India has no dearth of religious places to explore. Whether you are a Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Christian, or Muslim, you will find a plethora of places that have deep religious significance. If you are a Hindu devotee and want to explore the best Shiva mandirs in India, you must book the right pilgrimage tour package through a reputed tour agency. You will find 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva that are scattered all over the country. Pilgrims travel to these places in large numbers to seek the blessings of Shiva. Some of the famous Shiva temples in India are as follows:
This is one of the best Shiva temples in the country that you can visit during your pilgrimage tour. In this temple, the deity is decorated with holy ashes in the morning. Thousands of devotees gather here to seek blessings from the deity. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India that is worth exploring by Hindu devotees. The name ‘Mahakal’ is derived from Sanskrit. ‘Maha’ means ‘great’ and ‘Kaal’ means ‘time and death’. People believe that Lord Shiva or Mahakaleshwar used to reside at this place. According to a popular legend, Lord Shiva pierced the whole world with an infinite pillar of light. This is called Jyotirlinga. Thus, the places in which the Lord Shiva appeared are known as Jyotirlinga shrines.
The architecture of this beautiful temple is quite impressive and is influenced by the structural styles of Chalukya, Bhumija, and Maratha. The temple complex has 5 levels. The Garbha Griha and Sabha Mandap are decorated with beautiful sculptures. These statues depict important Hindu Gods and mythological events. The sanctum has the Jyotirlinga, which is the center of rituals and devotion. You will find the sanctified statue of Lord Shiva there. In the sanctum sanctorum, you will find the images of Kartikeya, Ganesh, and Parvati that are placed on the east, west, and north, respectively. There is a statue of Nagchandreshwar on the third floor of the temple, which the pilgrims can view only on Nag Panchami.
It is also one of the Jyotirlingas in India that you must not forget to visit during your pilgrimage tour. People believe that the one who worships in this temple completes the Kedarnath and Panch Kedar. Pilgrims have a deep reverence for this temple. They visit this temple in large numbers to get the blessings of Lord Shiva for a Child. The Parikrama around the temple is extremely important as it purifies the souls of pilgrims. It cleanses their sins and offers them salvation after death.
The Omakareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is the fourth jyotirlinga, which is visited by innumerable people from all corners of the country. The divine energy that exists in the temple leads you to the path of self-realization. The religious importance of the temple is not only found in the Skanda Purana, but also in the Shiva and Vayu Puranas. Many festivals are celebrated in this temple, such as Kartik Poornima, Maha Shivratri, Makar Sankranti, Diwali, etc.
The architecture of Omkareshwar Temple is inspired by Nagara-style architecture. Constructed in the North Indian style, the temple has beautiful walls, ceilings, and paintings. Several Verandahs are found in the temple in different shapes, such as squares, circles, and polygons. The temple not only houses Omkareshwar, but also Gupteshwar, Mahakaleshwar, and Dhwajadhari Shikhar. Apart from that, you will also find the shrines of Maa Ananapoorna, Panchamukhi Ganesh, Devi Narmada, Shani Dev, Lord Krishna, etc in the temple complex.
Another Shiva temple that you must explore during your pilgrimage tour is the Brihadeeswara Temple. It is also called Peruvudaiyar Kovil. Located in Thanjavur, this is one of the largest Shiva temples in the country. The temple was constructed in 1010 AD by Rajaraja Chola I. It is one of the best Shiva temples as it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the striking features of the temple is a large statue of Nandi, who is the bull of Lord Shiva. This idol is made out of a single rock. The main tower of the temple is approximately 216 feet high. The structure of the temple is made of granite. The ‘Gopurams’ of the temple are beautifully designed.
Brihadeeswara Temple perfectly represents the power of the Chola dynasty. People believe that the whole temple was constructed within 7 days, which is next to impossible in those days. You can also explore other temples that are located near the Brihadeeswara Temple. Some of them include Kailasanthar Temple, Bangaru Kamaskshi Temple, and Thiruvanajozhi Temple. These temples are immensely popular for their intricate carvings, cultural significance, and architectural beauty. You can also visit Rajali Birds Park, which offers a great experience for nature lovers.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is situated at a height of 3,584 meters. Kedarnath is a part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage and is amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas and renovated by Adi Shankaracharya. It is one of the most revered sacred places in the country and is visited by innumerable devotees who come from different parts of the country. The mesmerizing view of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country.
The architecture of the Kedarnath Temple is quite impressive. It is inspired by the Nagara-style architecture. The temple has 2 sections—a Mandap or main hall and a Garhagriha or Sanctum sanctorum. While the Garbhagriha is a tall structure with a Shikhara, the Mandap is the place where people gather before visiting the Garbhagriha. The Lingam at the Kedarnath temple is a naturally formed rock. You will also find the Shiva idol in the Garbhagriha in the shape of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. There is also an idol of Nandi in the Mandap, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath Temple also houses a variety of statues of Krishna, Draupadi, Pandavas, Virbhadra, etc.
Located in Bhorgiri, Bhimashankar Temple is another Shiva temple that is worth visiting in the country. It is one of the most popular Shiva temples in India that you can visit during your pilgrimage tour. This temple has a Nagara-style architecture, which perfectly showcases the artistic skills of Vishwakarma sculptors. The temple was constructed in the thirteenth century. However, its sabha mandap was built in the 18th century by Nana Phadanvis. A legend is attached to this temple. According to it, the Bhima River came into being due to the conflict between Shiva and the demon Tripurasura. The temple attracts devotees and pilgrims from different regions of the country. They seek the blessings of Shiva and get freedom from their sins. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of the country and holds a great religious significance for Hindus.
Pilgrims visit this place to get spiritual enlightenment and blessings. People believe that offering prayers at the Bhimashankar Temple will offer them peace and prosperity. The tranquil environment of this sacred place, lush forests, and the flowing Bhima River create a mystic environment here. Once you visit this temple, you will feel a deeper connection with Lord Shiva. The temple is an architectural marvel. Its design resembles a chariot, and it is a great example of architectural creativity. The design of the temple makes it stand out from other temples located in the country.
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is also one of the iconic Shiva temples in India that attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over the country. The temple is a sacred place for Hindu devotees that showcases the diverse cultural heritage of the country. Once you are here, you will receive the spiritual enlightenment that you are yearning for. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is highly revered by the Hindu devotees. This temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country and is visited by a large number of visitors from all over the country. There is a legend related to this temple. According to it, a sage named Gautama performed a penance to please Lord Shiva. After getting satisfied with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and granted his wish. Due to this, the Godavari River poured down from the hills named Brahamagiri.
Pilgrims have a deep reverence for this holy site. They visit this place to get the blessings of the sacred river. They also seek the blessings of Shiva after visiting the temple. Once you enter the temple, you will be awe-struck to see its beauty. The sculptural motifs and carvings display the events related to Gods as well as Goddesses. The environment of the temple becomes mystical with the smell of incense sticks and the chanting of the pilgrims.
It is among the most popular Lord Shiva temples in India. Located in Veraval, Somnath Temple is one of the most popular Jyotirlingas in the country. This temple has a rich history. It has been destroyed multiple times by the attackers. They got attracted to the wealth of the temple. However, it was rebuilt on multiple occasions after its destruction. Due to these events, this temple is known as the eternal shine. The pilgrims from all regions of the country visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. There are many legends associated with this temple. According to a legend, the Moon God undertook penance here to get freedom from the curse given by Daksha Prajapati, who was his father-in-law.
Pilgrims have a deep reverence for this temple. It is the first among the 12 jyotirlingas of the country. The temple represents the divine power and offers spiritual renewal to the devotees. The architecture of the Somnath Temple is quite impressive. The intricate carvings used here enhance the beauty of this temple. Its design is inspired by Chalukya architecture. Once you enter the temple, you will find a photo gallery there. The photos display the ruins, excavations, and renovations of the temple. The architecture of the temple is beautiful and is decorated with breathtaking stone sculptures and carvings.
Located in Ujjain, Kal Bhairav Temple is another famous Shiva temple in India that you must visit during your pilgrimage tour. Situated on the Shipra River, it is one of the most visited Shiva temples of the city. This place is widely popular for its unique tradition of offering wine to God. The temple was constructed by King Bhadrasen between the ninth to thirteenth centuries. One of the unique features of this temple is its beautiful paintings that are made in the Malwa style. According to a legend, Mahadaji Shinde, who was a general in the army of Marathas, provided his pagri to the Lord and prayed for the victory of Marathas in the war. Once he won the battle, he renovated the temple to its present state.
Pilgrims from different regions of the country visit this temple to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. Devotees provide liquor to the Lord here. They pour the liquor into a plate and keep it close to the mouth of the God. The liquor disappears within a few minutes. The disappearance of the liquor is still a mystery at this place. This temple is popular for its beautiful sculptures and intricate carvings. These carvings offer you a valuable insight into the rich history of the country. This is an important cultural landmark that is surrounded by lush green gardens.
Mangueshi Temple is one of the revered places to explore by Hindu devotees. It is among the most visited temples in the country. Located at Mangaeshi Village in Goa, it is one of the popular temples of Lord Shiva. The ones who visit this temple must follow a dress code before visiting it. The temple complex also houses the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati. Apart from these idols, you will find other statues in this temple.
If you are a strong believer in Lord Shiva, you must visit the popular Shiva temples in India. From the Brihadeeswara Temple to Kedarnath Temple, Somath Temple, and Kal Bhairav Temple, you will find many temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. If you are looking to explore these sacred sites, you must choose the best pilgrimage tour package through the best travel agents.