8 Popular Temples in Punjab For Spiritual Bliss (2024)
Punjab is recognized as a fertile land with many pious rivers. Besides the awesome beauty of the green lands, the region is laced with a strong cultural heritage and history. The ancient temples in Punjab are popular, and thousands of devotees come here yearly.
8 Famous Temples in Punjab
We bring you a list of famous temples in Punjab where people go to pay their respects to the almighty.
1. Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
The Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, or the Mukesaran Mandir, is a cave temple situated at the base of the hill in Doongh Village, Shahpurkandi, Pathankot in Punjab. This popular temple carved out of a single hill is almost 5500 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It lies on the banks of the Ravi River, and devotees from all over come to visit this holy shrine near Shahpur Kandi Dam.
The temple has a huge white marble Shiva lingam with a copper yoni and idols of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha, Hanuman Ji, and Goddess Parvati, where people bow down to pay their respects. Legend says the Pandavas stayed at the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple during the last year of the “Agyatvas” exile.
There are many other ancient caves from the era of Mahabharata near the temple, and the area is also called “Mini Haridwar.” A famous fair in April called Mukserna da Mela is celebrated here with pomp, show, and excitement on the temple premises. People who cannot manage to immerse the ashes of the dead in Haridwar head to the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple for immersion.
2. Durgiana Temple in Amritsar
A trip to Amritsar is incomplete without paying homage at the Durgiana temple. This revered temple in Punjab looked very similar to the Golden Temple and was originally built in 1921.
In the temple courtyard, Luv and Kush, Lord Ram’s sons, had tied Hanuman Ji to a tree when he came to free the Ashwamedha Yajna horse. In fact, the original temple dates back to the 16th century and has been renovated many times to preserve the structure.
The golden-colored temple proudly stands surrounded by a holy Sarovar and a white marbled courtyard. The Main temple, made of marble and gold, is devoted to Goddess Durga. In fact, the huge doors of the temple have an ancient revered story of the Gods to tell. Also, there are other sections with smaller temples dedicated to idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and other heavenly gods. The temple is located at Goal Bagh in Amritsar.
3. Golden Temple in Punjab
Golden Temple of Amritsar in Punjab is a popular religious institution that is known far and wide all over the world. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims visit this gold-colored holy shrine called the Harminder Sahib. Gilded with gold, this Gurudwara stands in the middle of the healing “Amrit Sarovar,” or holy pond, famous for its healing properties. People prefer to take a dip in the healing waters and take the delicious “karha” prasad to seek divine blessings at this holy place. The Sikh temple looks awesomely spectacular at night because of the sparking lights that light up the courtyard and water pond. This holy Sikh shrine is located at the Golden Temple Road, Atta Mandi, Amritsar.
4. Kali Mata Mandir
Patiala in Punjab is famous for its Kali Mata Mandir, and people wait hours in line to worship Goddess Kali. This temple was built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh way back in 1936. Surrounded by lush green trees and breathtakingly beautiful architecture, The Kali Mata Mandir looks awesomely stunning. Moreover, it is considered auspicious to feed the beggars outside the temple in huge numbers.
Legend says Kali Mata is associated with destruction and death if she gets angry. But at the same time, she is a mother figure for many devotees. People pray to her with great reverence and believe that Kali Mata answers all the prayers and fulfills desires if the Pilgrims pray to her with a clean and true heart. Goddess Kali protects her devotees if they are caught in unpredictable and serious situations that offer no solution- such is the belief of many!
In Patiala district, right opposite the Baradari Gardens, lies a 6-foot-tall stunning idol of Kali Mata in the Kali Mata Temple. As mentioned earlier, this idol was brought to the temple by the King of Patiala in 1936. The revered idol is adorned with brightly colored jewels and clothes. Worshippers pray and put garlands of flowers on the Devi mata. Navaratri is the most celebrated 9-day festival here, and the rush at this time is spectacular. Thousands of people offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the Goddess in exchange. The temple is located at Manjit Nagar, Sidhu Colony in Patiala.
5. Shri Krishna Mandir
Shri Krishna Mandir in Ludhiana is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is a spiritual and peaceful place to pray for Hindu devotees and stands proudly in a serene environment. On special occasions, the temple authorities organize community langar that offers free food to all the people collected there.
The peace and calm of the temple compound encourage many sadhus and rishis to pray and meditate here. The Shri Krishna Mandir speaks of many interesting tales of Hindu mythology, which is why it is popular with tourists. The temple is on Model Town Road, Pritam Nagar, Model Town, Ludhiana in Punjab.
6. Jayanti Devi Temple
On a hill, deep in the Shivalik ranges, in district Ropar, lies an exquisitely beautiful temple, the Jayanti Devi mandir. Goddess Jayanti Devi is worshipped in this ancient temple of the “Goddess of Victory .”The Morning Prayer at the temple needs a special mention and will make your visit here unforgettable. Fairs are organized here on the auspicious full moon days, and Navratri’s nine days are celebrated with great pomp and show. Jayanti Devi temple is at Majrian in Punjab.
7. Gurdwara Manji Sahib
The revered Gurdwara Manji Sahib is located in Ludhiana District. This famous gurudwara in Punjab, also famous as Alamgir Sahib, is located in the picturesque and charming village Alamgir. The village is famous for Sikhs because Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed here for some time. Tourists from all over the world come here to seek divine blessings. The gurudwara is located on Alamgir Road, Ludhiana, Punjab.
8. Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib
Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib in Fatehgarh, was constructed by Sikhs under the leadership and direction of Banda Bahadur in 1710. The holy shrine honors the sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons, who had sacrificed their lives for the welfare of the Sikhs. The Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib was made in their memory. The serene surroundings and the stunning architectural beauty of this holy place are ideal for meditation and prayer.
Punjab is home to many Gurudwaras and temples. The list is endless, and only a few famous temples in Punjab are mentioned here. Ancient structures have legends and histories to tell, but the main goal of visiting these temples is to pray to the divine in a pious atmosphere peacefully.