English
English
English
Which Indian temples go beyond traditional rituals and offer devotees unique spiritual experiences through extraordinary ceremonies, eye-catching festivals, and unusual practices that attract pilgrims from across the country and world?
Kalbhairav Temple is situated in the heart of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
New Delhi: India’s temples are not only centers of devotion but also hubs of unique rituals that captivate devotees and tourists alike. Beyond the conventional offerings and prayers, some temples have become famous for extraordinary ceremonies that combine faith, culture, and centuries-old traditions. Temple Connect founder Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni highlights five temples in India where rituals go beyond the ordinary, offering a spiritual experience unlike any other.
Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, Karnataka
Located on the banks of the Kumaradhara River in Dakshina Kannada, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is dedicated to Bhagawan Kartikeya in his form as Subrahmanya, revered as the God of Serpents. The temple is famous for the Ashlesha Bali Puja, performed on the Ashlesha Nakshatra, which is believed to remove obstacles caused by sarpa dosha in one’s kundli. Another notable ritual is Sarpa Samskara, where devotees offer a serpent idol to rid themselves of curses or obstacles affecting marriage, health, or prosperity. The ceremony is also said to cleanse sins against serpents and bring relief to the devotee.
Ram Mandir Dhwajarohan: Who is legal custodian of the temple, and how are funds managed?
Srikalahasti Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Dedicated to Sri Kalahasteeswara, an incarnation of Bhagawan Shiva, this temple is home to the sacred Vayu Lingam. According to legend, the hunter-devotee Kannappa once offered his eyes to stop the Lingam from bleeding, a display of devotion that earned Shiva’s blessings and salvation. The temple is also considered a Rahu-Ketu Kshetra, where unique Rahu-Ketu pujas are performed to counter sarpa dosha. These rituals are particularly auspicious on Sundays and Tuesdays, attracting devotees seeking spiritual remedies.
Ayyavadi Maha Prathyangiradevi Temple, Tamil Nadu
Situated in Thanjavur, this thousand-year-old temple is dedicated to Devi Prathyangiradevi, a fierce form of Devi Adishakti. Devotees participate in the Nikumbala Homam, offering red chillies in a Havan to invoke blessings of Devi Varahi. The ritual is believed to protect against black magic, evil eyes, and untimely death. On Amavasya, thousands gather for the Havan, offering 1.5 to 2 tonnes of chillies, yet astonishingly, no one suffers from the pungent smoke. This is considered a symbolic cleansing of negative energies.
Ayodhya Temple museum gets major expansion; Tata Sons to lead 52-acre project
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Kerala
Known as the “Sabarimala for women,” Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its Attukal Pongala festival, which has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest gathering of women for a religious ritual. Millions of women participate by preparing Pongala, an offering to the goddess, to seek prosperity and blessings. Men are not allowed to enter during the festival, making it a unique celebration of female devotion.
Kalbhairav Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Kalbhairav, the fierce aspect of Shiva, is worshipped as the Guardian of Ujjain. The temple is renowned for its Tantric practice of offering alcohol to the deity. Devotees pour liquor into a dish near the deity’s lips, which miraculously disappears, signifying Bhairav consuming it. Around one-third of the bottle is returned to devotees as prasadam. Feeding dogs, Bhairav’s vahan, is another significant ritual. The temple is believed to protect devotees from negative forces, untimely death, and fears of life.
India’s spiritual diversity comes alive in these temples, where unusual rituals showcase faith, culture, and devotion in ways that leave lasting impressions on devotees and visitors alike.
