Shiva is the supreme god of destruction and transformation, worshiped throughout India in many sacred temples. The temples are rich in mythology and spirituality and attract millions of devotees every year. If you are a devotee of Shiva or a spiritual traveler, here are ten famous Shiva temples in India that you should visit.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (25 km), and Varanasi Junction is the closest railway station.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Why Visit: Considered as one of the holiest temples in Hinduism, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vishwanath, the “Ruler of the Universe.” Located in the ancient city of Varanasi, this temple has immense religious significance and is believed to grant moksha (liberation) to devotees.
2. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
- Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (239 km). One has to trek 16 km from Gaurikund to reach the temple.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (Closed during winters)
- Why Visit: Located in the Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. This ancient temple, accessible only after an arduous trek, is revered as the place where Lord Shiva resides in his eternal form.
3. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
- Location: Somnath, Gujarat
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Diu Airport (85 km), and the nearest railway station is Veraval (7 km).
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Why Visit: Somnath Temple is considered to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, majestically standing on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The temple dates back to ancient times and has been reconstructed multiple times after its destruction by invaders.
4. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (55 km), and Ujjain Junction is well-connected by trains.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Why Visit: This is one of those temples because it has a ‘Swayambhu’ Jyotirlinga, i.e., a Jyotirlinga which has self-manifested. The Bhasma Aarti, with all that sacred ash put on the lingam from freshly cremated bodies, is breathtaking and spiritually elevating.
5. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
- Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (174 km), and Rameswaram Railway Station is well-connected.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Why Visit: This temple is of importance because it has a connection with the epic Ramayana where, according to legend, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva before crossing Lanka. It houses the longest corridor in the world, which adds to its architecture.
6. Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik (Maharashtra)
- Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Nashik Airport (30 km), and Nashik Road Railway Station is the closest.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Why Visit: Trimbakeshwar Temple is located near the origin of the Godavari River and boasts a unique Jyotirlinga representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). This temple is also the site for the sacred Kumbh Mela.
7. Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
- Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Indore Airport (77 km), and Omkareshwar Road Railway Station is 12 km away.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Why Visit: Omkareshwar Temple is another important Jyotirlinga shrine, located on an island in the Narmada River shaped like the sacred ‘Om’ symbol. This place is believed to possess extremely powerful spiritual energy.
8. Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar (Jharkhand)
- Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Ranchi Airport (270 km), and Jasidih Junction is the closest railway station (8 km).
- Best Time to Visit: July to March
- Why Visit: It is said that Ravana had come to Baidyanath Dham to worship Lord Shiva before seeking invincibility. The pilgrims go through a whopping 108 km trek, which they cover on foot, carrying Ganges water all the way to offer there.
9. Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh)
- Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Hyderabad Airport (190 km), and Markapur Railway Station is 85 km away.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Why Visit: Located in the Nallamala Hills, the Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the Jyotirlingas and also a Shakti Peetha, which makes it doubly important. The temple is known for its elaborate architecture and spiritual ambiance.
10. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
- Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (4 km), and Bhubaneswar Railway Station is well-connected.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Why Visit: Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest temples in Odisha and reflects a mix of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The tall spire and the long celebrations during Shivratri make it a must-visit for Shiva devotees.
Conclusion
Visiting these sacred temples is a divine experience, connecting devotees to the supreme energy of Lord Shiva. Whether you are on a spiritual quest or a cultural exploration, these temples promise an unforgettable journey of faith and devotion.
If you are planning a pilgrimage, make sure to include these ten magnificent temples in your itinerary!