India is the home of ancient religion and stunning temple architecture. Whether you are a historical or a spiritual traveller, you have wondered what the oldest temple in India was. There are several old Indian temples that have remained over time. They provide a very close view into the history of India, their religious beliefs and the art of stone carving.
But what is the oldest temple of India? It all depends on whether it is archaeological evidence, religious myths of the ongoing veneration. We will visit the oldest Hindu temples, the oldest Shiva temples and local marvels in this comprehensive guide. You will also get to know how to plan a visit to these amazing historical places in reality.
Table of Contents
Oldest Temple in India: The Debate
Locating the oldest temple in India is a significant issue of controversy between historians, archaeologists and followers.
Which temple is considered the oldest in India?
Mundeshwari Devi Temple in Bihar is indicated by most scholars and the Archaeological Survey of India ASI as the earliest functional temple in India. Nonetheless, there are other fantastic attractions such as the Mahabodhi Temple and the Kailasa Temple, which have records of their age and the distinguished methods of building.
Archaeological and religious age
In posing the question regarding which is the oldest temple in India we have two timelines to consider. The period of the religious age is grounded in the local myths and folklore. As an example, there are temples that are reported to be thousands of years old, since the period of the Mahabharata. The “archaeological age”, on the other hand, is founded on scientific carbon dating and stone inscriptions. The oldest structural temples are generally dated 3 rd -7 th century CE.
Functional vs structural age
A structural temple is also different to a functional temple. An architectural temple could simply be prehistoric ruins. But the fact that the temple is the oldest one operating in India implies that no one has ever interrupted prayers, rituals and constant worship for centuries.​
Key Oldest Temple in India Curated List
These five places must be at the top of your travel list if you want to see the oldest list of temples in India.
Top 5 Oldest Temple in India
| Temple Name | State | Approximate Age | Deity | Functional Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mundeshwari Temple | Bihar | 108 CE – 635 CE | Shiva & Shakti | Fully Functional |
| Mahabodhi Temple | Bihar | 3rd Century BCE Origins | Buddha | Fully Functional |
| Shore Temple | Tamil Nadu | 725 CE | Shiva & Vishnu | Monument Non-functional |
| Virupaksha Temple | Karnataka | 7th Century CE | Shiva | Fully Functional |
| Kailasa Temple | Maharashtra | 8th Century CE | Shiva | Monument Non-functional |
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Mundeshwari Temple – Is It the Oldest?
Is Mundeshwari the Oldest Temple in India? It is the oldest active temple and that is a given fact. The ASI dates some of its construction to 108 CE and some stone inscriptions to 635 CE. It is situated in Bihar and it is octagonal in shape. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
The Mahabodhi Temple is a massive structure made of bricks in Bihar. It is traced to the 3rd century BCE in the time of Emperor Ashoka, however, it was only built in the 5th or 6th century CE. It is at this that the Buddha got enlightened. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage.
Kailasa Temple, Ellora
Does the Kailasa temple represent the oldest temple that has ever existed in India? It is the largest monolithic rock-cut construction structure in the world but not the oldest. It was created during the 8th century of the Common Era and it is hewn out of one mountain that is devoted to the lord Shiva.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple is one of the early stone temples in South India which was constructed by the Pallava dynasty in 725 CE. It is directly located on the Tamil Nadu coast and has three shrines that have magnificent images of gods.
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
The Virupaksha Temple is a Karnataka temple that started as a small one in the 7th century CE. It grew to great heights in the Vijayanagara Empire. It is a complete temple even today and it is one of the star attractions in the Hampi UNESCO site.
Oldest Shiva Temple in India
Among the most prevalent gods in the country is Lord Shiva. Of course, there are numerous ancient edifices devoted to him.
What makes the temple the oldest Shiva temple?
In search of the oldest Shiva temple in India, we seek early carvings on stone of the Shiva Lingam and records of the history of Shaivism. An honest ancient Shiva temple should have verifiable inscriptions to substantiate the fact that it was an early temple of the deity.
Top Oldest Shiva Temple in India
| Temple Name | Age | Architectural Style | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mundeshwari Temple | 108 CE / 635 CE | Early Nagara | Four-faced Shiva Linga, Octagonal shape |
| Shore Temple | 725 CE | Dravidian | Coastal location, Granite stone blocks |
| Kailasa Temple | 8th Century CE | Monolithic Rock-cut | Carved top-down from a single rock |
| Virupaksha Temple | 7th Century CE | Dravidian | Massive gateway tower Gopuram |
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Mundeshwari vs Kailasa vs Other Shiva Temples
Mundeshwari gets the age and continued veneration when one puts the list of the oldest Shiva temples in India. Kailasa scores points on sheer architectural marvel and size. Shore Temple is the most suitable one in terms of coastal beauty and the early use of stone.​
Oldest Temples by Region / State
The various regions of the country have another story of architecture. What is the age of the oldest temple in India? The state of Bihar is the first in the pack but other states are close to it.
Oldest temples in North India
There are primeval pilgrimage sites in North India, such as Badrinath and Kedarnath. Although the religious mythology asserts it to be thousands of years old, the existing stone structures were largely re-constructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE.​
Oldest temples in South India
What was the oldest temple in South India? One of the best examples is the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram 8th century. Others that were built subsequently by the powerful Chola kings are the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur and the Airavatesvara Temple in Kumbakonam.​
Oldest temples in East & West India
Mundeshwari and Mahabodhi are the leaders in Bihar in East India. There is also the ancient Lingaraj Temple which glorifies Odisha. The Kailasa Temple, Maharashtra, and the Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat, of western India, are expressions of the beautiful ancient art.
Historical & Architectural Insights
It is even more unique to attend these ancient temples in India knowing how they were constructed.
How old were the temples built in ancient India?
Who is the builder of the Temple of the longest standing in India? They were mostly constructed by great royal families such as the Gupta, Pallavas and Cholas. They worked with local stone, iron clamps and interlocking blocks. Decades of labour and painstaking work by thousands of skilled workers, sculptors and elephants were required to construct one temple.
Typical architectural styles of ancient temples
- Nagara Style: This style is found in the North with tall and curving towers Shikharas.
- Example: Mundeshwari Temple.​
- Dravidian Style: It is in the South where towers are pyramidal in shape Gopurams.
- Example: Virupaksha Temple.
- Rock-Cut/Monolithic: Temple hewn out of a mountain cave.
- Example: Kailasa Temple.​
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How to Visit the Oldest Temples Travel Guide
To plan the trip to visit the oldest temple in India that has year-round access, one will need some preparation.
Best time to visit ancient temples in India
Most of the ancient temples have their best seasons in winter, between October and March. It is not hot, but pleasant and good to walk over large temple complexes. Going there is also a magical and vibrant experience during such festivals as Maha Shivaratri.
Tips for visiting the oldest temples
- Dress Code: Put on something that is not revealing and it should cover your shoulders and knees.
- Photography: Never forget to ask whether photographing is allowed in the main temple. Because it is not always allowed generally.
- It involves Trekking: High altitude is needed in the temples such as Kedarnath. Bring with her good shoes and simple medicines.
- Crowds: Tourist crowds are minimal in the early mornings following the sunrise.
Sample program of a temple tour.
Should you wish to have a historic temple tour then begin in Bihar to visit Mundeshwari and Mahabodhi. Then travel to Maharashtra, the Kailasa Temple of Ellora. Last but not least visit the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi in Karnataka.
FAQs
Q1. Which is the oldest temple in India?
Ans. The Mundeshwari Temple in Bihar is generally believed to be the oldest Temple in India.
Q2. What is the oldest Shiva temple in India?
Ans. The oldest Shiva temple is the Mundeshwari Temple.
Q3. What is the age of the Mundeshwari Temple?
Ans. The Mundeshwari Temple is more than 1900 years old.
Q4. Is Kailasa Temple the oldest Indian Temple?
Ans. No, Kailasa is not the oldest.
Q5. What is the oldest South Indian temple?
Ans. One of the oldest structural stone temples in South India is the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. It was built in 725 CE.​
Q6. What is the oldest temple that is operational in India?
Ans. The oldest extant operational temple in India. It is the Mundeshwari Temple in Bihar.
Q7. Where can I find the most ancient temples in India?
Ans. First choose a region to visit. Then Reserve train or air travel to a major city such as Patna or Mundeshwari. Take a local taxi. Then book a time to visit the temples online. Here is how to adhere to the dress code of the locals.
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