Temples in Agra
Agra is best known for tombs, but it is also a city of working temples, mosques, a Sufi shrine, a gurdwara and old churches. Most are free to enter and ask only for modest clothes and quiet behaviour.
Balkeshwar Mahadev Mandir
Shiva templeLord Shiva as Balkeshwar Mahadev
Chintamani Parshwanath Jain Temple
Jain templeLord Parshwanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara
Dayal Bagh (Radha Soami Samadhi)
Not a deity shrine — the marble samadhi of Shiv Dayal Singh (Soamiji Maharaj), founder of the Radha Soami faith
Kailash Mandir
Shiva templeLord Shiva as Kailashnath
Prithvinath Mahadev Temple
Shiva templeLord Shiva as Prithvinath Mahadev
Shri Mankameshwar Mandir
Shiva templeLord Shiva as Mankameshwar Mahadev — a silver-clad Swayambhu lingam
Mankameshwar Temple
This small Shiva temple in Rawatpara, near Agra Fort railway station, is thought to be one of the oldest in the city. Tradition says its lingam, covered in silver, dates back to the time of Krishna. The lanes around it are narrow and crowded, especially on Mondays and through the month of Sawan. Ask at the entrance before you take photos inside.
Kailash Temple
About 12 km from the centre, near Sikandra on the bank of the Yamuna, this Shiva temple draws large crowds for the Kailash fair in August or September. On ordinary days it is peaceful and makes a good stop on the way to Akbar's tomb.
Jama Masjid
Built in 1648 and credited to Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara, Agra's Jama Masjid stands across from the fort, beside Agra Fort station. It is a working mosque. Visit outside prayer times, take your shoes off, and cover your arms and legs. The Kinari Bazaar lanes start right behind it.
Salim Chishti's tomb, Fatehpur Sikri
The white-marble tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti stands in the courtyard of the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar built his capital here after the saint foretold the birth of his son. Visitors tie threads to the marble screens while making a wish. Cover your head and remove your shoes. Expect people to offer to "guide" you or sell you a chadar; you do not need either.
Guru ka Taal
This gurdwara at Sikandra commemorates the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. As at any gurdwara, cover your head, take off your shoes and wash your feet at the entrance. Langar is served to everyone.
Churches
Akbar's Church is a Roman Catholic church first built by Jesuit priests in 1600, during Akbar's reign, and it is one of the oldest church sites in North India. St George's Church in the cantonment dates from the British period. Both welcome quiet visitors outside service times.
The Taj Mahal mosque
The red sandstone mosque on the west side of the Taj Mahal is still in use. It is the reason the whole complex closes to visitors on Fridays.
Mathura and Vrindavan
Krishna's birthplace, Mathura, is about 55 km away, and Vrindavan is just beyond it. Both are easy day trips from Agra, especially for Janmashtami or Holi.
Questions
Agra — FAQ
What is the oldest temple in Agra?
Mankameshwar Temple, a Shiva temple near Agra Fort station, is widely thought to be the oldest. Its exact age is not recorded.
Can non-Muslims visit the Jama Masjid in Agra?
Yes, outside prayer times. Remove your shoes, dress modestly, and women should carry a scarf for their heads.
Why do people tie threads at Salim Chishti's tomb?
It is a custom to tie a thread to the marble screen while making a wish, and to come back and untie it if the wish comes true. Akbar is said to have prayed here for a son.
Can I visit Mathura and Vrindavan from Agra?
Yes. Mathura is about 55 km away on the Delhi road, and a day trip can cover both towns. Leave early, as the temples close for a few hours around midday.