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Top 10 Most Famous Lord Shiva Temples in South India

These famous Shiva temples in South India are very special for Shiva devotees. The festival of Mahashivaratri is a very special and holy day for Shiva devotees. On this day, Shiva devotees start queuing up in their favorite Shiva temple in the morning for Shiva darshan and worship. 

There are many ancient and famous Shiva temples in North India where lakhs of devotees chant worship and chant in the temple courtyard from dawn to couplet on the day of Mahashivaratri. However, it is not that only North and India have a famous and ancient and Shiva temple.

Some such famous and ancient Shiva temples are also located in South India, which is a very sacred and popular temple. Millions of Shiva devotees visit these Shiva temples on the day of Mahashivratri to worship Shiva and formally offer prayers. Today we will try to get you to know about some ancient and famous Shiva temples of South India where you too can visit or go on the day of Mahashivratri.

Top 10 Most Popular Shiva Temples In South India

Shiva Temples – Images Source – Pixabay

1. Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

Popular Shiva Temples in South India, The city of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu is very popular and famous as a religious place in South India. There are many such holy Hindu temples in Rameswaram where there are always crowds of devotees. Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the most beautiful and popular temples in South India.

Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is also included in the holy Char Dham of Hindus. According to the Puranas, Lord Rama prayed here after killing Ravana. If you are a history lover and a lover of ancient architecture and a true Shiva devotee, then you must visit this famous Shiva Hindu temple once.

2. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Historic Shiva Temple of South India, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple situated on the banks of Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh and Srisailam mountain is a special temple for Shiva devotees. Many Shiva devotees also call this temple the Kailash of the South. 

According to some beliefs and Mahabharata, worshiping Lord Shiva on Mount Srisailam had resulted in the Ashwamedha Yagna. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, one of the 12 major Jyotirlingas of India, is also included. In the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, Shiva devotees worship Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati as Bhadrakali in a very ritualistic manner. The main festival held in this temple is crowded with devotees from morning to night on the day of Mahashivratri.

3. Sri Kotalingeshwara Swamy Temple

Major Mahadev Temple in India, The Sri Kotilingeshwara Swamy Temple, located in Karnataka, is one of the most famous Shiva temples in the world, along with India. The length of Shivling located in this temple is about 33 meters and about 1 crore Shivling is installed in the premises of this temple. 

The marriage of Lord Shiva is also organized by Shiva devotees on the day of Mahashivaratri at the Sri Kotalingeshwara Swamy temple. This Shiva temple located in the Kolar district of Karnataka is also known as Kotilingeshwar Dham.

4. Sri Vadaakkunnathan Temple

Sri Vadakakkunathan Temple is one of the most ancient and popular Shiva temples in Kerala, the architecture of this temple is very amazing. The Sri Vadakakkunnathan temple located in Thrissur city of Kerala is said to have been built by Lord Parashurama. 

This temple is surrounded on all sides by a huge stone wall. Many people also know this temple by the name of ‘Tenkailasham’ or ‘Rishabhachalam’. Here lamps are lit in ghee day and night and the same ghee is also offered to the devotees in the form of prasad.

5. Brihadisvara Temple (Shiv Mandir) Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

There is a Brihadeeswarar temple dedicated to Shiva, located on the south bank of the Kaveri River in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India! It is the largest Hindu temple in India along with South India. The world-famous temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temple is also known as Rajarajeswaram, the 11th-century Brihadeeswarar temple was built by the Chola emperor Raja Chola I. The Brihadeeswarar temple, built entirely of granite stone according to the principles of Vastu Shastras and Agams, is well built with grand and magnificent architecture. The main feature of this temple is that it does not leave any shadow on the ground in the afternoon. (Read More)

6. Annamalaiyar Temple – Tamil Nadu

Annamalai temples are located in Thiruvannamalai town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Annamalai Temple is also known as Arunachaleswarar. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Annamalai Shiva temple spread over 25 acres is considered one of the largest temple complexes in India. Its beauty and structure leave you spellbound.

The height of this ancient temple is about 66 meters, there are a thousand pillars in this temple. The priest performs the temple rituals very rigorously six times a day. The Annamalai temple depicts Lord Shiva in the form of Agni Linga as a pillar of fire. Lord Shiva is worshiped as a huge fire pillar which is an endless event.

7. Murudeshwara Shiva Temple

Famous Shiva Murudeshwar Temple is a major religious place located in South India. Murudeshwara Temple, one of the famous temples of Karnataka is located in the Kannada district of Karnataka. This famous Shiva temple is situated on top of a very high hill. Surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Sea, Murudeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

The height of the idol of Shiva located in this temple is about 37 meters, which is the second tallest statue in the world. The 20-story temple building remains a cause of great popularity for Shiva devotees. It took about 2 years to build this temple and this idol of Lord Shiva.

8. Srikalahasti Temple – Andhra Pradesh

Famous Lord Siva Temple In South India, Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of the most famous temples of South India. Situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, this Shiva temple is considered the Kailash of the South. 

The white lingam worshiped in this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is believed to be the Swayambhu or self-manifested lingam. Kalahasti temple is considered to be one of the most popular Shiva temples in India, more and more devotees come to visit this temple. The Kalahasti temple was built in the 12th century.

9. Jambukeswarar Temple – Tamil Nadu

Famous Lord Shiva temple in India, Jambukeswaram Temple is a popular Shiva pilgrimage place in Tamil Nadu. Situated in Srirangam Island of Tamil Nadu, this Shiva temple is one of the five temples that form the Pancha Bhoota Charan. 

This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. In this temple, Shiva is worshiped along with his consort Parvati. Known as Akindleeshwari, this temple was constructed around the 2nd century AD. Jambukeswarar Temple is one of the most popular Shiva places for Shiva devotees, more and more Shiva devotees visit during the Shivaratri festival.

10. Chidamabaram Nataraja Temple, – Tamil Nadu

Ancient and Historical Shiva Temple of India Chidamabaram Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is one of the famous temples of India. Situated in Chidambaram Town, Tamil Nadu, this Shiva temple is dedicated to the artistically rich Lord Shiva. Known as Thillai Nataraja Temple, the main deity of this temple is Nataraja, Shiva, or Thillai Kothan. Shiva devotees come in large numbers to visit this famous Shiva temple at the Shivratri festival.

Best time to visit Shiva Temples in South India.

The best time to visit Shiva Temples in South India would be during the winter season, which lasts from November to February. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it comfortable for travelers to explore the temples.

Additionally, during this time, there are many festivals and celebrations that take place in the temples, which offer a unique cultural experience for visitors. Some of the popular festivals that take place during this time include Mahashivratri, which is celebrated in February, and Arudra Darshan, which is celebrated in December.

It is important to note that some temples may have specific timings or days of the week when they are open for visitors. Therefore, it is advisable to check the temple’s timings and plan your visit accordingly.

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