Om Namah Shivaye! India, a land of rich culture and deep spirituality, is home to countless temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Among these, some stand out due to their intriguing mysteries and legends. Join me as we explore eight of the most mysterious Shiva temples in India, each with its unique backstory and aura of enigma.
8 Mysterious Temples of Shiva in India
1. Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Uttarakhand
This underground cave temple is believed to be as old as the earth itself. Legends say that visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar is equivalent to visiting the famous Char Dham (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri) due to its sanctity.
Location: Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, and the closest railway station is Kathgodam. From there, one can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
2. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
Also known as the Big Temple, it is renowned for its massive structure and architectural brilliance. The mystery lies in its 80-ton granite dome which was somehow lifted to the top of the temple without modern machinery, a feat still unexplained.
Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
How to Reach: The temple is well-connected by road and rail to major cities in Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli.
3. Kailasa Temple, Maharashtra
This rock-cut temple is a marvel of ancient engineering. Carved out of a single rock, it is said to have been constructed from the top down, defying conventional methods of construction.
Location: Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
How to Reach: Aurangabad is the nearest airport and railway station. From Aurangabad, one can take a taxi to reach Ellora Caves.
4. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Located in the Himalayas, this temple is accessible only by a steep trek. It is said to have survived multiple natural calamities, including the devastating 2013 floods, which is seen as a divine intervention.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the closest railway station is Rishikesh. From there, one can travel by road to Gaurikund and then trek to Kedarnath.
5. Lingaraja Temple, Odisha
This 11th-century temple is an architectural wonder. Its main deity, Lingaraja, is said to be a manifestation of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, making it a unique site of worship.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
How to Reach: Bhubaneswar is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The temple is located within the city.
6. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
One of the most famous Shiva temples, it is believed that Lord Shiva himself whispered the Tarak Mantra (salvation mantra) into the ears of those who die in Varanasi, ensuring their liberation.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
How to Reach: Varanasi is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The temple is located in the heart of the city.
7. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu & Kashmir
This temple is known for the naturally forming ice Shiva Lingam. The size of the Lingam waxes and wanes with the moon, which is seen as a divine phenomenon.
Location: Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Srinagar. From Srinagar, one can take a bus or taxi to Baltal or Pahalgam, and then undertake a trek or helicopter ride to reach the cave.
8. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
One of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines, Somnath has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Despite repeated invasions, it still stands strong, symbolizing resilience and faith.
Location: Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra, Gujarat
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Diu, and the closest railway station is Veraval. Somnath is well-connected by road to major cities in Gujarat.
These temples are not just places of worship but are also shrouded in mystery and legend, offering a glimpse into the rich spiritual heritage of India. Each visit promises not just a spiritual journey but also an adventure into the unknown, leaving you with stories that will remain etched in your memory forever. So pack your bags, set out on this mystical trail, and let the divine mysteries of Lord Shiva unravel before you.
Also read:
Exploring the 12 Jyotirlingas of India – Names, Location & Jyotirlinga List
Patal Bhuvaneshwar – India’s Most Mysterious Cave Temple
About the author:
Anamika Mishra is an award-winning author, India’s top travel blogger & certified life coach. She started blogging in 2007 & is one of the most popular bloggers of the country with having readers from all across the world.
Follow her on Instagram & Facebook & Subscribe to her Youtube channel to connect with her & be a part of her digital family!
