5 Most Prominent Temples of Lord Shiva on Earth
Shiva, Mahadev or Mahakaal are the names of the supreme form of divinity who is the essential part of the Hindu pantheon. He plays the role of a destroyer of the universe in the trinity family with Lord Vishnu (the preserver) and Lord Brahma (the creator). Lord Shiva also flaunts a beautiful family with Maa Parvati as his wife and Ganesha and Kartikey as his two sons. Kailash Parvat in the Himalayas is the soothing abode of Lord Shiva where he is mostly involved in meditation or reciting Ram or Krishna Katha to Maa Parvati.
Apart from Mt. Kailash, the earth is loaded with other places that flaunt numerous royal temples of Lord Shiva. These temples are created for the worship of Lord Shiva, some of which are man-made and some are believed to be self-appeared.
Some of the unique temples of Lord Shiva on earth include:
Amarnath Temple, Kashmir:
It is one of the most desirous destinations by Hindu pilgrims and an extremely arduous religious trip. Amarnath Temple is situated at a gigantic height of about 3888 m in a cave in Jammu and Kashmir. Devotees yearn for this pilgrimage throughout their life only to get the pious darshan of Shiv linga which is naturally formed by the ice once a year.
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of June to August
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh:
It is another very renowned temple of Lord Shiva nestled in the sacred city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. According to popular belief, people are relieved from the cycle of births on earth and they attain Moksha if they die at this place. It is the famous temple in India that witnesses millions of visitors every year traveling from around the globe.
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of November to February
Somnath Temple, Gujarat:
Resting peacefully in the pacifying location in Gujarat the temple is believed to be the first among twelve jyotirlingas of Shiva. As per the known facts, the temple was attacked 17 times by Mahmud of Ghazni who took away all the wealth from the temple. The temple is also a soothing sight for visitors with the sea on one of its sides along with its extensive look.
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of October to March.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand:
Placed at the highest altitude of about 3583 m, Kedarnath Temple features one of the twelve jyotirlingas. It is another important pilgrimage which is the part of Chota Char Dham Yatra including Gangotri, Yamnotri and Badrinath. Immaculate Gharwal range adorns the surroundings of the temple that welcomes visitors in huge numbers throughout the year.
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of April to November.
Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Omakareshwaar temple is also one of the 12 jyotirlingas situated on the Narmada river. The temple encompasses a huge Sabha Mandap which stands on huge stone pillars. The temple has five storeys which have one deity each, worshipped by priests and the members of the trust. Devotees usually take a bath in the river Narmada before entering the temple where linga is kept enclosed in a glass box.
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of October to March.
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh:
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of October to March.
Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra:
Another valuable temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is Trimbakeshwar, which is situated in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Godavari river is nearby the temple location which originates from here. The temple is the home to three-faced Linga which represents Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. According to the texts, the temple is built by Peshwa Balaji baji Rao.
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of October to March.
Lingraj Temple, Odisha:
One of the most exquisite Shiva temples in India, Lingraj temple in Odisha is the largest temple in Bhubaneshwar. The temple is famous for its spectacular Kalinga architecture and a must-visit for devotees. The temple structure has a sanctum, an assembly hall, a hall for festivities and a hall for the distribution of prasadam.
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of January to March.