Top 20 Shiva Temples in India that Every Shiva Devotee should Visit
The glory of Lord Shiva is widespread as he is known to bless his devotees with a happy and blissful married life and his worshippers adore him for generous boons. Lord Shiva is the supreme power as per the religious beliefs of Hindus, who has played a vital role in Indian culture. In mythologies, he has been for his contrast personality like a peaceful entity as well as a fierce deity. In diverse states of India, Lord Shiva is being worshipped in different forms. This is the reason; there are several temples of Lord Shiva in India.
The festival of Mahashivratri celebrates the wedding day of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvathi. On this day, a grand celebration is organized and worshipping is done to the Shivlingam. People usually keep fast on this special eve. A number of Shiva temples in India are there to celebrate this special occasion on grand level. Explore top 20 Shiva temples of India.
Read More: 10 Popular Krishna Temples to Visit in India
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu Shiva temple and one of the twelve Jyotirlingams. It is considered to be one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. Located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the Madhya Pradesh state of India, the temple is built of the edge of Rudra Sagar Lake. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple, who is present there in the form of lingam and believed to deriving currents of power within himself.
Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Brihadisvara Temple is one of the most recognized Hindu temples in Thanjavur. It is an excellent example of fully recognized Dravidian architecture. The temple features a huge colonnaded corridor and one of the largest Shiva lingams in India. Known for the excellence of its sculpture – the brass Nataraja, the Shiva temple also includes shrines of Nandi, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Kartikeya, Lord Ganesha, Sabhapati, Dakshinamurti, Chandeshvara, Varahi and others. It is not one of the popular Shiva temples of South India but also among the most visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple, Shivapuri
Omkareshwar is another famous Shiva temple of India. Located on an island named Shivapuri in the Narmada River, it is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. There are two temples of Lord Shiva here – one of Omkareshwar situated in the island and one of Amareshwar situated on the southern bank of Narmada River on the mainland. Due to located near the water bodies, the temple creates a wonderful view. The temple offers ample of facilities for its visitors, including food, parking, stay and medical.
Bhimashankar Temple, Pune
Situated 127 km away from Shivaji Nagar in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the most popular temples of Lord Shiva and a Jyotirlinga shrine as well. The temple is a perfect blend of old and new structures in the Nagara style of architecture. It displays the excellence of the skills accomplished by Vishwakarma sculptors. The elegant temple dates back to the 13th century but its sabha mandap was constructed by Nānā Phadnavis in the 18th century. It is one of the must visit attractions of the city.
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand state of India, Kedarnath is a popular Shiva temple that is one of the key destinations of 'Chardham Yatra'. Situated on the Garhwal Himalayan Range close to Mandakini River, it is a highly respected Shiva Temple in all over of the world among the Hindus. The temple is located at an elevation of about 3583 meters and it receives great snowfall in winters. On the auspicious celebration of Mahashivratri, a grand celebration takes place.
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Nasik
Located between three hills named Brahmagiri, Nilagiri and Kalagiri, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated Lord Shiva. The temple houses three lingams representing Shiv, Vishnu and Brahma. The present day temple was constructed by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. It features a holy pond called Amritavarshini. There are more water bodies in this temple. The Shiva temple is visited by a number of devotees on a daily basis.
Vaidyanathdham, Deoghar
The literal meaning of Vaidyanath is the Lord as doctor. As per the legends, Shiva treated the slashed heads of Ravana like a doctor that he severed in order to please Lord Shiva. Baidyanath Dham is one of the Jyotirlingams of India, which is located in Jharkhand state of India. It is one of the most popular Shiva temples of India. The temples complex is comprised of 22 temples having dissimilar heights dedicated to various deities. Various antique elements can be seen in this temple. The auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri is celebrated here with great fervor.
Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
Vadakkunnathan Temple is a very popular Shiva temple of South India, located in the state of Kerala. Lord Shiva is recognized as Vadakkunnathan here. It is said that Vadakkunnathan Temple is the first temple to be constructed by Lord Parshurama. A huge amount of ghee is offered here to the deity in worshipping. Ghee is given to the devotees as Prasadam to take back home. Maha Shivaratri is the prime festival of the temple, where a number of cultural and musical programs are celebrated. More than one lakh temple lamps are illuminated on this festival.
Somnath Temple, Veraval
The historical temple of Somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is much admired among the devotees. The temple has been attacked and looted several times by international invaders. The current temple of Somnath was built in year 1947, which features a Chalukya Style of architecture located near the seashore. On Maha Shivratri, the temple becomes a place of attraction for the visitors.
Also Read About:Temples of Jain Faith Every Indian should Visit
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Jamnagar
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India, which is also among the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The temple is considered to be a sacred place in the region. Situated on the route between Dwarka city and Bet Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra region in Gujarat, this important Lord Shiva Temple features a 25 meters tall statue of a sitting Lord Shiva. There is a huge garden with a pond, which are the key attractions of this tranquil place. You can visit the place on the eve of Maha Shivratri.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Located in Rameswaram Island of the Tamil Nadu state of India, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the lord Shiva. It is also among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. This Shiva temple was expanded during the 12th century by Pandya Dynasty, and its main shrine sanctum was restored by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan of the Jaffna kingdom. Having the longest corridor amidst all Hindu temples of India, it is a must visit attraction of the city.
Grishneshwar Temple, Aurangabad
Also referred to as the Ghrneshwar Jyotirlinga or Dhushmeshwar temple, Grishneshwar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines as per the Shiva Purana. The temple is a prime pilgrimage site for the Shaivism sect of Hinduism. The temple is located about 1 km away from the famous Ellora Caves. This temple has a history of several re-constructions and re-destructions during the Mughal-Maratha conflict. At present, it is a significant pilgrimage site of the Hindus, which attracts a huge number of devotees every day.
Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain
Kal Bhairav temple is one of the most revered Shiva temples of India. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Lord Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of the city. Situated on the banks of the River Shipra, it is one of the liveliest temples of the city that is visited by hundreds of devotees every day. One of the strangest aspects of this temple is that people offer liquor to the temple deity.
Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most revered Shiva temples of India, which is located in holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh state. It too is one among the twelve Jyotirlingas. It possesses an important place in heart of the Lord Shiva’s followers. During the Maha Shivratri festival, the temple becomes beautifully decorated.
Read About: List of the Richest Temples in India
Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
Lingaraja Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the most prominent landmark in Bhubaneswar city and a key attraction of the state as well. The temple features a central tower that is 180 feet tall. The temple symbolizes the essence of the Kalinga architecture and culminates the medieval stages of the architectural traditions of the city. Constructed in the Deula style, the temple has four major components namely, Vimana (structure having the sanctum), Jagamohana (assembly hall), Natamandira (festival hall) and Bhoga-Mandapa (hall of offerings). The temple complex features around 50 shrines and is surrounded with a huge compound wall. For the followers of Lord Shiva, it is a must visit place.
Mangueshi Temple, Goa
Dedicated to Lord Manguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Mangueshi Temple is one of the most visited temples of Goa. It is located at Mangeshi Village of Ponda taluk in Goa. The main deity of the temple is worshipped here as Shivlinga making it one of the most renowned temples of Lord Shiva. Visitors of the temple have to follow a dress code while visiting. The temple complex also enshrines the Goddess Parvathi and God Ganesha. There are idols of many other gods and goddesses in this temple.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a popular Hindu Shiva temple where god is worshipped as Nilkanth - a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is one among the most respected holy shrines of Lord Shiva. The site is surrounded with dense forests and located close to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. Surrounded between stunning valleys, this Shiva temple is situated at the convergence of the Rivers Pankaja and Madhumati. On the eve of Shivaratri, it is a must visit place.
Amarnath Temple, Srinagar
Amarnath cave is the most regarded Shiva temple of India, which is located in Jammu and Kashmir. Positioned at an altitude of 3,888 meters, the shrine plays an important role in the life of the followers of Hinduism. The cave is surrounded by snowcapped mountains and is covered with snow almost maximum part of the year except summer when it is open for pilgrims. Amarnath turns into a pilgrimage center for thousand of Hindu devotees every year who visit the place challenging mountainous terrains.
Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli
Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple of Lord Shiva, located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Nellaiappar, who is symbolized by the lingam and his consort Parvathi is portrayed as Kanthimathi Amman. Positioned on the northern banks of Thamirabarani River, temple is spread over 14 acres. This temple features a gopuram that is 850 feet long and 756 feet wide.
Maheswaram Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Maheswaram Temple is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva where Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The temple is also known as Maheswaram Sri Sivaparvathi Temple and built using Krishna Stone and wood in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. This temple welcomes everyone irrespective of their caste, creed and religion. It features 70 pillars exhibiting fineness in sculptures. For the lovers of art and religion, it is a must place.
Planning a visit to these temples? At EaseMyTrip, you can look for the best deals on flight tickets for the nearest airports of these Shiva temples.
