4 Must-Visit Vishnu Temples in India Over 1000 Years Old

Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the Preserver and Protector of the universe within the Trimurti, alongside Bhagwan Brahma and Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Vishnu maintains dharma or cosmic order in this universe by incarnating on earth whenever evil begins to spread like wild fire. Any sincere devotee who is seeking peace and prosperity can find solace in the protective and benevolent nature of Bhagwan Vishnu. In this article, we will explore 4 powerful Lord Vishnu temples in India that are over 1,000 years old.

Originally built by the Chola Dynasty in 11th century, Varadaraja Perumal Temple is one of the most divine temples honouring Lord Vishnu. Being located at Kanchipuram, one amongst the 7 most sacred cities or Sapta Puris in Hindu faith, this temple is revered as a key site of 108 Divya Desams in Vaishnavism.

As we enter the temple, our hearts can get purified with a single peek at the presiding deity, Lord Varadaraja Perumal. The Bhagwan can be seen in a standing and blessing posture, representing the protection of devotees. Furthermore, on the temple ceiling you will find a silver and a golden lizard. The faith is that believers have to touch these lizards in order to attain liberation from sins or doshas.

Once in 40 years, a rare wooden idol of Lord Atthi Varadar will be brought out from the holy temple tank called Anantha Saras for worship. In fact, the 100-pillared hall in the shrine, a magnificent expression of the Dravidian architectural excellence, can fill our souls with awe and divine reverence. You can visit Lord Varadaraja Perumal during the annual Brahmotsavam festival which is one of the most majestic celebrations that take place at this great temple.

Part of the renowned UNESCO-listed Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Chaturbhuj Temple was constructed in the latter half of 11th century CE. Inside the shrine, we will be able to pray to a tall and grand idol of Bhagwan Vishnu which is almost 9 feet high. Here the Lord is worshipped in His Chaturbhuj or four-armed form. The architecture of this beautiful site reflects the quintessential Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture.

Build during the medieval Chola period i.e., by the end of 11th century and beginning of 12th century, Sarangapani Temple honours Lord Vishnu as Sarangapani, the Lord who holds the bow “Saranga.” The intricately carved and large rajagopuram or tower of the temple is 173 feet tall. A unique aspect of the temple is the way in which it is designed in the form of a ratha or chariot, representing the sacred vehicle of Bhagwan.

Located near the serene Fateh Sagar Lake of Udaipur, Sahastra Bahu temple honours the “Sahastra Bahu” or thousand armed form of Bhagwan Vishnu. It was constructed in the 10th-11th century CE by ruler Mahipal of Kachchhwaha Dynasty. Today the shrine is famously known as Sas-Bahu Temple which is a local variation of the word “Sahastra Bahu.” Even though the primary shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, we can find the idols of Lord Shiva and Brahma in the temple premises as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the oldest Vishnu temple in India?
   The Dashavatara Temple in Uttar Pradesh is often recognised as one of India's oldest surviving stone Vaishnava temples. It was built in 500 CE during the Gupta period.
2. Which temples are 5000 years old in India?
   Tungnath Temple in Uttarakhand, Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala and the Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple in Diu are often considered as 5000 years old.
3. Which is the most powerful Vishnu temple in India?
   Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala is widely regarded as one of the most powerful Vishnu temples in India.