India is home to around 2 million temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddesses. However, some temples hold much more than their spiritual significance and symbolism.
In this blog, we will introduce you to 10 mysterious temples in India that practice some unusual rituals and defy science and logic. So, let's learn more about these mysterious wonders.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sree Padamanbhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams - the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu in the Vaishnava tradition.
It houses six treasure vaults (labeled as A to F) which are said to hold immense wealth inside and is basically where the mystery lies.
While there have been instances when the vaults have been inspected upon the instructions of the Supreme Court of India, vault B has remained unopened for centuries.
It is believed that it’s been guarded by some supernatural powers and anyone who tries to open it may only invite troubles.
Also Read Lord Vishnu - His Avatars, Significance and Symbolism
Besides, there are certain rules and regulations associated with the entry of the temple. Only devotees who profess Hindu religion are allowed to enter the temple. More so, any modern dress code is strictly prohibited inside the temple.
Following this, men have to wear a dhoti while women are allowed only if wearing a saree.
Address: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
Timings: 3:15 AM - 12:00 AM, and 5:00 PM - 7:20 PM
2. Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Alright, let's switch gears and head over to Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, where the Veerabhadra Temple stands tall and proud.
This temple isn't just famous for its religious significance; it's got a neat little trick up its sleeve.
Imagine walking into a temple and seeing a pillar hanging from the ceiling - yeah, you heard that right, hanging! It's like the builders decided to play a prank on Gravity or something. But here's the thing, it's been hanging like that for centuries, defying all logic and leaving everyone scratching their heads.
Aside from its gravity-defying pillar, the Veerabhadra Temple is a sight to behold with its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. It's like stepping into a history book brought to life.
So, if you're ever in Lepakshi, don't forget to swing by the Veerabhadra Temple and witness this architectural wonder for yourself.
Who knows, maybe you'll uncover the secret behind that hanging pillar!
Address: Main road, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
3. Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Dausa, Rajasthan
Imagine a place where the air is filled with the sound of prayers, but also with the cries of those believed to be possessed by evil spirits.
Welcome to Mehandipur Balaji Temple, a truly unique and mysterious pilgrimage site in Rajasthan, India.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, but what sets it apart are the rituals practiced here.
The priests perform exorcisms to free people from the clutches of negative energies and black magic.
Every day, thousands of devotees flock to Mehandipur Balaji seeking relief for themselves or their loved ones.
However, a visit to this temple can be quite disturbing for many. Witnessing people hanging from chains, or pouring boiling water on themselves as part of the ritual, can be unsettling.
Additionally, those believed to be possessed by evil spirits are often seen chained and attended to by the temple priests.
Despite these eerie practices, Mehandipur Balaji Temple is considered a must-visit place in Rajasthan.
The evening Aarti ceremony, especially on Tuesdays, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is a sight to behold and an experience not to be missed.
Besides this, please make sure to never accept any food or prasad offered by anyone inside the temple and never look back while leaving the temple premises as it can invite negative energies.
More so, never (we repeat never) photograph the possessed individuals at any cost.
Address: Tehsil Sikrai, Mehandipur, Rajasthan, 321610
Timings: 7 AM - 9 PM
4. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Perched atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, the Kamakhya Devi Temple is a celebration of womanhood and fertility.
This ancient temple is among the revered 51 Shakti Peethas in India and holds a deep spiritual significance.
One of the temple's most intriguing aspects is the absence of a conventional deity. Instead, devotees worship a stone-shaped vagina, known as the "Yoni," symbolizing the Goddess Kamakhya.
The temple remains closed for three days during the monsoon, as it is believed that the Goddess menstruates during this time, turning the underground water reservoir red.
This natural phenomenon is seen as a sign of the Goddess's fertility and life-giving powers.
The Ambubachi festival, celebrated annually during the monsoon, is a testament to the temple's unique traditions.
During this time, the temple remains closed, symbolizing the Goddess's menstruation, and reopens on the fourth day, marking her rejuvenation and fertility.
Address: Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam, 781010
Timings: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
5. Venkateshwara Temple, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh
The aura of this majestic temple cannot be put in words. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu/Balaji, Venkateshwar Temple attracts over 50,000 pilgrims every day! But what makes it one of the most mysterious temples in India is the unique, miraculous idol of the preceding deity, Lord Venkateshwara.
Also Read - Everything You Need to Know About Lord Venkateswara
The idol of the deity placed inside the shrine wears real human hair and has also been found sweating (just like us humans) many times. Besides, devotees can also hear the sound of gushing sea waves by placing their ears carefully behind the deity’s image.
Also Read - why are the eyes of lord venkateswara covered
Many people donate their hair at Tirumala, as a gesture of their devotion and dedication towards Lord Venkateshwara. However, many also believe that donating hair helps get rid of the sins and ego present within oneself.
Address: S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517504
Timings: Open 24 hours
6. Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, Kodungallur, Kerala
A weird kind of sensation passes through your body as you visit the Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple.
It is widely famous for its Bharani Festival which is annually held in the months of March or April. Earlier the ritual of sacrificing animals was highly followed during this time but it has been completely banned now.
But there’s more to this one-of-a-kind festival that will leave you amazed. During this time, devotees practice drinking and chanting abusive words and lewd bhajans, before entering the temple. You’d also find men and women carrying and hitting themselves with swords which results in free blood pours all over.
All of this is carried on through the 7 days of the festival after which the temple premises are shut down to clean the bloodstains.
Address: Thekkenada Road, Kodungallur, Kerala, 680664
Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 8 PM
7. Stambeshwar Mahadev, Kavi Kavoi Village, Gujarat
Stambeshwar Mahadev temple is where you get to witness the true magic of nature. Now what’s so amazing and mysterious about this temple is that it disappears twice a day which also brings it the name of Gayab Mandir.
But the question remains, where does it go?
Situated between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Cambay (just a few meters away from the Gujarat shore) the temple gets completely submerged every day during the high tides and starts reappearing as the water levels start receding, unveiling the beautiful 4 ft. high Shiva Lingam.
According to the records, the entire Sanctum or “Garbha Griha” is submerged in the seawater and only the tip of the temple structure is seen above water. So, all in all, the temple doesn’t actually go anywhere and it just gets immersed underwater.
Address: 6J88+FM4, Kavi, Kamboi, Gujarat 392180
Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM
8. Kal Bhairav Nath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
If you're up for a temple visit like no other, then the Kal Bhairav Nath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, should be on your list. This temple is known for its unique prasad offerings—instead of the usual sweets or flowers, devotees offer wine or whiskey!
As you approach the temple, you'll notice several stalls outside selling these spirits, which devotees buy before entering the temple premises. Inside, you won't find the typical garland sellers or sweet shops commonly seen at other temples. The atmosphere here is different, with devotees seeking blessings amidst this unconventional practice.
Worshiping at the Kal Bhairav Nath Temple is believed to unlock courage and happiness.
However, be prepared for long queues, especially on special Hindu occasions when the temple is bustling with devotees.
Address: Pandeypur Rd, Golghar, Naibasti, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002
Timings: 5:30 AM - 1 PM, 3 PM - 10:30 PM
9. Channapatna Dog Temple, Ramanagara, Karnataka
In the Ramanagara district of Karnataka, about 50 kilometers from Bangalore, lies the Channapatna Dog Temple.
This unique temple worships dogs, celebrating the bond between humans and their loyal companions.
Locals in this village believe that dogs are connected to the Egyptian God of death and worship them as a means to attain salvation.
This offbeat temple is a must-visit for animal lovers and those seeking a different kind of spiritual experience.
At the Channapatna Dog Temple, it's less about the material offerings and more about faith.
This temple exemplifies the diverse and fascinating beliefs found in the 20,00,000 temples across India, making it a standout destination for those looking to explore the unconventional side of India's spiritual landscape.
Address: H5F5+QVV, Agrahara Valegerehalli, Karnataka, 562160
Timings: Open 24 hours
10. Ananthapadmanabha Lake Temple, Kasaragod, Kerala
Tucked away in the beautiful land of Kerala lies the Ananthapadmanabha Lake Temple, a place shrouded in mystery and wonder. What sets this temple apart is its unique guardian, a crocodile named Babia, who has chosen a vegan diet despite being a natural carnivore.
Yes, you read that right! This crocodile, believed to be the world's most ferocious meat-eater, feeds only on the temple's prasad, which includes cooked rice and jaggery.
Devotees, after the noon worship, feed this gentle carnivore with their hands, a sight that truly defies nature's norms. Babia has been a resident of the pond for nearly 70 years, coexisting peacefully with humans.
The temple, with a history dating back to the 9th century, boasts exceptional wood carvings depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu on its pavilion ceilings.
Also Read The Eternal Bond of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
The bond between the temple priest and Babia is truly special. On one occasion, Babia ventured out of the pond and into the temple premises, but upon the priest's request, he turned back and returned to the water.
Despite the presence of several fishes in the pond, none have ever been attacked by Babia, showcasing his unique dietary choice.
Address: P. O, Via, Ananthapura, Kumbla (Kumble), Kerala, 671321
Timings: 5:30 AM - 1 PM, 5:30 PM - 8 PM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Which temple is famous for ghosts?
A. Devji Maharaj Mandir in Madhya Pradesh is famous for ghosts and organizes an annual ghost fair which is organized on every ‘full moon’ to ward off evil spirits. People from all over India come here to cure and free themselves from evil spirits.
Q. Which temple has hidden treasure in India?
A. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala is said to have a treasure worth $22 billion and more hidden inside 6 different vaults.
Q. Which temple is 3000 years old in India?
A. The Mangalanatha Swamy temple situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu is estimated to be almost 3000 years old.
Q. Which temple was destroyed 17 times?
A. Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas was destroyed 17 times by Mahmud Ghazni in an attempt to capture the treasure stored inside the temple and to spread Islamism around the country.
