With thousands of ancient temples dotting its landscape, India is a land where spirituality and magnificent architecture blend seamlessly. Especially when it comes to Lord Shiva temples, the country has some of the most prominent and largest shrines that attract millions of devotees.
From ornate stone carvings to towering gopurams, resounding bells to fragrant flower offerings, here is a list of the 30 biggest and most stunning Shiva temples in India that should be on the itinerary of every Shaivism follower and temple architecture enthusiast.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
Built in 1010 CE by the mighty Chola dynasty, Brihadeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sundareswarar. Perched on top of a soaring 216 feet stone tower, the gorgeous Shiva lingam is made of a single piece of granite weighing 80 tons. With its magnificent proportions and intricate sculptures, it is rightly hailed as the finest example of Dravidian architecture.
Somnath Temple, Gujarat
One of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, Somnath Temple has been destroyed and rebuilt 16 times in its rich history. The current structure was reconstructed in Chalukya style of temple architecture and completed in May 1951. The Shiva lingam is believed to be Swayambhu or self-manifested, deriving currents of water from the perennial stream nearby.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
The holiest of holy shrines in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple finds mention in ancient scriptures for over 3,000 years. Home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the original tower and shrine were demolished by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and later rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. More than 3 million pilgrims visit annually for Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Lingaraja Temple, Odisha
A testimony to the architectural excellence of the Kalinga empire, Lingaraja Temple was built in the 11th century. The crowning glory is its 180 feet tall ‘shikhara’ tower adorned with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, dancers and musicians. The 6 feet tall Shiva lingam carved out of black granite is bathed daily with water, milk, and bhang.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Gujarat
One of the oldest Jyotirlinga shrines, Nageshwar Temple finds mention in the Shiva Purana as ‘Darukavana’. Built in the 18th century with financial support from the Sudama Setu, the temple is architecturally stunning with a 25-meter tall ‘shikhara’. A 25-meter long underground tank and the Rudra Samhita are major highlights.
Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu & Kashmir
One of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Shaivites, Amarnath Cave Temple is unique in that the Shiva lingam itself is formed naturally of ice stalagmite that waxes and wanes with the moon. The temple can only be reached on foot after a 5 day trek along dangerous mountainous terrain, a pilgrimage that attracts over 400,000 devotees annually.
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Haridwar
Located in the ancient pilgrim city of Haridwar, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple dates back to the 18th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, this grand temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in memory of her father Raja Daksha. The shikhara towers over the Shiva lingam at a height of 31 meters.
Murudeshwar Temple, Karnataka
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arabian Sea is the world’s second tallest Shiva statue measuring 123 feet. Murudeshwar Temple itself boasts of an intricately carved 20-storied ‘gopura’ along with shrines of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Vishnu. The divine ambience makes it the perfect spot for Hindu weddings.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Nestled majestically in the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayan range, Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest place.
Grishneshwar Temple, Maharashtra
The last of the revered 12 Jyotirlinga sites, Grishneshwar Temple is believed to be the ultimate wish fulfilling shrine. Built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century, the towering red shikhara, intricately carved entrance and black stone Shiva lingam are true marvels. Located close to Ellora caves, it perfectly blends history, culture and profound spirituality.
Baijnath Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Tucked amidst lush green hills and sparkling waters lies the quaint town of Baijnath, home to the stunning Shiva temple built in 1204 CE. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, the Svayambhu form of Shiva lingam is enshrined within and revered as one of Himachal’s prominent pilgrim centers.
Mukteshwar Temple, Odisha
A gem of Kalinga architecture, Mukteswar Temple is carved entirely out of red sandstone and decorated with ornate sculptures of ascetics, dancers, warriors etc. Built in the 10th century, it is one of the most distinguished temples for its carved torana - an ornamental gateway - considered as the most beautiful in entire Kalinga.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Believed to be built by the legendary warrior Arjuna, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the greatest Shaivite shrines in the country. The temple’s origins trace back to the 10th century and features a combination of Chalukyan and Dravidian architectural styles, especially in the lofty ‘gopuram’.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
One of the prominent pilgrimage sites along India’s coastline, Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga Temple is famed for its 22 sacred wells with water containing medicinal properties. The temple corridor stretching across 200 meters is the second largest in India and contains over 4000 pillars, each intricately carved in fine detail.
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The vibrant Mahakal city of Ujjain derives its name from this powerful temple which finds mention in ancient Hindu scriptures. Home to one of the Jyotirlingas, the edifice was destroyed by foreign invaders and later rebuilt by the Scindia dynasty in the 18th century in a unique Maratha architectural style.
Trimbakeshwar Temple, Maharashtra
The source of river Godavari, Trimbakeshwar Temple was built by the Maratha ruler Peshwa Nanasaheb in 1755 CE and features a jewel encrusted crown adorning the Shiva lingam. The premises also contain shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and the three river goddesses Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati.
Kotilingeshwara Temple, Karnataka
True to its name ‘Kotilinga’ meaning ten million lingas, Kotilingeshwara Temple located in Kolar contains innumerable lingams installed all across its premises. Built in the early 10th century by the kings of the Chola dynasty, the Shiva lingam in the main garbha griha is made of a single granite rock measuring 13 feet tall.
Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Shaped like the holy symbol Om, the island of Omkareshwar on river Narmada houses one of the most revered Jyotirlinga temples in the country. Comprising of two lofty shikhara style towers, the temple was expanded during the reign of Holkars and Scindias with additions of boundary walls, sabha mandapa and ghats.
Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra
Tucked away in the picturesque Sahyadri ranges lies the 13th century built Bhimashankar Temple, the source of river Bhima. Home to one of the Jyotirlingas, the shikhara towers over at a height of 100 feet made entirely from Nagara style of architecture with carved figures of deities on all sides.
Rameshwaram Temple, Tamil Nadu
One of the holy Char Dham pilgrimage sites, Ramanathaswamy Temple is famed for its 22 sacred wells with water containing medicinal properties. The temple corridor stretching across 200 meters is the second largest in India
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