Shivaभगवान शिव

About Shiva

He is worshipped above all as the linga, the formless sign of the infinite, and the twelve Jyotirlingas are among the holiest places in India. His forms include Nataraja, the cosmic dancer; Neelkantha, who held the poison from the churning of the ocean in his throat; and Mahamrityunjaya, the conqueror of death.

The crescent moon, the Ganga flowing from his matted hair, the third eye, the trident, the damaru and the serpent around his neck each carry meaning in Shaiva tradition. Mondays, the month of Shravan and Maha Shivratri are his special times.

Shiva mantra

Prayers to Shiva 18

Chalisas, aartis, stotras and mantras for Shiva, each with the full text, transliteration and meaning.

Mantra · 1 min Mahamrityunjaya Mantra महामृत्युञ्जय मन्त्र The "Great Death-Conquering" mantra from the Rigveda, addressed to Rudra-Shiva. Recited for healing, longevity, and release from fear of death. Read with meaning → Chalisa · 6–8 min Shiv Chalisa शिव चालीसा A forty-verse devotional hymn to Lord Shiva, chanted for health, prosperity, and spiritual strength. Read with meaning → Stotra · 5 min Shiva Tandava Stotram शिव ताण्डव स्तोत्रम् Powerful stotra composed by Ravana extolling Shiva's cosmic dance — rhythmically intense Sanskrit. Read with meaning → Stotra · 3 min Lingashtakam लिङ्गाष्टकम् Eight-verse hymn by Adi Shankaracharya extolling the Shiva Linga. Read with meaning → Stotra · 4 min Rudrashtakam रुद्राष्टकम् Tulsidas's eight-verse Sanskrit hymn to Shiva from the Uttar Kand of the Ramcharitmanas, where Kakbhushundi's guru sings it to calm Shiva's anger. Read with meaning → Stotra · 2 min Bilvashtakam बिल्वाष्टकम् The hymn of the bilva (bel) leaf. Each verse ends "eka-bilvam shivarpanam" — I offer one bilva leaf to Shiva — and praises the three-lobed leaf as dearer to Shiva than the greatest gifts and sacrifices. Read with meaning → Stotra · 5 min Dakshinamurti Stotram दक्षिणामूर्तिस्तोत्रम् Vishvam darpana-drishyamana — ten dense verses of Advaita addressed to Dakshinamurti, Shiva as the silent teacher seated under the banyan tree. The world is like a city seen in a mirror; the Self alone is real. Each verse ends "to that Shri Dakshinamurti, the guru, salutations". Read with meaning → Stotra · 4 min Kalabhairava Ashtakam कालभैरवाष्टकम् Eight verses to Kala Bhairava, the fierce form of Shiva who guards Kashi (Varanasi) as its kotwal. Each verse ends "kashika-puradhinatha kalabhairavam bhaje" — I worship Kalabhairava, lord of the city of Kashi. Read with meaning → Mantra · 5 min Mantras for Good Health आरोग्य मन्त्र Traditional mantras chanted for health and healing — the Mahamrityunjaya, the Dhanvantari mantra, Achyutananta Govinda, the Surya arghya mantra and Sarve Bhavantu Niramayah — with meaning. Read with meaning → Mantra · 5 min Mantras for Marriage and a Happy Married Life विवाह मन्त्र Traditional mantras for a good marriage and a happy married life — the Katyayani mantra of the gopis, the Gauri prayer, Uma-Maheshvara, Sarva Mangala and the Saptapadi words — with meaning. Read with meaning → Mantra · 5 min Mantras for Protection रक्षा मन्त्र Traditional mantras for protection and courage — the Narasimha mantra, Om Ham Hanumate Namah, Manojavam, Sharanagata Dinarta, Sarvabadha Vinirmukto and the Mahamrityunjaya — with meaning. Read with meaning → Stotra · 3 min Nirvana Shatakam निर्वाणषट्कम् Six verses of pure Advaita, also called Atma Shatakam. Tradition says the boy Shankara gave this answer when his guru Govindapada asked "Who are you?" — I am not the body, mind or senses; I am consciousness and bliss, I am Shiva. Read with meaning → Aarti · 4 min Om Jai Shiv Omkara ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा The best-known aarti of Bhagavan Shiva, sung every Monday, at Pradosh and on Maha Shivratri — praising Shiva as one with Brahma and Vishnu in the sacred sound Om. Read with meaning → Mantra · 3 min Om Namah Shivaya ॐ नमः शिवाय The Panchakshari — Shiva's five-syllable mantra, from the Shri Rudram of the Yajurveda — with its meaning word by word, the Panchakshara Stotram verse, and how to chant it. Read with meaning → Stotra · 20 min Shiva Mahimna Stotram शिवमहिम्नःस्तोत्रम् Mahimnah param te — "your greatness has no farther shore". The gandharva Pushpadanta's great hymn on the glory (mahimna) of Shiva: beyond words and thought, yet reached by every path as rivers reach the ocean. One of the most revered hymns in Shaiva worship. Read with meaning → Stotra · 3 min Shiva Manasa Puja शिवमानसपूजा A complete puja offered only in the mind: a jewelled seat, bath, silk, sandal, flowers, lamp, a golden plate of food, music and dance — and finally one's whole life. "Whatever I do, O Shambhu, is your worship." Read with meaning → Mantra · 6 min Shiva Mantras शिव मन्त्र Seven mantras of Shiva — Om Namah Shivaya, the Mahamrityunjaya, the Rudra Gayatri, Karpura Gauram, the first verses of the Rudrashtakam and Lingashtakam and more — with meaning. Read with meaning → Stotra · 2 min Shiva Panchakshara Stotram शिवपञ्चाक्षरस्तोत्रम् Five verses, one for each syllable of the mantra "Namah Shivaya" — na, ma, shi, va, ya. Each verse begins with its syllable and ends "tasmai ... namah shivaya". One of the most loved short hymns to Shiva. Read with meaning →

Daily shlokas

Kara Charana Kritam Vaकरचरणकृतं वाBefore sleep, asking forgiveness for the day's mistakes

Festivals of Shiva

• ॐMahashivratriमहाशिवरात्रिKrishna Chaturdashi, Magh/Phalgun month
• कKarva Chauthकरवा चौथKrishna Chaturthi, Kartik month
• पूKartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali)कार्तिक पूर्णिमाPurnima of Kartik
• तीHariyali Teejहरियाली तीजShukla Tritiya, Shravan month
• हHartalika Teejहरतालिका तीजShukla Tritiya, Bhadrapada month
• वVat Savitri Vratवट सावित्री व्रतJyeshtha Amavasya (North); Jyeshtha Purnima (Maharashtra, Gujarat, South)
• दDatta Jayantiदत्त जयन्तीMargashirsha Purnima (at dusk)

Temples of Shiva

• 12 JyotirlingasThe twelve self-manifested lingas of Shiva

Somnath Temple सोमनाथ मंदिर

Veraval, Gujarat · Shiva

First of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Known as "Prabhas Patan", the eternal shrine that has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times. Lord Krishna is said to have left his mortal body here.

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Mallikarjuna Temple मल्लिकार्जुन मंदिर

Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh · Shiva

Second Jyotirlinga and also a Shakti Peetha (dual tirth). Hilltop shrine on the banks of Krishna river. Mother Parvati here is Bhramaramba Devi.

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Mahakaleshwar Temple महाकालेश्वर मंदिर

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh · Shiva

Third Jyotirlinga. Only south-facing (Dakshinamukhi) Jyotirlinga. Famous for Bhasma Aarti performed daily at 4 AM with sacred ash. Shiva as Mahakala — Lord of Time.

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Omkareshwar Temple ॐकारेश्वर मंदिर

Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh · Shiva

Fourth Jyotirlinga, situated on an island shaped like the sacred Om symbol in the Narmada river. Two temples — Omkareshwar and Amareshwar both represent the same Jyotirlinga.

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Kedarnath Temple केदारनाथ मंदिर

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand · Shiva

Fifth Jyotirlinga and part of the Himalayan Chota Char Dham. Highest Jyotirlinga at 3,583m. Open only May-November due to snow. The Pandavas built it. Lingam here is a conical rock (hump of a bull).

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Bhimashankar Temple भीमाशंकर मंदिर

Pune, Maharashtra · Shiva

Sixth Jyotirlinga, in the Sahyadri hills. Source of the Bhima river. Shiva slew the demon Tripurasura here. Surrounded by Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (home to the Indian giant squirrel).

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Kashi Vishwanath Temple काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh · Shiva

Seventh Jyotirlinga. Most sacred Shiva temple in Hindu belief. Golden-spired. One darshan here is said to grant moksha. Located on the western banks of Ganga in Kashi.

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Trimbakeshwar Temple त्र्यम्बकेश्वर मंदिर

Nashik, Maharashtra · Shiva

Eighth Jyotirlinga, source of Godavari river. Lingam has three faces — Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. Famous for Kalsarpa Shanti Puja. Mahamrityunjaya Mantra said to have originated here.

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Baidyanath Temple बैद्यनाथ मंदिर

Deoghar, Jharkhand · Shiva

Ninth Jyotirlinga, also called Baba Baidyanath Dham. Ravana worshipped Shiva here. Famous for the Shravan Mela — millions of Kanwariyas carry Ganga water from Sultanganj on foot.

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Nageshwar Jyotirlinga नागेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग

Dwarka, Gujarat · Shiva

Tenth Jyotirlinga, near Dwarka. 25m tall Shiva statue outside. Named "Nageshwar" (Lord of Serpents) — protects devotees from poisons.

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Ramanathaswamy Temple रामनाथस्वामी मंदिर

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu · Shiva

Eleventh Jyotirlinga and part of Char Dham. Rama worshipped Shiva here after killing Ravana (a Brahmin) to atone. World's longest temple corridor (1,200m). Known for 22 sacred wells (Tirthas).

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Grishneshwar Temple घृष्णेश्वर मंदिर

Ellora, Maharashtra · Shiva

Twelfth and last Jyotirlinga. Near the Ellora Caves (UNESCO site). Last in the sequential circuit. Built by Ahilyabai Holkar. "Grishneshwar" from devoted woman Kusuma.

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Meenakshi Temple मीनाक्षी अम्मन मंदिर

Madurai, Tamil Nadu · Meenakshi (Parvati), Sundareswarar (Shiva)

Among India's most famous temples. 14 gopurams covered in 33,000 colorful sculptures. Hall of Thousand Pillars. Meenakshi (fish-eyed goddess) marriage festival (Chithirai) is spectacular. One of the finalists for New 7 Wonders.

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Lingaraja Temple लिंगराज मंदिर

Bhubaneswar, Odisha · Harihara (Shiva-Vishnu)

Largest temple in Bhubaneswar. 55m tall deul. Harihara — half Shiva, half Vishnu (unique). Non-Hindus restricted from inner sanctum. One of oldest surviving Kalinga style temples.

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Brihadeeswarar Temple बृहदेश्वर मंदिर

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu · Shiva

UNESCO World Heritage — Great Living Chola Temples. Built by Rajaraja Chola I around 1010 CE; its 66m vimana was among the tallest of its time. Massive monolithic Nandi and one of the largest Shiva Lingams in India.

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Amarnath Cave अमरनाथ गुफा

Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir · Shiva (ice lingam)

Natural ice Shiva Lingam that forms each year. 3,888m altitude. Open only July-August via Pahalgam or Baltal routes. Where Shiva narrated the secret of immortality to Parvati. 2 million+ pilgrims undertake Amarnath Yatra each season.

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Virupaksha Temple विरुपाक्ष मंदिर

Hampi, Karnataka · Shiva (Virupaksha)

UNESCO World Heritage. Oldest functioning temple here. Pinhole camera effect in inner chambers — projects inverted gopuram image. Site of Vijayanagara capital.

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Mahabalipuram Shore Temple महाबलिपुरम तट मंदिर

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu · Shiva, Vishnu

UNESCO. One of the oldest structural stone temples in South India. Right at the Bay of Bengal shore. Pallava style. Two Shiva shrines facing east and west, one Vishnu shrine between.

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Ekambareswarar Temple एकाम्बरेश्वर मंदिर

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu · Shiva

One of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, where Shiva is worshipped as the earth element in the form of a Prithvi Lingam. Its towering gopuram and sacred mango tree make it the largest temple of Kanchipuram.

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Jambukeswarar Temple जम्बुकेश्वर मंदिर

Thiruvanaikaval, Tamil Nadu · Shiva

The Pancha Bhoota Sthalam for water, on Srirangam island near Tiruchirappalli. Shiva is worshipped as the Appu Lingam, from beneath which a natural spring seeps up in the sanctum, with the goddess Akilandeswari.

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Arunachalesvara Temple अरुणाचलेश्वर मंदिर

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu · Shiva

The Pancha Bhoota Sthalam for fire, at the foot of the holy Arunachala hill. Famous for the Karthigai Deepam beacon lit on the hilltop and for girivalam, the barefoot walk around the hill on full-moon nights.

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Srikalahasteeswara Temple श्रीकालहस्तीश्वर मंदिर

Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh · Shiva

The Pancha Bhoota Sthalam for air (vayu), on the Swarnamukhi river near Tirupati. Known for the legend of the spider, snake and elephant, the devotion of Kannappa, and Rahu-Ketu puja.

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Thillai Nataraja Temple थिल्लई नटराज मंदिर

Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu · Shiva (Nataraja)

The Pancha Bhoota Sthalam for space (akasha), where Shiva is worshipped as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, beneath a golden roof. Its gateways carry the 108 dance poses of classical Bharatanatyam.

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Kapaleeshwarar Temple कपालीश्वर मंदिर

Chennai (Mylapore), Tamil Nadu · Shiva

The best-known Shiva temple of Chennai, in the old quarter of Mylapore. Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeshwarar with the goddess Karpagambal, and tradition says Parvati worshipped him here in the form of a peacock.

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Kandariya Mahadeva Temple कंदारिया महादेव मंदिर

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh · Shiva

The largest and most richly carved temple of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the finest examples of the Nagara temple style anywhere in India.

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Kailasa Temple, Ellora कैलास मंदिर, एलोरा

Ellora, Maharashtra · Shiva

Cave 16 at Ellora, a complete Shiva temple carved downward out of a single basalt hill, is among the greatest rock-cut monuments in the world and part of the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves.

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Hoysaleswara Temple होयसलेश्वर मंदिर

Halebidu, Karnataka · Shiva

A twin Shiva temple at the old Hoysala capital of Dvarasamudra, famed for some of the richest stone carving in India and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.

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Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal विरूपाक्ष मंदिर, पट्टदकल

Pattadakal, Karnataka · Shiva

The largest and finest temple of the UNESCO-listed Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, built by a Chalukya queen in the 8th century, and still a living place of Shiva worship.

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Airavatesvara Temple ऐरावतेश्वर मंदिर

Darasuram, Tamil Nadu · Shiva

One of the three Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 12th-century Shiva temple near Kumbakonam is famed for its delicate carving, chariot-shaped hall and musical steps.

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Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram बृहदीश्वर मंदिर, गंगैकोंड चोलपुरम

Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu · Shiva

The grand Shiva temple of Rajendra Chola I at his new capital, built to mark his northern campaign to the Ganga, and one of the three Great Living Chola Temples inscribed by UNESCO.

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Kailasanathar Temple कैलासनाथ मंदिर

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu · Shiva

The oldest standing structural temple in Kanchipuram, built in sandstone by the Pallava king Rajasimha around 700 CE, and a landmark in the early history of South Indian temple architecture.

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Ramappa Temple रामप्पा मंदिर

Palampet, Telangana · Shiva (Ramalingeswara)

A 13th-century Kakatiya Shiva temple famed for its graceful bracket figures and light-weight bricks, inscribed by UNESCO as the Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana.

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Mukteshvara Temple मुक्तेश्वर मंदिर

Bhubaneswar, Odisha · Shiva

A small but exquisite 10th-century Shiva temple in Bhubaneswar, often called the gem of Odisha temple architecture, famous for its carved stone arch (torana).

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Elephanta Caves एलीफेंटा गुफाएँ

Elephanta Island (Gharapuri), Maharashtra · Shiva

A rock-cut Shiva cave temple on an island in Mumbai harbour, home to the famous three-headed Sadashiva sculpture and inscribed by UNESCO as the Elephanta Caves World Heritage Site.

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Umananda Temple उमानंद मंदिर

Guwahati, Assam · Shiva (Umananda)

Shiva temple on Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra at Guwahati, often described as one of the smallest inhabited river islands in the world, reached only by boat.

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Bhoramdeo Temple भोरमदेव मंदिर

Kabirdham (Kawardha), Chhattisgarh · Shiva

Finely carved 11th-century Shiva temple in the Maikal hills, often called the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh, and the state's best-known temple of the Nagavanshi period.

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Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple स्थानेश्वर महादेव मंदिर

Thanesar (Kurukshetra), Haryana · Shiva (Sthaneshwar)

Ancient Shiva shrine of Thanesar in Kurukshetra, where tradition says the Pandavas and Krishna prayed before the Mahabharata war; the town takes its name from it.

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Siddhesvara Dham सिद्धेश्वर धाम

Namchi, Sikkim · Shiva

Modern pilgrimage complex on Solophok hill near Namchi, opened in 2011, with a giant seated Shiva statue and replicas of the Char Dham and the twelve Jyotirlingas in one place.

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Shri Mangueshi Temple श्री मंगेशी मंदिर

Ponda, Goa · Shiva (Manguesh)

One of the largest and best-loved temples of Goa, dedicated to Shiva as Shri Manguesh, the family deity of many Saraswat families. Its seven-storey lamp tower and domed hall are classic examples of Goan temple architecture.

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Murudeshwar Temple मुरुडेश्वर मंदिर

Murudeshwar, Karnataka · Shiva (Murudeshwara)

A seaside Shiva temple on Kanduka hill, surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea, linked by legend to Ravana and the Atmalinga. Its giant Shiva statue and towering Raja Gopura make it one of the best-known sights on the Karnataka coast.

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Mahabaleshwar Temple महाबलेश्वर मंदिर

Gokarna, Karnataka · Shiva (Mahabaleshwara, Atmalinga)

The seaside shrine of the Atmalinga, Shiva's own linga which, as the Puranas tell, Ravana could not lift again once Ganesha set it down here. Gokarna is revered as one of the holiest Shiva kshetras of the west coast, often called Dakshina Kashi.

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Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala श्री क्षेत्र धर्मस्थल मंजुनाथ मंदिर

Dharmasthala, Karnataka · Shiva (Manjunatha)

A major pilgrimage centre on the Netravati river where Shiva as Manjunatha is worshipped by Madhva priests in a temple administered by a Jain family, a rare example of harmony between traditions. It is famous for free meals for all pilgrims and the Lakshadeepotsava festival.

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Badami Cave Temples बादामी गुफा मंदिर

Badami, Karnataka · Shiva, Vishnu and Jain Tirthankaras

Four rock-cut cave temples carved into the red sandstone cliffs of Vatapi, the early Chalukya capital, with some of the finest early images of Shiva as Nataraja and Vishnu in his avatars, and a Jain cave.

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Mundeshwari Devi Temple मुंडेश्वरी देवी मंदिर

Kaimur (near Bhabua), Bihar · Mundeshwari (Durga) and Shiva

A hilltop shrine of Goddess Mundeshwari and a four-faced Shiva linga, often described as one of the oldest Hindu temples still in worship, known for its rare octagonal plan and bloodless offering ritual.

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Shankaracharya Temple शंकराचार्य मंदिर

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir · Shiva (Jyeshteshwara)

An ancient Shiva temple on a hill about 300 metres above Srinagar and Dal Lake, traditionally linked with Adi Shankaracharya's visit to Kashmir and regarded as the oldest temple site in the valley.

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Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple वाषप्पल्ली महा शिव मंदिर

Changanassery, Kerala · Shiva

An ancient Shiva temple near Changanassery, counted among the 108 Shiva shrines attributed to Parashurama, known for its rare twin nalambalams and flagstaffs and its fine 17th-century wood carvings.

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Bhojeshwar Temple भोजेश्वर मंदिर

Bhojpur (near Bhopal), Madhya Pradesh · Shiva

An unfinished 11th-century Shiva temple begun by the Paramara king Bhoja, housing one of India's largest stone lingas on a massive platform, with the original builders' plans still engraved on the nearby rocks.

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Bhutanatha Group of Temples भूतनाथ मंदिर समूह

Badami, Karnataka · Shiva (Bhutanatha)

A picturesque group of Chalukya-era Shiva shrines on the eastern shore of Agastya lake in Badami, spanning the early Chalukya and later Kalyani Chalukya periods and reflected beautifully in the water.

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Vadakkunnathan Temple वडक्कुन्नाथन मंदिर

Thrissur, Kerala · Shiva (Vadakkunnathan)

An ancient Shiva temple at the heart of Thrissur, honoured by tradition as the first of Parashurama's 108 Shiva temples and as Dakshina Kailasam; its grounds host the world-famous Thrissur Pooram.

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Shri Vishwanath Mandir श्री विश्वनाथ मंदिर (बीएचयू)

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh · Shiva (Vishwanath)

A tall white-marble Shiva temple on the Banaras Hindu University campus, modelled on the historic Kashi Vishwanath shrine. Known as the New Vishwanath or Birla Temple, it welcomes everyone and offers a calm, spacious darshan in Varanasi.

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Rudranath Temple रुद्रनाथ मंदिर

Chamoli (above Gopeshwar), Uttarakhand · Shiva (Neelkanth, worshipped as a face)

Fourth of the Panch Kedar shrines, a natural rock temple at about 3,600 metres where Shiva's face is worshipped. Reached only by a long trek through forests and alpine meadows, it is one of the most demanding and beautiful pilgrimages in Garhwal.

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Mahadeva Temple, Itagi महादेव मंदिर, इटगी

Itagi, Karnataka · Shiva (Mahadeva)

A masterpiece of Western Chalukya art, praised in its own inscription of 1112 CE as the 'emperor among temples'. Its fine carving and pillared halls make it one of the best-preserved Chalukyan temples in north Karnataka.

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Nageshvara Temple, Begur नागेश्वर मंदिर, बेगूर

Begur (Bengaluru), Karnataka · Shiva (Nageshvara)

A Western Ganga-period Shiva temple complex in Begur, south Bengaluru. An inscription found here, from about 890 CE, contains the earliest known mention of the name Bengaluru.

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Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli चौंसठ योगिनी मंदिर, मितावली

Mitaoli, Madhya Pradesh · Shiva (originally the 64 Yoginis)

A rare circular, open-sky temple on a hilltop near Morena, with 64 chambers built for the Yogini goddesses and a central shrine of Shiva. It is one of the best preserved Yogini temples in India.

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Kopeshwar Temple कोपेश्वर मंदिर

Khidrapur, Maharashtra · Shiva (Kopeshwar) with Vishnu (Dhopeshwar)

A richly sculpted 12th-century Shiva temple at Khidrapur on the Krishna river, where Shiva and Vishnu are worshipped together and there is no Nandi. Its open-roofed Swarga Mandapa and elephant-lined base make it one of Maharashtra's finest medieval temples.

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Walkeshwar Temple वालकेश्वर मंदिर

Mumbai, Maharashtra · Shiva (Walkeshwar)

An old Shiva temple on Malabar Hill beside the sacred Banganga Tank, one of the oldest surviving temple sites in Mumbai. Tradition links it to Lord Rama, who is said to have made a linga of sand here on his way to Lanka.

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Nellaiappar Temple नेल्लैअप्पर मंदिर

Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu · Shiva (Nellaiappar) and Kanthimathi Amman

The great twin temple of Tirunelveli, dedicated to Shiva as Nellaiappar and Parvati as Kanthimathi Amman. Praised in the Tevaram hymns, it is famous for its musical pillars, its copper hall of Nataraja and its huge chariot festival.

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Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple यागंटी उमा महेश्वर मंदिर

Yaganti (near Banaganapalle), Andhra Pradesh · Uma Maheswara (Shiva and Parvati)

A Vijayanagara-era temple set against the Erramala hills in Nandyal district, where Shiva and Parvati are worshipped together in one stone image. Its spring-fed pushkarini, hill caves and the 'growing Nandi' make it a much-loved pilgrimage.

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Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi वीरभद्र मंदिर, लेपाक्षी

Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh · Veerabhadra (fierce form of Shiva)

A 16th-century Vijayanagara temple famous for its vivid ceiling frescoes, its 'hanging pillar', a giant serpent-hooded linga and one of India's largest monolithic Nandis. It is on India's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.

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Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla महादेव मंदिर, ताम्बडी सुर्ला

Tambdi Surla (Sattari), Goa · Shiva

The oldest surviving temple in Goa and a rare basalt shrine of the Kadamba period, hidden in forest at the foot of the Western Ghats. It escaped the destruction that befell most early Goan temples and is still a place of worship.

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Masrur Rock-cut Temples मसरूर शैलकृत मंदिर

Masrur (Kangra), Himachal Pradesh · Shiva (original); Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in the main shrine today

A rare monolithic temple complex carved from a single sandstone ridge in the Kangra valley, facing the Dhauladhar range. It is the finest rock-cut temple group of the Himalayan region, often compared with Ellora.

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Mahakuta Group of Temples महाकूट मंदिर समूह

Mahakuta (Badami), Karnataka · Shiva (Mahakuteshwara)

A cluster of early Chalukya Shiva temples around a spring-fed sacred tank near Badami. It is still an active pilgrimage place and an important site for the history of temple architecture in Karnataka.

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Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain काल भैरव मंदिर, उज्जैन

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh · Kal Bhairav (form of Shiva)

The shrine of Kal Bhairav, guardian deity of Ujjain, on the banks of the Shipra. Pilgrims to Mahakaleshwar traditionally visit him, and the temple is known for its ancient tantric tradition of offering liquor to the deity.

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Thousand Pillar Temple रुद्रेश्वर स्वामी मंदिर (हज़ार स्तंभ मंदिर)

Hanamkonda, Telangana · Shiva (Rudreshwara), Vishnu and Surya

A star-shaped triple shrine of Shiva, Vishnu and Surya built under the Kakatiya king Rudra Deva in Hanamkonda. Its richly carved pillars, polished black-stone Nandi and fine stonework make it a showpiece of Kakatiya art.

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Madhyamaheshwar Temple मध्यमहेश्वर मंदिर

Gaundar (Ukhimath, Rudraprayag), Uttarakhand · Shiva (navel form)

The second of the Panch Kedar temples, set in a high meadow below the Chaukhamba peaks at about 3,500 metres. Here Shiva is worshipped in the form of the navel of the divine bull.

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Mahabhairav Temple महाभैरव मंदिर

Tezpur, Assam · Shiva (Mahabhairav)

A hilltop Shiva shrine in Tezpur linked by legend to the asura king Bana of Sonitpur, and one of the best-loved Shaiva temples of central Assam, especially at Maha Shivaratri.

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Negheriting Shiva Doul नेघेरिटिंग शिव दौल

Dergaon, Assam · Shiva

A hilltop Panchayatana temple near Dergaon, rebuilt by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha, where Shiva is worshipped with Vishnu, Durga, Ganesha and Surya around him; a protected monument still in daily worship.

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Sivasagar Sivadol शिवसागर शिवदौल

Sivasagar, Assam · Shiva

Built in 1734 by the Ahom queen Ambika beside the great Borpukhuri tank, the Sivadol has one of the tallest temple towers in India and is the spiritual centre of the old Ahom capital.

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Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura अमृतेश्वर मंदिर, अमृतपुर

Amruthapura (near Tarikere), Karnataka · Shiva (Amrutesvara)

A finely carved Hoysala Shiva temple of 1196 CE, known for its large panels narrating the Ramayana, Mahabharata and life of Krishna, and an inscription with verses by the poet Janna.

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Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple वैकोम श्री महादेव मंदिर

Vaikom, Kerala · Shiva (Vaikathappan)

One of the most revered Shiva temples of Kerala, where Vaikathappan is worshipped in three forms through the day; famous for its Vaikathashtami festival, annadanam and the 1924–25 Vaikom Satyagraha.

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Harshnath Temple हर्षनाथ मंदिर

Sikar, Rajasthan · Shiva (Harshnath)

A 10th-century hilltop Shiva temple near Sikar, built by a Pashupata ascetic with Chahamana (Chauhan) patronage; the ruins and an 18th-century shrine still in worship crown Harsha hill.

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Daksheswar Mahadev Temple दक्षेश्वर महादेव मंदिर

Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand · Shiva (Daksheswar)

The Shiva temple at Kankhal that marks the traditional site of King Daksha's yajna, where Sati gave up her life. It is one of the most visited shrines of Haridwar, above all in the month of Sawan.

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Somarama Temple सोमाराम मंदिर

Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh · Shiva (Someswara)

One of the five Pancharama Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh, where Shiva is worshipped as Someswara in a linga believed to have been installed by the Moon god, and said to change colour with the phases of the moon.

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Baba Garibnath Temple बाबा गरीबनाथ मंदिर

Muzaffarpur, Bihar · Shiva (Garibnath)

Muzaffarpur's best-loved Shiva temple, often called the Deoghar of Bihar. In the month of Sawan, kanwariyas carry Ganga water here on foot to pour over the linga of Baba Garibnath, the Lord of the poor.

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Pindara Group of Temples पिंडारा मंदिर समूह

Pindara, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat · Shiva and Surya (historic shrines)

A rare cluster of early medieval stone temples on the Saurashtra coast east of Dwarka, protected as a monument of national importance and known locally as the Durvasa Rishi Ashram.

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Arakeshvara Temple अर्केश्वर मंदिर

Hole Alur, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka · Shiva (Arakeshvara)

A rare 10th-century Western Ganga temple of Shiva, said to have been raised by King Butuga II after the battle of Takkolam, notable for its lively carvings of folk dancers and musicians.

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Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple कुद्रोली गोकर्णनाथ मंदिर

Mangaluru, Karnataka · Shiva (Gokarnanatha)

A major Shiva temple of Mangaluru consecrated by the reformer-saint Sri Narayana Guru in 1912 and open to all, famous for the grand Mangaluru Dasara celebrations held here every Navaratri.

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Kaitabheshvara Temple, Kubatur कैटभेश्वर मंदिर, कुबटूर

Kubatur, Shivamogga, Karnataka · Shiva (Kaitabheshvara)

A well-preserved soapstone Shiva temple of about 1100 CE, built under the early Hoysalas in the Western Chalukya style, with a striking domed tower and a large open pillared hall.

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Kasivisvesvara Temple, Lakkundi काशी विश्वेश्वर मंदिर, लक्कुंडी

Lakkundi, Gadag, Karnataka · Shiva (Kashi Vishveshvara), with a facing shrine of Surya

One of the finest temples of the Kalyani Chalukya style, with two shrines facing each other for Shiva and Surya and some of the most delicate stone carving in Karnataka.

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Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud श्रीकंठेश्वर मंदिर, नंजनगुड

Nanjangud, Karnataka · Shiva (Nanjundeshwara / Srikanteshwara)

One of the largest temples of Karnataka, where Shiva is worshipped as Nanjundeshwara, the god who drank the poison. Known as Dakshina Kashi, it stands on the Kapila river near Mysuru and is famed for healing and its chariot festival.

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Thirumittakode Anchumoorthi Temple तिरुमित्तकोड अञ्चुमूर्ति मंदिर

Thirumittakode, near Pattambi, Kerala · Vishnu (Uyyavandha Perumal / Abhayapradhan) and Shiva

A Divya Desam on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, praised by Kulasekhara Alvar, where Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped together among five deities. It is also counted among the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala.

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