India is known to be the most religious countries in the world and when it comes to the temples of India, it is reported to be a home to 2 million shrines. While there are usual and famous places to worship, there are are few unusual shrines in India that is been built on unique beliefs and faith.
In today’s article we shall take a look at 5 such unique temples of India that will leave you amazed.
1.Bharat Mata Temple, Varanasi
image source : Dainik Bhaskar
Ever wondered a temple with no idols? May be not. But Bharat Mata Temple is one such unique one. Built in 1936 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, this temple is a host to map of undivided India with a tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for an Independent India. As it was built before Independence one can see map of India with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The best time to visit this temple is during Republic day or Independence day when bodies on map are filled with water and land area is decorated with flowers.
Timings : 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM every day
2.Bullet Banna Temple, Pali, Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a land of unique forts and temples with interesting stories behind them and Bullet Banna is one of them. This temple is built in dedication to a Rajput Thakur named Om Singh Rathore and his 350cc Royal Enfield. But why was this built?
While travelling on his bike, the Royal Enfield, Om Singh Rathore met with an accident and died on the spot. During the investigation police took his bike to police station only to find the bike at the same spot where the accident occurred. No matter the bike was chained and locked in a secure place, yet the bike would be found at the accident spot. People believe Om Singh Rathore protects travelers on the route. Locals ever since then worship the bike and also offer coconuts, vermilion, etc. and those who cross that place often pray for a safe journey.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day
3.Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
image: google
Ever seen a temple built of wood? If not, then do visit the Hidimba Devi Temple. Built on the beautiful scapes of Manali by Raja Bahadur Singh, is dedicated to Hidimba ,the wife of Bheema and mother of Ghatotkach. The uniqueness of this temple lies in its pagoda style architecture. The temple has no idol. Rather it has a rock placed in the spot where Hidimba sat for meditation.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day
4.Visa Balaji Temple, Hyderabad, Telangana
image: google
This Lord Balaji temple situated in Chilukur is one of the oldest temples in Telangana. There is a belief attached to this temple for gaining the name of Visa Balaji. The story goes back to 80’s when a group of engineering students got their US visa having visited this temple. However one needs to follow a certain ritual to attain this dream. People waiting for their visa need to take 11 parikramas of this temple and once they get their visa, they must re-visit this temple and do Parikarama as a gratitude to Lord Balaji
Timings:6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM every day.
5.Malanda Duryodhana Temple, Kollam, Kerala
image: google
Are you as astonished as I am? A temple dedicated to Duryodhan? Well, there is a temple dedicated to Duryodhan in Kerala. If you readers too are wondering why there is a temple dedicated to this infamous king, here is the story behind it.
As the legend goes, Duryodhan went in search of Pandavas who were in exile and reached the southern forests of Kerala. Here he was offered food and shelter by a lady of an untouchable caste named Kurava. Duryodhan was a king who never believed in caste system and was way touched by the hospitality offered by Kuravas and offered them a piece of agricultural land besides praying for their well being.
This temple is said to be built on the spot where Duryodhan sat for meditation.The temple has no idol or any sanctum santorum within, but, has a Mandap where in devotees are allowed to sit and meditate. This is the temple which has no Brahmin priests, but to this date has priets from Kurava community.
The temple is open to visit 24/7