Lord Shiva is one of the three main gods in the Hindu Trimurti. He is also known as Mahadev, Bholenath and Shankar, and is worshipped in different forms such as Mahakal, Nataraja and Pashupati.
There are thousands of Shiva temples across India, including the 12 Jyotirlingas, Pancha Bhoota temples and Panch Kedar hill shrines. Each has something special, from self-manifested Shivalingams to unique rituals and centuries-old traditions.
If you’re planning a pilgrimage soon, here are 15 famous Shiva temples in India you should visit.
1. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath is a sacred temple that’s both a Jyotirlinga and Chota Char Dham. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas came here seeking Lord Shiva’s forgiveness after the Mahabharata war. Shiva disguised himself as a bull and disappeared into the ground. His hump is believed to have appeared at this Panch Kedar temple.
Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October.
Temple Timings: 7:00 AM-3:00 PM and 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM-7:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
How to Reach: Take a bus or train to Sonprayag and a shuttle to Gaurikund. Then complete the 17 km trek to the temple.
Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (243 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Sonprayag Bus Stand (23 km)
2. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
As the first of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan is a sacred Lord Shiva mandir where devotees come to seek blessings. The original temple was attacked and looted several times. The present temple opened in 1951 and features Chalukya-style architecture, detailed stone carvings, silver doors, a Nandi statue, and the sacred Shivalingam.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Temple Timings: 6 AM-10 PM.
Aarti Timings: 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM.
How to Reach: Reach Somnath by flight, bus, or train and take an auto or taxi to the temple.
Nearby Railway Station: Somnath Railway Station (1.4 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Somnath ST Bus Station (1.3 km)
3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Temple is a famous Shiva temple in Ujjain, known for its Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalingam. It is the only south-facing Jyotirlinga where devotees worship Shiva as Mahakal, the lord of time and death, and seek his protection and blessings. Thousands of devotees visit the temple for the sacred Bhasma Aarti ritual every morning.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Temple Timings: 4 AM-11 PM
Aarti Timings: Timings can vary by months
- Bhasma Aarti: 4 AM-6 AM
- Dadyodak Aarti: 7:00 AM-7:45 AM
- Bhog Aarti: 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM-7:45 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM-11:00 PM
How to Reach: Take a train/bus to Ujjain and then take an auto to the temple.
Nearby Railway Station: Ujjain Junction (1.9 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Dewas Gate Bus Stand (2 km)
4. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
Located near the Ganga in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered as one of the holiest Shiva temples in India. Devotees visit this sacred Jyotirlinga to worship Lord Shiva as Vishwanath, the Lord of the Universe. Kashi holds special importance in Hindu belief, as dying here is said to bring moksha (freedom from rebirth). The temple is especially crowded during Mahashivratri.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Aarti Timings:
- Mangala Aarti: 3 AM-4 AM
- Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM-12:20 PM
- Saptarishi Aarti: 7 PM-8:15 PM
- Night Shringar Aarti: 9:00 PM-10:15 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM-11:00 PM
How to Reach: Reach Varanasi by flight, train, or bus then take an auto to the temple.
Nearby Railway Station: Varanasi Junction (4.6 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Varanasi Cantt Bus Stand (3.7 km)
5. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Amarnath Cave Temple is a famous Shiva temple, Shakti Peeth, and a major Hindu Dham. It is believed that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati in this temple cave. The cave is also famous for the naturally forming ice Shivalingam. This Lord Shiva mandir is opened every year during the holy month of Shravan when devotees undertake the difficult Amarnath Yatra.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-July to August
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM
How to Reach: Trek from Pahalgam or Baltal.
Nearby Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (346 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Jammu General Bus Station (343 km)
6. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
This Lord Shiva mandir in Tamil Nadu is a Jyotirlinga that’s closely linked to the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here using a Shivalingam made from sand by Goddess Sita. The temple is also famous for having India’s longest temple corridor and 1,212 beautifully carved pillars.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (especially during Maha Shivratri)
Temple Timings: 4:00 AM-1:00 PM and 3:00 PM-8:00 PM
How to Reach: Take a taxi or bus from Madurai or nearby towns.
Nearby Railway Station: Rameswaram Railway Station (1.6 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Rameswaram Bus Stand (2 km)
7. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
Built by Chola king Rajaraja I in the 11th century, Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This famous Shiva temple is known for its massive granite tower, stone carvings, and large Nandi statue.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM-12:30 PM and 4:00 PM-8:30 PM
How to Reach: Take a bus or taxi from Tiruchirapalli and nearby towns.
Nearby Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station (1.4 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Thanjavur New Bus Stand (5 km)
8. Lingaraj Temple, Odisha
Lingaraj Temple is one of Bhubaneswar‘s best-known Lord Shiva mandirs. Built during the 11th century, it is famous for its 180-foot tower and Kalinga architecture. The temple is dedicated to Harihara, a form that combines Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara).
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Aarti Timings:
- Mangala Aarti: 5:30 AM-6:00 AM
- Abakasha: 6:00 AM-7:00 AM
- Sakala Dhupa: 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
- Madhyana Dhupa: 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
- Sandhya Dhupa: 6:30 PM-7:00 PM
- Badasinghara: 9:00 PM-9:30 PM
How to Reach: Take a local bus or cab from Bhubaneswar localities.
Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (4.5 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Baramunda Bus Stand (8.4 km)
9. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Tamil Nadu
At Chidambaram Temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. Inside, there is a bronze idol of Shiva performing Ananda Tandava, the dance of bliss. As a Pancha Bhoota temple, it symbolises the element of space.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM-12:00 PM and 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
Aarti Timings: 7:00 AM
How to Reach: Take a bus, private car, or taxi from Puducherry and nearby towns.
Nearby Railway Station: Chidambaram Railway Station (1.6 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Chidambaram Bus Stand (800 m)
10. Murudeshwar Temple, Karnataka
Murudeshwar Temple in Karnataka stands on the Arabian Sea coast and is famous for its 123-foot-tall Shiva statue. The temple also has a 20-storey Raja Gopuram overlooking the coast. It is believed that the cloth covering Shiva’s Atmalinga fell here when Ravana was carrying it to Lanka.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM-12:30 PM and 2:00 PM-8:30 PM
Aarti Timings: Praat Aarti: 6:30 AM and Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM
How to Reach: Take a local bus or taxi to the temple from Karnataka localities.
Nearby Railway Station: Murudeshwar Railway Station (2.7 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Murudeshwar Bus Stand (650 m)
11. Baidyanath Temple, Jharkhand
Also known as Baba Dham, Baidyanath Temple is a sacred Lord Shiva mandir and Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand. The temple complex has 22 shrines, including the main Shiva temple. This Shiva temple becomes especially crowded during the annual Kanwar Yatra and Mahashivratri celebrations.
Best Time to Visit: July to August
Temple Timings: 4:00 AM-9:00 PM
How to Reach: Take a train to Deoghar and then take an auto.
Nearby Railway Station: Baidyanathdham Railway Station (1.6 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Baghmara Interstate Bus Stand (4.1 km)
12. Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Tungnath is the world’s highest man-made Shiva temple, located at 3,680 metres in Uttarakhand. It is believed that Lord Shiva took the form of a bull to hide from the Pandavas. When he disappeared into the ground, his arms appeared at Tungnath, making this a Panch Kedar temple.
Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October (closed during winters).
Temple Timings: 7:00 AM-12:00 PM and 3:00 PM-7:00 PM (can vary year-wise)
Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti: 6:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM
How to Reach: Reach Chopta by road and then trek 3.5 km to the temple.
Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (210 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Ukhimath Bus Stand (29.1 km)
13. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Uttarakhand
The legend of this Shri Shiva temple is linked to the story of the Samudra Manthan. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva drank poison to save the universe, turning his throat blue. Devotees worship him here as Neelkanth, meaning blue-throated.
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Temple Timings:
- Summer: 5:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Winter: 6:00 AM-5:00 PM
How to Reach: Take a taxi or jeep from Rishikesh.
Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (26.4 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Rishikesh ISBT (25 km)
14. Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
This famous Shiva temple in Madurai worships Lord Shiva as Sundareswarar, alongside Goddess Meenakshi. The temple is made in the Dravidian architectural style with beautiful and colourful towers and carved pillars. It is also famous for the annual Chithirai festival, which celebrates their divine wedding.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM-12:30 PM and 4:00 PM-10:00 PM
How to Reach: You can take a bus or taxi from different parts of Madurai.
Nearby Railway Station: Madurai Junction Railway Station (1.4 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Mattuthavani Bus Stand (5.5 km)
15. Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai worships Shiva as the element of fire. Devotees walk around Arunachala Hill during Girivalam, especially on full-moon days. During Karthigai Deepam, a huge lamp is lit on the hill to represent Shiva’s divine light.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Temple Timings: 5:30 AM-8:30 PM (Allowed until 7:45 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, full moon days, holidays, and when the crowd is high)
How to Reach: Take an auto from the bus or train station.
Nearby Railway Station: Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (2 km)
Nearby Bus Station: Tiruvannamalai Bus Station (2.3 km)
Lord Murugan Temple, Batu Caves, Malaysia
Batu Caves is a famous Shri Murugan temple in Malaysia. While not a Shiva temple, it is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva. It is known for its 140-ft. golden Murugan statue and 272 colourful steps leading to the limestone cave shrine. During Thaipusam, thousands of devotees gather here to offer prayers and carry kavadis.
Best Time to Visit: January-February for Thaipusam
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM-9:00 PM
How to Reach: Take a KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral or book a Grab taxi.
Nearby Railway Station: Batu Caves KTM Station (500 m)
Nearby Bus Stop: Batu Caves Bus Stop (1 km)
Do’s and Don’ts in Shiva Temples
Follow these simple do’s and don’ts when visiting Shiva temples in India to respect temple customs:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Bathe and wear clean, modest clothes before visiting. | Avoid revealing and short clothes that go against the temple’s dress code. |
| Remove your footwear before entering. | Don’t carry leather items where they are restricted. |
| Offer water, milk, belpatra and flowers as allowed by the temple. | Don’t touch the Shivalingam or make offerings without permission. |
| Pay your respects to Nandi before worshipping Shiva. | Avoid walking between Nandi and the Shivalingam. |
| Follow the temple’s rules for Pradakshina (walking around the shrine). | Don’t cross the channel that carries water from the Shivalingam where this is prohibited. |
| Follow the queue and maintain silence during prayers. | Don’t take photos, use phones or disturb other devotees where restricted. |
FAQs
- What are the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples in India?
The 12 Jyotirlingas are Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Baidyanath, Bhimashankar, Rameshwaram, Nageshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Kedarnath and Grishneshwar. According to Hindu belief, these are sacred places where Lord Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of light.
- Can non-Hindus visit Siva temples in India?
It depends on the temple. Some Shiva temples in India allow visitors of all religions, while others, such as Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, permit only Hindus inside. Some Shiva temples allow non-Hindus to visit the temple, but don’t allow them to enter the inner sanctum. Always check the temple website before you visit.
- What are the Pancha Bhoota and Panch Kedar temples?
The Pancha Bhoota temples are five Shiva temples representing the five elements of nature:
- Earth: Ekambareswarar
- Water: Jambukeswarar
- Fire: Arunachaleswarar
- Air: Srikalahasti
- Space: Chidambaram Nataraja
The Panch Kedar temples are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar in Uttarakhand. According to legend, different parts of Lord Shiva’s bull form appeared at these five places.
- Which is the oldest Lord Shiva temple in India?
The Parasurameswara Temple in Gudimallam, Andhra Pradesh is considered to be among the oldest Shiva temples with the oldest known Shivalingams.
- What is the best time to visit Shiva temples in India?
October to March is suitable for most Shiva temples in India because the weather is cooler. However, for hill shrines like Kedarnath and Amarnath, you will need to plan when they open.
