FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS
India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, and one of the most revered deities in Hinduism is Lord Shiva. Known as the destroyer of evil and the embodiment of purity and devotion, Lord Shiva is worshipped in various forms across the country. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sandy shores of the south, there are numerous Shiva temples in India that attract millions of devotees every year. In this article, we will explore the top 12 magnificent Shiva temples in India that are a must-visit for every Shiva devotee.
1. Amarnath Temple, Kashmir
Located at a staggering height of 3888m in a cave in Jammu and Kashmir, the Amarnath Temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in India. The annual Amarnath Yatra is a challenging yet highly coveted pilgrimage undertaken by devotees to worship the naturally forming ice Linga of Lord Shiva. The journey to the temple involves traversing treacherous mountainous terrain and enduring extreme weather conditions, making it a true test of devotion and faith. The best time to visit the Amarnath Temple is during the tentative dates of the Amarnath Yatra, which usually falls between 27th June to 3rd August.
2. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Situated amidst the scenic Garhwal Himalayan Range, the Kedarnath Temple is not only famous for its breathtaking location but also for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. This holy shrine of Lord Shiva is a significant stop on the Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which also includes visits to Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. To reach the temple, pilgrims have to trek uphill for 22kms from Gaurikund, as the temple is located at a high altitude where proper roads are inaccessible. The best time to visit the Kedarnath Temple is from April to November.
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
Considered one of the holiest Shiva temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the ancient city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that breathing one's last in Kashi (Varanasi) relieves them from the cycle of rebirth and grants them salvation. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishwanath, the lord of the universe, and is visited by devotees from all over the country. Maha Shivratri, which falls in February or March, is a grand celebration at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, with the temple beautifully decorated and devotees offering prayers to Lord Shiva. The best time to visit the temple is from November to February.
4. Kailashnath Temple, Maharashtra
Situated in Ellora, Maharashtra, the Kailashnath Temple is renowned for its architectural brilliance and is considered one of the finest Shiva temples in India. Built during the 6th to 10th century AD by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, this temple is an excellent example of the Rashtrakuta style of architecture. The temple is carved out of a single rock and is the largest rock-cut temple in India. It has been an inspiration for many future temples constructed in the country. The best time to visit the Kailashnath Temple is from June to March.
5. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple in Gujarat is not only one of the most famous Shiva temples in India but also holds great historical and spiritual significance. It is considered the first Jyotirlinga temple in the country and has been reconstructed multiple times due to invasions by different rulers. The present structure, completed in 1951, showcases the Chalukya-style architecture. The temple is located on the shore of the Arabian Sea, offering a breathtaking view to devotees. The best time to visit the Somnath Temple is from October to March.
6. Brihadeeshwara Temple, Tamil Nadu
Located in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, the Brihadeeshwara Temple is an architectural marvel of the Dravidian era. Built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola in the 11th century, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of South India. The temple is known for its magnificent vimana tower, which is the tallest in South India, and its grand architecture. The Brihadeeshwara Temple is also famous for housing one of the largest Shiv Lingas and Nandi statues in India. The best time to visit the temple is from October to March.
7. Lingaraj Temple, Odisha
The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is an architectural masterpiece and one of the prominent Shiva temples in India. Built during the 6th to 11th century by the Somavamsi Dynasty, this temple showcases the Kalinga style of architecture. It is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to Lord Lingaraj, a form of Lord Shiva. The Lingaraj Temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful murals, which depict the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. The best time to visit the temple is throughout the year.
8. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
Located on the island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India and is considered highly sacred by devotees. The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Rama and is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for killing Ravana. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur and the 22 holy water tanks within its premises. The best time to visit the temple is from October to April.
9. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India and holds immense spiritual significance. The temple is situated on the banks of the holy Shipra River and is known for its unique form of Shiva Linga, which is believed to be self-manifested. The Mahakaleshwar Temple is also associated with several legends and is a prominent pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees. The best time to visit the temple is from November to February.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Gujarat
Located near Dwarka in Gujarat, the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nageshwar. The temple holds immense religious significance and is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna defeated the demon Nageshwar. The temple is known for its serene ambiance and the massive statue of Lord Shiva. It is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees who visit Dwarka and seek blessings from Lord Nageshwar. The best time to visit the temple is from October to March.
11. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Situated in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the banks of the Krishna River and is surrounded by the Nallamala forest. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared in the form of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba. The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the annual Maha Shivaratri festival. The best time to visit the temple is from October to March.
12. Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Situated on an island called Mandhata in Madhya Pradesh, the Omkareshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its unique shape, resembling the "Om" symbol when viewed from above. The island is surrounded by the Narmada River, which adds to the scenic beauty of the temple. The Omkareshwar Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees and offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The best time to visit the temple is from October to March.
In Conclusion
India is home to numerous magnificent Shiva temples that hold immense religious, cultural, and architectural significance. These temples attract millions of devotees from all over the country and the world who come to seek blessings and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. Whether it's the challenging Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir or the serene Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, each temple has its own unique charm and spiritual aura. Visiting these Shiva temples in India is not only a religious experience but also an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the country. So, plan your pilgrimage and embark on a spiritual journey to these magnificent Shiva temples in India.