India, known for its rich history and diverse religious beliefs, is home to some of the most magnificent temples in the world. These temples not only hold great spiritual significance but are also repositories of immense wealth and cultural heritage. From the architectural marvel, Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji Temple to the majestic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, each temple speaks of the devotion, grandeur, and prosperity that India represents.
This blog will guide you through the top 11 richest temples in India that possess incredible wealth and are considered the richest spiritual abodes.
List of the Richest Temples in India
Let's learn about the top 11 temples in India that are known for receiving a surplus of wealth every year: Explore the Top 3 richest temples in India, Top 5 richest temples in India and top 10 richest temples in India all in the same blog.
1. Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple
Situated in the picturesque hills of Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwar Balaji, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its grandeur and receives millions of devotees annually. It is believed that offering donations at this temple can bring prosperity and fulfillment of desires. The temple’s Hundi (donation box) receives massive contributions every year, making it one of the wealthiest temples in India.
Location: Tirumala 7th Hill, Tirumala – Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 51750
Timings: 1:30 AM – 12:00 AM
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2. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Located in Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is widely recognized for its stunning Dravidian and Kerala-style architecture. Here, the temple’s main deity, Lord Padmanabhaswamy, is depicted lying on the serpent Ananta. Padmanabhaswamy temple gained attention from all across the world when a secret vault was discovered in 2011, which was said to contain immense wealth, including gold, jewels, and artifacts, estimated to be worth billions of dollars. The temple continues to be a center of pilgrimage and spiritual devotion.
Location: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
Timings: 3:30 AM - 12 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
3. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, the Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The temple’s idol of Lord Ganesha is believed to be self-manifested and can be seen adorned with various ornaments and offerings from devotees. Siddhivinayak temple is known for its Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust, which manages the temple’s affairs and receives donations from devotees. The funds are used for the temple’s maintenance, charitable activities, and community development.
Location: SK Bole Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400028
Timings: 5:30 AM - 9 PM
4. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Maharashtra is dedicated to the revered saint Sai Baba, who is worshiped by millions around the world. The temple complex houses the Samadhi (final resting place) of Sai Baba and attracts devotees seeking his blessings. The temple is known for its gold-plated interior and the richly adorned idol of Sai Baba. The temple receives significant donations from devotees, which are used for the temple’s maintenance and charitable activities.
Location: QF8G+J6Q, Mauli Nagar, Shirdi, Maharashtra, 423109
Timings: 5:15 AM - 11 PM
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5. Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and is located in Amritsar, Punjab. The temple’s name refers to its gold-plated exterior, which gives it a dazzling appearance, especially in the sunlight. The temple complex includes the Akal Takht, the highest seat of authority in Sikhism, and the sacred pond, known as the Amrit Sarovar. The temple receives donations from devotees, which are used for langar (community kitchen), providing free meals to thousands of visitors every day, and other charitable activities.
Location: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab 143006
Timings: 24 hours
6. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, and her consort Lord Sundareswarar, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures. It is said to have around 33,000 sculptures, both inside and outside the temple premises. The temple’s revenue comes from various sources, including donations, offerings, and income from properties, making it one of the richest temples in India.
Location: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM
7. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India wherein millions of people gather to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Well, this one aspect is one of the main reasons behind the temple generating huge revenue every year. Somnath Temple also packs a vast collection of gold & silver artifacts along with a beautiful pooja collection. It is believed to be one of the richest temples in India since 1200 AD and is still considered the most powerful shrine of Lord Shiva. If you ever get to visit this holy site, make sure to pay closer attention to the intricate carvings designed on the beautiful beige-colored domes.
Location: Somnath Mandir Rd, Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat 362268
Timings: 6 AM- 10 PM
8. Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, where the deities are taken out in a grand procession on elaborately decorated chariots. The temple’s architecture is unique, with its main tower soaring high above the complex. The temple receives generous donations from devotees, especially during festivals, which are used for the temple’s upkeep and community welfare.
Location: Bali Sahi, Puri, Odisha 752001
Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM
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9. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi
The Akshardham Temple is what you call a true architectural marvel. It is so beautifully constructed that it appears more like a royal palace surrounded by spiritual energy. The temple houses an idol of Lord Swaminarayan which is finely crafted with pure gold. Akshardham temple complex comprises a theater complex known as Niklanth Darshan, the Hall of Values, and a boating area along with a musical fountain. Here, you’ll also find a well-maintained garden with beautiful flowers, plants, and trees creating a green and fresh environment to spend some peaceful time during your visit.
Location: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, 110092
Timings: 10 AM - 8 PM
10. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu
Situated in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, the Vaishno Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Shakti. The temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, with millions of devotees undertaking the challenging trek to seek the goddess’s blessings. The temple’s main shrine houses the deity’s Pind (rock) and is adorned with gold and silver ornaments. Devotees offer donations in various forms, including gold, as a symbol of their devotion and faith.
Location: PVMC+3PQ, Pir Mitha Mastgarh, Pakki Dhaki, Old Heritage City, Jammu, 180001
Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 9 PM
11. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Situated on the banks of the Ganga River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, believed to be the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple complex includes the main temple, along with several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. The temple’s golden domes and spires are a sight to behold, especially during evening aarti. The temple receives donations from devotees, which are used for the temple’s maintenance and charitable activities.
Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
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Takeaway
All these temples are truly a visual retreat for all the devotees out there. And in case you’re wondering where all the money that these temples collect goes out to, then here’s the answer. The money they obtain through offerings by the devotees is well utilized for the maintenance of the temple or is used to fulfill any social purpose for public welfare.
So, which of these temples would you like to visit first?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the richest temple in India?
A. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is considered the richest temple in the world. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu in the Vaishnava tradition.
Q2. Which is the most powerful temple in India?
A. The Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the most powerful temple in India.
Q3. Is Tirupati temple the richest in the world?
A. The Tirupati temple is one of the richest temples in the world and attracts millions of devotees every year.
Q4. Which temple has the most gold in India?
A. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has the most gold in India.
Q5. Which is the most looted temple in India?
A. The Somnath temple has been looted multiple times during the reign of Bhima I when Mahmus of Ghazni, a Turkic Muslim ruler plundered the temple and stole a whooping amount of 20 million dinars.
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