The Most Bizarre Temples in India

“Your reality is a reflection of your strongest belief.”

Belief is one of the strongest forces that drives us, and owing to our beliefs we bow down our heads to the deities of our choice. We live in a country where more than 33 crore gods are worshipped – some are conventional, while some are mind-boggling. What could be better than visiting a city where a temple is the subject of discussion? For all the right reasons? uh oh, not always! From temples devoted to animals and non-living things, to alcohol offerings made to god, there’s a lot for you to explore...

Here are a bunch of unusual temples in India that will throw you off the edge and stump you with their bizarre practices. Take a look!

1. Om Banna Temple, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Jodhpur city in Rajasthan is famous for a lot of things, but the Om Banna Temple, also known as “Bullet Baba’s temple” caught our eyes. Can you guess what’s worshipped at this unique temple? A 350 cc Royal Enfield! Shocked? Well, the story dates back to an accident that killed the owner of the bike some 25 years ago. Worshipping the bullet will apparently ward off any ill fate lurking on the Pali-Jodhpur highway. So next time you happen to travel by this route, don’t forget to pay a visit here. And oh, don’t forget to grab a bottle of liquor. No, we are not suggesting it for you. It is for offering at the temple.

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2. Shaheed Baba Nihal Singh Gurudwara, Jalandhar, Punjab

In the tiny village of Talhan in Jhalandhar, people worship a deity who prefers toy aeroplanes over usual offerings like flowers and prasad. Wondering why? It is believed that if you offer toy planes at the Shaheed Baba Nihal Singh Gurudwara, your Visa applications will be approved. There are shops around the Gurudwara selling plastic planes in different sizes for the devotees to offer. So, if you’re ever struggling with a Visa application, you know where you need to go!

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3. Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Rajasthan

In Deshnoke, some 30 kms away from the bustling city of Bikaner, there’s a temple dedicated to Karni Mata. But that’s not all! The temple is also inhabited by thousands of rats! Whether you like rats or not, you will have to put up with them scurrying over your feet every now and then. The rats are revered at this temple and if you happen to spot a white rat, it is said that you are blessed by Karni Mata.

#MMTTip: Don’t ever call these beings “rats,” as the temple keepers take offense. The rats here are known as ‘Kabas’.

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4. Chinese Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal

Did you think you’re the only one who craves noodles? Well, the devotees of the Chinese Kali temple at Tangra in Kolkata offer Chinese delicacies such as noodles and fried rice to appease the Goddess. Legend has it that a young Chinese boy who was extremely sick got cured when prayers were offered at this temple. So, this Kali puja, add some Chinese flavour to your festivity by paying a visit here.

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5. Digambeshwara Temple, Nagrala, Karnataka

It’s here where the absurdest of all temple rituals take place. At this temple in Nagrala, an age-old horrific ritual is followed, in which toddlers are tossed from a 30-feet balcony onto a sheet of cloth held by a group of men. This is said to bring “good health and luck” to the child who manages to come out of the horror safely! This practice has been criticized deeply by the child right activists, and rightfully so.

Read More: Unravelled: The Most Beautiful Temples of Tamil Nadu

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6. Dog Temple, Channapatna, Karnataka

Are you a dog lover? Well, in that case welcome to Channapatna’s Dog Temple. Here, love for dogs is expressed by much more than just feeding the animals. They are actually worshipped! Yes, you read it right. According to a legend, the dog temple was built for the protection of goddess Kempamma’s temple. It is said that the goddess instructed the villagers to find two dogs, that had disappeared from the village, so that her temple could be protected from evil. When the villagers could not find the dogs, they built a temple and installed the two dog statues inside it. According to another legend, the temple was built to celebrate the loyalty of dogs. Which one do you believe in? You can also unleash your love for dogs if you happen to be here during the annual festival where dogs are fed lavishly.

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7. Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, Kodungallur, Kerala

Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple is one of the most famous temples in god’s own country. Some years ago, animal sacrifices were made to goddess Bhardrakali’s statue, this has now been banned by the law. The Kodungallur Bharani festival is celebrated annually at the temple, celebrating the birth of goddess Bhadrakali. During the festival, the devotees abuse the deity and sing lewd songs during the ritual, which is said to please the goddess. Bizarre? Hell yes!

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8. Sonia Gandhi Temple, Mahbubnagar, Telangana

A temple with a statue of Sonia Gandhi – the former President of The Indian National Congress, is built in Mahbubnagar. The Congress leaders built this temple to express their gratitude towards her for creating Telangana state. There are portraits of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on the walls of the temple and a grand white statue of Sonia Gandhi is situated inside. Out of words? Well, we are!

Read More: Rekindle Your Faith with the South Indian Temple Trail

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9. Kaal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

This is considered as one of the oldest Shiva temples. But here’s what’s weird about this temple – the devotees offer alcohol to the deity and the prasad that is served in the temple is also alcohol! If you’re ever in Ujjain, this place should definitely be included in your itinerary.

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