Top Seven Magnificent Temples in India Created for Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva, commonly known as “Mahadev’ is one of the extremely popular Gods worshipped in Hinduism. Lord Shiva’s devotees are widely spread all over the world, worshipped in the form of Lingam. Twelve such temples have been included in the Jyotirlingas. All these temples are very famous and are remembered for their special attributes, architecture, ancestry etc. All the temples of Lord Shiva are worth visiting, but the top seven magnificent temples are detailed here below ;

AMARNATH TEMPLE, KASHMIR:

Amarnath Temple, situated in Jammu & Kashmir, at the height of 3888m, is one of the most famous temples of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is believed to be present there in the form of Ice Linga, which forms naturally every year. This Shrine is opened only once a year for the devotees between June to August. This is a very difficult pilgrimage due to cold weather conditions, high altitude, long mountain ranges etc. To better manage the Shrine and other facilities, the same has now been taken over by Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board.

KEDARNATH, UTTARAKHAND:

Kedarnath is one of the most famous & holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, built at the height of 3583m. It is situated in the Himalayan Range, near Mandakini river, in the state of Uttarakhand. This temple is believed to be built by Pandavas, for pleasing Lord Shiva. To reach Kedarnath temple, situated on a high altitude one has to trek for 22 km from Gaurikund. This Shrine is open for the pilgrims from April to November. After November, due to extremely cold conditions, the temple is closed, and the Lord Shiva Statue is brought down to Ukhimath, where he is worshipped for the next six months.

KASHI VISHWANATH, UTTAR PRADESH:

Kashi Vishwanath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), on the western bank of river Ganga. Vishwanath, i.e., Lord of the universe is a Shiva temple which has been destroyed and reconstructed many times. Now, the management of the temple is with the Uttar Pradesh Government. During Shivratri and Mahashivratri, the temple is aesthetically decorated. It is strongly believed that dying in Kashi relieves oneself from further rebirths and attains moksha. The best time during the year to visit the temple is from November to February.Besides it , you can also find well crafted & durable shiva murti across various shops near the temple. Do get hands on one & place it at your altar for attracting positivity in home.

SOMNATH TEMPLE, GUJARAT:

Somnath Temple is one of the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, located in Gujarat. This temple had been destroyed and reconstructed many times during the different invasion journeys of Muslim rulers. Ancient history links Somnath with God Moon's release (Chandra) from the curse of his father-in-law. After independence, the temple was renovated, and Pran-Pratistha was done by the then President of India Dr Rajender Prasad. The best time to visit during the year is between October to March.  

CHIDAMBARAM TEMPLE, TAMIL NADU:

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is one of the five holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple and is situated in a place in Tamil Nadu called Chidambaram. This famous temple was built in the 10th Century AD by Chola Kings and was significantly repaired & maintained by many other dynasties such as Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, etc. 

This temple follows both Vedic and Tamil versions of worships. This temple depicts Lord Shiva idol as the Lord of the dance Bharatanatyam and his cosmic dance form represents the motion of the universe as sustained by Lord Shiva. The best time to visit the temple during the year is October to March.  

MAHABALESHWAR, MADHYA PRADESH:

Mahakaleshwar Temple is located in Ujjain, on the banks of river Shipra. It is believed that Prajaita Brahma established this temple. This temple is the only temple with a lingam, which came up on its own and faces South. This temple is also remembered as one of the 18th Maha Shakti Peetham.According to ancient legends, on the plea of His helpless devotees, Lord Shiva appeared in his Mahakal avatar and destroyed the enemies of Kind Chandrasena. 

He, then on the request of his devotees agreed to reside in Ujjain and protect them. Hence, Lord Shiva is believed to be residing in a lingam in the form of Mahakal. The best time to visit Mahakaleshwar temple during the year is October to March.

KAILASNATH TEMPLE, MAHARASHTRA.

Kailasnath Temple, is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu Shiva temples at the Ellora caves, in Maharashtra. This aesthetical architecture of the temple shows traces of Pallava and Chalukyas styles. Legend describes that once a King there got seriously ill and his wife Manikeshwar promised Lord Shiva to build a temple if her husband is cured. 

After being cured, she got a Temple built through an architect named Kolkata, by carving rock from the top. Hence, this is also known as Manikeshwar Temple. The best time to visit the temple during the year is June to March.