This Maha Shivratri 2025 Experience the Divine at Best Shiva Temples in India!

India is a country with many temples spread throughout the towns and cities, so much so that there is one at every corner, from the southern coastlines of Tamil Nadu to the northern valleys of Kashmir. Travelers from all over the world flock to India to enjoy the greatest of spirituality at its many ashrams and Shiva temples, and for good reason—the blessed nation is well-known for it.

Explore the various residences and don’t pass up the tranquility that these temples are known to infuse into your daily activities.

Top 25 Shiva Temples In India In 2025

Check out this collection of well-known Shiva temples in India to bring extra tranquility to your trip while you wait to organize a comprehensive spiritual getaway! 

1. Lingaraj Temple

The magnificent temple of Lingaraj, a true wonder of Kalinga architecture, is reputed to have been constructed in honor of Lord Harihara, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Although the Somavamsi dynasty’s kings founded this temple, the Ganga dynasty’s rulers later repaired and made minor alterations. This temple, which is regarded as one of the oldest in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is very significant to both locals and visitors from around the nation. 

2. Daksheswara Mahadev Temple

The Daksheswara Mahadev Temple was founded in 1810 by the Queen of Dankaur and is located roughly 4 kilometers from Hairdwar. This temple was refurbished in 1962 and is thought to have been named after Devi Sati’s father, who was an avatar of Goddess Durga. At this lovely temple, there is a huge celebration on the anniversary of Mahashivratri.

3. Annamalaiyar Temple

At the top of the list of well-known Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu is Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, one of the enormous temple buildings renowned for its opulence. The four major doorways of the temple, known as the Gopurams, are a striking example of architecture. More significantly, it performs five rites in a single day and acts as an influence for several Tamil texts. The Karthigai Deepam festival is the ideal time of year to visit this temple.

4. Vadakkunnathan Temple

Vadakkunnathan Temple is considered to be the first temple constructed by Parshurama and is one of the most well-known in South India. When devotees visit the temple, they bring significant amounts of Ghee as a sign of offering. As a result, the temple now displays a sizable pile of ghee in place of the Lingam. After that, the devotees receive this ghee back as Prashadam to consume at home. 

5. Bhavnath Mahadev Temple

Situated in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, close at the foot of the Girnar hills, this temple is a popular destination for both Hindu and Jainists. You should go to this temple in January or February to see the Bhavnath Fair, which is one of its primary attractions. Stay at the festival and experience even more joy in the company of the renowned Naga Sadhus if you want to receive the finest of the blessed energies here.

6. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

One of the things that sets the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple apart from other Shiva temples in India is the exquisite workmanship on the walls. The temple is particularly well-known because of its 900 carved statues, both inside and outside, which feature images of a dancing Chamunda. This location is ideal for experiencing divinity or just taking in the breathtaking architectural design!

7. Tungnath Temple

This is the ideal time to visit Uttarakhand’s Tungnath Temple, the most famous Shiva temple in the world, if you haven’t already. The well-known Chandrashila walk, which provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, is very enjoyable in the end. Yes, exactly! This temple is located exactly where the walk ends, and it will undoubtedly reward your wanderlust with a spectacular vista and a few too many chilly breezes splashing in your face.

8. Bhojpur Shiva Temple

The Bhojpur Shiva Temple, situated in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. The Shiva Lingam, which sits inside the temple and is carved from a single rock, is a magnificent example of architecture. Despite the fact that this sacred building is still under construction, it has been crowned the highest Shiva linga in the nation.

9. Amarnath Temple

The holy shrine of Amarnath in Kashmir is raising the bar for pilgrimage vacations in India to a whole new level. Tourists from all over the nation and even abroad come to this temple, which is situated in a huge cave at a height of 3888 meters, to see the magnificent Shiva Lingam, which only forms once a year. To traverse the difficult terrain of Kashmir and trek all the way to the temple, one undoubtedly requires a lot of strength.

10. Kailashnath Temple

The famed Kailashnath temple in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is a sight to behold, with 34 temples forming a stunning combination. As a result, it draws many tourists each year. One of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in India, it was established during the Rashtrakutas’ reign in the eighth century and is credited with serving as a primary model and source of inspiration for other temples built in the same century.

11. Kedarnath

One of the most well-known Shiva temples in India is Kedarnath Temple, which is 3583 meters high and perched atop the Garhwal Himalayan Range. It is one of the four stops on Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra and is located close to the Mandakini River. Due to its high height, this location is challenging to reach by foot. Additionally, the road leading to this temple is only open from April to November and is closed throughout the winter.

12. Somnath

Located at Prabhas Patan on Gujarat’s western coast is the Somnath Temple. This temple is regarded as one of the oldest Shiva temples in India and the first of the twelve Jyotirlings shrines devoted to Lord Shiva. The Arrow Pillar, also called the Baan Stambh, is the temple’s most captivating feature. Its building is in the Chalukya style.

13. Mallikarjuna Swamy

Another Jyotirlinga in Andhra Pradesh is Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, which is one of the most visited Shiva temples in India. It is thought that King Harihara Raya of Bijayanagara constructed this temple six centuries ago. Since then, it has grown in stature among Hindus. Mallikarjun is a manifestation of Lord Shiva, while Bhadrakali is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati.

14. Omkareshwar

One of the most well-known Shiva temples in India is Omkareshwar Temple, which is situated in the Narmada River. It is dispersed over the Om-shaped island of Mandhata. The three-headed idol that is worshipped here is praised three times per day. Monday is the ideal day to visit this location if you want to experience its complete beauty. 

15. Trimbakeshwar

Trimbakeshwar, another Jyotirlinga, is located at the Godavari River’s source, about 28 kilometers from Nashik. It is thought that the esteemed Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao built this temple. Known for its black stones and Hemadpanthi design, this temple is regarded as one of India’s most well-known Shiva temples. Additionally, the idol features three-faced representations of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Rudra, each of whom is crowned with three crowns.

16. Mahakaleshwar Temple

Throughout the year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to the temple city of Ujjain. Mahakaleshwar is one such temple that enhances the spirituality of this city. In this temple, one may see the Mahakal god sitting. Dakshinamurti, the main deity of this temple, is actually Swayambhu Lingam. Bhasma Aarti, which is housed at one of the Jyotirlinga Temples, draws a lot of devotees throughout the year!

17. Bhimashankar Temple

The Bhimashankar temple is situated near Pune, close to the Bhima River’s source. In addition to its religious significance, this temple is well-known for its Nagara architectural style, which is evident in its design. According to legend, Lord Shiva gave the demon Tripurasur the prize of immortality after he performed penance and won his favor. The catch was that he was threatened with death unless he used his abilities to advance humankind. Tripurasur eventually forgot the restriction and began to defy the gods. The demon was then slain here by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who assumed the shape of Ardhanarishwara.

18. Kashi Vishwanath

One of the most well-known Shiva temples in India, Kashi Vishwanath holds great religious significance and is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas located throughout the nation. It is said that whoever dies at Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple is freed from the cycle of reincarnation and his soul is protected under Vishwanath, the world’s lord. Those who want to see the best of this temple should definitely schedule a visit during the Shivaratri Festival, when it is lavishly decorated.

19. Vaidyanath Temple

As the name suggests, this Shiva temple in India is devoted to the Lords who served as physicians. The word “Vaidya” in the name means “doctor,” while the word “nath” means “lord.” The demon Ravana sacrificed his ten extra faces to appease Lord Shiva, according to the legend surrounding this temple. It is thought that Lord Shiva cured Ravana’s head here because he was moved by the deity. This temple is one of the Jyotirlingas, and there are additional twenty-something temples in the complex, each of which has some archaic features of its own.

20. Nageshwar Temple

The temple of Nageshwar is arguably Gujarat’s pride. This temple, which is located on the Saurashtra shore, is frequently visited on the way to Dwarka. This temple is one of the most well-known Shiva temples in India since Lord Shiva is revered there as a Jyotirlinga. The experience and attractions in this temple are provided by the enormous garden, a tranquil pond, and a 25-meter-tall figure of the Lord. The temple’s already great experience is enhanced by the mythological significance and the beautiful antique texts!

21. Ramanathaswamy Temple

One of India’s most well-known Shiva temples, Ramanathaswamy, is located in Tamil Nadu. For good reason, this temple is frequently included on southern regions of the country’s temple tours. This temple has a fascinating history and is primarily visited by Shaivite and Vaishnavite believers. The temple is thought to be located where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva in order to atone for his guilt of slaying the Brahmin Ravana. Because it contains the longest temple hallway in the world, art enthusiasts also visit the temple.

22. Grishneshwar Temple

Near Daularabad lies a temple called Grishneshwar, which is regarded as the last Jyotirlinga temple in the world. This temple, which was built with a collection of red rocks, is as magnificent as it gets and features prehistoric architecture. This temple is undoubtedly one of the best Shiva temples in India, drawing both pilgrims and lovers of architecture. The Shiva Purana’s account of Grishma’s devotion and the rebirth of her son, who was murdered by her envious sister, is another factor contributing to the temple’s notoriety. The name was most likely inspired by this incident!

23. Brihadeeswarar Temple

In addition to drawing Hindu pilgrims from all across the nation, this temple was once listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple in Thanjavur, which was built under Raja Raj Chola’s direction, is arguably one of the best specimens of Dravidian architecture. Vimanam, the tallest temple tower in the nation and the entire world, is located within the temple. The deities of Dakshinamurthy, Chandra, and Surya adorn the exterior of this temple, which is dedicated to Lord Mahadev. Here, one may also see Ashta Dikapalas’ statues!

24. Shore Temple

As the name suggests, this temple is situated in Mahabalipuram and is visible from the Bay of Bengal’s coasts. The best example of eighth-century temple architecture is Shore Temple. This temple is one of the oldest in the southern part of the country and is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to Lord Shiva, the idol of Lord Vishnu, who is pictured reclining, is housed in the stone temple. For those who want to experience the architecture of South Indian temples, this is a perfect place to be.

25. Kotilingeshwara Temple

One of India’s most serene Shiva temples is Kotilingeshwara Temple, which is located in the southern region of the nation. The temple is well-known among pilgrims and devotees from all over the nation because it is home to almost one crore Shiva Lingas. With a height of almost 11 meters, the tallest Shiva Linga in this temple is approximately 33 meters tall. This Shiva Linga is the highest in the world, not just in this nation! You should not pass up the opportunity to see this wonder!