11 Famous Temples In Meghalaya: Explore The Sacred Shrines

Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or a devotee seeking blessings, there’s a temple in Meghalaya waiting to be discovered. With our Meghalaya holiday packages, you can get to visit most if not all of them.

The best places to visit in Meghalaya are known for their natural beauty like the scenic deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, dark caves, etc and exploring these offers the ultimate sense of peace. And the temples in Meghalaya add a touch of spirituality, thus elevating your overall experience of exploring this northeastern state.

List Of Top 11 Temples in Meghalaya

The Meghalaya temple architecture, rituals, and cultural practices reflect the region’s heritage and traditions, making them integral to Meghalaya’s historical narrative. Shaktipeethas in Meghalaya, like the Nartiang Durga Temple, holds immense religious importance. Believed to be places where body parts of Goddess Sati fell, Shaktipeethas are revered as sacred places for worship and pilgrimage sites in Meghalaya. 

The presence of Shaktipeethas in Meghalaya, such as the Nartiang Durga Temple, not only strengthens the spiritual fabric of the region but also connects devotees to the divine through rituals, prayers, and offerings. These sites serve as focal points for religious practices and cultural traditions, embodying the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs of the people in Meghalaya. 

Shillong temples guide

1. Uma Umang Temple

2. Maa Kamakhya Temple

3. Isckon Temple Shillong:

4. Shillong Shiv Mandir

5. Sankardevi Temple:

These temples attract pilgrims from across the nation due to their historical and religious importance, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya. These temples not only hold religious significance but also offer insights into the rich cultural heritage of the pilgrimage sites in Meghalaya. The temples are the best on offer in Meghalaya religious tourism.

Also Read: Top 10 Hotels In Shillong For Couples, Family And Luxury Tourist

Other Temples in Meghalaya

6. Mawsynram Temple

• Darshan Timings:Opening – 8:00 AM, Closing – 4:00 PM
• Dress Code – Traditional and Formal attire
• Photography and Videography – Allowed
• Prasad – Not available

7.  Nartiang Durga Temple:

• Darshan Timings:
• Opening – 06:00 AM,  Closing – 06:00 PM
• Nearby Attractions – Ialong & Syntu Ksiar, Krangshuri Falls, Kudengrim

8. Mahadev Khola Dham:

• Darshan Timings:     
• Opening – 06:00 AM, Closing – 06:00 PM
• Dress Code – Traditional and Formal attire
• Photography and Videography – Not allowed
• Prasad – Available

9. Matri Mandir:

• Darshan Timings:
• Opening – 05:30 AM (Summer), 6:30 AM (Winter)
• Closing – 09:30 PM (Summer), 9:00 PM (Winter)
• Dress Code – Traditional and Formal attire
• Photography and Videography – Allowed
• Prasad – Not Available

10. Dwarkamai Sai Baba Temple:

Location –   14 Mile, Byrnihat, Meghalaya

11. Rynjah Kali Temple:

• Location – Rynjah Main Road, Rynjah, Shillong

Also read: The Best Of Meghalaya: 10 Best Things To Do In Meghalaya

Beyond the Meghalaya Hindu Temples: Unveiling the Local Charm

Attend a local puja (prayer ceremony): Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of a traditional puja, gaining a deeper understanding of the local customs and rituals associated with the ancient temples in Meghalaya.

Learn about the history and legends:  Each temple in Meghalaya has a story to tell.  Uncover the fascinating history and local legends surrounding these sacred sites, adding another layer to your experience of the temples in Meghalaya.

Explore the natural beauty:  Meghalaya is a land of stunning waterfalls, serene lakes, and rolling hills.  Balance your spiritual exploration with moments of peace and rejuvenation in nature, complementing your visit to the temples in Meghalaya.

Also Read: 10 Amazing Resorts in Meghalaya for a Luxury Stay

Ideal One-Day Itinerary To Explore The Temples in Meghalaya

• Start Early Morning: Begin your day by visiting the nearest temples in Shillong, such as Mahadev Khola Dham and Matri Mandir.
• Mid-Morning: Travel to Nartiang Durga Temple, which is located in the West Jaintia Hills region, known for its historical significance.
• Lunch Break: Take a break for lunch at a local eatery to experience the local cuisine and recharge for the rest of the day.
• Afternoon: Visit Mawsynram Temple, known for its unique geological features and spiritual significance. Proceed to Dwarkamai Sai Baba Temple for a peaceful retreat and spiritual experience.
• Late Afternoon/Evening: If time permits, consider visiting other nearby temples like Garikhana Hanuman Temple or any other accessible temples in the vicinity.
• End of Day: Return to your starting point or accommodation by evening, concluding your Meghalaya religious tourism.

While this itinerary may not cover all major temples in Meghalaya due to time constraints, it provides a structured plan to visit some significant temples within a day. It is advisable to prioritize the temples based on personal preferences and travel feasibility.

Visiting all major temples in Meghalaya in one day may not be feasible due to the geographical spread of these temples and the time required to travel between them. Meghalaya’s temples are located in different parts of the state, some deep inside valleys and hills, making it challenging to cover them all in a single day.

Additionally, the diverse cultural and religious significance of each of the Meghalaya Hindu temples warrants ample time for exploration and appreciation. It is advisable to plan a more extended itinerary to fully experience and appreciate the spiritual and architectural richness of Meghalaya’s major temples.

Festivals celebrated at Meghalaya’s temples

1. Wangala Festival:

The Wangala Festival is a significant harvest festival celebrated by the Garo people in Meghalaya. This festival, also known as the Hundred Drums Festival, marks the end of the agricultural year and is a thanksgiving celebration for Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa, the god of fertility.

2. Nongkrem Dance Festival:

The Nongkrem Dance Festival is a significant event among the Khasi community in Meghalaya. Held at the Nongkrem Syiem’s residence in Smit, this festival is a five-day-long celebration that involves various rituals and dances.

3. Behdeinkhlam Festival:

Celebrated by the Jaintia Clan in Meghalaya, the Behdeinkhlam Festival is a four-day event that revolves around chasing away evil spirits and seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest. This festival involves various rituals, including playing Datlawakor (a game similar to soccer) believed to bring good production for that year. 

These temple festivals in Meghalaya are not only religious events but also cultural extravaganzas that bring communities together to celebrate their heritage, express gratitude for nature’s bounty, and seek blessings for prosperity. 

The colorful dances, traditional attire, rituals, and communal feasting during these festivals showcase the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs of the diverse tribes in Meghalaya. 

The celebrations at these temples serve as a platform for preserving age-old customs, fostering community spirit, and passing down cultural legacies from one generation to another.

Also read: Meghalaya Travel Tips: A Complete Guide To Explore Meghalaya