What They Don’t Teach: 7 Famous Temples Destroyed by Aurangzeb

They broke the walls, but not the will. The gods went underground — but never away.

History often remembers rulers by the monuments they raised. But it also remembers them by the legacies they tried — and failed — to erase. During Aurangzeb’s reign (1658–1707), India witnessed a cultural assault rooted in religious orthodoxy. Unlike his grandfather Akbar, who promoted pluralism, Aurangzeb enforced strict Islamic policies that targeted non-Muslim communities — especially Hindus.

One of the most visible signs of this policy was the destruction of several prominent Hindu temples. These weren’t random attacks — they were deliberate acts aimed at suppressing religious and cultural identity. Yet, while the structures fell, their memory and significance endured. Some were rebuilt; others remained as ruins, but never as silence. Their stories continue to echo — not as tales of defeat, but as symbols of devotion and resistance.

Kashi Vishwanath, one of India’s holiest temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stood as a beacon of spirituality in the city of Varanasi. In 1669, Aurangzeb ordered its destruction and the construction of the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place. The temple’s significance was not only religious but cultural, being an integral part of Varanasi's identity.

Though the temple was torn down, the idol of Lord Shiva was hidden and preserved by the locals. In 1780, Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of Indore, rebuilt the temple, and it remains one of the most revered places of worship in India. The history of Kashi Vishwanath serves as a poignant reminder that while physical structures may crumble, the spirit of devotion and faith cannot be erased.

In the land where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood, the Keshav Rai Temple in Mathura stood as a grand tribute to the deity. Built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, it became a major center for Krishna worship. But in 1670, Aurangzeb ordered the temple’s destruction and built a mosque in its place.

The loss of Keshav Rai Temple struck a deep chord with the people of Mathura. Yet, despite its physical absence, Mathura remains a spiritual hub, with the essence of Krishna’s legacy enduring in the hearts of its people. The temple’s destruction only intensified the devotion of Krishna’s followers, ensuring that the story of the divine child would never fade.

Vidisha, a historic town known for its religious significance, was home to the Bijamandal Temple. This ancient temple, dedicated to Goddess Charchika, was destroyed by Aurangzeb’s forces in the late 17th century. The attack wasn’t just on the temple’s architecture but on the very soul of the community that worshipped there.

However, the temple’s destruction did not silence its presence. The idol of the goddess was saved and taken into hiding, continuing to be a symbol of strength and faith. Despite the physical damage, the spirit of the Bijamandal Temple lived on in the cultural memory of the region, a testament to the endurance of belief in the face of adversity.

The Sun Temple in Multan, dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, was one of the most impressive architectural feats of its time. Its magnificence attracted pilgrims from across the region. But in 1671, Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of the temple, replacing it with a mosque. The bright rays of Surya seemed to fade as the temple was reduced to rubble.

Yet, just as the sun cannot be fully eclipsed, the spirit of the Sun Temple continued to shine through. Though the physical structure was lost, the legend of the temple and the reverence for Surya lived on in the collective memory of the people. Today, Multan remains a city steeped in history, its past still glowing with the memory of the Sun Temple.


Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, was home to the Hanuman Garhi Temple, a symbol of devotion to Lord Hanuman. This temple, with its history spanning several centuries, was attacked by Aurangzeb’s forces in 1667. While parts of the temple were destroyed, the devotion of the people to Lord Hanuman could not be crushed. The reconstruction of the Hanuman Garhi Temple became an act of defiance and a reaffirmation of faith. The temple stands today as one of Ayodhya’s most visited shrines, a reminder that while temples may fall, the devotion they inspire cannot be obliterated.

Maharashtra’s Mankeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was a sacred site that represented the region’s deep spiritual connection to the divine. In the late 17th century, the temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb’s forces. However, like many other temples targeted by the emperor, the idol of Lord Shiva was secretly protected by the locals.

Though the temple was in ruins for years, it was eventually rebuilt by the people, reflecting the undying spirit of Shiva’s followers. The Mankeshwar Temple remains a vibrant place of worship, showing that the power of faith and devotion can never truly be extinguished, no matter the destruction that occurs.

In Delhi, the Kalka Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Kali, was a prominent center of worship. In 1667, Aurangzeb’s army destroyed the temple and replaced it with a mosque. However, the destruction did not erase the temple’s significance. The people of Delhi, determined to preserve their sacred space, rebuilt the temple.

Today, Kalka Mandir stands as a testament to the resilience of the people and their unwavering faith. The temple’s rebuilding was not just a physical reconstruction but a reclaiming of identity and devotion. The Kalka Mandir continues to be a popular pilgrimage site, reminding us that while rulers may attempt to erase history, they can never suppress the spirit of a people.

Aurangzeb’s attempts to destroy these sacred temples were not just physical acts of destruction; they were attempts to erase entire cultures, histories, and identities. Yet, despite the fall of these mighty structures, their essence has survived through the stories of resilience, defiance, and devotion passed down through generations.

What these temples teach us is simple yet profound: while empires may rise and fall, while rulers may seek to destroy, the spirit of faith, culture, and identity endures. These temples may have been reduced to ruins, but their legacies live on, not in the stone that once stood tall, but in the hearts of those who continue to honor their memory. Faith, it seems, cannot be destroyed — it only finds new ways to survive and thrive.