There are many ancient Hindu temples in the state of Uttar Pradesh, making it a beautiful pilgrimage destination. One of the holiest towns in the state is Varanasi. The most sacred temple for Hindus all over the world, Kashi Vishwanath temple, is located here. The place is all the more special because according to Hindu mythology, this was the place where Lord Shiva himself stayed for many years. Also, the town of Kashi is a huge tourist attraction during the evening hours, as the Ganga Arti happens during this time. Hundreds of thousands of Indian devotees and foreign tourists participate in this Aarti and witness thousands of lamps floating on the waters of Ganges River.

When you are visiting  Uttar Pradesh for pilgrimage purposes, the next place on your list should be Mathura, the birth place of Lord Krishna.  Visit this temple to offer your prayers to the Lord and experience ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. Most of the temples in Uttar Pradesh are so ancient and sacred that one visit to these temples is believed to wash away all the past sins of devotees. In and around the holy town of Varanasi, you will be greeted by many temples that you just have enough time to cover them.

Almost all the temples in the state are more than hundred years old and therefore very special. Though these are great tourist sites, they are very solemn and people coming here – either as devotees or as tourists – are expected to respect the solemnity of the place and maintain decorum while inside the premises of the temples here. There is a certain positive energy in these temples that is so contagious. As you have darshan of the main deities during the early morning or evening hours and sink in the Artis performed here, you will develop a sense of belongingness to the place and never want to go back from here.

Some Famous Temples in Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the most sacred temples for Hindus and is located in Varanasi. The main deity here has been self-manifested. In other words, it is called Suyambu Linga. The place is very special for Hindus as it is believed that Lord Shiva himself stayed here for many years. Devotees can offer prayers to the main deity here themselves by offering milk, flowers, curd, honey etc. Though the exact history of the temple cannot be traced back properly, reports of the   temple being destroyed for the first time have been from  the 13th century. It is believed that devotees coming to this temple are cleansed of all sins committed in their present and past lives as well.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

This temple is located right next to the Banaras Hindu University in the holy town of Varanasi. The main deity here is Lord Hanuman, known as Sankat Mochan (the one who removes all troubles and obstacles). Devotees from all over the country throng to this temple in large numbers, because it is believed that by offering prayers to Hanuman here, they will be relieved of all kinds of problems in their lives.

Ayodhya

This is the birthplace of Lord Ram and is considered to be a very important pilgrimage destination for the Hindus.  Every year, during Shri Ram Navami, this place is visited by lakhs of devotees from across the world.

Apart from these, there are many other famous temples here like the Banke Bihari Temple, Dwarakadish Mandir, Bharat Mata Mandir, Aurugnath Temple, Baladev Dauji Temple, Govind Devji Temple and many more.