20 Most Famous Shiv Mandirs in India Every Devotee Should Visit!

Last Updated on Jul 4th, 2025 by Chakshu Kaur, Leave a Comment

India is home to countless Lord Shiva temples, each carrying its legend, power, and energy. These temples are more than just architectural marvels; they’re deeply spiritual destinations. Whether you call it the Mahadev temple in India, Shiv Mandir, or Siva Mandir, these holy sites are gateways to inner peace.

Which is the Most Famous Lord Shiva Temple in India?

Among all the sacred Shiva temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi holds the top spot. It’s one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas and is deeply rooted in India’s spiritual and mythological history. Known as the “Spiritual Capital of India,” this Shiv Mandir sees millions of devotees every year.

Top 20 Shiv Mandirs in India You Must Visit

Here’s a quick table for easy reference:

Temple Name	Location	Why Visit
Kashi Vishwanath	Varanasi, UP	Most sacred Jyotirlinga
Kedarnath Temple	Kedarnath, Uttarakhand	High-altitude pilgrimage, Chardham Yatra
Somnath Temple	Veraval, Gujarat	First Jyotirlinga, historical significance
Mahakaleshwar Temple	Ujjain, MP	Famous Bhasma Aarti ritual
Brihadeeswarar Temple	Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu	UNESCO site, Chola architecture
Omkareshwar Temple	Madhya Pradesh	Island temple shaped like Om
Bhimashankar Temple	Pune, Maharashtra	Surrounded by Sahyadri forests
Trimbakeshwar Temple	Nashik, Maharashtra	Trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva
Vaidyanath Dham	Deoghar, Jharkhand	Believed to heal ailments
Ramanathaswamy Temple	Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu	Part of the Ramayana legend
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga	Jamnagar, Gujarat	Giant Shiva idol and peaceful setting
Amarnath Cave Temple	Jammu & Kashmir	The ice Shivling formed naturally
Lingaraj Temple	Bhubaneswar, Odisha	Masterpiece of Kalinga architecture
Kal Bhairav Temple	Ujjain, MP	Liquor was offered to Lord Bhairav
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple	Rishikesh, Uttarakhand	Surrounded by scenic valleys
Grishneshwar Temple	Aurangabad, MH	Near Ellora Caves
Vadakkunnathan Temple	Thrissur, Kerala	Ghee rituals and Maha Shivratri celebrations
Mangueshi Temple	Goa	Traditional Goan temple
Nellaiappar Temple	Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu	Massive temple complex
Maheswaram Temple	Kerala	Open to all faiths

Detailed Guide to Top Shiva Temples in India

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

This temple is one of the most important Lord Shiva temples in India. Located on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, it’s believed that just one visit here can help you attain moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth and death). The temple has a golden spire and a Jyotirlinga and is always stirring with chants, rituals, and devotion. You can check darshan timings and donations on the official site of Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

2. Kedarnath Temple – Uttarakhand

This Shiva mandir in India is part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra. Reaching Kedarnath Temple involves a 16-17 km trek (or a helicopter ride), but the view and spiritual vibe are worth it. The temple opens only for six months a year due to extreme weather.

3. Somnath Temple – Gujarat

Recognized as the first Jyotirlinga in India, Somnath has a strong historical background. It has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, but stands proudly today near the Arabian Sea. The temple’s architecture and light-and-sound shows attract pilgrims and tourists alike.

4. Mahakaleshwar Temple – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

This is one of the only Shiva temples in India where you can attend the Bhasma Aarti, an early morning ritual using holy ash. The temple houses a self-manifested (Swayambhu) lingam, and it’s also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

You can also check: Temples in Tamil Nadu – My Tickets To India

5. Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Built over 1,000 years ago by the Cholas, this Lord Shiva temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The towering gopuram (temple tower) and massive Shiva lingam reflect Tamil Nadu’s architectural glory. Brihadeeswarar Temple is a must-visit if you love history and art.

6. Omkareshwar Temple – Madhya Pradesh

Located on a river island shaped like ‘Om,’ this sacred Siva Mandir offers a peaceful vibe with spiritual energy. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and offers both scenic beauty and religious significance.

7. Bhimashankar Temple – Maharashtra

Located in the Sahyadri hills, this Shiv Mandir doubles as a trekking spot and a pilgrimage site. The temple is ancient and surrounded by forests and wildlife, making it perfect for a spiritual getaway in nature.

8. Trimbakeshwar Temple – Nashik, Maharashtra

One of the most unique Shiva temples in India, this temple has a three-faced lingam representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It’s also located near the origin of the Godavari River, adding more importance to this divine site.

9. Vaidyanath Dham – Deoghar, Jharkhand

Also called Baidyanath Dham, this temple is believed to be where Lord Shiva acted as a healer (Vaidya) and cured Ravana. It’s a part of both the 12 Jyotirlingas and 51 Shakti Peethas, making it a powerful place to visit.

10. Ramanathaswamy Temple – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before going to Lanka. The temple is known for its massive corridors and 22 holy wells where pilgrims take a ritual bath. It’s a must-visit Mahadev temple in India.

You can also check:  Famous Temples in Madhya Pradesh – My Tickets To India

11. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

This sacred Shiva temple is located near Dwarka. It houses a tall, 25-meter statue of Lord Shiva in a peaceful meditative pose. The temple complex is spacious and a great place to unwind and meditate.

12. Amarnath Temple – Jammu & Kashmir

Amarnath is not just a temple; it’s a pilgrimage of faith and endurance. Located in a cave at 3,888 meters, it houses a naturally forming ice lingam that appears during July-August. It’s open only during the Amarnath Yatra season.

13. Lingaraj Temple – Bhubaneswar, Odisha

This 11th-century masterpiece showcases Kalinga-style architecture. The temple complex has over 50 smaller shrines, with the main deity being Harihara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum.

14. Kal Bhairav Temple – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

One of the most unique Shiva temples where liquor is offered to the deity! Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kal Bhairav, the fierce protector of Ujjain. This temple is deeply connected to the Aghori sect.

15. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

This Shiv Mandir is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison (Halahala) during Samudra Manthan. Surrounded by lush valleys, it’s ideal for spiritual seekers who want a calm vibe.

You can also check: Explore the Holy Places of Hinduism | Sacred Cities of India

16. Grishneshwar Temple – Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Located just a kilometer away from Ellora Caves, this is the last Jyotirlinga on the list of 12. The temple is relatively less crowded and known for its peaceful surroundings and intricate carvings.

17. Vadakkunnathan Temple – Thrissur, Kerala

Believed to be the first temple built by Lord Parashurama, this Shiva temple is known for offering ghee as part of rituals. It’s also the venue for Kerala’s famous cultural festival, Thrissur Pooram.

18. Mangueshi Temple – Goa

This elegant Shiv Mandir combines Goan and traditional Hindu architecture. It’s dedicated to Lord Manguesh, a form of Lord Shiva. Visitors must follow a proper dress code. A calm and serene break from Goa’s usual beach life.

19. Nellaiappar Temple – Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Spread across 14 acres, this is one of the largest Siva Mandirs in South India. It’s known for its grand musical pillars, large gopurams, and classical music festivals. A great spot for architecture and art lovers.

20. Maheswaram Temple – Kerala

Located near Trivandrum, this beautiful Mahadev temple in India welcomes people from all walks of life. Made with Krishna stone and wood, the temple is admired for its spiritual inclusivity and artistic finesse.

You can also check: List of Famous Temple Sanchi Stupa

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is the most famous Lord Shiva temple in India?

A: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is considered the most famous and sacred Lord Shiva temple in India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual importance for devotees seeking moksha. It’s believed that just one visit to this Shiv mandir can liberate you from the cycle of birth and death.

Q: How many Shiva temples are there in India?

A: India is home to thousands of Shiva temples, ranging from ancient cave temples to massive architectural marvels. There are 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most revered Shiva temples in India. Apart from these, every state in India has its own important Mahadev mandir.

Q: What are Jyotirlingas, and why are they important?

A: Jyotirlingas are 12 sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the deity is believed to have appeared as a powerful column of light. Temples like Kedarnath, Somnath, Mahakaleshwar, and Omkareshwar are part of this list. These Shiva temples in India are considered highly auspicious, especially during festivals like Mahashivaratri.

Q: Can we visit these Shiv Mandirs throughout the year?

A: Most Shiv mandirs in India are open all year, but some, like Kedarnath and Amarnath, are seasonal due to extreme weather. Kedarnath closes during winter, and Amarnath is accessible only during the Yatra season (June–August). It’s best to check official temple websites before planning your trip.

Q: Which Shiva temple should I visit first if I’m new to temple tours?

A: If you’re just starting, visiting Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra or Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh can be a good start. These temples are easily accessible, deeply spiritual, and not as physically demanding as some others, like Kedarnath. These are ideal choices for your first Shiv temple in India experience.

Q: What is the best time to visit Lord Shiva temples in India?

A: The best time to visit Mahadev temples in India is during Mahashivratri, the Shravan month (July–August), or early winter (October–February). Temples are decorated, rituals are grand, and the overall vibe is magical. But if you want to avoid crowds, plan your trip during off-peak days.

Q: Do I need any special preparation before visiting Shiva temples?

A: For most Shiva temples in India, casual traditional clothing is enough. Some temples, like Mangueshi Temple in Goa, enforce a dress code. If you’re trekking to temples like Kedarnath or Amarnath, proper fitness, weather gear, and early planning are essential. For temple etiquette and smooth travel, booking with platforms like MyTicketsToIndia can save you time and confusion.

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