Famous Shiva Temples You Should Visit In India

You will find many temples in every state of India. From the northern valleys of Kashmir to the southern shores of Tamil Nadu, you will find many temples in entire towns and cities. If it is said that there is a temple here at every turn, it will not be wrong. India's faith and its temples draw devotees from far and wide. Although every temple has its own unique feature, but there are many temples in India, which are completely dedicated to Lord Shiva. In such a situation, Shiva devotees must visit these temples. So, today we are telling you about some Shiva temples present in India-

# Amarnath Temple, Kashmir

One of the most famous Shiva temples in India, Amarnath pilgrimage is an extremely difficult yet coveted one among all the Shiva devotees. It is 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: Tentative dates of Amarnath Yatra are 27 June to 3 August 2020.

# Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Located on the Garhwal Himalayan Range of Uttarakhand near Mandakini River, Kedarnath Temple is a highly esteemed Shiva Temple for Hindus across the world. Perched at a height of around 3583m, this Shiva shrine is counted among the four destinations of Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand along with Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath. Kedarnath is also one of the five temples constituting the Panch Kedar and is located in Dev Bhumi Uttarakhand. Due to its high elevation, the temple receives high snowfall in winter and remains open from April end till mid November.

# Lingaraj Temple

An absolute marvel of Kalinga style of architecture, the glorious temple of Lingaraj is said to have been built in dedication of Lord Harihara, who is known to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Even though this temple was initially established by the rulers of Somavamsi dynasty, it was later renovated and slightly modified by the Ganga dynasty rulers. Crowned as one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar in Odisha, this temple holds great importance to the locals as well as tourists from all over the country.

# Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh

It is a common belief that breathing your last in Kashi relieves you of all further rebirths and your soul is able to attain Moksha as Lord Vishwanath is the shelter for all who are ardent Shiva devotees. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the sacred city of Varanasi, is a very popular Shiva temple in India and is widely visited by pilgrims all over the country. You can visit this temple during Maha Shivratri 2020 when the temple will be decorated beautifully while celebrating this important Shaivaite festival in a grand manner. Best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Shiva Temple: November to February

# Somnath, Gujarat

The historical temple of Somnath is located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and gains prestigious position among the Hindus. The temple has been a witness of severe historical incidents and has been ruined by foreign invaders for its exclusive repository of gems and jewelleries. The recent temple of Somnath was reconstructed in 1947. The temple is constructed in Chalukya Style of architecture and built just next to the sea shore. The eye-catching part of the temple is an Arrow Pillar, known as Baan Stambh.

# Daksheswara Mahadev Temple

Established by the Queen of Dankaur in the year 1810, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is situated at a distance of about 4 Kms from Hairdwar. This temple is known to have been named after the father of Devi Sati an incarnation of Goddess Durga and has also been renovated in the year 1962. The occasion of Mahashivratri observes a great celebration at this charming temple.

# Mallikarjuna Swamy, Andhra Pradesh

Located at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is yet another jyotirlinga shrine on the bank of the River Krishna. The temple has a gilded spire and looks stunning for its silverplated door and gracefully ornate pillars. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Mallikarjun and Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Bhadrakali. The temple of Mallikarjuna Swamy was built by King Harihara Raya of Bijayanagara kingdom about 6 centuries back, so history buffs can get enough elements to fill their knowledge bank in this temple.