
Most Spoken Languages In India: Hindi To Tamil To Marathi And Urdu
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Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India and serves as one of the country's official languages. It is primarily spoken in northern and central states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. 2. Bengali – 100 million
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Bengali is the dominant language in West Bengal and also spoken in parts of Assam and Tripura. It has a rich literary and cultural tradition and is one of the oldest languages of the subcontinent. 3. Marathi – 85 million
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Marathi is mainly spoken in Maharashtra and Goa. It has a deep connection to Indian history, particularly through the Maratha Empire and its vibrant literary heritage. 4. Telugu – 83 million
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Telugu is the principal language of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Known for its poetic elegance, it's one of the classical languages of India. 5. Tamil – 78 million
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Spoken predominantly in Tamil Nadu, Tamil is one of the world's oldest living languages. It boasts a vast classical literature and is deeply rooted in Dravidian culture. 6. Gujarati – 60 million
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Gujarati is spoken in the state of Gujarat and by diaspora communities worldwide. It has a strong presence in business and trade and is known for its simplicity and rhythmic flow. 7. Urdu – 55 million
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Urdu is widely spoken in parts of northern India including Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Renowned for its poetic charm, it shares much of its vocabulary and script with Persian and Arabic. 8. Kannada – 48 million
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Kannada is the official language of Karnataka and one of the classical languages of India. It has a rich heritage in literature, music, and theatre. 9. Odia – 38 million
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Spoken in Odisha, Odia is another classical Indian language. It is known for its ancient literary works and cultural traditions linked to the Jagannath temple and dance forms. 10. Malayalam – 35 million
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Malayalam is mainly spoken in Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry. It is known for its lyrical beauty and strong literary tradition. 11. Punjabi – 34 million
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Punjabi is primarily spoken in Punjab and by communities across northern India. Its energetic tone and rhythmic structure are widely celebrated in music and poetry.

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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
As population peaks, India's families shrink: Choice, cost and careers reshape households across generations
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Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka employee with ‘North Indian colleagues' alleges discrimination at new workplace
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India.com
2 hours ago
- India.com
From Chandni Chowk To Connaught Place: Explore These 6 Must-Visit Temples In Delhi For Rudrabhishek Puja In The Holy Month Of Sawan
photoDetails english 2930644 Discover 6 spiritually significant Shiva temples in Delhi, stretching from Chandni Chowk to Connaught Place, where you can perform Rudrabhishek during the holy month of Sawan. These temples offer an ideal setting for devotion, peace, and connection with Lord Shiva. Each temple holds historical and spiritual importance, drawing thousands of devotees. Make your Sawan 2025 spiritually fulfilling with these divine visits. Updated:Jul 12, 2025, 12:05 PM IST 1 / 9 The holy month of Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most spiritually charged times of the Hindu calendar. Devotees across the country perform Rudrabhishek, a powerful Vedic ritual of worshipping Lord Shiva with sacred offerings like milk, water, honey, and bilva leaves. Delhi, the capital of India, is home to many ancient and spiritually significant temples where Rudrabhishek is performed with utmost devotion. Here's a list of must-visit Shiva temples in Delhi during Sawan for a divine and blissful experience. Gauri Shankar Temple, Chandni Chowk 2 / 9 Historic and Spiritually Rich Located near the Red Fort in Old Delhi, this 800-year-old temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the city. It houses an 800-year-old lingam and is known for its peaceful aura amidst the chaos of Chandni Chowk. During Sawan, the temple is beautifully decorated, and Rudrabhishek is performed by priests amid chants of the Rudram. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Mandir Marg 3 / 9 A Serene Spot in Central Delhi Nestled near Connaught Place, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Neelkanth form — the one who consumed poison during the Samudra Manthan. Devotees flock here during Sawan Mondays to perform Rudrabhishek, believing it brings peace, health, and protection from negativity. Shri Udaseen Karshni Ashram (Shiv Mandir), Rajghat 4 / 9 A Spiritual Haven by the Yamuna This lesser-known temple near Rajghat is a serene spiritual center. It hosts daily Rudrabhishek ceremonies during Sawan, attracting those seeking a quiet, focused environment for prayer and devotion. The temple is known for following strict Vedic rituals. Prachin Shiv Mandir, Connaught Place 5 / 9 An Ancient Temple Beneath Modern Delhi This underground temple in the heart of Delhi is a hidden gem. Despite its modest size, it has a powerful spiritual presence. During Sawan, long queues of devotees come to offer jal (holy water) and participate in Rudrabhishek to seek Lord Shiva's blessings for strength and fulfillment of desires. Shri Shiv Durga Mandir, Moti Bagh 6 / 9 Blending Devotion and Community Spirit This temple is actively involved in hosting community Rudrabhishek events, where groups of devotees come together in devotion. Known for its disciplined rituals and bhajans, it offers a wholesome spiritual experience, especially on Sawan Mondays and Shivratri. Jhandewalan Shiv Mandir 7 / 9 Vibrant Celebrations During Sawan While Jhandewalan is famous for its Devi temple, its adjoining Shiv Mandir sees thousands of devotees during Sawan. The Rudrabhishek rituals here are performed with a lot of devotion, accompanied by Vedic chants and special pujas throughout the holy month. Why Perform Rudrabhishek During Sawan? 8 / 9 Powerful Ritual for Peace, Prosperity, and Protection Rudrabhishek is considered one of the most potent forms of Lord Shiva worship. Performing this ritual in the month of Sawan — when Lord Shiva's energy is believed to be most accessible — can bring spiritual purification, destroy negative karma, and fulfill heartfelt wishes. It is also a deeply meditative experience for devotees, offering emotional and spiritual healing. 9 / 9 If you're in Delhi during Sawan 2025, visiting these Shiva temples for Rudrabhishek can be a soul-stirring experience. Whether you're seeking spiritual cleansing, health, or blessings for success, the energy during this time is immensely powerful. Step into these sacred spaces, offer your devotion, and connect with the divine.