India is a land of spirituality and this is showcased through its many beautiful shrines, which are repositories of history and have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
If you are looking to explore sacred sites that are also known for their architectural brilliance, India is the place to be in. Here are some spiritual heritage sites, to bookmark on World Heritage Day celebrated on April 18 every year.
Hampi
Located in Karnataka, among the hilly granite boulders, Hampi is a city that was the capital of the famed Vijayanagara empire.
Khajuraho
The temples at Khajuraho dedicated to Hindu and Jain Gods were built between 950 and 1050 during the Chandella dynasty.
Mahabodhi Temple
The temple complex at Bodh Gaya has an important connection with Buddha’s enlightenment and is believed to date to the 5-6th centuries.
Konark
Built by King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga dynasty in 1250 AD, the Konark Sun temple has 24 wheels that are carved using symbolic designs.
Sanchi
Sanchi, located about 50 km from Bhopal is home to a set of stupas, monolithic pillars, palaces, temples, and monasteries dating to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.
Mahabalipuram
Located near Chennai, Mahabalipuram also called Mamallapuram is a group of monuments built by Pallava kings from rocks in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is a Roman Catholic church built between 1594 and 1605 and has the remains of missionary St. Francis Xavier.
Brihadeeswara Temple
Located in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur, the Brihadeeswara Temple was built by Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE.
Read the full story that first appeared as the cover story of Spice Route April 2024 here: