Karpura Gauram Karunavataram, Sansara Saram, Bhujagendra Haram Sada Vasantam Hridayaravinde, Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami.
This Shloka means that- I praise Lord Shiva because His appearance resembles camphor’s brilliant white colour (Karpura Gauram) and His nature embodies compassionate action (karunavataram) and contains the cosmos (sansara saram) while wearing a snake garland (Bhujagendra haram). Lord Shiva dwells permanently within the lotus heart of His followers while Bhavani accompanies Him there (Sada Vasantam Hridayaravinde Bhavam Bhavani sahitam namami) Mahashivratri is one of the most sacred festival periods for devotees who worship Lord Shiva because it is known as the “Night of Shiva” in Hindu tradition falling on February 26, 2025 (Wednesday) people can perfectly perform spiritual pilgrimages at Lord Shiva Temples in India .
Every Shiva temple on this sacred night becomes a spiritual center filled with sacred music continuous Rudrabhishek ceremonies and devout worship throughout the entire night. Worshippers practice fasting and perform deep meditation to attain the divine grace of Lord Shiva. The Tandava dance performed by Shiva during this occasion signifies both creation and destruction but also represents his eternal connection with Goddess Parvati.
People believe visiting Shiva temples on Mahashivratri will achieve soul purification combined with negative energy removal which results in spiritual growth. One must surrender to supreme consciousness at this time because it brings the victory of light against darkness which exists in both the universe and our inner selves.
12 Jyotirlingas in India – Lord Shiva Temples in India
Maha Shivratri 2025 is a significant occasion for devotees of Lord Shiva, and visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas during this time is considered highly auspicious. These Jyotirlingas are spread across India and symbolize the divine presence of Shiva.
here are the Top 12 Lord Shiva Temples in India to Visit on Mahashivratri 2025
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Somnath Jyotirlinga rests on Gujarat’s western shoreline where people consider it the first among the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The shrine receives its name “Lord of the Moon” because it originated from the creation of Chandra. The temple has faced numerous attacks throughout history but the current structure represents both dedication and strength during rebirth. Multiple invasions led by Mahmud of Ghazni Alauddin Khilji and Aurangzeb could not destroy the temple which has been faithfully rebuilt several times since its destruction. The latest reconstruction of Somnath Temple began in 1951 when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel provided his leadership. The temple features Chalukyan architecture which includes grand architectural elements together with the beautiful Arabian Sea view that forms a sacred atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
Somnath Jyotirlinga provides its best experiences for visitors during the period from November to March. The temple along with neighbouring sites can be visited more comfortably since the pleasant climate prevails during these months. Thousands of devotees attend Maha Shivaratri celebrations annually at this temple since it happens in February or March.
Weekdays and off-peak seasons provide the best opportunity to visit Somnath Jyotirlinga without having to face heavy crowds. Review the operational hours of temples and know about upcoming activities in advance to organize a smooth religious journey.
2. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi holds utmost importance for Mahashivratri observance since Varanasi serves as the foremost spiritual center of India. A tremendous number of devotees from all over visit the temple for days of non-stop religious practices that include bhajans and the grand reception of Lord Shiva. Devotees present bael leaves together with milk and honey and Ganga Jal to the Jyotirlinga. The festival showcases noticeable procession events that combine sacred chants of “Har Har Mahadev” among devoted followers
3. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Temple takes its position at 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) high in the Garhwal Himalayas to serve as one of the most revered places of worship for Lord Shiva. The temple stands among twelve Jyotirlingas and receives numerous devotees during Maha Shivratri who come to receive divine blessings from Lord Shiva.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The temple functions annually between April/May and November and people prefer to visit during May-June and September–October because of better climate conditions. Heavy rains and landslides occur in Kedarnath in July and August which impedes transportation. Extreme snowfall during the winter season from November to April leads to the temple closure where the deity moves to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Ukhimath hosts the main Maha Shivratri celebrations since Lord Kedarnath gets worshipped during winter at this location. To attend the grand opening rituals of Kedarnath Temple following winter months visit between April and May when the temple reopens.
Trekking & Alternate Travel Options
Walking the 16-kilometer trail from Gaurikund takes approximately 6 to 7 hours at most. Travelers who cannot complete the journey by foot can choose between ponies or palanquins along with helicopter transportation.
Fast-moving weather patterns require visitors to bring warm clothes a raincoat and trekking shoes.
Festival Experience
- Travelers who choose Maha Shivratri as their visiting time should expect heavy crowd traffic and an intense spiritual atmosphere at Ukhimath.
- Guests can attend the magnificent opening ceremony of Kedarnath Temple during April or May where religious ceremonies combine with traditional music and ritual performances.
4. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
According to legend, the temple belongs to Lord Shiva along with his wife Parvati who bore Kartikeya and Ganesha. When Kartikeya learned that his parents had married Ganesha before him he took an eternal vow of celibacy and chose Krounch Mountain as his final residence. Lord Shiva and Parvati followed Kartikeya to Srisailam where their divine appearance led to the creation of the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.
The optimal period to explore the temple exists between October and March while winter delivers the most preferable weather conditions.
Mahashivratri Puja: Celebrated grandly with special abhishekams, night-long prayers, and temple illuminations. Devotees consider visiting this Jyotirlinga to result in release from rebirth cycles according to their belief.
5. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
The temple stands as a significant Shiva sanctuary because it conducts the sacred Bhasma Aarti by presenting Lord Shiva with ashes from current cremation activities. King Chandrasena of Ujjain dedicated his life to Lord Shiva while ruling Ujjain as his great devotee. During an attack on his city Shiva emerged as the fierce Mahakal to defend it.
People should travel to the Jyotirlinga sites between October and March because the summer temperatures reach scorching heights.
Each year Mahashivratri Puja becomes a grand celebration that draws thousands of people who commit to worship through continuous rituals before witnessing the dawn, Bhasma Aarti.
6. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Location: Mandhata Island, Madhya Pradesh
Legend states that Lord Shiva manifested in this location through his response to the prayers of King Mandhata along with his sons. The island takes the form of an ‘Om’ symbol from Sanskrit therefore enhancing its sacred value.
Best Time to Visit: September to March.
The temple holds Rudra Abhishekam rituals throughout Mahashivratri along with continuous musical worship which brings thousands of people to the ceremonies.
7. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Pune district, Maharashtra
According to historical accounts, the Jyotirlinga is connected to a story where Lord Shiva fought the demonic power Tripurasura. A sacred temple rests on land surrounded by thick vegetation that resides within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (July to September) for scenic beauty and October to February for comfortable weather.
Mahashivratri Puja: A vibrant festival with special abhishekams and fairs attracting pilgrims from all over.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Trimbak, Nashik, Maharashtra
The unique feature of this Jyotirlinga consists of three lingas which represent Brahma and Vishnu together with Shiva. This site marks the beginning point of the Godavari River as well.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
During Mahashivratri Puja many devotees conduct Rudra Abhishek while also participating in bathing ceremonies at Kushavarta Kund.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
It is said that the holy Jyotirlinga travelled from its original location to Lanka when Ravana demonstrated his deep devotion to Shiva. The mystical event of divine intervention made him put down the Jyotirlinga within Deoghar where it stayed.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
During Mahashivratri Puja the religious observance includes a 108-km pilgrimage from Sultanganj followed by offering Ganga Jal to the divine.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
This Jyotirlinga represents the first such manifestation where Lord Shiva saved his follower Supriya from the attacking demon Daruka.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
During Mahashivratri Puja the temple draws numerous visitors who conduct Rudra Abhishekams followed by extended prayers through the entire night.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Before continuing his journey to Lanka Lord Rama initiated this Jyotirlinga at the precise spot in order to seek divine blessings from Shiva.
Best Time to Visit: October to April.
All activities on Mahashivratri Puja include ceremonial well-bathing at the 22 temple wells together with grand temple ceremonial demonstrations.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra
The temple received restoration through Ahilyabai Holkar’s efforts and displays elaborate decorative work throughout its structure. Devout Kusuma is believed to have brought Shiva to dwell at this place through her devotion.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Devotees conduct the sacred Rudrabhishek ritual which keeps the temple open for continuous night-time worship during Mahashivratri Puja.
Famous & Ancient Lord Shiva Temples in india to Visit on Mahashivratri 2025
(Beyond Jyotirlingas: Other Must-Visit Sacred Shrines)
The major Lord Shiva religious celebration known as Mahashivratri stands as both a spiritual event and a devotional commemoration. Every year during this special occasion Indian people celebrate with deep enthusiasm while visiting temples to receive religious blessings from the divine. The most famous ancient Shiva temples for experiencing the Mahashivratri 2025 sacred ambiance include the following list of temples:
1. Kailashnath Temple, Ellora (Maharashtra)
The Kailashnath Temple at Ellora ranks among the world’s most outstanding rock-cut temples because it emerged from a single rock to honour Lord Shiva. The Rashtrakuta dynasty in the 8th century sculpted this architectural masterpiece of Mount Kailash from a single rock at this temple. From October through March is the best period to admire this temple while Mahashivratri brings extravagant festivities and sacred religious ceremonies.
2. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu)
The Chola king Rajaraja I constructed the Brihadeeswarar Temple as a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture when he ruled during the 11th century and this structure received UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Throughout Mahashivratri many thousands come to worship while the temple performs its elaborate rituals and processions.
3. Murudeshwar Temple, Karnataka
The Murudeshwar Temple stands tall in Karnataka as it displays a 123-feet high Shiva statue while perched gracefully over the Arabian Sea. The temple perches on a hilltop which provides worshippers with sweeping vistas along with peaceful surroundings for their Mahashivratri observances.
4. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu & Kashmir
The Amarnath Cave Temple serves as a holy place of worship because it contains an ice Shiva Lingam that appears naturally and grows or shrinks based on the lunar cycle. At the temple devotees of Shiva can perform their religious observances during Mahashivratri even though the main opening period occurs during Amarnath Yatra in summer.
Which temples are best to visit in Mahashivratri 2025?
All major Shiva temples in India organize special pujas alongside abhishekams while hosting cultural celebrations and maintaining night-long vigils which are referred to as Jaagaran on this maha auspicious occasion.
Top Temples for Mahashivratri Celebrations
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
- Grand Rudrabhishek and Maha Aarti on the Ganga Ghat
- Live Darshan available online
- Special cultural programs and chanting of Shiva Mantras
- Somnath Temple (Gujarat)
- Special Mahapooja and Shivling Abhishekam with milk, honey, and sandalwood
- Night-long bhajans and spiritual discourses
- Special Maha Shivaratri darshan available
- Kedarnath Temple (Uttarakhand) – If Open
- The Jyotirlinga temple exists among 12 holy shrines however stays shut during winter seasons.
- Devotees perform their religious celebrations at Omkareshwar Temple situated in Ukhimath for the deity worshiping period during winter months.
- Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)
- The exclusive special Bhasma Aarti prayer service happens at 4 AM and requires advanced booking.
- 24-hour temple darshan
- Cultural programs and Shiva Tandava recitations
- Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu)
- Traditional bathing in 22 holy wells before darshan
- Special Rudrabhishek and chanting of Vedic hymns
- Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu, Nepal)
- One of the most important Shiva temples outside India
- Grand Shivratri celebrations with over a million devotees
- Special darshan and cultural performances
Special Pujas & Abhishekams on Mahashivratri 2025
- The ritual of Rudrabhishek includes the process of placing milk together with honey and ghee and bilva leaves upon the Shiva Linga.
- During the evening Maha Aarti brings special devotional prayers with massive lamp illumination.
- Jaagaran (Night Vigil): Bhajans, mantra chanting, and spiritual discourses
- Bilva Archana is performed by devotees who give bilva leaves as_expression of their needs for blessings and prosperity.
Temple Opening Hours & Live Darshan
- The majority of temples run continuous services throughout Mahashivratri.
- The official temple websites and YouTube along with Jio TV and Darshan Apps will broadcast Live Darshan.
- Users who cannot physically attend can book online pujas at Kashi Vishwanath Temple together with Somnath Temple.
Temples Offering Special Mahashivratri Darshan
During Mahashivratri several temples provide exclusive viewing opportunities at Somnath Temple and Kashi Vishwanath followed by Kedarnath and Rameshwaram Temples and Mahakaleshwar as well as Trimbakeshwar. Devotees can obtain VIP or Sugam Darshan passes through several temples to experience quick and convenient temple visits.
The process of obtaining VIP passes for temple viewing involves three simple steps.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi)
- The VIP Darshan service (also known as Sugam Darshan) can be obtained for ₹300 for each visitor.
- Online booking options exist at shrikashivishwanath.org for VIP Darshan passes.
Somnath Temple (Gujarat)
- People can book their VIP darshan as well as their puja at the official website somnath.org.
Rameshwaram Temple (Tamil Nadu)
- Ticket reservation for VIP delays is possible through the temple website together with nearby Temple counters.
Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain)
- Worshippers need to book in advance for VIP Bhasma Aarti darshan at the temple. Visit mahakaleshwar.nic.in for details.
Best Time to Visit Shiva Temples in India
People need to consider spirituality together with weather and practical reachability when deciding to visit Shiva temples throughout India, especially during Jyotirlinga Yatras or Shiva pilgrimages.
Ideal Months for Jyotirlinga Yatra & Shiva Pilgrimage
Visiting Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), and Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) become most comfortable during the October through March period. The cool weather provides better conditions for an easy journey while performing religious services. The temple visitor rates reach their peak level throughout this specific period.
Visitors can experience Kedarnath temple and other Himalayan sites from April to June because the Char Dham Yatra routes become available at this time. The heat levels in plains temple areas create an unpleasant condition for comfortable exploration.
The religious period from July to September marks the most sacred time for individuals who worship Lord Shiva. The month of July-August known as Shravan brings special religious celebrations to Lord Shiva temples such as Somnath (Gujarat) together with Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Jharkhand.
Shrivara Maas together with Mahashivratri holds great spiritual importance for devotees of Lord Shiva
- During the religious period of July-August known as Shravan Maas devotees gradually observe religious fasting while performing Kanwar Yatra to arrive with water drawn from Ganga River for offerings at Shiva temples.
- Mahashivratri (February-March): One of the most sacred days for Shiva worshippers, when temples like Mahakaleshwar and Kashi Vishwanath host special night-long prayers and rituals.
The religious observance exceeds festival status because it serves as an entrance to spiritual development. During this cosmic convergence, all devotees benefit by meditating and fasting together while chanting Om Namah Shivaya for elevated consciousness. Spiritual transformation rests exceptionally powerful on Night 2025 during Mahashivratri because this year marks the end of the Mahakumbh Mela festival.
