Temples in India with incredible backstories that will leave you amazed

Indian temples are not mere symbols of architecture and religion, but rather are stories in themselves, crafted from stone with the use of legends, historical events, and a long-lasting culture. For many Indian temples, the line between religion and folklore blends into one another, where stories are not only shared but also become a way of life through various traditions and festivals. One of the most intriguing things about these temples is that their histories are sometimes full of irrationality, skepticism, or even symbolism regarding life and death itself.

The structure was built more than a thousand years back by King Raja Raja Chola I and it remains one of the marvels of ancient Indian architecture. The entire temple structure has been constructed using granite – a relatively rare material in the region – which has raised queries regarding the process involved in moving such huge blocks of stone without the help of modern equipment. Amongst several other factors that make the temple unique and interesting, the one that receives most attention is the age-old legend concerning the shadowless nature of the vimana. Although there is a scientific explanation for the same, it remains intriguing nonetheless.

Not many places will shake one’s comfort zone as this temple is located near Bikaner. Known locally as the “kabbas”, the rats at this temple are not considered pests, but holy animals that are believed to be the incarnations of Karni Mata’s devotees. According to the history of this temple, after one of her devotee’s children had passed on, Karni Mata asked the god of death to bring him back. When he refused, she said that from then on, all her devotees would not die but instead turn into rats in the temple

Located on the Nilachal hill, the significance of this temple lies in the symbolic nature of the shrine, representing fertility and mother goddess worship. Legend has it that this is the place where the womb of Sati landed. It is said to be one of the most significant Shakti Peethas in India. The uniqueness of Kamakhya temple lies in the yearly ritual held here during the Ambubachi Mela, where the temple doors are closed for a number of days in reverence of the goddess’s menstruation. Upon reopening of the doors, the followers receive a piece of fabric thought to be endowed with the goddess’s powers.

Dating back to the Vijayanagara period (16th century), this temple is famous for its mysterious hanging pillar that still puzzles architectural engineers today. Amidst other ornate pillars, there is one that seems to float slightly over the surface. There is even enough space between it and the ground for one to pass a piece of cloth through it

The temple rose into prominence after secret vaults below it were excavated, which yielded a large quantity of treasures consisting of gold, precious stones, and artefacts. One particular vault, known as Vault B, however, still stands closed under layers of mystery and legends warning against opening it lest it bring disaster upon everyone. The temple worships Lord Vishnu in his reclining position and has always been a symbol of immense riches and royal support.

Unlike other temples that were built using construction materials one by one, Kailasa Temple is entirely carved out of a single piece of rock. Built in the 8th century, this structure is nothing short of an engineering miracle. What surprises historians even more than its size is its rapid completion. To carve such an impressive structure out of a single piece of rock with precision must have required great planning and skill on part of builders.