, Himachal Pradesh
- Built in: 7th Century CE
- Deity: Goddess Durga
- Highlights: One of India’s oldest surviving wooden temples. The temple displays early Himalayan woodcraft and post-Gupta iconography.
Kedarnath Temple
- Location: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
- Built in: 8th Century CE (reconstructed later)
- Deity: Lord Shiva
- Highlights: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Located at 11,755 ft, it showcases classic stone architecture and intense spiritual magnetism.
Badrinath Temple
- Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Built in: Ancient origins, rebuilt in 17th century
- Deity: Lord Vishnu (Badri Narayan)
- Highlights: Part of the Char Dham, it sits along the Alaknanda River. The temple is an important center of Vaishnavite devotion in the Himalayas.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Built in: Ancient; current structure from 18th century
- Deity: Lord Shiva
- Highlights: One of the most sacred Jyotirlingas. Its golden spire and position on the banks of the Ganga make it a core pilgrimage site.
Vaishno Devi Temple
- Location: Katra, Jammu & Kashmir
- Built in: Medieval to modern period
- Deity: Goddess Vaishno Devi (Durga)
- Highlights: One of India’s most visited temples. Pilgrims trek 12 km to reach the sacred cave shrine nestled in the Trikuta Hills.
