India, known for its rich cultural heritage and spirituality, is home to numerous temples that hold immense religious significance. These temples not only serve as places of worship but also house vast amounts of wealth and treasures. Referred to as the “Richest Temples in India,” these divine abodes attract millions of devotees and visitors each year.
From ancient architectural marvels to grandiose structures, these temples showcase the opulence and devotion deeply rooted in Indian culture. Among these magnificent temples, the temples in South India particularly stand out for their wealth and splendour. In this post, we explore the treasures of divine opulence – the richest temples of India!
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Ancient Temples in India
India’s ancient temples are a testament to the architectural brilliance and craftsmanship of the bygone eras. These temples were built by various dynasties and rulers, each leaving behind a distinct imprint on the temple’s design and style. Their intricate carvings, towering gopurams (entrance gateways), and ornate sculptures make them architectural wonders.
Richest Temples in India | Famous Temples in India
The ancient temples of India have garnered fame not only for their significance as sacred dwellings of revered deities but also for their astonishing accumulation of gold and other priceless treasures. These architectural marvels stand as testaments to the opulence and abundance associated with the temples’ rich history and religious importance.
Explore the divine opulence and majestic grandeur of the richest temples in India, where awe-inspiring architecture intertwines with unparalleled wealth, making them the epitome of opulence and the wealthiest religious sites in the country.
List Of Richest Temples in India
For those intrigued, here is a list of the wealthiest temples in India that offer a captivating journey into the realm of extraordinary riches. It is to be noted that this list of richest temples in India is not exhaustive and also it is listed in random order.
List Of Richest Temples Of India
- Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh (South India)
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi, Maharashtra (West India)
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra (West India)
- Vaishno Devi Temple, Trikuta Hills, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir (North India)
- Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala (South India)
- Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala, Kerala (South India)
- Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu (South India)
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (South India)
- Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab (North India)
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (North India)
- Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu (South India)
- Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha (East India)
- Somnath Temple, Veraval, Gujarat (West India)
- Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra (West India)
- Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi (North India)
The 15 Richest Temples in India
The richness of the famous Indian temples is not only in terms of material wealth but also by the strong faith and devotion that they evoke in people. These famous temples in India stretch across the length and breadth of India and are shining beacons of India’s heritage and culture. These richest temples of India are places not only with religious and spiritual value but also with tremendous historical and architectural value.
Here, we present to you the richest temples in India. Read on to know more about these magnificent temples that are also known as the wealthiest temples in India.
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh (South India)
At the top of the list is the famous temple of Tirupati dedicated to Lord Balaji. The temple is also referred to as the “Vatican of the East.” The temple is believed to have a net worth of Billions of USD, and devotees continue to keep up the never-ending flow of wealth. This is the richest temple in South India.
Location: Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Tirupati, and the temple can be reached by road and rail.
Architecture: The temple features Dravidian-style architecture and intricate carvings.
Transportation: Tirupati has a well-connected airport, railway station, and road network.
Timings: The temple is open from early morning till late evening, with specific darshan timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Various pujas and sevas are conducted, including the famous Venkateswara Suprabhatam.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Best Time to Visit: Avoid peak pilgrimage seasons, and weekdays are relatively less crowded.
Important Festivals: Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Rathasaptami.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra (West India)
The Shirdi Sai Baba temple with its humble origins has now grown into a huge organization. The temple continues to draw the faithful in hordes to its fold with the simplicity and truth associated with Sai Baba. However, over the years it has also metamorphosed into one of the richest temples in India. The temple is believed to have assets worth crores of Rupees. This is one of the top 10 richest temples in India.
Location: Shirdi, Maharashtra
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, and the temple can be reached by road and rail.
Architecture: The temple showcases a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Transportation: Shirdi is well-connected by road and has railway stations in nearby towns.
Timings: The temple remains open throughout the day, with specific aarti timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various aartis and offer prayers.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to the revered saint Sai Baba, who is worshipped by people of all religions.
Best Time to Visit: Thursdays, weekends, and festivals attract a large number of devotees.
Important Festivals: Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, and Sai Baba’s death anniversary.
Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra (West India)
The Siddhivinakay temple is an iconic temple of Mumbai and attracts everyone from common people to politicians and Film stars. The highly popular temple to the popular Hindu deity Ganesha is said to have a net worth of Millions of Rupees.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
How to Reach: The temple is situated in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, and can be reached by road and rail.
Architecture: The temple follows the Hemadpanti style of architecture, adorned with Lord Ganesha’s idol.
Transportation: Mumbai has a well-connected airport, railway stations, and an extensive local train network.
Timings: The temple is open from early morning till late evening, with specific aarti timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in aarti and offer various pujas to Lord Ganesha.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is visited by millions of devotees annually.
Best Time to Visit: Tuesdays and weekends are relatively crowded; visit on weekdays for a less crowded experience.
Important Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankashti Chaturthi.
Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir (North India)
A temple that stands atop a hill and inspires devotees to trek to the top for a glimpse of the Goddess, Vaishno Devi, is the famous Vaishno Devi Temple. Located in the extreme north of the country, the temple sees a huge influx of pilgrims every day. The temple reportedly is said to have a net worth of crores of Rupees.
Location: Trikuta Hills, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Jammu, and the temple can be reached by road and a trek of approximately 12 kilometres.
Architecture: The temple is nestled amidst the picturesque Trikuta Mountains.
Transportation: Jammu has a well-connected airport, railway station, and road network.
Timings: The temple remains open throughout the day, with specific aarti timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in aarti and offer prayers to the divine Mother Goddess.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi and is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Best Time to Visit: Avoid extreme weather conditions; the climate is pleasant during spring and autumn.
Important Festivals: Navratri and Diwali.
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala (South India)
There are many iconic temples in South India, these temples represent the best in terms of art and architecture and many of these temples are centres of faith. One such highly popular and revered temple is the Sri Krishna temple in Guruvayur in Kerala. The net worth of the temple is crores of Rupees.
Location: Guruvayur, Kerala
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Kochi, and the temple can be reached by road and rail.
Architecture: The temple showcases the Kerala style of architecture and houses the idol of Lord Krishna.
Transportation: Kochi has a well-connected international airport, railway stations, and a comprehensive road network.
Timings: The temple has specific darshan timings and closes during the afternoon.
Pujas and Sevas: Various rituals and sevas are performed throughout the day.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the most important Krishna temples in India.
Best Time to Visit: The temple attracts devotees throughout the year, but the months of November to February offer pleasant weather.
Important Festivals: Janmashtami, Ekadashi, and Vishu.
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, Kerala (South India)
A temple that has achieved a cult status, especially in South India is the famous Ayyppa temple of Sabarimala in Kerala. Every year countless devotees make an arduous pilgrimage to the temple. The temple has an annual revenue of crores of Rupees.
Location: Sabarimala, Kerala
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Kochi, and the temple can be reached by road and a trek of approximately 3 kilometres.
Architecture: The temple is located amidst dense forests and follows traditional Kerala temple architecture.
Transportation: Kochi has a well-connected international airport, railway stations, and a comprehensive road network.
Timings: The temple opens only during specific periods, mainly during the Mandala pooja season.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various rituals and pujas dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in South India.
Best Time to Visit: The temple is open for worship during the Mandala pooja season, which generally falls between November and January.
Important Festivals: Makaravilakku, Mandala Pooja, and Vishu.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu (South India)
The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai dazzles the eye with its aesthetic carvings and paintings. Its massive corridors evoke the grandeur of a royal era. This famous temple that draws thousands of visitors every day is believed to have a net worth of crores of Rupees.
Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Madurai, and the temple is centrally located in the city.
Architecture: The temple showcases Dravidian-style architecture with intricate carvings and towering gopurams.
Transportation: Madurai has a well-connected airport, railway station, and road network.
Timings: The temple is open throughout the day, with specific darshan timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various rituals and sevas conducted at the temple.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and is one of the oldest and most prominent temples in India.
Best Time to Visit: The months of October to March offer pleasant weather for temple visits.
Important Festivals: Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, Chithirai Festival, and Navaratri.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala (South India)
The famous Padmanabhaswamy temple has always been in the news for its secret treasures. It is believed that the temple’s coffers have treasures that are yet to be discovered. The temple is said to have a net worth of crores of Rupees, but it is believed that there are chambers that have not been accessed and which may contain astronomical amounts of wealth.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram, and the temple is centrally located in the city.
Architecture: The temple showcases a blend of Dravidian and Kerala styles of architecture.
Transportation: Thiruvananthapuram has a well-connected international airport, railway station, and road network.
Timings: The temple has specific darshan timings for devotees.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various pujas and sevas performed at the temple.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is renowned for its intricate sculptures and historical significance.
Best Time to Visit: The months of October to February offer pleasant weather for temple visits.
Important Festivals: Navaratri, Alpashy festival, and Laksha Deepam.
Golden Temple, Amritsar (North India)
The famous Golden Temple, one of the sacred Gurudwaras of the Sikhs is an abode of serenity and brotherhood. This Sikh religious place draws people from all religions to its fold. The Golden Temple of Amritsar is believed to have a net worth of crores of Rupees.
Location: Amritsar, Punjab
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Amritsar, and the temple is centrally located in the city.
Architecture: The temple showcases stunning Sikh architecture with a gold-plated exterior.
Transportation: Amritsar has a well-connected international airport, railway station, and road network.
Timings: The temple is open throughout the day, with specific prayer and closing ceremonies.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in the continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib and perform seva.
Fame: The temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest site in Sikhism and represents equality and spirituality.
Best Time to Visit: The temple can be visited year-round, but avoid extreme weather conditions.
Important Festivals: Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Baisakhi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh (North India)
The Jyotirling temples are revered and considered very sacred. One of the sacred Jyotirlinga temples is the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The temple in the historic city of Varanasi in India is a landmark along with the famous Ghats on the river Ganga. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is believed to have a net worth of crores of Rupees.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Varanasi, and the temple is located in the heart of the city.
Architecture: The temple showcases intricate Hindu architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Transportation: Varanasi has a well-connected airport, railway station, and road network.
Timings: The temple is open throughout the day, with specific aarti timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various pujas and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Best Time to Visit: The temple can be visited year-round, but the months of October to March offer pleasant weather.
Important Festivals: Mahashivaratri, Kartik Purnima, and Dev Deepawali.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu (South India)
The Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameshwaram is another Jyotirlinga temple that is believed to have been established by Lord Rama, himself. The temple is said to have a net worth of crores of Rupees.
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Madurai, and Rameswaram is well-connected by road and rail.
Architecture: The temple showcases Dravidian-style architecture and is renowned for its long corridors and elaborate gopurams.
Transportation: Madurai has a well-connected airport, railway station, and road network.
Timings: The temple is open throughout the day, with specific darshan timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various rituals and sevas conducted at the temple.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples.
Best Time to Visit: The months of October to April offer a pleasant climate for temple visits.
Important Festivals: Mahashivaratri and Arudra Darshanam.
Jagannath Temple, Odisha (East India)
Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha is known for its legendary and spectacular Rath Yatra. The temple is sacred and one of the char dham pilgrimage destinations that were enumerated by Adi Shankaracharya. The net worth of the Jagannath temple is crores of Rupees.
Location: Puri, Odisha
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, and Puri is well-connected by road and rail.
Architecture: The temple showcases the Kalinga architectural style and is famous for its intricate carvings.
Transportation: Bhubaneswar has a well-connected airport, railway station, and road network.
Timings: The temple has specific darshan timings for devotees.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various rituals and sevas conducted at the temple.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Best Time to Visit: The months of November to February offer a pleasant climate for temple visits.
Important Festivals: Rath Yatra, Chandan Yatra, and Snana Yatra.
Somnath Temple, Gujarat (West India)
The famous Somnath temple in Somnath, Gujarat is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga. The sacred Somnath temple stands as a symbol of the resilience of Indian culture and spirituality. The net worth of the Somnath temple is said to be millions of Rupees.
Location: Veraval, Gujarat
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Diu, and Veraval is well-connected by road and rail.
Architecture: The temple showcases the Chalukya style of architecture and is situated on the Arabian Sea coast.
Transportation: Diu has a well-connected airport, and Veraval has a railway station and a road network.
Timings: The temple is open throughout the day, with specific aarti timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various rituals and offer prayers at the temple.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples.
Best Time to Visit: The months of November to February offer a pleasant climate for temple visits.
Important Festivals: Maha Shivaratri and Kartik Purnima.
Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur (West India)
The Mahalakshmi temple of Kolhapur is dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth, Mahalakshmi and is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. This temple is believed to have a net worth amounting to crores of Rupees.
Location: Kolhapur, Maharashtra
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Pune, and Kolhapur has its railway station. It is well-connected by road.
Architecture: The temple showcases exemplary Chalukya-style architecture with intricate carvings and a towering spire.
Transportation: Pune has the nearest airport, and Kolhapur has a well-connected railway station and road network.
Timings: The temple opens early morning and remains open throughout the day, with specific aarti timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Devotees can participate in various rituals, pujas, and sevas performed at the temple.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi and is one of the Shakti Peethas. It is famous for granting wishes and prosperity to devotees.
Best Time to Visit: The temple can be visited throughout the year, but the months of October to February offer pleasant weather.
Important Festivals: Navratri, Diwali, and Mahalaxmi Jayanti.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi (North India)
Akshardham temple in Delhi is a contemporary temple complex of the Swaminarayan cult. It incorporates state-of-the-art technology including animatronics in its design. It is believed that the net worth of the Swaminarayan Temple in Delhi is crores of Rupees.
Location: New Delhi, India
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, and the temple is well-connected by road and metro.
Architecture: The temple showcases exquisite Rajasthani and Gujarati architectural styles, featuring intricate stone carvings and ornate domes.
Transportation: Delhi has a well-connected international airport, railway stations, and a robust road network.
Timings: The temple opens in the morning and remains open until the evening, with specific aarti and light show timings.
Pujas and Sevas: Visitors can participate in the aarti and explore various exhibitions and shows that depict the life and teachings of Lord Swaminarayan.
Fame: The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and is famous for its stunning architecture, including the intricately carved main shrine and the sprawling complex.
Best Time to Visit: The temple can be visited throughout the year, but the months of October to March offer pleasant weather.
Important Festivals: Janmashtami, Diwali, and Akshardham Foundation Day.
Please note: It is advisable to check for any updates or changes in timings and accessibility before planning a visit.
Richest Temples In India – FAQs
You may have many questions about the richest temples of India. Here we try to address some of them. Do take a look.
Which is the richest temple in India? Which temple is very rich?
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is widely considered as one of the richest temples in India.
Which is the highest-earning temple in India?
The highest-earning temple in India is the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, located in Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is known as one of the richest temples in India.
Are there any dress codes or specific rules for temple visits?
Yes, many temples have a dress code, especially for women, which may include covering the head, shoulders, and legs. It is recommended to dress modestly and follow the rules and regulations of each temple.
Are photography and videography allowed inside the temples?
Photography and videography policies may vary for each temple. Some temples allow photography in specific areas, while others may prohibit it. It is best to inquire about the rules at the temple entrance.
Can I book accommodation near these temples?
Yes, most of these temples have accommodation facilities or nearby hotels for devotees. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
India is home to numerous ancient and rich temples that attract millions of devotees and tourists every year. The temples mentioned above represent some of the wealthiest and most famous religious sites in India, showcasing remarkable architecture, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance.
These temples not only serve as centres of worship but also contribute to the local economy and preservation of art and culture. Visitors to these temples have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, rituals, and festivities associated with each shrine.
Whether it’s the opulence of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple or the tranquillity of the Golden Temple, these temples offer a unique spiritual experience and a glimpse into India’s diverse religious landscape. As guardians of timeless treasures and faith, these richest temples in India continue to inspire awe and reverence among devotees and leave an indelible mark on the country’s religious heritage.
Thank you for reading our blog post on the Richest Temples in India. We would love to hear about your experiences visiting any of these temples. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
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There are incredible and beautiful temples in India and the list you shared seems so perfect. Thanks for always connecting us to our roots.
Indians and our obsession with gold is eternal! Woah, only if we can add this gold to our national treasury, we would have the highest gold reserves then 😉 No not being blasphemous but, it’s too much gold man! Thank you for sharing this list.
Thanks to my religious parents I’ve visited quite a few of these temples and it’s amazing how they handle the immense crowd. The offerings are mind-boggling too. Well, one can’t put a price on faith, right?
This was indeed very detailed & a super informative read. I am book marking it for my future temple visit plans.
I have stopped visiting the temples as most of them are doing the business. Special line charges, Prasad charges etc are taking advantage of people’s religious beliefs. The blind beliefs and the race share on social media has promoted this business.
Wow that’s one impressive list. Of these 15 temples mentioned in the list, I’ve visited a few of them and others are in my list of must visit. Each and every temple has its own peace and calm.
Temples are are truly rich in heritage and architecture. I am flat that I have visited few from the exhaustive list, in the recent is Golden temple.