Shiva, one of the most revered gods in Hinduism, is known as the destroyer and the transformer. He is considered to be the embodiment of power, strength, and virtue, and is worshiped by millions of devotees across India and beyond. The popularity of Shiv Temples in India is a testament to the enduring devotion and reverence that Hindus have for this deity. From the majestic Somnath Temple in Gujarat to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh, these temples are not just places of worship, but also cultural and historical landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world.
The temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are renowned for their unique architecture, intricate carvings, and powerful spiritual energy. Many of these temples are located in scenic locations, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty that only adds to their spiritual significance. Some of the popular Shiv Temples in India are considered to be Jyotirlingas, which are said to be the most powerful and holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. These shrines are scattered across the country and are considered to be particularly sacred by devotees.
List of Popular Shiva Temples In India
Somnath Temple, Gujarat The Somnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in India. The temple is known for its architectural beauty and historical significance, as it has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current temple complex was rebuilt in the 1950s and is a magnificent structure, with intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere.
Location: The Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, in the state of Gujarat.
How to reach there: The nearest airport is Diu airport, which is about 60 km from the temple. The temple is well connected by road and rail and is easily accessible from major cities in Gujarat and nearby states. Visitors can also take a taxi or local bus from Veraval to reach the temple.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in India and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
Location: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the heart of Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges River.
How to reach there: The nearest airport is Varanasi airport, which is well connected to major cities in India. The temple is also easily accessible by train, with several trains running between Varanasi and other major cities in India. Visitors can also take a taxi or local bus from Varanasi to reach the temple.
Trimbakeshwar Temple, Maharashtra The Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is located in the town of Trimbak, in the state of Maharashtra. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere, and is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in India.
Location: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is located in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.
How to reach there: The nearest airport is Nashik airport, which is about 30 km from the temple. The temple is well connected by road and is easily accessible from major cities in Maharashtra and nearby states. Visitors can also take a taxi or local bus from Nashik to reach the temple.
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh The Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is located in the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The temple is known for its architectural beauty and spiritual energy, and is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in India.
Location: The Mahakaleshwar Temple is located in the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.
How to reach there: The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj airport in Bhopal, which is about 60 km from the temple. The temple is well connected by road and rail and is easily accessible from major cities in Madhya Pradesh and nearby states. Visitors can also take a taxi or local bus from Ujjain to reach the temple.
Mallikarjuna Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Mallikarjuna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Location: Srisailam, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh
How to reach: The temple is well connected by road and rail, nearest railway station is Srisailam Railway Station and nearest airport is Hyderabad International Airport (approximately 220 km).

Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Amarnath Temple is a Hindu shrine located in Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in a cave surrounded by snow-capped mountains and attracts a large number of pilgrims every year.
Location: Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir
How to reach: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport and nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. The temple can also be reached by road from Srinagar or Jammu.

Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Bhorgiri village near Pune, Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Location: Bhorgiri village, near Pune, Maharashtra
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Pune Railway Station (approximately 95 km) and nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport (approximately 140 km). The temple is also connected by road from Pune and Mumbai.

Grishneshwar Temple, Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Verul village near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Location: Verul village, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Aurangabad Railway Station (approximately 30 km) and nearest airport is Aurangabad International Airport (approximately 40 km). The temple is also connected by road from Aurangabad and Mumbai.

Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Detailed Kedarnath Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is located near the Mandakini River and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. It is believed that a visit to Kedarnath Temple can cleanse a person’s soul and grant salvation. The temple is open for six months in a year (from April to November) as it is covered in snow for the rest of the year.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station (approximately 223 km) and nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approximately 217 km). The temple can also be reached by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar. There are also helicopter services available from Dehradun to Kedarnath during the temple’s open season.
Kailashnath Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
Detailed Kailashnath Temple is an architectural marvel located in the Ellora Caves complex near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The temple is considered to be one of the largest rock-cut temple complexes in the world and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the 8th century AD and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple was carved out of a single rock, which is a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of the ancient Indians.
Location: Ellora Caves, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Aurangabad Railway Station (approximately 30 km) and nearest airport is Aurangabad International Airport (approximately 40 km). The temple can also be reached by road from Aurangabad.
Vaidyanath Temple, Jharkhand
Detailed Vaidyanath Temple, also known as Baidyanath Temple, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva cured Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana of a fatal illness. The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year during the festival of Shivaratri.
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Deoghar Railway Station and nearest airport is Gaya International Airport (approximately 170 km). The temple can also be reached by road from nearby cities.
Nageshwar Temple, Gujarat
Detailed Nageshwar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Dwarka, Gujarat. It is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is one of the four major shrines in India. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva killed a demon named Daaruka and granted liberation to his followers. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Dwarka Railway Station and nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport (approximately 140 km). The temple can also be reached by road from nearby cities.

In addition to the beauty and historical significance of these temples, they are also significant pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Thousands of devotees undertake the journey to these temples every year, in order to seek blessings, pay homage to Lord Shiva, and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of these holy shrines. Whether you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, or simply curious about the rich cultural heritage of India, a visit to these popular Shiv Temples is sure to be a deeply enriching experience.