Journey Through India’s Ancient Shiva Temples This Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri falls on 15 February 2026, a sacred night when devotees across India dedicate themselves to fasting, meditation, and prayer. This is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. He performed the cosmic Tandaav, symbolising the triumph of consciousness over ignorance.

This Shivratri, consider visiting these iconic Shiva temples steeped in mythology and history:

Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu)

The Brihadisvara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most renowned temples in Thanjavur. It houses one of the largest Shivalingams in India and includes shrines of Goddess Parvati and Nandi. Devotees come here to pray for protection and courage.

Getting Here:

Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (approx. 60 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station (6 km)
Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Chennai

Gudimallam Parashurameshwara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Located in Chittoor district, this temple is famous for its unique Shiva Lingam depicting Lord Shiva smothering the demon Apasmara under his feet, symbolising the defeat of ignorance. It is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in India, with a delicately carved human-like statue of Lord Shiva.

Getting Here:

Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (approx. 30 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Tirupati Railway Station (25 km)
Road: Accessible by local buses and taxis from Tirupati and Chittoor

Arunachalam Tiruvannamalai Temple, Tamil Nadu

The Annamalaiyar Temple in Tiruvannamalai is set against the sacred Arunachalam mountain, believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva as fire. Legend says Shiva appeared here as fire after Parvati playfully covered his eyes, plunging the world into darkness.

Getting Here:

Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (185 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (2 km)
Road: Regular buses and taxis available from Chennai, Vellore, and Bengaluru

Gauri Shankar Temple, Chandni Chowk (Delhi)

This 800-year-old temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a lingam surrounded by silver snakes symbolising the centre of the universe. It was built by Apa Ganga Dhar, a devotee who survived a fierce battle and dedicated the temple to Shiva.

Getting Here:

Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (20 km)
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk Metro Station (walking distance)
Road: Easily accessible by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses within Delhi

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (Odisha)

Built in the 11th century, the Lingaraj Temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. It houses a Swayambhu Shivalinga and has 150 smaller shrines. Crowds are especially large during Maha Shivratri.

Getting Here: