Temples in India are a distinct land of history, mystery, and rituals. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, you will find rows of temples where devotees bow and pay reverence to different gods. Owing to different gods, people have established their own temples with deities, whom they can look upon in need; while some temples have originated from age-old history, some have originated from belief. These peculiar Indian temples will blow your mind!
From bike to dogs, we have lined up for you some of the famous peculiar Indian temples!
1. OM BANNA TEMPLE, JODHPUR
You must have seen people bowing before a deity in a temple or a masjid, but have you ever seen people bowing before a bullet? Yes, a shrine located 20 kilometers from PALI district on the PALI-JODHPUR highway is devoted to a deity in the form of nothing but a bullet motorcycle.
The owner of the bike, OM BANNA met an accident when he was riding back home from PALI and died on the spot. Police came and took the motorcycle to the police station. But to their surprise, next morning the motorcycle was found lying on the accident spot beneath a tree. They brought it back and emptied its fuel tank, but the next morning again it was found in the same spot.
It was since then, the bullet was started worshipping by the villagers of that area. It’s a belief that the deity (Bullet) protect the travelers passing through the highway. Also, people from all over the world pay respect to the bike and pray for their safe journey ahead.
2. KARNI MATA TEMPLE, RAJASTHAN
Located 30 km away from BIKANER, in RAJASTHAN, KARNI MATA TEMPLE is also known as the TEMPLE OF RATS. Housed, fed and worshipped in this temple are around 20,000 rats that attract visitors from across the country and around the world. It is not easy to catch sight of these rats. The visitors have to put in special efforts to spot and feed them. Indeed, it is considered a blessing if the rats sit on your laps, shoulder or head.
3. SHAHEED BABA NIHAL SINGH GURUDWARA, PUNJAB
Wish to go abroad? But the visa still lined up in the passport office? Offer a toy aircraft in this temple and fulfill your dream to travel abroad. As a matter of fact, popular in the neighboring states of PUNJAB, BABA NIHAL SINGH GURUDWARA is one of the peculiar Indian temples. It follows this weirdest ritual of offering a toy aircraft to get your visa problem done. The shrine is located 12km from Jalandhar. Additionally, it is now popularly known as ‘HAWAIJAHAJ’ gurudwara.
4. DIGAMBESHWARA TEMPLE, KARNATAKA
For health and luck to newborns, DIGAMBESHWARA TEMPLE in KARNATAKA follows the ritual of throwing toddlers from a 30-foot temple into the arms of the crowd waiting below. Police have tried to curb this practice and educate the people but the devotees are utterly reluctant. Since the ritual does not break any law, it is legal and should have no interference from the police.
5. KAMAKHYA DEVI TEMPLE, ASSAM
The list of peculiar Indian temples is incomplete without the Karmakhya Devi temple. Located on the NILACHAL HILLS on the west of GUWAHATI, ASSAM, this temple holds not only historical and archeological significance but showcases a peculiar phenomenon. It is popular for the worship of Kamakhya’s yoni or vagina, one of the parts which fell off on this site as a consequence of cutting off the dead body of SHAKTI into 108 parts. Known as the “bleeding goddess”, the temple closes for three days during the month of Ashaad when the goddess bleeds or menstruates. In addition to this, it is believed that the Brahmaputra River turns red (or is it the vermilion powder added by the yogis of the temple) and the holy water is distributed among the devotees of the KAMAKHYA DEVI.
6. MEHENDIPUR BALAJI TEMPLE, RAJASTHAN
The MEHENDIPUR BALAJI TEMPLE is located in the DAUSA district of RAJASTHAN. The temple is one of the noted Hindu temple dedicated to god Hanuman. This is one of the most peculiar Indian temples because you witness live exorcism! No matter how dare-hearted you are, as soon as you step inside the temple, the vibe changes, the sights of people banging their head on pillars, pouring hot water on themselves, the sound of crying, screaming will send chills down your spine. Nevertheless, thousands of devotees visit this temple to relieve their loved ones from evil spirits. Be sure not to eat or drink anything, neither touch nor talk to any person inside.
P.S. – Don’t turn back once you leave the temple!
7. DOG TEMPLE, KARNATAKA
It is true that Dog Is Man’s Best Friend. But here in Karnataka Dog Is God. A temple has been established for the worship of dog since the community looks upon them as their protector and guardian. For the purpose of this, devotees pay respect to this epitome of faithfulness.
8. KAL BHAIRAV TEMPLE, UJJAIN
A basket full of flowers, coconuts and especially LIQUOR is offered as chadava in this temple of KAL BHAIRAV in UJJAIN. It is one of the most popular and peculiar Indian temples due to which people come over with utter faith towards God. Additionally, it is a popular belief that the deity actually drinks alcohol. For the purpose of this, the offering of a bottle of wine or hard liquor like rum or whiskey is the main part of the ritual of the temple. Also, people claimed to have seen the level of liquor going down and eventually finishing.
9. KODUNGALLUR BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, KERELA
An idol of the fierce goddess BHAGAVATHI having eight arms with various attributes is one of the fascinating sights in this temple. Situated in Kerala, the temple follows the recurring tradition of annual festivals. This is one of the most peculiar Indian temples because, to appease and please the goddess activities such as- sacrifices of cocks, shedding of blood, hurling lewd and abusive cries at the goddess, smearing the image with sandalwood paste are the commonly held rituals in this festival.
10. GATA LOOPS TEMPLE, MANALI-LEH HIGHWAY
A heap of bottles lay outside the GATA LOOPS BOTTLE TEMPLE on the MANALI-LEH HIGHWAY, owing to an age-old horrifying story. It’s a belief that a cleaner died due to his quench for thirst. His cremation took place at this place. In fact with the passage of years, people passing by heard some uncanny noises, some even saw an old man requesting something to eat and drink, and if anyone refused, something eerie happened to them. Since then, travelers started offering bottles and cigarettes at that place, following which noises ceased to exist. In addition to this, some travelers still see a man standing, requesting for water to quench his thirst. Maybe, the noises have not yet ceased!
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