Mahashivratri 2025: 12 famous Shiva Mandirs in India

Mahashivratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is one of the most revered Hindu festivals, celebrated with devotion across the country. Millions of devotees visit Shiv mandirs in India, offering prayers, performing rituals, and observing fasts for Mahashivratri.

From the snow-clad peaks of Kedarnath to the spiritual aura of Varanasi, India is home to some of the most significant Lord Shiva temples.

If you’re planning a pilgrimage for Mahashivratri, here are 12 famous Shiva temples in India that you must visit.

Mahashivratri special sale: Get 50% off on Level SuperMind

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Located in Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred Shiv mandirs in India and is revered for housing a Jyotirlinga.

On Mahashivratri, thousands of devotees participate in special prayers and night-long vigils, chanting "Har Har Mahadev." The entire city comes alive with spiritual energy, making it one of the best places to celebrate the festival.

• It is believed to be Lord Shiva’s favorite place.
• Special Rudrabhishek pujas, grand temple processions, and night-long chanting of "Har Har Mahadev."
• Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganges and visit the temple to seek blessings.

To celebrate Mahashivratri, it's important to understand why Mahashivratri is celebrated.

2. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

This grand Mahadev mandir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has one of the tallest Shiva Lingams in India.

During Mahashivratri, the temple hosts spectacular cultural performances, while devotees perform sacred ablutions to honor Bholenath. The divine atmosphere and spiritual fervor make it a must-visit.

• Unique Shiva Lingam, one of the largest in the world.
• The temple hosts cultural performances and traditional Shiva Abhishekam.
• A peaceful yet spiritually intense celebration of Mahashivratri.

Know what to do on Mahashivratri, if you're celebrating at home, be it for preparation, fasting or rituals.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is a spiritually powerful Lord Shiva temple. Known for its unique Bhasma Aarti, where sacred ash is offered to the deity, this temple sees lakhs of visitors on Mahashivratri.

Ujjain is considered one of the holiest cities to celebrate the festival, and witnessing the temple's special ceremonies during this time is an unforgettable experience.

• Famous for the Bhasma Aarti, performed before sunrise using sacred ash.
• Thousands of devotees participate in special rituals, bhajans, and temple processions.
• One of the most powerful Jyotirlingas for seeking blessings on Mahashivratri.

4. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Perched in the Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is among the most revered Shiv mandirs in the world. Though the temple remains closed in winter, devotees consider visiting this sacred site an essential part of their spiritual journey.

Many devotees perform rituals and prayers dedicated to Kedarnath on Mahashivratri, believing it strengthens their connection with Mahadev.

• A major pilgrimage site among Lord Shiva temples in India.
• Though closed in winter, devotees visit nearby shrines and chant Shiva’s name.
• Symbolizes devotion and endurance, making it significant for Mahashivratri.

5. Somnath Temple, Gujarat

One of the 12 famous Shiva temples in India, the Somnath Temple in Gujarat is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga. The Mahadev mandir, standing resilient despite multiple historical invasions, continues to be a major spiritual landmark.

On Mahashivratri, grand processions, devotional songs, and special pujas make it an unmissable destination for Shiva devotees.

• One of the 12 famous Shiva temples in India, known for its Jyotirlinga.
• The temple glows with thousands of lamps and special prayers on Mahashivratri.
• Chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for divine protection and spiritual growth.

6. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

This Shiv mandir in India is famous for its intricate temple corridors and holy water tanks. According to legend, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here before his battle with Ravana.

During Mahashivratri, devotees perform ceremonial baths in the sacred waters, followed by prayers at the temple’s Jyotirlinga. The temple’s spiritual energy makes it one of the best places for Shiva bhakti.

• Pilgrims perform holy baths in the temple’s 22 sacred wells before offering prayers.
• The longest temple corridor in the world, providing an enchanting spiritual walk.
• A place where Lord Rama himself worshipped Shiva, adding to its divine aura.

7. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

The Lingaraj Temple, one of the most prominent Shiva temples in India, is an architectural masterpiece of Kalinga style. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Mahashivratri, who come to witness its grand Mahadeepa festival.

On this auspicious night, the entire temple is illuminated with lamps, and special rituals take place, making it a deeply spiritual experience.

• The Mahadeepa festival on Mahashivratri is a major attraction.
• The temple is illuminated with thousands of diyas and special night-long bhajans.
• A blend of history, devotion, and vibrant celebrations.

Also read: Shiva Shakti: Which Chakra is Associated with Shiva?

8. Srikalahasteeswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Renowned for housing the Vayu Lingam, the Srikalahasteeswara Temple is an important pilgrimage site. It is one of the few temples where rituals for Rahu and Ketu doshas are performed.

Mahashivratri celebrations here include elaborate pujas, temple processions, and devotional songs in praise of Bholenath.

• Known for its Vayu Lingam, representing the air element.
• Rahu-Ketu puja performed for spiritual purification and removing obstacles.
• Unique Mahashivratri rituals that attract devotees from across India.

Know the 112 meditation techniques of Lord Shiva to discover yourself.

9. Tarakeshwar Temple, West Bengal

Located in Hooghly, West Bengal, this Lord Shiva mandir is dedicated to Taraknath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This temple is a center of devotion throughout the year, but Mahashivratri brings thousands of pilgrims together for special night-long prayers.

With deep-rooted traditions and a serene atmosphere, it is a must-visit Shiv mandir during Mahashivratri.

• The temple hosts traditional Bengali Mahashivratri rituals.
• Devotees participate in night-long chanting and special temple aarti.
• A serene yet deeply spiritual place to observe the festival.

10. Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

This cave temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is unique due to the natural water dripping on the Shiva Lingam. The spiritual aura of the Tapkeshwar Temple is amplified on Mahashivratri, drawing devotees from all over India.

The surrounding forests add to the temple’s mysticism, making it an ideal place for deep meditation and devotion to Mahadev.

• A natural cave temple where water continuously drips on the Shiva Lingam.
• Special prayers and Shiva Abhishekam are performed for divine blessings.
• Located in a peaceful forest setting, making it ideal for meditation.

11. Grishneshwar Temple, Maharashtra

The Grishneshwar Temple, located near Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a significant Shiv mandir. This temple is known for its stunning red stone architecture and intricate carvings that depict Hindu mythology.

Why visit on Mahashivratri?

• Special Rudrabhishek and night-long prayers are conducted for devotees.
• The temple is located near the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, adding historical significance to the visit.
• Considered the last Jyotirlinga, completing the sacred pilgrimage of all 12.

12. Nageshwar Temple, Gujarat

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, situated near Dwarka in Gujarat, is another famous Shiva temple in India. It is believed to be one of the oldest Jyotirlingas and holds deep mythological significance. The massive Shiva statue outside the temple is a major attraction for devotees.

Why visit on Mahashivratri?

• Devotees perform special abhishekams and chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra throughout the night.
• The temple represents Shiva as the "Protector from Poisons", making it a place of healing and spiritual awakening.
• It is a key pilgrimage site for those visiting Dwarka, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities.

Bring Shiva home with Level SuperMind

As you gear up for Mahashivratri, you might be looking for ways to make your experience more meaningful.

Claim the special Mahashivratri offer: 50% on Level SuperMind subscription today.

Visiting Shiva temples is an amazing spiritual practice, but sometimes you want something extra to truly connect with Shiva. That’s where the Level SuperMind app can be a great addition.

With content like the Namah Shivay Series and Shiva Yoga Nidra, you can dive deeper into your devotion, even if you're at home or on the go.

If you’ve ever found it difficult to stay focused during your rituals or wanted more insight into the stories behind the temples, the app has you covered.

With easy access to series like Natraja: Story of Dancing Shiva and Shiv Gayatri Mantra Series, you can learn and meditate in your own time, making your Mahashivratri experience even more fulfilling.

Level SuperMind brings Shiva's wisdom to your fingertips, helping you stay connected and inspired during Mahashivratri and beyond.

FAQs

Which temples should I visit for Mahashivratri?

Some of the most famous Shiva temples in India for Mahashivratri include Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaleshwar, Kedarnath, and Somnath, among others. These temples host special pujas and grand celebrations.

Which place is best for Shivratri?

Varanasi, Ujjain, and Somnath are considered some of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri due to their rich cultural and spiritual significance.

Which city is famous for Mahashivratri?

Varanasi, Ujjain, and Rishikesh are the most famous cities in India for Mahashivratri celebrations.

• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – It hosts grand Mahashivratri celebrations at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The entire city is illuminated, and devotees participate in holy dips in the Ganges, temple processions, and all-night bhajans.
• Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – Home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain is one of the most spiritually charged places for Mahashivratri. The Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple is a major attraction, drawing thousands of devotees.
• Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Devotees visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Shiva’s "blue-throated" form, and participate in special rituals, yoga, and Ganga Aarti.

These cities offer an unparalleled spiritual experience on Mahashivratri, making them the most significant destinations for Shiva devotees.

Which Jyotirlinga is considered the most powerful?

All 12 Jyotirlingas are significant, but Mahakaleshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, and Kedarnath are often considered the most powerful due to their deep historical and spiritual importance.

What is Lord Shiva’s favorite place?

Lord Shiva’s most beloved place is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. According to Hindu scriptures, Kashi (Varanasi) is considered the "City of Lord Shiva", where he grants liberation (moksha) to devotees.

It is believed that even if the universe were to be destroyed, Kashi would remain untouched as it resides in Shiva’s divine protection.

Final thoughts

Visiting a Shiv mandir in India during Mahashivratri is an enriching spiritual experience. Whether you seek divine blessings or simply want to immerse yourself in the festival’s vibrant energy, these famous Shiva temples in India offer a powerful connection to Lord Shiva.

Plan your pilgrimage, participate in the rituals, and experience the spiritual bliss of Mahashivratri at these revered temples.

Read next: What's the difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri?