Top 8 Famous Lord Shiva Temples in North India
India is the land of Shiva and a large number of the population are avid Shaivites. The entire landscape is dotted with magnificent, majestic, and incredibly spiritual sites of worship for the lord. From the southern end of Kanyakumari to the northernmost end of Uttarakhand, there are so many Shiva temples and each one of as holy and sacred as the other. If you are looking for spending spiritual time in North India then here are some temples that will make your journey worth it.
List of 8 Most Popular Lord Shiva Temples in North India
- Tungnath Temple
- Kedarnath Temple
- Koteshwar Mahadev
- Triloknath Temple
- Amarnath Cave Temple
- Triyuginarayan Temple
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Daksheswara Mahadev Temple
1. Kedarnath Temple
Perched on top of a hilltop against the scenic backdrop of the Kedar dome mountain ranges is one of the holiest Jyotirlingas of India. People from all over the world make it a point to go on the holy Yatra pilgrimage to this abode of Lord Shiva which is said to have been created by the Pandav brothers. Located in the district of Rudraprayag district this ancient temple is known for its spiritual vibrations that encapsulate the whole region and allow you to have a deeper devotional experience. Although a difficult-to-reach location this holy yet humble temple allows you to have one of the most spiritual experiences in India.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This holiest of all the Shiva temples in India topped with a golden roof this temple is located in one of the oldest living cities of Varanasi in close proximity to the holy river of Ganga. It is 1 out of the 12 of the holiest Jyotirlingas that are spread nationwide.it is believed to be a hub spot for Shaivism and pilgrimage related to Lord Shiva. People who die in Varanasi are believed to achieve nirvana. It is a sight to behold during the auspicious occasion of Shivratri and is attended by a huge number of pilgrims from far and wide.
3. Amarnath Cave Temple
Situated amidst the pristine surroundings of Jammu and Kashmir this holy natural cave is one of the most well-known shrines of Lord Shiva in India. Open only for a limited duration of 3 months and deemed for being one of the remotest treks in India that can be experienced by booking an Amarnath Yatra Package, this sacred cave temple home of the stalagmite Shivling for Baba Barfani is worth a visit. Covering a journey of 3 to 5 days and traveling over a distance of 48 kms this temple gives you a real vibe of spiritualism.
4. Daksheswara Mahadev Temple
Situated at a distance of 4 kms from the sacred town of Haridwar, within a quaint village of Kankhal is a colorful temple of Daksheshwara Mahadev that is named after the Prajapati Daksh, the father of Devi Sati and an incarnation of goddess Durga. Designed entirely in the Nagara style of temple architecture the temple boasts of its old history and relevance in the history of Hinduism. The temple turns into a vibrant place of worship during the holy occasion of Maha Shivratri.
5. Tungnath Temple
Perched atop a hill and somewhat replicating the architectural design of the Kedarnath temple, Tungnath is deemed for being the highest Shiva temple in the world. It falls on the way of trekking to Chandrashila Peak – a renowned destination for avid adventure seekers in the country. The temple’s original construction date is still a mystery and although the Garbha Griha is very small and packed, the spiritual aura that Emirates from the temple is nothing short of divine. The magnificent panoramic surroundings of the snow-capped peaks from the top also add to the fascinating charm of this place.
6. Triyuginarayan Temple
Situated peacefully in the scenic district of Rudraprayag and amidst the lap of nature, this temple is a very auspicious location. It is this very place where Lord Shiva had married goddess Parvati. It is also said that Lord Brahma was present there as the goddess’s brother and lord Vishnu had performed the wedding in front of several prominent sages and saints. A prime attraction of Triyuginarayan is the ever-burning flame which is said to have never turned off ever since the holy matrimony took place. A visit here promises lifelong marital bliss between married couples.
7. Koteshwar Mahadev
The humble cave temple of Koteshwar is situated on the holy banks of river Alaknanda and is known for its peaceful and quiet surroundings. One can imagine how Shivji must have felt when he had arrived here on his way to Kedarnath. It is believed that the cave is the place where he performed meditation which is marked by the presence of several idols dedicated to the holy deity. These idols are naturally formed which only adds to the spiritual sanctity of this auspicious temple.
8. Triloknath Temple
Located in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh this temple is one of the oldest temples here. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the prime attraction of the temple is the three-faced image of the lord that is worshipped inside the humble temple structure. It is said that this place of worship was built by Sultan Devi the wife of Raja Ajber Sen in the year 1520. Ever since then it has been one of the prime temple attractions in Himachal Pradesh.
