4 Temples That Are Older Than the Inception of the USA !
Ankita Rai | Thu, 20 Mar 2025
Before the United States even existed, civilizations across the world had already created architectural masterpieces that continue to stand tall. India, home to some of the world's oldest and most stunning temples, boasts structures that date back over 1,000 years. From rock-cut wonders to towering Dravidian marvels, these temples tell a story of devotion, craftsmanship, and resilience. Discover four ancient Indian temples that were built centuries before the USA was even conceived.
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Founded in 1776, the United States of America didn’t come into its own overnight, as civilisations established around the world built temples that shocked onlookers and remain to this day architectural marvels and monuments of spirituality. India's temples are living witnesses of their rich cultural and religious history that has survived despite invasions, natural calamities and centuries of change. These four temples not only far precede the USA but are also an important pilgrimage and heritage site.
The Kailasa Temple, located in Ellora, Maharashtra, is a stunning rock-cut temple dating back to the 8th century CE. Commissioned by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, this monolithic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and forms part of the more extensive Ellora cave system. The architectural marvel is that Kailasa was not assembled but instead carved out of a monolith, a record which is yet to be matched. Intricate carvings, enormous pillars, and detailed sculptures of deities decorate the temple, rendering it an unmatched symbol of devotion and artistic mastery. Considering this temple was erected almost 1000 years before the USA ever existed, it says a lot about the majesty of ancient Indian civilisation."
Brihadeeswarar Temple: Standing shielded in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, the Brihadeeswarar Temple is over 1,000 years old and rates among the best examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I. The building is notable for its daunting granite tower (vimana), which stands at nearly 216 feet and was constructed without modern construction technology. The temple also has a marble dome made out of a single granite stone weighing around 80 tonnes, but the way it was placed on top of the temple still eludes explanation. Even more, Brihadeeswarar Temple was built over 700 years before the USA ever existed and still is a key religious and historical site.
Built in the 13th century CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sun temple is made in the form of an enormous chariot with exquisitely carved stone wheels, horses, and pillars. Though partially ruined through the centuries, the temple’s splendour and artistry are still breathtaking. The Konark Sun Temple is a mediaeval Indian marvel completed some 500 years prior to the birth of the American nation.
The Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest stone temples of structural design in India, dating from the 7th–8th century CE. Built during the Pallava dynasty under the reign of King Narasimhavarman II, this temple complex consists of three shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Set on the Bay of Bengal, the temple has endured the ravages of time, including harsh coastal erosion. It is a goldmine, with a unique design and historical importance, comprising some ancient Indian architecture from before the conception of the USA itself, over 1,000 years ago.
These temples, some of which date back for centuries, are not just places of worship; they are embodiments of India’s rich heritage, architectural finesse, and indomitable spirit. Although the history of the United States is relatively recent, these temples remind us of societies that thrived thousands of years ago and left us cultural and architectural treasures that stand tall even today. Reading these stories carved in stone and discovering history in ancient structures is like travelling in time.
Kailasa Temple , Ellora (8th Century CE)
temple ( Picture credit: Instagram)
The Kailasa Temple, located in Ellora, Maharashtra, is a stunning rock-cut temple dating back to the 8th century CE. Commissioned by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, this monolithic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and forms part of the more extensive Ellora cave system. The architectural marvel is that Kailasa was not assembled but instead carved out of a monolith, a record which is yet to be matched. Intricate carvings, enormous pillars, and detailed sculptures of deities decorate the temple, rendering it an unmatched symbol of devotion and artistic mastery. Considering this temple was erected almost 1000 years before the USA ever existed, it says a lot about the majesty of ancient Indian civilisation."
Brihadeeswarar Temple , Tamil Nadu (Constructed in 1010 ACE)
temple
( Image credit : Freepik )
Brihadeeswarar Temple: Standing shielded in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, the Brihadeeswarar Temple is over 1,000 years old and rates among the best examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I. The building is notable for its daunting granite tower (vimana), which stands at nearly 216 feet and was constructed without modern construction technology. The temple also has a marble dome made out of a single granite stone weighing around 80 tonnes, but the way it was placed on top of the temple still eludes explanation. Even more, Brihadeeswarar Temple was built over 700 years before the USA ever existed and still is a key religious and historical site.
Konark Sun Temple , Odisha (13th Century CE)
temple ( Picture credit: Instagram)
Built in the 13th century CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sun temple is made in the form of an enormous chariot with exquisitely carved stone wheels, horses, and pillars. Though partially ruined through the centuries, the temple’s splendour and artistry are still breathtaking. The Konark Sun Temple is a mediaeval Indian marvel completed some 500 years prior to the birth of the American nation.
Shore Temple , Mahabalipuram (Constructed in the 7th-8th Century CE)
temple ( Picture credit: Instagram)
The Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest stone temples of structural design in India, dating from the 7th–8th century CE. Built during the Pallava dynasty under the reign of King Narasimhavarman II, this temple complex consists of three shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Set on the Bay of Bengal, the temple has endured the ravages of time, including harsh coastal erosion. It is a goldmine, with a unique design and historical importance, comprising some ancient Indian architecture from before the conception of the USA itself, over 1,000 years ago.
Conclusion
These temples, some of which date back for centuries, are not just places of worship; they are embodiments of India’s rich heritage, architectural finesse, and indomitable spirit. Although the history of the United States is relatively recent, these temples remind us of societies that thrived thousands of years ago and left us cultural and architectural treasures that stand tall even today. Reading these stories carved in stone and discovering history in ancient structures is like travelling in time.
