As Maha Shivratri 2021 is around the corner (March 11), here we take a glance at the renowned Shiva temples located across the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. With a view to plan your trips to various Shiva temples in India, EBNW Story brings a comprehensive list of temples devoted to Lord Shiva:
Amarnath Temple
Amarnath Temple: Surrounded with serene scenary, Amarnath temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in India. Situated at a mammoth height of 3888m in a cave in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Amarnath Yatra is a popular and pious religious trip that pilgrims undertake to worship the Lord. The temple is famous for the naturally forming ice Linga of Lord Shiva that happens once a year.
Best time to visit Amarnath Shiva Temple: June to August (the dates are announced as per Hindu calendar)
Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath, an abode to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas is nestled amidst the Garhwal Himalayan Range. It is mostly visited by pilgrims when they commence their Chota Char Dham or Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which include visiting Badrinath, Gangothri and Yamunothri. The pilgrims have to trek uphill for 22kms from Gaurikund.
Best time to visit Kedarnath Shiva Temple: April to November
Kashi Temple
Kashi Temple: Kashi temple since years is known to relieve all from the rebirth cycle as it is believed that your soul attains Moksha after visiting here.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the sacred city of Varanasi, is a very renowned Shiva temple in India which is widely visited by pilgrims all over the country.
Best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Shiva Temple: November to February
Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple: Located in Gujarat is Somnath temple considered to be the first Jyotirling temple built in the country. The temple was reconstructed several times owing to the incessant invasions by different Muslim rulers with the last renovation being done in the Chalukya-style architecture, completed in 1951. The Banasthamba or the arrow pillar that is erected on one of the temple walls is amazing. The panoramic view of the sea and the enormous temple is other reason why pilgrims throng this temple often.
Best time to visit Somnath Shiva Temple: October to March
Murudeshwara
Murudeshwara, situated in North Karnataka, houses the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva which can be seen sitting majestically with the Arabian Sea splashing behind the temple. The charming landscape, along with the towering statue of the deity, is just amazing.
A 20-storey temple is also constructed near the statue that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple authorities have constructed a lift that takes visitors and pilgrims to the top of the Raja Gopura to give them a spectacular view of the mammoth statue and the surrounding picturesque landscape.
Best time to visit Murudeshwara Shiva temple: October to May