temples of lord shiva

5 Famous Temples of Lord Shiva in India

India, the land of deep spirituality and timeless traditions, is adorned with countless temples of Lord Shiva, each radiating divine energy and eternal wisdom. Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, is revered as the destroyer of evil and the embodiment of meditation, power, and transformation. Across the country, from the icy Himalayan peaks of Kedarnath to the tranquil southern shores of Rameshwaram, the temples of Shiva stand as magnificent symbols of devotion, mythology, and architectural brilliance.

These sacred shrines are not just places of worship — they are spiritual destinations that narrate the stories of faith, miracles, and cosmic energy. Each temple holds its own legend, reflecting Shiva’s many forms — as the Yogi, the Creator, and the Protector. Visiting these holy sites is considered a soul-stirring pilgrimage that purifies the heart and strengthens one’s connection with the divine.

For every devotee of Mahadev, exploring the temples of Lord Shiva is more than a religious journey — it’s an awakening, a path that leads to inner peace and self-realisation. Let’s discover the five most famous temples of Shiva in India that every pilgrim must visit at least once in their lifetime to feel the true essence of spirituality and divine power.

1. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand – The Abode in the Himalaya

One of the most revered and ancient temples of Lord Shiva in India, the Kedarnath Temple stands tall at an altitude of 3,583 meters, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Himalayas. This sacred shrine, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra, drawing millions of devotees every year. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple symbolises purity, devotion, and spiritual awakening.

According to legend, the Pandavas built this temple to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra war, and it was later restored by the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Nestled beside the holy Mandakini River, the Kedarnath Temple offers an atmosphere of profound peace and divine energy.

Highlights:

  1. Located near the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag district.

  2. Accessible via a scenic Kedarnath trek or helicopter ride from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi.

  3. Renowned for its soul-stirring Rudra Abhishek Aarti.

  4. Best Time to Visit: May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the temple remains open to pilgrims.

A visit to this holy temple of Shiva is not just a journey of faith but a transformative experience that connects you deeply with divinity and nature.

2. Somnath Temple, Gujarat – The First Jyotirlinga

Situated on the western coast of Gujarat, the magnificent Somnath Temple holds immense significance among the temples of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the first and most sacred among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, representing the eternal and indestructible power of faith. The temple’s history is a remarkable tale of resilience — it was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout the centuries due to foreign invasions, yet it continues to stand proudly as a timeless symbol of devotion and strength.

Architecturally, the Somnath Temple showcases the grand Chalukya style, reflecting the skill and artistry of ancient Indian craftsmanship. Overlooking the vast Arabian Sea, the temple offers an awe-inspiring view that evokes a sense of peace and spiritual connection among devotees.

 

Highlights:

  1. Mentioned in sacred texts like the Rig Veda and Skanda Purana, emphasising its ancient heritage.

  2. A mesmerising Light and Sound Show brings to life the temple’s glorious past and divine legends.

  3. Managed by the Shree Somnath Trust, ensuring smooth organization and upkeep.

  4. Best Time to Visit: October to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for pilgrimage.

A visit to this iconic temple of Shiva is not just a religious journey but a profound experience of India’s faith, history, and divine energy.

3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi – The Eternal Abode of Shiva

In the spiritual heart of India, the sacred city of Varanasi is home to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most significant temples of Lord Shiva. Known as the “Golden Temple of Kashi,” it holds unparalleled spiritual importance, as it is believed that anyone who attains death in Kashi achieves moksha (salvation), with Lord Shiva himself whispering the sacred Taraka Mantra in their ears. Over centuries, the temple has been reconstructed multiple times and now forms a key part of the impressive Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, which enhances accessibility and convenience for pilgrims visiting this holy site.

 

Highlights:

  1. Located on the western bank of the sacred Ganges River, offering a divine backdrop for spiritual rituals.

  2. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a soul-stirring experience that reflects devotion and grandeur.

  3. Features a stunning gold-plated dome, adding to its spiritual and architectural splendor.

  4. Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for pilgrimage and sightseeing.

Visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is not just a religious journey but a profound encounter with divinity, spirituality, and the timeless heritage of India’s temples of Shiva.

4. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar – The Ancient Gem of Odisha

Dating back to the 11th century, the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar stands as one of the most magnificent temples of Shiva in eastern India, showcasing the grandeur of Kalinga architecture. Dedicated to Lord Harihara, a unique form combining Shiva and Vishnu, the temple symbolizes the unity of divine powers and reflects the rich spiritual heritage of the region. The expansive temple complex houses more than 50 smaller shrines, making it a fascinating site for both devotees and history enthusiasts.

 

Highlights:

  1. Constructed by King Jajati Keshari of the Somavamsi dynasty, reflecting royal devotion and architectural brilliance.

  2. Non-Hindus can view the temple from an external platform, allowing everyone to appreciate its grandeur.

  3. The temple comes alive during Maha Shivaratri, celebrated with elaborate rituals, cultural programs, and immense devotion.

  4. Best Time to Visit: February to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temple complex.

Visiting the Lingaraj Temple offers a spiritual and cultural experience that beautifully blends devotion, architecture, and history, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the temples of Lord Shiva in India.

5. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram – The Southern Jyotirlinga

Situated on Rameshwaram Island in Tamil Nadu, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva in India. It is both a revered Jyotirlinga and an important site on the Char Dham Yatra, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year. According to legend, Lord Rama installed a Shiva Lingam here to seek divine blessings before embarking on his journey to Lanka to defeat Ravana, making the temple a symbol of devotion, faith, and divine guidance.

The temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors, which are the longest in India, and the 22 sacred water wells (Theerthams), believed to cleanse devotees of their sins and purify the soul. Pilgrims often take ritualistic baths in these wells before entering the sanctum, following centuries-old traditions.

 

Highlights:

  1. Features stunning Dravidian-style architecture, reflecting intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

  2. Pilgrims bathe in 22 sacred wells to purify themselves spiritually.

  3. An integral part of the Char Dham Yatra, making it a must-visit for devotees.

  4. Best Time to Visit: October to April, when the climate is ideal for pilgrimage.

A visit to Ramanathaswamy Temple is not only a spiritual journey but also an experience of India’s divine history and architectural grandeur, making it one of the must-visit temples of Shiva in the country.

The Significance of Temples of Lord Shiva

The temples of Lord Shiva hold profound spiritual significance in Hinduism, serving as sacred spaces where devotees connect with the divine energy of Mahadev. Worshipping Shiva at these temples is believed to cleanse sins, remove negativity, and guide one toward spiritual awakening, fostering inner peace and mental clarity. Each temple, whether perched amidst the towering Himalayan peaks or overlooking serene coastal waters, embodies the cosmic balance between destruction and creation, illustrating the cyclical nature of life and the transformative power of the divine.

These sacred sites are not merely architectural marvels but also centers of devotion, meditation, and cultural heritage. Pilgrims visiting the temples of Shiva often experience a deep sense of purification, reflection, and renewal. Festivals like Maha Shivaratri and daily rituals like Abhishekams amplify the spiritual aura, making each visit a soul-stirring journey. In essence, these temples serve as gateways to divine consciousness, reminding devotees of the eternal presence and blessings of Lord Shiva.

Conclusion

The five famous temples of  Shiva — Kedarnath, Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Lingaraj, and Rameshwaram — are not just places of worship but portals to divinity. Each temple tells a story of unwavering faith, sacred power, and ancient heritage.

Whether you seek peace, blessings, or spiritual awakening, a visit to these shrines connects you with the purest essence of Mahadev — the Lord of the Universe.

FAQs

How many Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are there in India?

There are 12 Jyotirlingas across India, each representing a unique form of Lord Shiva. These include Kedarnath, Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Rameshwaram, and more.

The Somnath Temple in Gujarat is believed to be the oldest and the first Jyotirlinga temple in India.

Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand and Rameshwaram Temple in Tamil Nadu are both part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra.

The best time is from October to March, avoiding the monsoon season, except Kedarnath, which opens only from May to October.

It’s possible with proper planning, but they are spread across India — from Uttarakhand to Tamil Nadu — so you’ll need around 2–3 weeks for a complete Shiva pilgrimage.