Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is revered as the preserver and protector of the universe. Embodying compassion and order, he is tasked with restoring balance whenever evil, and chaos threatens creation. Known for his divine ability to reincarnate in various forms, Vishnu's ten incarnations, collectively known as Dasavatara, each manifest to destroy evil (adharma) and restore righteousness (dharma). These incarnations range from Matsya (fish) to Krishna and Rama, with the tenth, Kalki, yet to appear.
India boasts numerous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, each significant for its religious and historical importance. Many of these temples also depict his various incarnations, showcasing the rich culture and architectural splendor of different eras. Temples like the Vittala temple in Karnataka and the Vithoba Temple in Pandharpur, are just a few examples that highlight the diverse representations of Vishnu and his avatars.
Famous temple of Lord Vishnu in India
1. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple is praised by the Tamil poet-saints, the Alvars, in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham and holds the highest honor among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. This temple is also known as Bhooloka, Vaikuntam and Srirangam Tirupati. As the largest temple complex in India and one of the largest religious sites globally, it serves as an active hub of Sri Vaishnavism's Tenkalai tradition. The main shrine houses Lord Ranganatha, with several sub-shrines, including that of Goddess Ranganayaki.
Location: Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620006
Timing: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Best time to visit: November to march
2. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Vishnu in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. The name "Thiruvananthapuram" translates to "The City of Ananta" in both Malayalam and Tamil, referring to Ananta, a form of Vishnu. The temple's architecture is a stunning fusion of Kerala and Dravidian styles, featuring high walls and a 16th-century gopuram. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is also mentioned several times in Sangam-era literature. Historians believe the temple was known as "The Golden Temple" due to its immense wealth even in the early Sangam period.
In the main shrine, Lord Padmanabha is portrayed reclining on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha, with its five inward-facing hoods symbolizing deep contemplation. The deity’s right-hand rests upon a Shiva Lingam, while Sridevi, the Goddess of Prosperity, and Bhudevi, the Goddess of Earth, stand by his side.
Location: West Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
Timings: 6:30 am - 7:00 am / 8:20 am - 10:00 am / 10:30 am - 11:10 am / 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm / 6:45 pm - 7:20 pm
Best Time to Visit: October - April
3. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh
The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, located in Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu. Venkateswara is believed to have manifested on Earth to protect mankind in the Kali Yuga, giving the temple the title of Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, with the deity referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. Also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, it was originally built by the Thondaman king and later expanded by the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara rulers. The temple, constructed in the South Indian architectural style, follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition and is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras. It is also listed as the 75th Divya Desam in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
In the garbha griha (sanctum), alongside the main shrines, the temple houses panchaloha deities of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, Rukmini, Krishna, and Chakrathalvar. There are sub-shrines for deities including Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle), Narasimha, Varadaraja, Kubera, and Hanuman. Additionally, the temple enshrines figures of Shesha (Vishnu’s serpent), Viswaksena, Sugriva, and Ramanuja.
Location: Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Timing: The temple opens every day at 2:30 AM
Best time to Visit: September - March
4. Shree Badrinath Temple, Uttarkhand
Badrinath Temple, a prominent part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is widely believed that a pilgrimage to this sacred temple can cleanse devotees of their sins. The temple was re-established by the great Indian philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century, reviving its spiritual significance.
Constructed in the traditional Garhwali architectural style, the temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas. The central deity, Lord Vishnu, is worshipped here in the form of Badrinarayan, depicted in a meditative posture. The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to Nar and Narayana, the divine twins who embody righteousness and strength.
Location: Badri to Mata Murti road, Badrinath, Uttarakhand 246422
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Best time to visit: May – November
5. Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu
Varadharaja Perumal Temple, also known as Hastagiri and Attiyuran, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, revered by the Alvars, and is situated in Vishnu Kanchi, a hub for many famous Vishnu temples. The temple holds immense significance for Vaishnavites, with the renowned scholar Ramanuja believed to have resided here.
The temple's unique deity, Atthi Varadar, a 3-meter idol made from the fig tree, is stored in an underground chamber within the Anantha Sarovaram temple tank. The deity is brought out for worship once every 40 years, for 48 days, alternating between a sleeping posture (first 24 days) and a standing posture (last 24 days). The tradition began in 1709 when the idol, hidden in the 16th century to protect it from invaders, was accidentally rediscovered.
The last Atthi Varadar festival took place from July 1 to August 17, 2019, and the next will be held in 2059.
Location: W Mada St, Nethaji Nagar, Kanchipuram, Nattapettai, Tamil Nadu 631501
Timings: 6:00 AM: 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Best time to visit: October - Feburary
6. Adikesava Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Adikesava Perumal Temple, located in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple and one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred sites of Vaishnavism mentioned in Tamil hymns from the 7th and 8th centuries CE. It is one of the thirteen historic Divya Desams of Malai Nadu. The temple is beautifully set amidst three rivers—Kothai, Pahrali, and Thamirabarani. Formerly the royal temple and Bharadevatha shrine of the Travancore kingdom, it was transferred to the Tamil Nadu H&RCE Department after state reorganization.
The presiding deity, Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanabhan (Adikesava Perumal), is believed to be older than the deity at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Vishnu is depicted here in a reclining position, surrounded by rivers, earning the temple the title of "The Srirangam of the Chera Kingdom."
The temple was consecrated by Parasurama and is praised by Vedavyasa in the sections of the Padma Purana that discuss temples.
Location: Temple Road Kalkulam, Taluk, Kulasekharam, Thiruvattaru, Tamil Nadu 629171
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Best time to visit: August - March
7. Shri Aswakranta Temple, Assam
The Aswaklanta Temple, built by Ahom King Shiva Singha in 1720, is located in Assam. The temple suffered damage in the great earthquake of 1897 but was repaired in 1901 under Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India. Originally, a Kunda (sacrificial space) existed at the site but was washed away by the River Brahmaputra.
According to mythology, Lord Krishna’s horse grew tired at this location while searching for Narakasura, leading to the name Aswa-Klanta, derived from the Assamese words for "horse" (Aswa) and "tired" (Klanta). Another legend links the site to Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, who was persuaded to stay here, resulting in his son Abhimanyu's death in battle, giving rise to the name Abhi-Kranta, which later became Aswaklanta.
The temple features two deities: Lord Janardana and Lord Anantasai Vishnu, with the latter's idol being a notable example of 11th-century artistry. The temple is adorned with beautiful stone inscriptions, and major festivals such as Janmashtami and Ashokastami attract many devotees who come for traditional rituals and pooja ceremonies.
Location: Amingaon, Doul Govinda Rd, North Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam 781031
Timing: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Best time to visit: September - March
8. Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple, Delhi
The Laxminarayan Temple, commonly known as Birla Mandir, is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Delhi, India. Construction began in 1933 under the guidance of Shri Rameshwar das Birla and Shri Jugal Kishore Birla, with the temple inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, who emphasized that people of all castes should be allowed entry.
Dedicated to Lord Narayan (Vishnu) and his consort Lakshmi, the temple features their idols in the central shrine. Spread over 7.5 acres, it boasts beautiful fountains, gardens, and additional shrines dedicated to deities such as Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, and even Buddha. The left-side shikhar (dome) houses a shrine for Devi Durga, representing Shakti (power).
As the first large Hindu temple built in Delhi, Laxminarayan Temple reflects a blend of spiritual significance and architectural beauty, making it a must-visit site for devotees and tourists alike.
Location: Mandir Marg, near Gole Market, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timing: 4:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Best time to visit: October – March
9. Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Maharashtra
The Vithoba Temple, officially known as Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir, is a prominent Hindu temple located in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. It serves as the main center of worship for Vithoba, a form of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, along with his consort Rakhumai. The temple is classified as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetras in the Vaishnavate tradition.
Built by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire between 1108 and 1152 CE, the temple's construction was inspired by the historical figure Pundalik. An inscription from Hoysala King Vira Someshwara, dating back to 1237 CE, records the grant of a village for the temple's upkeep. Today, it is the most visited temple in Maharashtra.
During the annual festivals of Aashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi, devotees known as Warkaris march in groups called Dindi, journeying to the temple. Pilgrims also believe that a dip in the holy river Chandrabhaga, which flows beside Pandharpur, can cleanse them of sins. Visitors are welcome to touch the feet of the Vithoba idol, a gesture of devotion and reverence.
Location: 16 pachimidwar, near vitthal mandir, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304
Timing: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Best time to visit: August - March
10. Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Karnataka
The Vittala Temple in Hampi, built during the reign of King Devaraya II in the 15th century, stands as a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Subsequent rulers enhanced its grandeur, making it one of the most celebrated monuments in the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple complex, located in the Vittalapura township, is renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural brilliance.
Key attractions include the iconic Stone Chariot and the Ranga Mandapa with its 56 musical pillars, which produce melodic sounds when tapped. The complex also houses smaller shrines dedicated to various forms of Lord Vishnu, including Narasimha and Krishna, with carvings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Lord Vittala, the main deity, is a playful form of Vishnu, and devotees seek his blessings for prosperity and protection.
Location: Hampi, Nimbapura, Karnataka 583239
Timing: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Best time to visit: November to Feburary.