- March 27, 2025
Shiva Temples In India – 5 Oldest Shiva Temple In India
Lord Shiva is considered to be of great importance among Hindus and many believers worldwide. There are many elegant Shiva temples in India, usually visited by devotees across the globe. Below is a small story that puts Lord Shiva above anything else in the world.
Remember little Ganesha, who, along with his brother, was told to tour the entire world to show ingeniousness and strength to his parents – Father – “Lord Shiva” and Mother – “Maa Parvati”? Do you also remember this little but astute child who taught us all a meaningful lesson in life using his limited resources? On being told to take the tour of the entire world, Lord Ganesha was the only one of their brothers who rode on his tiny rat and took 3 rounds around “Lord Shiva” and “Maa Parvati” to show the world that nothing could be bigger or much important than our parents.
Ganesha knew that Lord Shiva was the supreme power who made this world; destruction and creation began with him. And therefore, to complete this task, he took 3 rounds around his parents using his tiny rat.
After the end of the task, the winner’s name was quite obvious among people. Since then, it was declared by Lord Shiva that worshipping Shiva by devotees would be incomplete if they forgot to worship Ganesha first.
Highlights!
Oldest Shiva Temple in World:
- Disputed: Several contenders, possibly dating back 2,000+ years.
12 Famous Shiva Temples in India:
- Top picks: Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath, Gujarat’s Somnath, Himalayan Kedarnath, Madurai’s Meenakshi, Thanjavur’s Brihadeeswarar, Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram, Ellora’s Kailasha, Ujjain’s Mahakal, Maharashtra’s Aundha Nagnath & Mundeswar, Andhra Pradesh’s Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Oldest Shiva Temple in South India:
- Disputed: Uthirakosamangai (possibly 3rd century BCE), Jambukeswarar (inscriptions from 5th century CE), Kanchipuram’s Ekambareswarar (ancient origins unclear).
Mystery of 7 Ancient Shiva Temples in India:
- The legend about seven hidden temples linked to chakras, locations, and evidence remains speculative.
Oldest Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu:
- Disputed: Same contenders as South India.
Oldest Shiva Temple in Andhra Pradesh:
- Gudimallam Lingam (3rd century BCE – 2nd century CE).
Uthirakosamangai Temple:
- Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Possibly oldest in South India (3rd century BCE). Circular chariot path, unique architecture.
Oldest Shiva Temple in Tirupati:
- Uncertain. Kapileswarar Temple (Chola period, 10th-13th centuries CE) is prominent.
Bonus: while dedicated to Vishnu, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple houses a Shiva lingam in its inner sanctum.
Top 5 Shiva Temples in India – Mysterious Shiva Temples In India
Below you can see the list of the Famous Shiva Temples In India, you can visit whenever you feel like doing so.
#1. Lingaraj Temple – Oldest Shiva Temple In India
In the Indian state of Odisha, Lingaraj Temple is counted as one of the best Shiva temples in India. Painted in colours of the spirituality and strength of Shiva, the temple is constructed many centuries ago to worship and dedicate Lord Shiva’s incarnation, Harihara.
The Shiv Temple In India is visited by many devotees and believers, especially during famous Indian festivals. Shivratri is one of the famous festivals in India mainly performed by people to please lord Shiva and seek his blessings.
When it comes to its architecture, then it has the Kalinga style of architecture. Be it breathtaking architecture or many fascinating stories about Lord Shiva, locals and architecture lovers leave no chance to visit the temple. Shiva Statue In Kerala or Azhimala temple is also visited by many spirituality seekers.
If you are looking to visit Famous Shiva Temples In India, do not forget to consider Lingaraj Temple on your bucket list. Shiva Statue In Karnataka is also famous among the devotees of Shiva.
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#2. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Situated in the lap of the Indian state Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a renowned Hindu temple constructed to dedicate Lord Shiva. This is the grandeur Shiv Temple In India, a place to seek spirituality and the Darshan of Lord Shiva through various stunning idols and festivities.
Mahakaleshwar is regarded as one of the 7 Ancient Shiva Temples In India. In the Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh, the temple of Lord Shiva is situated with natural beauty and spirituality in every corner. Lord Shiva Statue In Kerala
Ujjain is a famous pilgrim site for Hindus and therefore, a spiritual tour of sacred places is enjoyed by many devotees.
#3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Kashi Vishwanath temple is a quite popular name among people in the city of Varanasi. Apart from holy baths in rivers, “Varanasi”, the city of Uttar Pradesh is also famous for its renowned and age-old Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The abode of Lord Shiva is known as one of the 12 Famous Shiva Temples In India.
What visitors need to keep in their heads before visiting the temple is that – no one is allowed to take cameras, mobile phones, or any electronic device inside the premises of the temple. If you are visiting the temple in the cultural city of India, do not forget to oblige mandatory rules here. This is the elegant Oldest Shiva Temple In India that deserves to be on your to-do list in Varanasi.
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#4. Kedarnath Temple in Uttrakhand
In the lap of nature’s beauty, Kedarnath Temple is considered to be of great importance, and therefore, millions of devotees come here and perform rituals to please Lord Shiva. This is the Biggest Shiva Temple In India you should visit on vacation if you are coming to this Indian state Uttrakhand.
Each year, people gather in a crowd and start their spiritual journey to the temple. After Kedarnath, Shiva Statue In Kerala also gains fame and popularity among believers or devotees of Shiva. While visiting the mesmeric abode of Lord Shiva, people also take pleasure in many adventure fun activities such as hiking, trekking, etc.
#5. Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra
Situated some miles away from the film city of India. Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and it has many idols of gods and goddesses. Here, you can also witness the exquisite idol of Lord Ganesha who is supposed to be worshipped first before Shiva. The abode of Shiva in the Indian state of Maharashtra is among the best 108 Shiva Temples In India.
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FAQs!
How many Shivan temples are there in India?
There are a plethora of temples of Lord Shiva in India. At every corner of the street of a city, there is a Shiv temple flooded with devotees day in and day out. Here you can see famous Shiva temples in India – Lingaraj Temple, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, Kedarnath, Annamalaiyar Temple, Vadakkunnathan Temple, etc.
Which is the largest Shiva temple in India?
Shiva Temple In Tamilnadu is the largest temple in India. Apart from this, there are some famous Shiva temples in the country – Lingaraj Temple, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Bhimashankar Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, etc. These are the Oldest Shiva temples in India you can visit them anytime.
Which is the most powerful temple of Lord Shiva?
Shiva Statue In Karnataka or Kotilingeshwara Shiva Temple, Kotilingeshwara. You can also plan to explore Shiva Temples In South India.
Which place is famous for Lord Shiva?
In Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Besides this temple, you can see some other famous temples here in the article above.
Where is the biggest Shiva statue?
Shiva Statue In Kerala and Karnataka Shiva Temple are famous as the abodes of Lord Shiva.
Which is the main temple of Lord Shiva?
Amarnath Temple, Kashmir is known as the main temple of Lord Shiva.
Who is the first temple of Lord Shiva?
The Mundeshwari Temple in Bihar, India is believed to be the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is dated to the 4th century CE.
Which is the 5000 year old temple in India?
There is no evidence of any temple in India that is 5000 years old. The oldest known temples in India are dated to around the 2nd or 3rd century BCE.
When was the 1st temple built in India?
The oldest known temple in India is the Saluvankuppam Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu. It is dated to the 3rd century BCE.
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Conclusion!
Above, you can see the top 5 Shiva temples in India, which you can visit anytime. These famous temples are often visited by many devotees across the globe during Shivratri and famous Indian rituals.
Be it locals or tourists from different parts of the world, they forever leave their hearts in the picturesque architecture of the temples. You can also begin your journey to the famous abodes of Shiva on this vacation or anytime you want.
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