10 MOST FAMOUS SHIVA TEMPLES IN INDIA
Among 1008 titles, Lord Shiva is referred to by the names Mahadev, Maheshwara, and Gangadhara by his followers when they pray to him. There are several Shiva temples in India that have been erected and dedicated to this Lord and are visited by pilgrims from all across the nation and the world, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
In practically every Indian state, there is a temple to the Lord. The greatest power and well-known Hindu god Shiva is fervently venerated by followers all around the nation. Among his 1008 titles, Lord Shiva is referred to by the names Mahadev, Maheshwara, and Gangadhara by his followers when they pray to him. There are several Shiva temples in India that have been erected and dedicated to this Lord and are visited by pilgrims from all across the nation and the world, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. In all of India's Shiva temples, milk, fruits, and bael leaves are presented to the statues and Lingas of Shiva, and various colored flowers are used to adorn them.
1. AMARNATH TEMPLE, KASHMIR
The pilgrimage to Amarnath, one of India's most well-known Shiva temples, is incredibly challenging yet much sought after by Shiva enthusiasts. The Amarnath Yatra is a well-known and revered religious journey that pilgrims undergo to worship the Lord. It is located at a massive height of 3888m in a cave in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is well-known for its yearly, naturally occurring ice Linga of Lord Shiva.
2. KEDARNATH, UTTRAKHAND
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas has its home at Kedarnath, which is also home to a highly well-known Shiva temple in India. When beginning their Chota Char Dham or Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, pilgrims stop at this beautiful temple, which is tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayan Range. They also visit Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunothri in addition to this sacred shrine of Lord Shiva. Due to its great elevation, the temple cannot be reached by regular highways; instead, pilgrims must walk 22 km upwards from Gaurikund.
3. KASHI VISHWANATH, UTTAR PRADESH
India's most well-known Shiva temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is situated in the holy city of Varanasi and receives a lot of pilgrimage from all over the world. You can go to this temple during Maha Shivratri 2020 when it will be exquisitely decked and will be grandly commemorating this significant Shaivaite holiday.
4. KAILASHNATH TEMPLE, MAHARASHTRA
One of India's greatest Shiva temples, Kailasnath Temple, is located in Ellora and is a famous tourist destination close to Aurangabad. The temple is an outstanding example of Rashtrakuta architecture, which was popular during the Rashtrakuta Dynasty's control of India from the sixth to the tenth century AD. Along with the other 34 temples in Ellora, this one is a temple. It boasts the biggest rock-cut temple in the nation as well as a megalith made of a cliff of granite. Many later temples constructed in India were influenced by it.
5. SOMNATH TEMPLE, GUJARAT
The Somnath Shiva temple is a significant Shiva temple in India and the first Jyotirling temple ever constructed. It was built in the Chalukya architectural style in 1951 and features the Banasthamba, an arrow pillar, and an expansive view of the sea and the structure.
6. BRIHADESWARA TEMPLE, TAMIL NADU
The Brihadeeshwara Temple at Tanjore, Tamil Nadu is a magnificent architectural wonder of the Dravidian era, built by Raja Raja Chola between 1001 and 1010 AD. It is renowned for hosting one of India's biggest Shiv Lingas, a Nandi, and a sizable prakhara. The Chola Dynasty built several temples and monuments, but this temple stands out for its exquisite architecture and design.
7. SRI KALAHASTHI, ANDHRA PRADESH
This temple is one of the nation's Panch Bhuta Sthalas and is where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kalahasteeshwara. After finishing their reverent journey to Tirupati Lord Venkateshwara's temple, pilgrims frequently travel to this famous Shiva temple in India, which is situated in the Chittoor region of Andhra Pradesh. According to legend, this is the location where the well-known devotee Kannappa planned to sacrifice both of his eyeballs to Lord Shiva in order to stop the blood from the Shiv Linga from leaking out, but the Lord himself stopped him and awarded him mukti.
8. VADAKKUNATHAN TEMPLE, KERALA
The Vadakunnathana Shiva Temple in Thrissur, Kerala is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India. It is constructed using wood and stone in the traditional Keralan architectural style, with massive towers rising tall on all four sides and a kuttambalam. It is a significant Shiva shrine and one of the greatest locations to visit in Thrissur.
9. MURUDESHWARA TEMPLE, WEST BENGAL
The second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva is housed in Murudeshwara, North Karnataka, with the Arabian Sea behind it. A 20-story shrine is being built next to the monument, and a lift has been built to offer visitors and pilgrims a view of the statue and the surrounding scenery.
10. TARAKESHWAR TEMPLE, WEST BENGAL
The Baba Taraknath Temple is a revered Shiva temple located in the Hooghly area of West Bengal. It is frequented by pilgrims throughout the year, particularly on Mondays, who come to pay their respects to the deity's Shayambu linga. It was built in the 18th century by Raja Bharamalla and features stunning paintings and sculptures. Devotees can also take a swim in the Dudhpukur Pond before entering the main sanctuary.
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