Top 11 Richest Temples In India: History And Architecture

Posted on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 by Navneet Kaur Leave a Comment

Temples in India serve as sacred spaces where devotees seek peace, prosperity, & happiness. Many of these temples, known for their remarkable architecture, were built centuries ago, each with fascinating stories woven into their history. Some of the wealthiest Temples in India are not only custodians of large estates or gold reserves but also hold vast collections of precious artifacts & antiques passed down through generations. The deities in these temples are often adorned with extravagant jewels, rare gems, & luxurious garments, all carefully stored in special chambers for protection.

Here is a list of the top 11 wealthiest temples in India, known not only for their immense riches but also for their great splendour.

Table Of Content

Temple	State
1. Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple	Kerala
2. Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple	Andhra Pradesh
3. Siddhivinayak Temple	Maharashtra
4. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple	Shirdi
5. Golden Temple	Amritsar
6. Guruvayur Temple	Kerala
7. Meenakshi Temple	Tamil Nadu
8. Somnath Temple	Gujarat
9. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple	Delhi
10. Vaishno Devi Temple	Jammu
11. Sri Jagannatha Temple Puri	Odisha

1. Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala

Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu, is situated in Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum), the capital of Kerala. It holds the distinction of being one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred abodes of Vishnu) & is one of the five ancient temples in Kerala. Known as the wealthiest Hindu temple globally, the temple’s presiding deity is Lord Padmanabha, a form of Vishnu depicted reclining on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha.

Originally constructed in the 16th century, the temple showcases a blend of Chera & Malayala-Tamilan architectural styles. Its design includes three sanctums, a pillared hall, & open courtyards, with a strong influence from Vaishnavism, one of Hinduism’s prominent sects. Visitors can experience its grandeur by choosing from various Kerala tour packages.

Once you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the intricate stone carvings & pretty artwork that adorn the walls & pillars of the temple. Interestingly, the city of Tirumala is named after this shrine, which was originally built in the 8th century. With treasures valued at over $20 billion, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is considered one of the richest temples in the world. It’s believed that the vaults within the temple hold enough wealth to address global issues, but an ancient curse is said to protect these assets.

• Location: Thiruvananthapuram
• State: Kerala
• Country: India
• Address: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
• Built-In: 8th century CE
• Architectural Styles: Dravidian architecture, Architecture of Kerala
• Deity: Maha Vishnu
• Temple Timings: 03:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM
• Festivals: Painkuni Utsavam, Chingam 1st, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Thiruvonam, Navarathri Pooja, Valiya Ganapathi Homam, Swargavathil Ekadasi, Bhadradeepam, Sivarathri, Sree Rama Navami, Lakshadeepam, Murajapam
• Best Time To Visit In: July to August or September
• Nearby Location To Visit: Napier Museum, Shangumugham Beach, Samudra Beach Park, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

2. Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Located in the hill town of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateswara Swami Vaari Temple holds the distinction of being the wealthiest Hindu temple in the world. Dating back to the 8th century, this sacred site is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations for Hindus globally & has been a major contributor to India’s tourism for many decades. The temple’s presiding deity, Lord Venkateswara Swamy, also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, or Veṅkaṭachalapati, has been revered by numerous kings, who left their mark on its history & architecture.

Built in the traditional Dravidian architectural style, the temple features three grand entrances leading to the sanctum sanctorum. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu’s appearance at this shrine was to rescue humanity from the challenges of Kali Yuga. Inside the temple, an 8-foot-tall statue of Lord Venkateshwara stands beneath a gold-plated dome. The idol’s eyes are covered with camphor & adorned with tilak, while it is lavishly decorated with precious & semi-precious stones.

Tirupati, known for its architectural grandeur, attracts millions of pilgrims annually. As the wealthiest temple in India, it has an estimated fortune of $13.6 billion & earns around $0.75 million daily from the sale of laddus. The temple also receives generous donations amounting to approximately $650 million (Rs 650 crore) annually.

• Location: Tirupati
• State: Andhra Pradesh
• Country: India
• Address: S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
• Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport
• Built-In: 300 AD
• Architectural Styles: Dravidian
• Deity: Venkateswara (Vishnu)
• Temple Timings: 05:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM
• Festivals: Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Ratha Saptami
• Best Time To Visit In: September to February
• Nearby Location To Visit: Natural Arch (Silathoranam), Shri Varaha Swamy Temple, Srivari Paadaalu, Sri Venkateswara Museum

3. Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra 

Siddhivinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is a known Hindu temple located in Siddhatek, Mumbai. Constructed by Balasaheb Sawant, Siddhivinayak Mandir  has become one of the most visited temples in Mumbai, attracting both Indian devotees & international tourists. The temple’s architecture is a marvel, featuring marble structures, gold-painted domes, spires, & shrines.

The temple houses a small mandapa with a shrine for Siddhi Vinayaka. Its wooden doors & pillars are adorned with intricate carvings of the Ashtavinayak. The inner roof is gilded with gold, & the temple’s dome is illuminated with vibrant colors, making it a mesmerizing sight. The idol of Lord Ganesha, located beneath the dome, draws countless devotees who come to seek blessings.

Siddhivinayak Temple is also one of the wealthiest temples in India, known for the significant donations it receives. The main deity is made of 4 kg of gold, and the temple’s total assets are valued at approximately Rs 125 crore. Daily donations bring in an income of around Rs 30 lakhs.

• Location: Mumbai
• State: Maharashtra
• Country: India
• Address: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
• Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
• Built-In: 8th century CE
• Built By: Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil
• Architectural Styles: Dravidian
• Deity: Lord Ganesha
• Temple Timings: Wednesday to Monday: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Tuesdays: 3:15 AM to 12:00 AM
• Festivals: Ganesha Chaturthi
• Best Time To Visit In: November to March
• Nearby Location To Visit: Banganga Tank, Borivali National Park, Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

4. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi

The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, located in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is dedicated to the Indian guru Shri Sai Baba, who lived and taught in this town from 1835 until his Samadhi in 1918. This temple is the spiritual site where Sai Baba spent much of his life & attained eternal peace. Sai Baba is revered as a saint & fakir, known for his teachings on love, faith, charity, & devotion to God (Vishnu).

The temple draws millions of devotees annually from around the world who come to seek blessings at the temple’s main attraction, an idol of Sai Baba. The idol sits on a throne made of 94 kg of gold, symbolizing the temple’s significance. Often referred to as Sai Baba Temple, it is one of the most frequently visited holy sites in India, especially for Hindu followers. With assets exceeding Rs 320 crores, it is also among the wealthiest temples in the country. On average, around 25,000 visitors pay homage here daily.

• Location: Shirdi
• State: Maharashtra
• Country: India
• Address: Shirdi, Maharashtra 423109
• Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport
• Built-In: 1952
• Architectural Styles: Hindu Architecture
• Deity: Sai Baba
• Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 10 PM
• Festivals: Ramnavami (March/April), Guru Purnima (July), and Vijayadashami (September)
• Best Time To Visit In: June and February
• Nearby Location To Visit: Sai Baba Samadhi, Sai Teerth Theme Park, Gurusthan, Sai Heritage Village, Shani Shingnapur

5. Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple in Amritsar, established by Guru Ram Das Ji in 1574, is one of India’s most known religious & tourist destinations. Also known as Harmandir Sahib, it is a sacred site for Sikhs worldwide. This iconic temple is a symbol of the Sikh faith, embodying its unique cultural identity. With its distinct architectural design, the Golden Temple is not only a place of worship but also a key representation of Sikhism’s holiness & spirituality.

As one of the most sacred places for Sikhs, the Golden Temple reflects the strength & devotion of the Sikh community. Every year, more than 32 million people visit this beautiful site. It generates over Rs 200 crore annually from visitors & donations. One of the temple’s most remarkable features is its gold-plated dome, made from 500 kg of pure 24-karat gold, valued at Rs 130 crore, cementing its status as one of the wealthiest temples in India.

• Location: Amritsar
• State: Punjab
• Country: India
• Address: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
• Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
• Founder: Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan
• Built-In:1589
• Architectural Styles: Indo-Islamic Mughal and Hindu Rajput Architecture
• Deity: Adi Granth
• Temple Timings: 24 Hours
• Festivals: Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi, Diwali, etc.
• Best Time To Visit In: November to March
• Nearby Location To Visit: Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Durgiana Temple,· Akal Takht, Tarn Taran

6. Guruvayur Temple, Kerala

Guruvayur Temple is a revered ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Guruvayur, Kerala, dedicated to Lord Krishna. It stands as one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus & is particularly important for devotees of Krishna. The temple is recognized by Vaishnavites as one of the 108 holy sites associated with Vishnu (Divya Desams) & is often referred to as “Bhuloka Vaikunta,” meaning the “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth.”

The presiding deity of Guruvayur Temple is Lord Krishna, depicted as a four-armed Bhagavathy with Shesha on his chest. The temple also features shrines for Krishna’s consorts, Rukmini & Satyabhama. Built in the 14th century, the temple showcases a blend of North & South Indian architectural styles, including Nagara & Dravidian influences.

Guruvayur Temple is among the wealthiest temples in India & has a net worth of approximately Rs 2,500 crore, with gold assets exceeding Rs 110 crore. Its annual earnings reach around Rs 400 crore in cash and gold.

• Location: Guruvayur
• State: Kerala
• Country: India
• Address: Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101
• Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
• Built-In: 14th Century
• Architectural Styles: Architecture of Kerala
• Deity: Guruvayurappan(Lord Vishnu with four arms at the time of Krishna avatar)
• Temple Timings: 3:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
• Festivals: Janmashtami, Kumbham Utsavam, Guruvayur Ekadasi
• Best Time To Visit In: September to March
• Nearby Locations To Visit: Punnathur Kotta, Mammiyur Mahadeva Kshetram, Elephant Camp

7. Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu

Meenakshi Temple is a historic Hindu temple situated along the banks of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Parvati, affectionately known as Meenakshi, & her consort, Shiva, referred to as Sundareswarar here. The temple is celebrated in the Divya Prabandha, a medieval Tamil collection of hymns by the Azhwar saints dating back to the 6th–9th centuries AD.

Believed to have been constructed around 1600 years ago, Meenakshi Temple  features unique architectural elements, including a towering gopuram (gateway) adorned with vibrant colors & intricate carvings. Positioned in the heart of Madurai, this temple is largest temples in the world & attracts millions of visitors annually.

Often called the “Golden Temple” due to its spire adorned with gold, the Meenakshi Temple, built in the 17th century, is estimated to be worth around 6 crores. It ranks as one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant temples & is considered one of the wealthiest temples globally. Notably, the temple has two golden vimanas (domes), enhancing its grandeur as a revered Hindu shrine.

• Location: Madurai
• State: Tamil Nadu
• Country: India
• Address: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
• Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
• Built-In: 1190–1216 CE
• Built By: King Kulasekara Pandya
• Architectural Styles: Dravidian
• Deity: Meenakshi (Parvati), Sundareswarar/Chokkanathar (Shiva)
• Temple Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (everyday)
• Festivals: Chithirai Thiruvizha, Navaratri, Cradle festival, Aavanimoolam, Meenakshi Tirukkalyaanam, Alagar’s river plunge
• Best Time To Visit In: December to February
• Nearby Location To Visit: 1000 Pillar mandapam, Pazhamudhir Solai, Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine, Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

8. Somnath Temple, Gujarat 

Somnath Temple is a revered Hindu temple situated on the eastern coast of India in the state of Gujarat. The name Somnath signifies Shiva, meaning “The Protector of the Moon God.” Located in the city of Veraval, this temple is one of the most significant shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Over the years, the temple has faced multiple destructions due to invasions & natural calamities.

The current structure of the temple, known for its unique architectural design, was constructed under the patronage of Ahilyabhai Holkar of Indore. It features intricately carved sandstone & marble pillars surrounding a sanctum sanctorum that houses the sacred lingam. As one of the most famous Hindu temples in India, Somnath Temple is recognized as a monument of national importance.

This temple is often regarded as the richest in India, with its total assets valued at approximately 90,000 million rupees. The temple’s daily collections include a variety of valuable items such as gold, antique silver, emeralds, diamonds, & brass artifacts. Additionally, it features two golden coconut shells adorned with precious stones.

• Location: Veraval (Somnath)
• State: Gujarat
• Country: India
• Address: Somnath Mandir Rd, Veraval, Gujarat 362268
• Nearest Airport:Diu Airport
• Built-In: 1951
• Architectural Styles: Māru-Gurjara
• Deity: Shiva
• Temple Timings: 7:30 AM – 11 AM, 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Festivals: Maha Shivaratri
• Best Time To Visit In: September to March
• Nearby Location To Visit: Veraval Beach, Chorwad Beach, Bhalka Tirth, Gita Mandir, Panch Pandav Gufa

9. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Situated in Delhi, India, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple stands as one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. This sprawling complex showcases a museum that delves into the richness of traditional Indian culture, highlighting Hindu mythology & the nation’s extensive history. Alongside the main temple, visitors can explore various community buildings & a collection of intricately carved monumental statues that depict significant events from Indian lore.

The architectural brilliance of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is truly awe-inspiring, featuring elaborate designs that reflect some of the richest craftsmanship globally. Completed in 2005 under the guidance of Sadhu Swami Maharaj, the construction of this great temple required an investment of $150 million & involved the efforts of 10,000 volunteers & 1,500 skilled artisans.

The temple houses a magnificent idol of God, crafted from gold & valued at Rs 500 crore, making it one of India’s wealthiest temples. The temple also has several gold crowns, ornaments, a golden bow, as well as diamond-studded antique jewelry embellished with emeralds. If you’re eager to discover the beauty of this sacred site, consider customizing your Golden Triangle Tour Package to include a visit.

• Location: Noida Mor
• State: New Delhi
• Country: India
• Address: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110092
• Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
• Built-In: November 2005
• Built By: Pramukh Swami Maharaj
• Architectural Styles: Nagara Style
• Deity: Swaminarayan, Sita-Rama, Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati and Lakshmi-Narayana
• Temple Timings: 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM ( closed on Mondays)
• Festivals: All Hindu Religious Festivals
• Best Time To Visit In: March to April or August or September
• Nearby Location To Visit: Sunder Nursery Park, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Red Fort

10. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu

The Vaishno Devi Temple is known as a Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess of power, Maha Kali, or Durga. Nestled at an altitude of 5,100 feet in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu & Kashmir, it is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India, drawing over 10 million visitors each year from both India & abroad. This temple is often included in religious Jammu and Kashmir tour packages, but you can also customize your visit.

Located at the foothills of the mountains, the Vaishno Devi temple immense religious importance for Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess Vaishnavi was created from the combined energies of the goddesses Parvati, Lakshmi, & Saraswati. It is also believed that the ankle bone of Goddess Sati is embedded in the mountain. Built by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846, the temple attracts thousands of devotees every year.

Shri Vaishno Devi Temple is among the richest temples in India, generating an impressive annual revenue of INR 500 crore. In the past two decades (2000-2020).

• Location: Katra
• State: Jammu & Kashmir
• Country: India
• Address: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301
• Nearest Airport: Jammu airport
• Built-In: 1846
• Built By: Maharaja Gulab Singh
• Architectural Styles: Cave Temple
• Deity: Goddess Vaishno Devi (Vaishnavi, Mata Rani, Ambe, Trikuta, Sherawali, Jyotawali, Pahadawali)
• Temple Timings: 24 Hours
• Festivals: Navratri, Mahashivratri
• Best Time To Visit In: March and October
• Nearby Location To Visit: Ardhkuwari, Adhkuwari Hill View Spot, Baba Dhansar

11. Sri Jagannatha Temple Puri, Odisha

The Sri Jagannatha Temple is one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Jagannath, located in Puri, Odisha. Originally built in the 12th century CE by King Indradyumna, the temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu & Goddess Laxmi. Although it has undergone several reconstructions over the years, many original elements from the initial structure remain.

The Sri Jagannath Temple is a prominent pilgrimage destination for Hindus worldwide, known for housing the deities Sri Jagannath, Balabhadra, & Subhadra. Situated on India’s eastern coast, the temple is particularly famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, during which the three main deities are taken out of the temple & placed on a grand chariot.

Considered one of the richest temples in India, the Jagannath Puri Temple attracts over 350,000 visitors annually. Its annual revenue is around INR 150 crores, with donations exceeding Rs 1.72 crore each year.

• Location: Puri
• State: Odisha
• Country: India
• Address: Grand Rd, At post, Puri, Odisha 752001
• Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
• Built-In: 12th century
• Built By: Indradyumna
• Architectural Styles: Hindu temple architecture, Dravidian architecture, Kalinga architecture
• Deity: Jagannath
• Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Festivals: Navratri, Mahashivratri
• Best Time To Visit In: June to March
• Nearby Location To Visit: Puri Beach, Markandeshwara Temple, Narendra Tank, Sudarshan Crafts Museum

India is a country with unique culture and traditions. From long history, multifaceted lands to rich heritage sites, India has something to offer in every corner. Here, you can explore India’s richest temples by booking flights ticket to India through Travanya at affordable prices.

We are one of the leading travel companies in India offering customized tour packages for both domestic and international travellers. We are able to make your travel process easy and provide you with complete guidance. Give us a call at +91 869-999-5345 and book the most suitable tour package for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which temple in India has the most gold?
A: The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, Kerala, has the highest amount of gold. It stores over 6,000 kilograms (about 13,000 pounds) of gold & precious stones in its vaults.

Q: What is one of the most famous temples in India?
A: The Mundeshwari Temple, located in Paunra, Bihar, is one of the most famous ancient temples in India. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Q: Which temple is the oldest in India?
A: The Mundeshwari Temple, found in the Kaimur district of Bihar, is the oldest in India. It has a long history & was built by Siji Ram around 3-4 BC.

Q: How many Vishnu temples are there in India?
A: There are 108 famous temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is a major deity & protector in Hinduism.

Q: How can I reach the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in India?
A: The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is in New Delhi, the capital of India. To get there, you can book a flight to Delhi & then take a taxi or cab from the airport to the temple. There are also other transport options available.