India, often referred to as the land of temples, is home to numerous shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Known as the Destroyer and Transformer within the Hindu Trinity, Lord Shiva is worshipped across the country with great devotion. Each Shiva temple has its own unique history, architectural style, and spiritual significance. In this article, we explore 12 of the most famous Shiva temples in India that are a must-visit for devotees and spiritual seekers.
1. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most revered and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the holiest shrines of Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Kedarnath is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage that holds immense religious significance in Hinduism.
Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand.
Opening and Closing Timings: The temple is open from April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) to November (Kartik Purnima) each year, depending on weather conditions.
Famous For: Kedarnath Temple is famous for its remote location amidst snow-capped mountains and its association with the Pandavas. The temple attracts millions of devotees during the pilgrimage season, who undertake a challenging trek to reach the shrine.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
History and Significance: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the holy city of Varanasi, is one of the most famous Shiva temples in India. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple has a rich history, having been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structure was built by the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780. The temple is situated on the banks of the River Ganges and is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Opening and Closing Timings: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Famous For: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is famous for its spiritual atmosphere and the Ganga Aarti, a daily ritual on the ghats of the Ganges. It is believed that a visit to this temple and a dip in the Ganges can cleanse one of all sins.
3. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple, located on the western coast of Gujarat, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and its also Famous Shiva Temples. It is believed to have been originally built by the Moon God, Somraj, and has a history of being destroyed and rebuilt several times due to invasions. The current temple structure was reconstructed in 1951 by the Government of India. The temple stands as a symbol of resilience and faith.
Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Opening and Closing Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Famous For: The Somnath Temple is famous for its magnificent architecture and its significance as one of the first Jyotirlingas. The temple’s location by the Arabian Sea adds to its serene and spiritual ambiance.
4. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is one of the most important Shiva temples in India and is also one of the famous Shiva temples and the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is believed to be a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Jyotirlinga, meaning that the Shiva Lingam emerged naturally from the ground. The temple is known for its unique Bhasma Aarti, a ritual where the deity is bathed in ashes.
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
Opening and Closing Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Famous For: The Mahakaleshwar Temple is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, which is performed every morning before dawn. The temple’s significance in Hindu astrology and its role in the Kumbh Mela make it a major pilgrimage site.
5. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is located on the island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is closely associated with the Ramayana, as it is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here to atone for his sins after defeating Ravana. The temple is renowned for its long corridors and magnificent pillars.
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
Opening and Closing Timings: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Famous For: The temple is famous for its architectural grandeur, with the longest temple corridor in the world. The temple’s connection to the Ramayana and its location near the sea make it a significant pilgrimage site.
6. Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar
The Baidyanath Temple, also known as Baba Dham, is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva cured the demon king Ravana, who had offered his ten heads to Shiva. The temple complex houses 22 other temples dedicated to various deities.
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand.
Opening and Closing Timings: 4:00 AM to 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Famous For: The temple is famous for its association with Ravana and the annual Shravani Mela, which attracts millions of devotees. The temple’s unique rituals and the surrounding spiritual atmosphere make it a significant pilgrimage destination.
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7. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it’s the spiritual heart of Odisha. The towering spire and intricate carvings are a breathtaking sight. While non-Hindus can’t enter the main temple, the grandeur of the complex is still awe-inspiring. A visit to Bhubaneswar is incomplete without experiencing the spiritual aura of this iconic temple.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Opening and Closing Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Famous For: The Lingaraj Temple is famous for its architectural beauty and the annual festival of Mahashivaratri. The temple’s towering spire and the presence of over 50 smaller shrines within its complex make it a must-visit for devotees and architecture enthusiasts.
8. Shri Amarnath Ji Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
The Amarnath Cave Temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in India, located in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is known for the naturally occurring ice Shiva Lingam, which is believed to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon. The cave has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, with mentions in ancient texts.
Location: Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Opening and Closing Timings: The temple is open for a limited period during the summer months (June to August).
Famous For: The Amarnath Temple is famous for its challenging pilgrimage, known as the Amarnath Yatra, which involves trekking through rugged terrain. The temple’s natural ice Lingam and the surrounding scenic beauty make it a spiritual and adventurous destination.
9. Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram
The Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest & temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 7th century by the Pallava dynasty, the temple is renowned for its Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the early temple-building style of South India.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
Opening and Closing Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Famous For: The temple is famous for its architectural brilliance and historical significance. The temple’s unique design, with its multiple shrines and intricate sculptures, makes it a popular destination for history buffs and devotees alike.
10. Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. It’s one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams, representing the element of Akasha (space). The temple’s architecture is a stunning blend of Dravidian style and spiritual symbolism. The iconic Nataraja idol, depicting Shiva in his divine dance form, is the main attraction. The temple complex also houses shrines for other deities and is a vibrant center of religious and cultural activities.
Location: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu.
Opening and Closing Timings: 6:00
AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Famous For: The Nataraja Temple is famous for its depiction of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer and its association with classical dance forms. The temple’s architecture and the annual Natyanjali festival attract devotees and art enthusiasts from around the world.
11. Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Haridwar
The Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, located in Kankhal, near Haridwar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of Daksha Yagna, where Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. The temple is believed to have been originally built by King Daksha and later reconstructed. It is an important pilgrimage site, especially during the Kanwar Mela.
Location: Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
Opening and Closing Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Famous For: The temple is famous for its historical and mythological significance, particularly the legend of Daksha Yagna. The temple’s tranquil surroundings and its location near the holy city of Haridwar make it a popular pilgrimage destination.
12. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It was built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its grand scale and architectural brilliance. The temple’s 216-foot-tall Vimana (tower) is one of the tallest in the world.
Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Opening and Closing Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Famous For: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is famous for its monumental architecture and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s massive Lingam and the intricately carved sculptures make it a significant site for devotees and tourists.
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