Top 5 Lord Shiva Temples to Visit in India

Ankita Jain,

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From the ancient Jyotirlingas like Somnath and Mahakaleshwar to the remote Himalayan temples of Amarnath and Kedarnath, these holy sites of Lord Shiva attract millions of devotees and travelers every year, offering a blend of divine ambiance, architectural beauty and profound spiritual experiences. Read more:

By Ritesh December 9, 2025, 7:25:19 PM IST (published)

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Like other deities, Lord Shiva is worshiped not only in India but also in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia. The country is also home to some of the tallest statues of Lord Shiva. Before Mahashivratri 2025, one can visit these idols and witness their grandeur. (Image: Shutterstock)

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India’s spiritual landscape is replete with remarkable temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, each with its own stories, rituals and architectural legacy. For travelers seeking a sacred experience or devotees planning their next pilgrimage, the following five Shiva temples stand out for their cultural depth, historical significance and breathtaking surroundings. (Image: Shutterstock)

Hindu devotees sing bhajans inside the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex before the inauguration of the new Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the northern city of Varanasi, India on December 12, 2021. Reuters/Pawan Kumar

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1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): Located in the heart of Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas and a place where millions of people seek liberation and inner clarity. With the flowing Ganga nearby and the ease of movement for pilgrims due to the grand corridor, the temple offers an environment that is both serene and spiritually charged. Many people consider it to be the most important Shiva temple to visit in India, as the city is also associated with Goddess Sati. (Image: Reuters)

7. Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Temple is one of the four Dhams of Hinduism where devotees often visit to offer holy water to the Shiva Linga. Located in the Himalayas, it is accessible only by a challenging track. (Image: Shutterstock)

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2. Kedarnath Temple, Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand): Nestled deep in the Himalayas, Kedarnath attracts pilgrims, mountaineers and spiritual seekers alike. This stone structure, believed to be centuries old, stands firmly amidst the snow-capped peaks. Reaching the temple requires effort, but the journey through pristine hilly terrain and the sense of peace in the sanctum sanctorum make Kedarnath one of India’s most unforgettable pilgrimage experiences. (Image: Shutterstock)

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3. Somnath (Shri Somnath Jyotirlinga) All meals provided will be vegetarian, including breakfast, lunch and dinner with two bottles of water. AC and non-AC buses will be available for local sightseeing depending on the travel category. (Image: Gujarat Tourism)

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3. Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan (Gujarat): Somnath, celebrated as the first Jyotirlinga and a symbol of resilience, has been rebuilt several times during its turbulent history. The Chalukya style architecture of the temple and sweeping views of the Arabian Sea make it an important spiritual and cultural site. Visitors often describe the experience as meditative and deeply grounding. (Image: Gujarat Tourism)

Amarnath Cave Temple/Image Courtesy Amarnathji Shrine Board

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4. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu and Kashmir: Amarnath Yatra is one of the most favorite pilgrimages for Shiva devotees. The naturally formed ice Shivalinga within the cave is considered a divine manifestation, attracting thousands of people every year. Although the trek is difficult, when travelers approach the sacred cave they are greeted with spectacular Himalayan views, crisp mountain air and an overwhelming sense of devotion. (Image: Amarnathji Shrine Board)

1.Ujjain (Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga). This initiative, which will start from July 9, was announced by Rajesh Kumar, Joint General Manager, IRCTC (regional office), Patna. The special train will start its journey from Bettiah railway station on July 9 and will stop at various places like Sagauli Junction, Raxaul Junction, Sitamarhi Junction, Darbhanga Junction, Samastipur Junction, Muzaffarpur Junction, Hajipur Junction, Patliputra Junction, Arrah Junction, Buxar and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction. (Image: Shri Mahakaleshwar Ujjain)

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5.Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Known for the unique Bhasma Aarti performed at dawn, Mahakaleshwar is a powerful Jyotirlinga that has immense spiritual significance. The temple’s ancient structure, bustling rituals and riverside setting make it a major pilgrimage site for anyone exploring the Shiva temples of India. (Image: Shri Mahakaleshwar Ujjain)

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