“Every temple tells a story, but some whisper curses instead of blessings.”
India is home to countless temples, but not all are known for peace and divinity. Some are wrapped in chilling legends of curses, mysteries, and inexplicable happenings. These are cursed temples in India — places where devotion meets dread.
From temples where rituals stopped centuries ago to shrines believed to bring bad luck, these haunted temples India offers are steeped in eerie tales and unanswered questions.
Here are 9 cursed temples in India with terrifying backstories that will send chills down your spine.
1. Kamakhya Temple, Assam
“A temple where the goddess bleeds and secrets remain locked away.”
The Story:
When it comes to the cursed temples in India, the Kamakhya Temple of Assam comes to mind. Perched atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Kamakhya is one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas in India. It’s believed that Goddess Sati’s womb fell here, making it a deeply revered site for tantric practices.
But the temple’s fame also comes with chilling whispers — of secret rituals, curses, and an energy so strong that it unsettles even the bravest souls.
The Curse:
Locals believe that disturbing the temple’s natural order or mocking its rituals invites misfortune. Its underground chambers, said to be used for powerful tantric ceremonies, remain off-limits, adding to its mystery.
Travel Tip: Visit during the Ambubachi Mela, when the temple celebrates the goddess’s menstruation — but be prepared for crowds and intense rituals.
Location: Guwahati, Assam
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (20 km)
Nearest Railway: Guwahati Railway Station (8 km)
2. Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar, Odisha
“The treasury that no mortal dares to open.”
The Story:
The famous Jagannath Temple in Puri is home to the Ratna Bhandar — a treasury said to contain priceless jewels offered by kings and devotees over centuries.
The Curse:
It’s said that anyone who tries to open the Ratna Bhandar without divine approval faces instant death or terrible misfortune. This belief has kept the treasury locked for decades. Even authorized inspections are rare, and legends claim guards often hear whispers near the locked chamber. It is one of the most popular cursed temples in India.
Travel Tip: Respect the sanctity — non-Hindus aren’t allowed inside, but you can still admire the temple’s grandeur from outside.
Location: Puri, Odisha
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (60 km)
Nearest Railway: Puri Railway Station (3 km)
3. Kuldhara Temple Ruins, Rajasthan
“A temple abandoned overnight under a curse.”
The Story:
The deserted village of Kuldhara near Jaisalmer is infamous for its curse — no one who tries to live here survives for long. Among its ruins lies a centuries-old temple built by the Paliwal Brahmins.
The Curse:
Among cursed temples in India, Kuldhara Temple Ruins is most popular. Legend says the village’s chief cursed the land before leaving, declaring that no one would ever thrive here again. Travelers report feeling a strange unease when they step into the temple after sunset.
Travel Tip: Visit during the day to explore the ruins — but avoid staying after dark.
Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport (30 km)
Nearest Railway: Jaisalmer Railway Station (25 km)
4. Baba Latu Shah Temple, Jharkhand
“The temple where lies turn into curses.”
The Story:
This little-known temple in Dhanbad is popular among locals for resolving disputes and promises. But there’s a catch — making a false promise here invites disaster.
The Curse:
Believers say that the deity punishes those who swear falsely or make promises they don’t intend to keep, often bringing misfortune into their lives. Have you understood why Babu Latu Shah Temple is one of the cursed temples in India.
Travel Tip: This is a hidden gem — perfect for offbeat explorers.
Location: Dhanbad district, Jharkhand
Nearest Airport: Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi (140 km)
Nearest Railway: Dhanbad Railway Station (18 km)
5. Somnath Temple (Old Ruins), Gujarat
“The temple that refuses to stay destroyed.”
The Story:
One of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas, Somnath Temple has been invaded and destroyed multiple times in history. The original temple’s ruins still stand as silent witnesses to its tragic past.
The Curse:
Locals believe the original sanctum carries a curse that dooms anyone who desecrates it. Strangely, every invader who looted Somnath met a grim end, strengthening this belief. Do you agree with it? Is old Somnath Temple among cursed temples in India?
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the evening light and sound show — it beautifully narrates the temple’s history.
Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (65 km)
Nearest Railway: Veraval Railway Station (7 km)
6. Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Rajasthan
“A temple where demons are exorcised.”
The Story:
This temple is infamous for its rituals to exorcise evil spirits. Visitors often see people performing terrifying ceremonies — screaming, rolling on the ground, or even hanging upside down as part of the rituals.
The Curse:
Locals warn that mocking these rituals or misbehaving inside the temple can invite possession or curses. Even there are many proofs. As a result, people don’t hesitate to mention Mehandipur Balaji Temple as one of the cursed temples in India.
Travel Tip: Go during the day, and don’t interfere with rituals — they are taken very seriously.
Location: Dausa district, Rajasthan
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (100 km)
Nearest Railway: Bandikui Railway Station (35 km)
7. Tanot Mata Temple, Rajasthan
“A temple that protects, but never forgives theft.”
The Story:
Located near the India-Pakistan border, Tanot Mata Temple is famous for saving soldiers during the 1965 and 1971 wars when bombs failed to explode near it.
The Curse:
Yet, locals warn that taking even a grain of sand from the temple leads to terrible accidents, a curse believed to protect the sanctity of the site.
Travel Tip: Combine this visit with a trip to Longewala — the site of the historic battle.
Location: Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan
Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport (120 km)
Nearest Railway: Jaisalmer Railway Station (118 km)
8. Kal Bhairav Temple, Madhya Pradesh
“A temple that demands respect through fear.”
The Story:
Dedicated to Lord Bhairav — a fierce form of Shiva — this temple in Ujjain is known for its ritual of offering alcohol to the deity.
The Curse:
When you make a list of cursed temples in India, the Kal Bhairav Temple comes. It’s believed that anyone who disrespects the deity or temple rules is punished, often facing personal or financial ruin.
Travel Tip: It’s an active temple — follow customs carefully, especially while making offerings.
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (60 km)
Nearest Railway: Ujjain Junction (2 km)
9. Nidhivan Temple, Uttar Pradesh
“The temple where gods dance at night — and humans never return.”
The Story:
In Vrindavan, Nidhivan is believed to be the spot where Lord Krishna performs his Raas Leela with Radha and the Gopis every night.
The Curse:
No human is allowed inside after sunset. Anyone who stays overnight never lives to tell the tale — or so the legends say. Even monkeys that stay behind at night are found dead by morning. Locals believe it as one of the cursed temples in India without any reason.
Travel Tip: Visit before evening, when the area is open and peaceful.
Location: Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (180 km)
Nearest Railway: Mathura Junction (14 km)
Tips for Visiting Cursed Temples
- Respect the customs: Many of these temples have strict traditions.
- Avoid night visits: Especially for temples linked with hauntings or spirits.
- Travel with locals: They’ll help you understand the temple’s stories and dos & don’ts.
Final Thoughts
These cursed temples in India are more than places of worship. They are living legends, where faith, fear, and folklore meet. Visiting them isn’t just about seeing a temple — it’s about experiencing centuries of untold stories.
As one priest at Mehandipur Balaji said:
“The gods protect, but they also punish. Respect is your only shield here.”
Would you dare to step inside these haunted temples in India?
FAQs
1. Which is the scariest cursed temple in India?
Nidhivan Temple in Vrindavan is often considered the eeriest.
2. Can anyone visit these temples?
Yes, but some have entry restrictions for non-Hindus.
3. Are these temples safe?
Yes, if you follow the rules and visit during the day.
4. Which temple is famous for exorcism rituals?
Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Rajasthan.
5. Why are these temples considered cursed?
Because of dark legends, mysterious events, and unexplainable traditions tied to their history.
