The spiritually potent environ housed in temples of India are sought by pilgrims from around the world. But a few temples in India are noted for their heterodoxy. The following list of temples might not help you with if you are planning a Spiritual Tour in India, but for those who want to explore the quirky side of this heterodox nation, the list could be of much help!
Visit the Strange and Unusual Temples of India
1. Karni Mata Temple
The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata and is just 30 km from Bikaner. The strange thing is that nearly 20000 rats live in this temple, so giving it the name, the temple of rats. According to legend, Karni Mata’s son once drowned, and when she called Yama to revive her son, Yama ultimately made all sons being reborn as rats. If a rat is killed, it is to be replaced by a solid silver one.
2. Om Banna Temple
Om Banna was killed in an accident in 1988, and his motorcycle was brought to the police station. Later the bike was found at the same place where the accident occurred. Despite all efforts, whenever the motorcycle was replaced, it got back to the same site always. The temple was built around the same story, and the spirit of Om Banna still protects travelers.
3. Brahma Baba’s Temple
We had a story of rats and a motorbike. Now we shift our attention to a temple where wall clocks are made as offerings. Each day people leave lots of clocks behind and seek the blessings.
4. Dog Temple
Man’s most loyal friend, the dog is worshiped here in Channapatna. There are two idols representing dogs here.
5. Sachin Temple
Sachin Tendulkar has been our God of cricket for sure for his stupendous two decade long sports career. And there is a temple in Bihar dedicated to the Master Blaster, and there is a huge statue of him too.
6. Kal Bhairav Temple
It is situated in Ujjain and dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, the city deity. The reason why this temple makes our list is that liquor is offered to this deity.
7. Shaheed Baba Nihal Singh Gurudwara
Now, we come to a temple where toy planes are made as offerings by people who wish to go abroad and fulfil their desires in life. It is located in Talhan village near Jalandhar in Punjab. Devotees believe that if a plane is given as an offering, they are sure to get a VISA. Shops near the Gurudwara sell models of Air Canada, Lufthansa, and other models.
8. Ravana Temple
This temple is popular among the Kanyakubja Brahmins, who consider themselves to eb descendants of the infamous ruler Ravana. . It is in Madhya Pradesh.
9. Hidimba Temple
Also known as the Dhungari Mata temple or the Hadimba temple, it is located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. According to beliefs, this temple is built around a place where Bhima’s wife Hidimba used to meditate. Also just near the temple, there is another temple dedicated to her son Ghatotkacha.
10. Mehandipur Balaji Temple
We end the list with a story of ghosts. Exorcism is performed here and can be seen live too. Devotees visit here every day to get them and their loved ones get relieved of the evil shadow of spirits.