A key figure in Hinduism, Lord Shiva holds a prominent place within the holy trinity, alongside Brahma and Vishnu. Known for his multifaceted nature, Shiva embodies both goodness and benevolence, assuming the role of the Protector. Additionally, he is intricately linked with Time, embodying the dual aspects of creation and destruction. Maha Shivaratri, translating to "The Great Night of Shiva," is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. This celebration commemorates the sacred union of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, marking a momentous occasion in Hindu mythology. Particularly cherished by married couples, Maha Shivaratri is when Lord Shiva, in his form as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance, first performed the Dance of Bliss – the "Ananda Tandava.”
This Maha Shivaratri let’s learn about the popular Shiva Shrines in India, where devotees desire to visit and offer prayer at least once a lifetime.
Kedarnath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Temple is a very significant abode of Lord Shiva. The shrine is one among the 12 Jyotirlingas as well as Chota Char Dham, or Char Dham of Uttarakhand. Pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra circuit of Uttarakhand, visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The spiritual tour to Kedarnath exudes immense peace to the devotees. Perched at an altitude of 350 metres on the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is reached by trekking for about 16 km from Gaurikund. Although the portals of this temple remain closed during the Mahashivaratri, Kedarnath is an important spiritual destination in India.
Amarnath, Pahalgam, Kashmir
At an elevation of approximately 3,888 meters, about 29 kilometers from Pahalgam, lies the sacred Amarnath Cave, whose name is derived from the amalgamation of "Amar," meaning immortal, and "Nath," signifying Lord. This holy shrine holds immense significance in Hinduism. Within the cave rests a revered Shiva Lingam made of ice which is considered a holy symbol by Hindus worldwide. Pilgrims embark on the renowned Amarnath Yatra, commencing from Chandanwari, to seek blessings from this divine site between June and August. Acknowledged as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, or holiest shrines in Hinduism, the Amarnath Temple provides spiritual solace and breathtaking views of its extraordinary surroundings.
Somnath Temple, Veraval, Gujarat
Somnath temple is believed to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples. The holy shrine is located at the confluence of the Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati Rivers. To celebrate the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri, devotees gather in the Somnath Temple to offer their prayers and oblations to Lord Shiva. The pious occasion is celebrated with grandeur at Somnath Temple. The temple is constructed at the western edge of Gujarat, where the tides of the Arabian Sea wah the shore on which the Somnath Temple is located.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most prominent temples in Varanasi, the city of Ghats and Temples. Both tourists and pilgrims from all over the country and beyond national boundaries come to Varanasi to pay a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is located near the Dashashwamedha Ghat and the ancient name of Varanasi is Kashi, named after the temple. Kashi is believed to be the favorite abode of Lord Shiva and the revered shrine is also among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The Mangla Aarti of Baba Kashi Vishwanath is definitely worth watching on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
The Lingaraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Hari Hara, Hari is Lord Vishnu and Hara is Lord Shiva. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Bhubaneshwar. This is the largest temple in Bhubaneshwar and the central tower of the shrine is around 55m tall. Mahashivratri is the most significant festive occasion at the Lingaraja Temple. Thousands of devotees hold their fast throughout the day and break it once the Mahadwip is raised atop the Lingaraj Temple.
