India has a rich cultural and historical tradition which displays in its temples. From the splendid Himalayan mountain ranges in the North, to Kanyakumari in the South, India is adorned with thousand of temples, religious shrines and monuments dating back to hundreds of years. There are myths and legends to explain the existence of these temples in a huge number. The statuary and adornment in these ancient temples showcases one of the world`s foremost artistic heritages.

Since the sixth century B.C, temples have been collecting generous donations from kings, nobles, and the wealthy merchants. As a result a large number of temples came into being throughout the country, many of which, especially in South India. The statuary and embellishment in some of the ancient temples constitute one of the world`s greatest artistic heritages.

In India, the basic structure of the temple is a square cell, oriented to the four cardinal directions, containing a platform with an image of the deity in the center, a flat roof overhead, and a doorway on the east side. In front of the doorway is a platform, shaded by a roof supported by pillars, where worshipers gather before and after visiting the god. Every Hindu temple in India, then, exists as the center of the universe, where the god overlooks his or her domain and aids devotees. Devotees approach the sanctum in order to obtain a vision (darshana) of the god and perform devotional worship. It is believed that the sanctum is filled with power. By entering the sanctum one can get the grace of the divine. In India most of the temple sanctums are operated by priests who take the offerings from worshipers, present them directly to the image of the deity, and then return most of the gifts to the devotees for use or consumption later at home.

Indian Temple Architecture
Arts and Architecture found in Ancient Temples showcases India`s old, rich and splendid culture. The main focus of temple architecture in Vedic period was to blend the temple with its natural surroundings. A major consequence of this style of temple design, was the construction of several cave temples across the country. Most of the early Hindu cave temples were carved out of a single large rock. The ancient temples display intricate carving and sculptures, which bear testimony to the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans, sculptors and artists of Ancient India. The gopuram of temples is a distinctive temple tower which is an integral part of all Dravidian-style temples, and may also be used in gateways and entrances to temple compounds. The style of temple architecture in India is varied from region to region and religion to religion. Temple architecture in India is broadly divided into northern and southern styles, classified by the form and shape of the shikhara and the distinctiveness of its decoration.

North Indian temples are the abode of most heavenly sprits and holy figures. These temples are of typical Nagara style. The shikhara of the temples in North and Central India have an upturned cone that is decorated with miniature conical shikharas. Some temples developed their own local flavor apart from adhering to their basic native style.

South Indian Temples
South Indian temples are profusely contrived and aesthetically designed which are paramount in their architectural grandeur. These south Indian temples are the specimen of great Indian architectural artistry and the living epitome of affluent heritage and culture of India. The shikhara of the temples in South India tend to be made up of distinct horizontal levels that diminish to form a rough pyramid. Each level is decorated with miniature temple rooftops.

North India Temples
The North India is the destination of loads of temples, which are unique in style and mark its establishment. The temples of North India are the domiciles of heavenly and peaceful atmosphere. These temples escaped the destruction due to invasion. Its architectural value is very high at its influence the mind of the pilgrimages and made them devotional. After visiting these mesmerizing temples the souls enthralls a spiritual melody as these always leave a mark on the body as well as mind. The temples of North India are in the typical Nagara style.

East India Temples
East India is travellers` paradise in actual sense. The temples of this region enhanced the soul with serenity and calmness. Life can be cultured while coming to the surroundings of these temples. East India Temple Tour will supplement the culture of the visitors. Puri and Konark are one of the most important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Puri is also famous for the Lord Jagannath temple dedicated to the God Vishnu.

Northeast Temples of India
The ancient temples of this zone with interesting carvings and exhilarating features really mesmerized the people in a great manner. There are some ruins of the oldest and finest piece of architectural work in Assam. Sculptural features are also good in this region. The total northeastern region is full of architectural value, which enhances the total visit to this place.

Central India Temples
The temples of Central India region are a center of enticement for the visitors through out the year. There are essential and effective prayers in stone. These are all exquisitely carved and embellished with breathtaking designs, they are the true symbols of ancient Indian cultural ethos. The temples of these regions exhibit a tremendous art, which is famous all over the world.

The most important temples in India are Birla Mandir , Bodhi Temple, Chattarpur Mandir ,Dilwara Temple , Dwarkadhish Temple ,Golden Temple, Jagannath Temple ,Jwalamukhi Temple, Kailash Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple ,Khajuraho Temples, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Maha Bodhi Temple, Lingaraja Temple, Lotus Temple, Mukteswara Temple , Somnath Temple and Sun Temple - Konark .