Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh is home to many fine educational and research institutions. The city is also famous for its innumerable shrines spread across the city, some of which have captured national attention. One of the most popular among them is the Swami Narayan temple, known for its spectacular architecture. There are many other temples like the Ram Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, the Gufa Mandir etc., which are noteworthy. Bhopal, although a progressive city, shows its religious side with these incredible temples, whose story is sure to fascinate you. Come, and explore these famous temples in Bhopal.
TABLE OF CONTENT:
- Laxmi Narayan Temple.
- Gufa Mandir.
- Manua Bhan Ki Teri.
- Khatla Pura Temple.
- Shri Madhya Swami Malai Temple.
- Bhojpur Temple.
- Shri Digambar Jain Temple.
- Sai Baba Temple.
Popular and Best Temples to Visit in Bhopal:
Here is a list of the 8 popular and must visit temples in Bhopal. Let’s have a look at them.
1. Laxmi Narayan Temple:
The Laxmi Narayan temple of Bhopal is one of the most popular temples in Madhya Pradesh and is visited by a substantial number of people every year. The breathtaking view surrounding the temple attracts worshipers from all over the country. The temple is located on the top of a hill and is the finest piece of contemporary Indian temple architecture.
- Address: Anna Nagar, Habib Ganj, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462023.
- Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: 32-Minute drive from Bhopal Airport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Important Hindu festivals
- Other Attractions: Beautiful view from the top of the hill.
2. Gufa Mandir:
This temple was established by Sant Narayan Dasji Mahara. The temple was initially established inside a rock cave, and for this reason, this worship site dedicated to Lord Shiva is called Gufa Mandir or Temple. In the complex, there is another temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman which is one of the reasons behind all the fuss about the Gufa Mandir. The Hanuman Mandir is considered the prime source of this temple’s appeal.
- Address: Neori Mandir Rd, BDA Colony, Nayapura, Idgah Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001.
- Timings: 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 7.9 KM from Bhopal airport and 13 Km from the Railway station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Hanuman Jayanti
- Other Attractions: Sanskrit School on the campus.
3. Manua Bhan Ki Teri:
Situated on the top of a hill, the Manua Bhan Ki Teri is one of the most visited pilgrimages in the country. The temple is mainly famous for its architecture and rich historical significance. On every Kartik Purnima, a big fair is held in this region which is further attended by tons of people. There is a ropeway to reach the temple from where you can enjoy a scenic view.
- Address: Sun City, Lalghati, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462038.
- Timings: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 14-Minute Drive from the Bhopal airport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Karthika Purnima
- Other Attractions: The ropeway can give you a good experience.
4. Khatla Pura Temple:
This is one of the oldest temples in the country dedicated to Lord Rama. It was built in the 19th century, over 150 years ago. The temple also displays idols of Goddess Sita, Lord Laxman, etc. The Do-Gyaras festival is held in this temple which is the focal point of Khalapura’s attraction.
- Address: Khatla Pura, Lower Lake, Jahangirabad, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462008.
- Timings: 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Approximately 14 Km from the Bhopal airport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Sri ram Navami
- Other Attractions: A scenic water body in front of the temple.
5. Shri Madhya Swami Malai Temple:
In the late 19’s, a temple dedicated to Sri Kanchi was established. In this temple, Lord Karthikeya is worshipped. The temple gets over a thousand devoted worshipers every day. It is located about 10 kms from the Bhopal bus stand and is located on a small hillock. It was established in the year 1978 by the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
- Address: Slum Area, Arera Colony, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462039.
- Timings: 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Approximately 10 KM from Bhopal Bus station and 20 Km from Raja Bhoj Airport.
- Temple Website: www.kamakoti.org
- Best Time To Visit: Diwali, Dusshera and other important Hindu festivals.
- Other Attractions: Many sub-shrines of Lord Ganesh, Shiva and other deities inside the campus.
6. Bhojpur Temple:
When it comes to the top religious sites in Bhopal, one cannot simply forget the Bhojpur Temple. This is one of the most historically significant temples of Bhopal and India as well. The temple is made of rocks and the lingam in this temple is more than 15 feet. The Bhojpur Temple site is also a popular picnic spot. On every Maha Shivratri, a huge fair is organized by the temple committee and the local people. This incomplete Shiva temple is a popular tourist attraction in Bhopal.
- Address: Bhojpur Road, Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh 464551.
- Timings: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Approximately 28 KM from the Bhopal airport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Mahasivarathri
- Other Attractions: The huge lingam of the temple.
7. Shri Digambar Jain Temple:
This temple is located in a place called Dahod in Bhopal and is one of the most beautiful temples in Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to the worship of the Tirthankara. The temple is known for its serene location and beautiful construction.
- Address: NH 12, Kohefiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001.
- Timings: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: It is well connected by public transportation from the airport and bus station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Important festivals
- Other Attractions: The beautiful architecture of the temple.
8. Sai Baba Temple:
The Sai Baba temple of Bhopal is one of the most peaceful religious sites in the city. People all over India admire this temple because of its calm environment. The surrounding environment is so calm, that one can literally meditate in the temple.
- Address: Shahjanabad Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Timings: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Dress Code: Decent Attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: It is well connected by public transportation from the airport and bus station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Guru Purnima
- Other Attractions: It offers a place to sit and meditate.
Read: Major Festivals of Madhya Pradesh
Temples are not just places of worship. They offer a beautiful environment to find peace and feel close to the divine. Especially when one has a chaotic mind running behind the mundane things of life, taking some take off to visit a temple works wonders. Temples are sources of abundant positive energy, which can allow you to repair and rejuvenate from within. It is advised to spend quality time inside the temple and not rush through to enjoy the experience. We hope this article can help you in exploring the temples of Bhopal. Do let us know your feedback in the comments section!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Does Bhopal have any Other Famous Temples Like the Birla Mandir?
Yes! Laxmi Narayan temple is also called the Birla Mandir which is located in the Arera hills. It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha and operates from 6:30 am to 9 pm. It is an ASI-certified monument and during Janmashtami, the temple is beautifully decorated and celebrations are kept very grand.
2. Heard about Some Ancient Temple Discoveries in Neat Bhopal. Any Information About Them?
In the recent excavations by the department of archaeology, ruins of 1000-year-old shrines were discovered. They even found two idols belonging to the 10th and 11th Centuries in the Ichawar village of Raisen district in Bhopal. There are temples of Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Brahma and Vishnu in one of the temples. The second temple houses eight other idols and displays splendid architecture.
3. Which is The Best Time to Visit Bhopal?
Bhopal has a sultry climate and summers are quite harsh. Visiting this city during April-June is certainly not recommended. From July, you may start experiencing cool showers and temperatures are also lowered. The ideal time however is to visit from October to February. Although it is sunny, you can still enjoy staying outside.