India is known for its rich heritage as the Indian subcontinent is the birthplace of four of the major religions of the world – Hindu Religion, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. As such, it is no surprise that the country is home to some of the oldest and most historic temples in the world. Scattered all across India, the history includes some really old Hindu temples with most exquisite carvings, architectures, and styles that are intrinsic to India.
These 1000 years old temples in India take you back in time to an era when life was simpler. Be it the architecture of the temples or art involved in the sculptures and carvings on the walls, everything about these wonderful structures is majestic.
1000 Years old Temples in India
Here are 10 temples in India that are more than 1000 years old, yet still relatively unknown.
1. Kailasa Temple – Maharashtra
Kailasa Temple is one of the largest rock-cut temples in India. Maharashtra Historical evidence suggests that this temple has been built in the 8th Century AD. It is located in Maharashtra’s Ellora caves and is a delight for history buffs. It is said to have been carved out of one rock and shows traces of Pallava architecture. The Kailasanatha temple (Cave 16) is one of the 32 cave temples and monasteries are known collectively as the Ellora Caves. The Kailasa temple lacks a dedicatory inscription, but there is no doubt that it was commissioned by a Rashtrakuta ruler. The Primary deity of the ancient temple is Kailashanatha (Shiva). There are five detached shrines in the temple premises; three of these are dedicated to the river goddesses: Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
2. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple – Kumbakonam
This 1000-year-old temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu and was built by the Chola Dynasty. It was initially constructed in the 9th Century, it now covers a vast area of 30,181 sq. ft. While later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of the Thanjavur Nayaks of the 16th century. The Adi Kumbeswarar temple is worth a visit as it is one of the finest temples of south India.
Shiva is worshiped as Adi Kumbeswarar and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalambigai Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.