5 Dog Temples in India Where Dogs Are Worshipped

Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship. However, in certain regions of India, dogs are also venerated in temples and shrines. These locations have a history of faith, loyalty, and devotion that has been passed down through generations.

Each location has a tale to tell, from a temple in Chhattisgarh to the shrines in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Some are devoted to a dog's loyalty, others have local beliefs and traditions.

Let's take a look at these peculiar temples for dogs and delve into the stories behind them in India.

Kukurdev Temple is one of the unique places where dogs hold a special place in worship. You can also read our article on Nai Devasthana: India's Real Temple That Worships Dogs to learn more about this unique temple and its traditions.

The Kukurdev Temple is believed to date back to the 14th or 15th century. It was built during the rule of the Phani Nagvanshi kings. The temple also has many unique beliefs.

Villagers and visitors come here seeking protection from problems related to dogs. They especially pray for protection from dog bites and the old fear of a “dog’s cough.”

The temple shows how faith can turn everyday concerns into acts of devotion. It also shows how animals can become an important part of local beliefs and traditions.

Hidden in Khapri village, in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, there is a unique temple.

At first, the temple may look like a Shiva temple. A Shivling stands inside the main shrine. But beside it is a life-sized stone dog statue. It is also treated as sacred.

Two dog statues stand at the temple entrance. They watch over the temple from both sides. This is similar to how Nandi, the sacred bull, stands outside many Shiva temples.

Between Rewan and Kakwara villages, near Jhansi, there is a small temple. It is dedicated to a female dog.

The temple has a black stone statue of the dog. People call her the “Female Dog Queen.”

Local stories say that the dog lived between the two villages many years ago. She often went to village events looking for food.

When food was ready, people played a traditional instrument called the ramtula. The dog heard the sound and ran to the village.

Sometimes, she reached Rewan after the food was finished. Then she heard the sound from Kakwara and ran there.

She kept running between the two villages in search of food. The next day, the dog felt ill and weak. She still went looking for food.

She had simply tired herself out. Sadly, she died on the trail between the two villages. The villagers buried her there. They have a shrine there now.

There was a stone dog statue put in that place, sitting on the ground. It's laying there now. Today, some people visit the shrine. They pray and offer water.

They respect the dog's memory. People see her as a symbol of faithfulness, patience, and love. It is handed on from generation to generation.

There is an odd temple in Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. A dog is worshipped at this temple. It contains a tomb and a dog statue. According to local reports, the temple has been there for nearly 100 years.

This story is related to a holy man whose name was Laturia Baba. Baba was blind. Baba had a dog named Bhairav Baba.

The dog did stay with him and was of some help. People say the dog was very intelligent. When Baba needed anything from the market, the dog would bring it to him.

As per local tradition, the dog died when Baba took samadhi. Sometime afterward the dog had a shrine erected for him.

Today, people visit the shrine and pray. Sometimes, you will find devotees tying a black thread to the dog's idol.

They believe their wishes may come true. The temple resonates a story of loyalty, love and devotion.

In the vicinity of Ghaziabad, village of Chipiyana there is a special grave at Bhairav Temple. The tomb is for a loyal dog.

As per the local popular story, a trader called Lakha was residing in Loco 100 years ago. Lakha had borrowed money from a moneylender called Seth who was a local. Lakha was unable to pay him back.

Thus, he left his faithful dog as surety with Seth. One day, thieves broke into Seth's house. Seth was not warned or alerted by the dog's barking. Seth became angry with the dog.

But the dog gripped Seth's dhoti the following morning. The dog desired that he would turn. The dog showed Seth where the stolen things were stored. Seth found the stolen goods there.

He was happy and thankful. He released the dog and asked it to return to Lakha. But Lakha misunderstood what had happened.

He believed the dog betrayed him by assisting Seth. In anger, Lakha badly hurt the dog. The dog went back to Lakha even after being injured. It died at Lakha's feet.

Eventually, Lakha knew the truth. He was regretful of his actions. He even built a mausoleum for his trusty dog inside the Bhairav Temple property.

There is also a stone water tank in the temple complex, which is located to the right of the dog's tomb. It is said that the water has many miraculous effects.

Some tourists also come to the temple for prayer and drinking from the water tank. Many believe that water can help cure diseases, skin diseases, dog bites etc.

They also leave prasad and garlands on the dog's memorial. People hope this will protect them from danger or sickness.

This is just "local knowledge and customs" - not medical fact. The story and ceremonies highlight that people here associate dogs with loyalty, faith and faithfulness.

In Doddathalli village, there are 2 dog statues which are being worshipped. One dog is white in color and the other dog is brown in color.

Locals think these dogs will guard their homes from stealing and misfortune. Some people think you can pray here for the fates to show you where a thief is if you've been robbed.

They're thought to be able to detect danger and to hold off anything that may hurt them. That's why they're given such respect from dog statues.

The villagers who have come to live here daily adorn the statues with new garlands of flowers. They pay gratitude for the protection and loyalty of dogs.

The local report says the temple was created in 2010. It was created to recognize the unique relationship between people and dogs.

For the people of Doddathalli these dogs are not animals. They see them as guardians. They worship and respect them.