Famous Temples in Lucknow For Spiritual Explorers

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow boasts a rich heritage and cultural richness showcased through its architectural splendours. Also called the city of Nawabs, Lucknow, with its iconic landmarks such as the Rumi Darwaza, Bada Imambada, and the British Residency, takes visitors back to the elegant Nawabi era. This gorgeous city is also home to several temples that hold immense spiritual significance for devotees. These temples are a place to worship and a perfect blend of ancient and modern architectural styles. Visiting these temples will give you a glimpse of the spiritual and cultural richness of the vibrant city of Lucknow.

Most Famous Temples in Lucknow

Let’s have a closer look at some of the most famous temples in Lucknow that you must visit: -

• Hanuman Setu Mandir
• Badi Kali Ji Temple
• Mankameshwar Temple
• Hanumant Dham
• Shri Khatu Shyam Temple
• Chandrika Devi Temple
• Koneshwar Temple
• ISKCON Temple

Hanuman Setu Mandir

Also known as the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Hanuman Setu is amongst the oldest temples in Lucknow. Situated on the banks of the Gomti River, Hanuman Setu was founded in 1960 with blessings from the renowned saint Neem Karoli Baba of Kainchi, Uttarakhand. The temple is divided into two sections, one with a beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman and the other with an idol of Saint Neem Karoli. Despite being situated in the heart of Lucknow, Hanuman Setu provides a serene escape from the busy urban life. The temple is also a home to many other idols of various gods and goddesses. Visiting Hanuman Setu is one of the best things to do in Lucknow for those seeking blessings. The fragrance of incense and the soothing sound of bells create a divine atmosphere for introspection.

Badi Kali Ji Temple

Another famous temple in Lucknow, Badi Kali Ji Temple, is commonly called Kali Badi Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Kali. Located in the Chowk area, this Kali temple is said to have been founded by Adi Guru Shankaracharya, 2500 years ago. It is the best mandir in Lucknow, holding immense significance for those who seek blessings from Goddess Kali for strength and protection. The Badi Kali temple receives a heavy footfall of devotees during Kali Puja, which is celebrated with great zeal and fervour. A visit to this beautiful temple in Lucknow offers a spiritual experience and an opportunity to explore nearby lively markets. Also, there are many historical monuments and structures from the Mughal era that you can explore after paying a visit to the temple.

Mankameshwar Temple

The most famous Shiv Mandir in Lucknow, Mankameshwar Temple, is believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees. Located in Daliganj, the heart of Lucknow, Mankameshwar Temple is more than a thousand years old. The name of this temple is derived from two words: Mann or desire and Kameshwar, a title for lord Shiva which translates as the fulfiller of desires. So, worshipping the sacred Shivlinga at this temple grants the heartfelt desires of the devotees. The Shivaling here is believed to have been set up by Lord Ram’s brother, Lakshman himself during the Treta Yuga. Over time, the temple gained prominence as a sanctuary where stress and mental unrest are soothed and wishes are fulfilled. A visit to the Mankameshwar temple in Lucknow is a must due to the historical value and religious significance it possesses.

Hanumant Dham

One of the most beautiful temples in Lucknow, Hanumant Dham, is an example of spirituality and architectural finesse. Situated along the Gomti Riverbank, Hanumant Dham is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers a serene retreat with a panoramic view of the city. It is a bell-shaped temple featuring biophilic (nature-related) architecture, vibrant murals, and a gorgeous gold and red façade that reflects the essence of devotion. This Lucknow temple is famous for its spiritual significance and quiet atmosphere, making it a must-visit site for those seeking peace and a deeper connection with their spirituality. After seeking the blessings at this temple, head to Shri Balaji Mandir in Lucknow which lies in a few kilometres distance.

Shri Khatu Shyam Temple

Located on Birbal Sahni Marg in the central part of Lucknow city, Shri Khatu Shyam Temple is also a famous Mandir in Lucknow. The temple is dedicated to Lord Khatu Shyam, who is believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees and protect them from harm. The temple receives a large footfall during Janmashtami or Monday. The Khatu Shyam Temple is renowned for its religious significance, attracting devotees from different parts of the city. Those who cannot visit the famous Khatu Shyam Mandir in Sikar, Rajasthan, can visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Khatu Shyam. The temple is grand and also features a Shivalinga, due to which the temple is visited by Shiva devotees as well. Whenever you plan a tour to Lucknow, do include Khatu Shyam temple in your itinerary.

Chandrika Devi Temple

The next in the list of famous temples in Lucknow, Chandrika Devi Temple, is located on the outskirts of Lucknow. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandrika, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Here, the idol is made of rock and has three heads. This Lucknow temple is believed to be 300 years old, attracting devotees in huge numbers throughout the year, especially during the Navratri festival. Also known as the Mahi Sagar Teerth, this beautiful Durga temple must be on the itinerary on your next trip to the city of Nawabs. The area around this famous temple in Lucknow features lush greenery and peaceful surroundings. So, you can explore the nearby rural areas to get a glimpse of the local life.

Koneshwar Temple

Another famous Shiv mandir in Lucknow, Koneshwar Temple, is amongst the oldest temples in the city of Nawabs.  The temple is known for its spiritual significance and ancient legends. The Koneshwar Temple is believed to be related to Treta Yuga. There is a story behind the name of the temple in Lucknow. It is said that during construction, the idol of Lord Shiva was supposed to be installed at a site that could be easily accessible for both locals and priests. However, every time, the idol was set up in a convenient location, it used to come back to its initial place. After a few attempts, the temple was finally built at its original site, thus deriving the name Koneshwar. This beautiful temple in Lucknow is flocked by devotees throughout the year.

ISKCON Temple

One of the most popular temples in Lucknow, ISKCON Temple, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is part of the worldwide network of ISKCON temples. Located at the Amar Shaheed path, the ISKCON Temple is globally famous for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural richness, especially during festivals like Holi and Janmashtami. ISKCON is a spiritual hub where devotees can seek the blessings of Lord Krishna, participate in many religious activities, and practice the teachings of Bhagavad Gita. The temple features grand architecture and a serene environment. Here, you can visit the spiritual bookstore and enjoy satvik food in its in-house café. While visiting ISKCON Temple, you can visit the nearby attractions like Phoenix Pallasio, Ekana Stadium, Lulu Mall, etc.

With such sacred sites and temples, Lucknow ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a peaceful spiritual journey. Whether you are in search of divine blessings, looking for architectural marvels, or willing to have a glimpse of the cultural tapestry of Lucknow, these beautiful temples in Lucknow stand as tributes to the legacy of this striking city. So, when planning a trip to Lucknow or booking a Lucknow tour package, do not forget to explore these revered places that have been associated with the city's distinctiveness for centuries.