Lord Shiva is a God of creation and destruction. Lord Shiva is mainly known for its pure heart and meditation. In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva has both sides; one is extremely calm, and the other is highly destructive.
In India, Lord Shiva is worshipped in many forms, such as ice in Amarnath Cave and a triangular stone in Kedarnath. That’s why there are many Lord Shiva Temples in India.
From the 12 Jyotirlingas to the Amarnath ice cave, each temple has its charm. This blog post will cover 12 famous Shiva Temples in India that you should visit at least once.
1. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Located in Rudrapraya District, Kedarnath is the most famous Shiva Temple among Hindus. The temple is situated at 3500 meters of elevation on the Garhwal Himalayan Range in Uttarakhand.
It is also part of (the Chota Char Dham Yatra) of Uttarakhand. Millions of tourists from India and outside India visit the Kedarnath Temple annually to take the blessings of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as a triangular rock.
It is believed that Lord Shiva came here with Goddess Parvati before going to the Amarnath Cave. It is also believed that the Pandavas first built the Kedarnath Temple after the war of the Epic Mahabharata they came here.
- Entry fee – No entrance fee
- Location – Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Best time to visit – March to June
2. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu & Kashmir
Amarnath Cave is located in the heaven-on-earth place of Jammu and Kashmir. This temple is surrounded by snow throughout the year, and pilgrims only come here in the summer when it is open for the Amarnath Yatra.
The challenging route to Amarnath Cave Temple attracts millions of pilgrims annually. This temple is important to every Hindu believer and is a dream destination for many Indians.
In Amarnath Cave, Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvati the secret of immortality, and two pigeons listened. Both pigeons are immortal from that time and roamed around Amarnath Cave.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
- Best time to visit – April to August
3. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered one of the most famous Lord Shiva Temples in India because it is one of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. This temple has a special place among Lord Shiva’s followers.
Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Vishwanath, which means (the lord of the universe). More than 45,000 visitors come daily here, and the total assets of the temple were estimated to be more than ₹6 crores in 2024.
On occasions like Diwali and Mahashivratri, there is hardly a spare area left in Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple to walk, and the temple was decorated beautifully at the time.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh
- Best time to visit – October to February
4. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain, Among the best Lord Shiva Temples in India
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most sacred Temples of Lord Shiva in India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is built in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, at the edge of Rudra Sagar Lake.
Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple, which millions of people worship in the form of a Lingam annually. Some also believe people get rid of their sins by coming to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
People also believe in a story; according to the Shiva Purana, there was once an argument between Brahma and Vishnu about who was superior. Lord Shiva penetrated the three worlds as a limitless pillar of light, the Jyotirlinga.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – 5QM9+58C, inside Mahankal Mandir, Jaisinghpura, Ujjain
- Best time to visit – October to March
5. Baba Bhootnath Mandir, Mandi
Baba Bhoothnath Mandir is located in the beautiful city of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Bhootnath Mandir is devoted to Lord Shiva and was constructed in 1527 CE by Raja Ajber Sen, a powerful ruler of Mandi.
Lord Shiva is present here in the form of the Lingam, the most famous pilgrimage site in Mandi. In addition to Lord Shiva, some other deities are worshipped here, such as Nandi, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, and Hanuman.
Baba Bhootnath Temple looks wonderful during festivals like Maha Shivratri and Diwali. Lights and diyas surround the temple. The ideal time to visit Bhootnath Mandir is between 6:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – PW6J+3JC, Bhoot Nath Road, Samkhetar, Mandi
- Best time to visit – October to March
6. Bhurshing/Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple, Sirmaur
Bhurshing Mahadev is a hidden temple of Lord Shiva in Sirmaur District of Himachal Pradesh. This temple is mainly known for its trekking area, breathtaking views, and hiking area.
Not many people know about Bhurshing Mahadev Temple, but it is one of India’s most famous Lord Shiva Temples. It is said that from here, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati saw the war of the Epic Mahabharata.
People come to see the temple and travel to it, as it is among the most popular tourist spots in Sirmaur. During festivals like Maha Shivratri and Diwali, the temples look more beautiful.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – Q46V+HQ8, Sarahan Rd, Sarahan, Deoria Chataur, HP
- Best time to visit – March to July
7. Somnath Temple, Gujarat, Among the most famous Lord Shiva Temples in India
Somnath Temple is the most popular Lord Shiva Temple in India. It is the first Jyotirlinga of the 12 Jyotirlingas or Lord Shiva. The temple has been reconstructed many times as it has been attacked by Muslims and Mahmud Ghazni multiple times.
This idol of Lord Shiva was in the middle of the temple without anything to support it from below or to suspend it from above. Somnath Temple has a long and in-depth history; to read about it, go to Wikipedia.
On occasions like Diwali, Mahashivratri, and Navaratri, there is barely an empty space left in Somnath Temple for walking. Apart from that, the temple is decorated wonderfully, due to which millions of pilgrims visit here annually.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Location – Somnath Mandir Rd, Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
8. Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar
Mukteshvara Temple is one of India’s oldest Lord Shiva temples, around 350 years old. It is 2312 m above sea level, making it one of the best places to take pictures.
A white marble Shiva Linga, with a copper yoni, is also present here. Other deities are also worshipped here, including Nandi, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.
Mukteshvara Temple is also an excellent attraction for trekkers who require a moderate trek. You will have a breathtaking view of mountains, valleys, and the sky from the top of the hill.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – 6RVR+35P, Old Town, Kedar Gouri Vihar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar
- Best time to visit – October to February
9. Kinnaur Kailash, Himachal Pradesh
Not many people talk about Kinnaur Kailash when it comes to the best Lord Shiva temple in India, but it is among the most popular Lord Shiva spots as it is where Lord Shiva comes to reside with Goddess Parvati.
Kinnaur Kailash is located at 6000 feet and is an important sight for both Hindus and Buddhists. To reach the top, pilgrims are required to trek on harsh mountain snow.
According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati conduct a meeting every year in Kinnaur Kailash. Thus, the ideal time to visit a Kinnaur Kailash is May to October.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – Kinnaur Kailash, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
- Best time to visit – May to October
10. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is considered among the largest temples of Shiva. It is located in the old town of Odisha, Bhubaneswar. King Jajati Keshari constructed this temple in the 7th century.
This temple is so famous because it is believed that the Linga in it was manifested by Lord Shiva itself and appeared here naturally. The Linga is 8 inches tall and has a diameter of 8 feet.
More than 6,000 pilgrims visit this temple daily. On some occasions, like Mahashivratri, this number can quickly go up to 2,00,000 visitors in a day, which makes this temple among the most visited temples of Lord Shiva in India.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – Lingaraj Temple Rd, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar
- Best time to visit – October to March
11. Bhimashankar Temple, Pune
Bhimashankar Temple is among the most popular temples of Lord Shiva on this list of 12 Famous Shiva Temples in India because it is among the most famous 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
Earlier, this temple gained significant popularity and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in Pune. There is also a little trek to reach Bhimashankar Temple, making the pilgrims’ tour more adventurous.
Apart from that, there is also a forest nearby, which is believed to be the home of some magical medical herbs. People also get a breathtaking view of mountains, valleys, and the city and a chance to encounter wildlife.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – A/p,bhimashankar Bhimashankar wadi Tal – khed , dist, Maharashtra
- Best time to visit – October to March
12. Bhagsunag Temple, Mcleodganj
Bhagsunag Temple is among the most underrated Lord Shiva Temples in India, but it is a must-visit place at least once in a lifetime. Located in the beautiful city of Himachal Pradesh, Mcleodanj, this temple attracts thousands of visitors annually.
The temple is surrounded by two pools, which are the main attraction of this temple. It is believed that just dipping in the pools or taking a few drops of this water can heal any kind of disease in one’s body.
There are also some beautiful attractions nearby, including Bhagsu Waterfalls, Dal Lake, and Kotwali Bazaar. Thus, visitors come here to receive the blessing of Lord Shiva and view nearby attractions.
- Entry fee – Nothing
- Location – 68VM+PQF, Manisha Rd, Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala
- Best time to visit – March to July
Conclusion on the 12 most famous Lord Shiva Temple in India.
It’s all about the Lord Shiva temples in India. From Kedarnath Temple to Somnath Temple, Bhurshing Mahadev Temple to Mahakaleshwar Temple, each temple has its own miracles and charms.
Still, there are many Lord Shiva Temples in India left that we have not discussed here because covering all the temples in a single blog post is not possible. However, if you want another list, you can comment below.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your tickets, and explore all these Lord Shiva Temples one by one. Don’t forget to share your travel experience in the comments with other readers.
Thank You.
Frequently asked questions regarding famous Lord Shiva Temples in India.
Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Lord Shiva and his miracles.
Q1. How many temples of Lord Shiva in India?
There are 12 Lord Shiva temples in India, also known as the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Q2. What are some popular Lord Shiva Temples in India on almost the same longitude?
Kedarnath, Kaleshwaram, Kalahasti, Akhaseshwar, Rameswaram, and Chidambaram are some Lord Shiva temples in India on almost the exact longitude.
Q3. What are some of the most popular Lord Shiva Temples in North India?
Kedarnath, Somnath, Amarnath Cave, and Mahakaleshwar Temple are the most famous Lord Shiva temples in North India.