The oldest surviving functional temple in India is commonly identified as the Mundeshwari Devi Temple in Kaimur, Bihar, with many sources dating it to around the 4th century CE, though some lists give even earlier estimates.

Quick Scoop

  • Location: Kaimur district, Bihar, India.
  • Why it matters: It is widely described as one of the oldest functional Hindu temples still in use.
  • Common caveat: “Oldest temple” depends on whether you mean oldest standing , functional , or historically dated temple, so different sources may name different sites.

Other Ancient Temples

  • Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, is often dated to the 8th century CE.
  • Kailasa Temple at Ellora, Maharashtra, is also among India’s most famous ancient temples, generally placed in the 8th century CE.
  • Somnath Temple in Gujarat appears in many “oldest temples” lists, but it is not usually the oldest by date because its history includes multiple reconstructions.

Simple Answer

If you want the shortest answer: Mundeshwari Devi Temple in Bihar is the most common answer to “where is the oldest temple in India?”

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