5 Very Less Known Shiva Temples You Can Visit In India

This adage is familiar to many, particularly those devoted to Lord Shiva. Shiva transcends mere religious symbolism, embodying the archetype of the AdiYogi, the primordial yogi. He is both terrifying and compassionate, encompassing everything and nothing, eternal and boundless, hence known as Ananta. As the supreme deity, he is revered as Mahadev, the god of gods, representing the universal energy that sustains existence. Shiva is also depicted as Ardhanarishwar and Nataraja.

Followers of Shiva's teachings are called Shaivites. It's said that Shiva is formless yet manifests in physical form, often symbolized by the lingam. India boasts numerous renowned Shiva temples honoring the Neelkantha, characterized by exquisite Hemadpanthi architecture. Among the most revered are the 12 Jyotirlingas: Somnath, Nageshwar, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Vaidyanath, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Rameshwaram, and Mallikarjuna. These sites are believed to pulsate with potent Shiva energy, drawing devotees from far and wide.

# Bhojpur Shiva Temple

Situated in Madhya Pradesh, the Bhojpur Shiva Temple stands as one of India's oldest and most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Renowned for its architectural splendor, this temple holds a distinctive feature: its Shiva Lingam, meticulously carved from a single rock. Despite its incomplete construction, it boasts one of the tallest Shiva Lingams in the nation, drawing admiration from locals and devotees alike.

# Kotilingeshwara Temple

Nestled in South India, the Kotilingeshwara Temple stands out as a sanctuary of tranquility. Housing an astonishing array of approximately one crore Shiva Lingams, it garners widespread acclaim and pilgrims from across the country. Its tallest Shiva Lingam, towering at around 33 meters, alongside an imposing 11-meter Nandi, earns it the distinction of housing not only the tallest Shiva Lingam in India but in the entire world.

# Tarakeshwar Temple, West Bengal

In the heart of West Bengal's Hooghly District lies the Tarakeshwar Temple, a testament to devotion and faith. Discovered by Raja Vishnu Das in a forest, this lingam inspired the construction of a revered temple. Today, it serves as a cherished pilgrimage site, revered by Hindus across West Bengal, embodying the spiritual essence of Lord Shiva amid the state's celebration of Shakti.

# Kedareshwara Temple, Karnataka

Nestled in Karnataka's Halebidu town, the Kedareshwara Temple stands as a testament to India's rich architectural heritage. Commissioned by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II and Queen Ketaladevi, this Trikuta shrine is a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship. Constructed from soapstone before 1219 AD, it pays homage to the Hindu deity Shiva and enjoys protection under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

# Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Tamil Nadu

Gracing the banks of the Vegavathi river in Tamil Nadu, the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple exudes architectural brilliance. Believed to have been erected around 700 CE by Palava dynasty ruler Narasimhavarman II, this temple is a marvel of sandstone craftsmanship. Embracing numerous shrines and captivating sculptures, it stands as Kanchipuram's oldest structure, drawing countless visitors with its depiction of Lord Shiva's various forms, including his iconic dance alongside majestic lions.