12 Famous Shiva Temples In India You Must Visit!

These 12 Famous Shiva temples in India are considered among the most famous pilgrimage sites in the country. Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil, is worshipped in various forms and manifestations in these ancient temples, which have been built over centuries. Devotees from all over the world visit these sacred sites to seek blessings and offer prayers to the almighty.

Plan your visit to these 12 Famous Shiva Temples In India

So, if you’re a Shiva bhakt or just someone interested in exploring India’s rich cultural heritage, read on to discover these 12 Famous Shiva Temples In India.

Journey to these 12 Shiva Temples In India

Somnath Temple

According to popular belief, the Moon God built Somnath Temple to thank Lord Shiva. The temple was attacked and stolen multiple times in the past, but it has since been restored to its original glory.

The temple is designed in the Chalukya style, with many pillars, but Jain architectural features can also be found in some areas. The sanctuary houses the sacred Jyotirlinga.

• How to reach Somnath Temple? Somnath Temple is located in Gujarat, accessible by road via NH51, by rail to Veraval Railway Station (5 km away), and by air to Diu Airport (90 km away).
• What is Somnath Temple famous for? Somnath Temple is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a revered Hindu pilgrimage site.
• Best time to visit Somnath Temple: The best time to visit Somnath Temple is October to March for pleasant weather.

Brihadeeswarar Temple

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.

Devotees and visitors flock to the Brihadeeswarar Temple not only for its religious importance but also to admire its historical and artistic value, making it a symbol of heritage and devotion in the heart of Tamil Nadu.

• How to reach Brihadeeswarar Temple? Accessible by road via major highways, the nearest airport is in Tiruchirappalli (about 60 km away), and the nearest railway station is Thanjavur Junction.
• What is Brihadeeswarar Temple famous for? The Brihadeeswarar Temple is famous for its magnificent Dravidian architecture and the massive Shiva lingam.
• Best time to visit Brihadeeswarar Temple: The Best time to visit Brihadeeswarar Temple is from October to March for pleasant weather.

Amarnath Cave Temple

The Amarnath Cave Temple, located in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It holds immense religious significance as it is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to his wife Parvati.

• How to reach Amarnath Cave Temple? Located in the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir, accessible by road via Srinagar (about 141 km away), the nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, and Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest major railhead.
• What is Amarnath Cave Temple famous for? Housing an ice stalagmite formed naturally and is a significant pilgrimage site for Lord Shiva devotees.
• Best time to visit Amarnath Cave Temple: The best time to visit Amarnath Cave Temple is from July to August during the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.

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Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple has the distinction of being a Shaktipeeth. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhramarambika and is located atop the Nallamala Hills. It is one of the famous Jyotirlinga In India.

The temple is a respected Hindu holy site devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is designed in Chalukya and Maratha styles and contains a Shiva Lingam that is thought to be Swayambhu.

• How to reach Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple? Located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, accessible by car via NH40; the nearest railway station is Markapur car (85 km away), and the nearest airport is Hyderabad Airport (212 km away).
• What is Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple famous for? Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the Shakti Peetha of Goddess Bhramaramba.
• Best time to visit Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple: The best time to visit Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is October to February for cooler temperatures.

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple, located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva.

This ancient temple holds immense religious and cultural significance as it is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines and is associated with the epic Ramayana, making it a famous place of worship for millions of devotees.

• How to reach Ramanathaswamy Temple? It is accessible by road via NH 49, the nearest airport is Madurai Airport (about 170 km away), and Rameswaram Railway Station connects to major cities.
• What is Ramanathaswamy Temple famous for? Ramanathaswamy Temple is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines and its expansive corridors.
• Best time to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple: The Best time to visit Ramanathaswamy Temple is from October to April for favorable weather conditions.

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Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple, near the head of the Mandakini River, is one of the Char Dhams (places where Hindus can achieve fast moksha). It is one of Lord Shiva’s holy shrines. It is considered to be one of the famous Shiva Temples In India.

Begin by praying at the main shrine, which contains the ‘Kedarnath Lingam’. The temple’s architecture is stunning, as it was constructed with grey stones and no mortar. It is one of the most prominent Jyotirlingas in India.

• How to reach Kedarnath Temple? Situated in Uttarakhand, accessible by road via NH7, the nearest railhead is Rishikesh Railway Station (189 km away), and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (239 km away).
• What is Kedarnath Temple famous for? Kedarnath Temple is famous for being One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and for its stunning Himalayan backdrop.
• Best time to visit Kedarnath Temple: The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is from May to June and September to October for pilgrimage; avoid monsoon due to heavy rains.

Lingaraj Temple

The Lingaraj Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is one of the most prominent and largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. It is considered to be one of the important Shiva temples in India.

The Lingaraj Temple is renowned for its unique architectural style, exquisite sculptures, and spiritual importance, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists each year to witness its magnificent and divine aura.

• How to reach Lingaraj Temple? Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, accessible by road via NH16, the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (about 4 km away), and Bhubaneswar Railway Station connects to major cities.
• What is the Lingaraj Temple famous for? This temple is famous for being dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its exquisite architecture and sculptures.
• Best time to visit Lingaraj Temple: The best time to visit Lingaraj Temple is from October to March for comfortable sightseeing.

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Grishneshwar Temple

Grishneswar Sanctuary, less than an hour from Aurangabad, is a well-known Lord Shiva sanctuary. It is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple in India. The temple’s walls also have vivid murals representing Lord Vishnu in various avatars.

You can pray in the medieval temple, see the wonderful South Indian architectural style, and eat prasad offerings.

• How to reach Grishneshwar Temple? It is accessible by road via NH53, the nearest railhead is Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km away), and the nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport.
• What is Grishneshwar Temple famous for? Grishneshwar Temple is famous for one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and its beautiful architecture.
• Best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple: The best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple is from October to March for a comfortable visit.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, or most important Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The original temple is supposed to have been constructed in 1490 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.

As you approach the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you’ll notice the magnificent spire (shikhara) that towers over the city. The temple was designed in the North Indian architectural style, with intricate carvings and ornamentation.

• How to reach Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple? Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, accessible by road via NH31, the nearest railhead is Varanasi Junction, and the nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
• What is Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple famous for? Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is famous for being One of the holiest temples in Hinduism and a major pilgrimage site.
• Best time to visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The best time to visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is from October to March for a pleasant visit.

Kailashnath Temple

The Kailashnath Temple, located in Ellora, Maharashtra, India, is an architectural marvel carved out of a single rock, representing the top of ancient Indian craftsmanship and devotion.

Its significance lies in being one of the largest monolithic rock-cut temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also one of the famous Shiva temples In India.

• How to reach Kailashnath Temple? Situated in Ellora, Maharashtra, accessible by road via Aurangabad (about 30 km away), the nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, and Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
• What is Kailashnath Temple famous for? It has Remarkable rock-cut architecture and is one of the largest monolithic structures in the world.
• Best time to visit Kailashnath Temple: The best time to visit Kailashnath Temple is from November to February to avoid extreme heat.

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Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as Darukavana in the Shiv Purana, is around 20 minutes from Dwarka’s city center. The name Darukuvana is derived from the Sanskrit word for deodar forests.

You can seek divine blessings at the underground Shiv Linga, participate in a mandir-parikrama, and learn about the interesting legends that surround this religious monument.

• How to reach Nageshwar Jyotirlinga? It is located near Dwarka in Gujarat, accessible by road via NH947, the nearest railhead is Dwarka Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport (137 km away).
• What is Nageshwar Jyotirlinga famous for? Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is famous for one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the presence of a large statue of Lord Shiva in a reclining position.
• Best time to visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: The best time to visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is from October to March for a comfortable visit.

Suggested read: 12 Jyotirlingas In India

In conclusion, India is home to numerous Shiva temples attracting millions of devotees yearly. These temples are not only places of worship but also hold immense historical and cultural significance, showcasing India’s rich heritage and diversity. We would love to hear from you about your visit to the temples in India, feel free to leave a comment.

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