Shiva Temples
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu Shiva temple and one of the twelve Jyotirlingams. It is considered to be one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. Located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the Madhya Pradesh state of India, the temple is built of the edge of Rudra Sagar Lake. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple, who is present there in the form of lingam and believed to deriving currents of power within himself.
Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Brihadisvara Temple is one of the most recognized Hindu temples in Thanjavur. It is an excellent example of fully recognized Dravidian architecture. The temple features a huge colonnaded corridor and one of the largest Shiva lingams in India. Known for the excellence of its sculpture – the brass Nataraja, the Shiva temple also includes shrines of Nandi, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Kartikeya, Lord Ganesha, Sabhapati, Dakshinamurti, Chandeshvara, Varahi and others. It is not one of the popular Shiva temples of South India but also among the most visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
Omkareshwar Mahadev Temple, Shivapuri
Omkareshwar is another famous Shiva temple of India. Located on an island named Shivapuri in the Narmada River, it is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. There are two temples of Lord Shiva here – one of Omkareshwar situated in the island and one of Amareshwar situated on the southern bank of Narmada River on the mainland. Due to located near the water bodies, the temple creates a wonderful view. The temple offers ample of facilities for its visitors, including food, parking, stay and medical.
Bhimashankar Temple, Pune
Situated 127 km away from Shivaji Nagar in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar Temple is one of the most popular temples of Lord Shiva and a Jyotirlinga shrine as well. The temple is a perfect blend of old and new structures in the Nagara style of architecture. It displays the excellence of the skills accomplished by Vishwakarma sculptors. The elegant temple dates back to the 13th century but its sabha mandap was constructed by Nānā Phadnavis in the 18th century. It is one of the must visit attractions of the city.
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand state of India, Kedarnath is a popular Shiva temple that is one of the key destinations of 'Chardham Yatra'. Situated on the Garhwal Himalayan Range close to Mandakini River, it is a highly respected Shiva Temple in all over of the world among the Hindus. The temple is located at an elevation of about 3583 meters and it receives great snowfall in winters. On the auspicious celebration of Mahashivratri, a grand celebration takes place.
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Nasik
Located between three hills named Brahmagiri, Nilagiri and Kalagiri, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated Lord Shiva. The temple houses three lingams representing Shiv, Vishnu and Brahma. The present day temple was constructed by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. It features a holy pond called Amritavarshini. There are more water bodies in this temple. The Shiva temple is visited by a number of devotees on a daily basis.
Vaidyanathdham, Deoghar
The literal meaning of Vaidyanath is the Lord as doctor. As per the legends, Shiva treated the slashed heads of Ravana like a doctor that he severed in order to please Lord Shiva. Baidyanath Dham is one of the Jyotirlingams of India, which is located in Jharkhand state of India. It is one of the most popular Shiva temples of India. The temples complex is comprised of 22 temples having dissimilar heights dedicated to various deities. Various antique elements can be seen in this temple. The auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri is celebrated here with great fervor.
Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
Vadakkunnathan Temple is a very popular Shiva temple of South India, located in the state of Kerala. Lord Shiva is recognized as Vadakkunnathan here. It is said that Vadakkunnathan Temple is the first temple to be constructed by Lord Parshurama. A huge amount of ghee is offered here to the deity in worshipping. Ghee is given to the devotees as Prasadam to take back home. Maha Shivaratri is the prime festival of the temple, where a number of cultural and musical programs are celebrated. More than one lakh temple lamps are illuminated on this festival.
Somnath Temple, Veraval
The historical temple of Somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is much admired among the devotees. The temple has been attacked and looted several times by international invaders. The current temple of Somnath was built in year 1947, which features a Chalukya Style of architecture located near the seashore. On Maha Shivratri, the temple becomes a place of attraction for the visitors.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Jamnagar
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India, which is also among the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The temple is considered to be a sacred place in the region. Situated on the route between Dwarka city and Bet Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra region in Gujarat, this important Lord Shiva Temple features a 25 meters tall statue of a sitting Lord Shiva. There is a huge garden with a pond, which are the key attractions of this tranquil place. You can visit the place on the eve of Maha Shivratri.
Source: https://www.easemytrip.com/travel/top-shiva-temples-in-india-to-visit-on-mahashivratri.html