Maha Shivaratri, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated with immense devotion across India. It is a night of fasting, prayers, and spiritual awakening. Many devotees visit significant Shiva temples to seek blessings, participate in special events, and witness grand celebrations. If you’re planning a spiritual trip for Maha Shivaratri, here are some of the best places to visit in India.

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Special Events:

  • The temple remains open all night with special Maha Rudrabhishekam pujas.
  • Devotees perform Ganga Snan (holy bath in the Ganges) before visiting the temple.
  • The grand Shobha Yatra (procession) takes place, attracting thousands of devotees.

Timings:

  • Temple remains open throughout the night on Maha Shivaratri.
  • Main puja timings: 3:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM, and midnight.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Nearest airport – Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (25 km)
  • By Train: Varanasi Junction is well-connected to major cities.
  • By Road: Well-connected via NH2 with regular buses and taxis.

2. Kedarnath Temple (Uttarakhand)

Special Events:

  • Special Maha Shivaratri pujas are conducted in the winter abode of Kedarnath (Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath) since the Kedarnath temple is closed during winter.
  • Bhajans and night-long prayers by sadhus and devotees.

Timings:

  • Omkareshwar Temple remains open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Nearest airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (190 km)
  • By Train: Nearest railway station – Rishikesh (170 km)
  • By Road: Buses available from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Ukhimath.

3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)

Special Events:

  • The famous Bhasma Aarti (performed using sacred ash) is the main attraction.
  • Night-long chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Rudrabhishek.

Timings:

  • Temple remains open all night on Maha Shivaratri.
  • Special puja starts at 3:00 AM with Bhasma Aarti.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (55 km)
  • By Train: Ujjain Junction is well-connected.
  • By Road: Direct buses from Indore, Bhopal, and other major cities.

4. Srikalahasti Temple (Andhra Pradesh)

Special Events:

  • Special Rahu-Ketu Pooja performed on Maha Shivaratri to remove planetary doshas.
  • The temple conducts grand abhishekam ceremonies with milk, ghee, and honey.

Timings:

  • Maha Shivaratri celebrations start early in the morning and continue overnight.
  • Special Rahu-Ketu Pooja timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Nearest airport – Tirupati Airport (25 km)
  • By Train: Srikalahasti Railway Station is well-connected.
  • By Road: Buses available from Tirupati, Chennai, and Bangalore.

5. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu)

Special Events:

  • Special Shiva Tandava dance performances and night-long bhajans.
  • Abhishekam performed using thousands of liters of milk and curd.

Timings:

  • Temple remains open throughout the night with Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
  • Special darshan from 5:30 PM – 6:00 AM.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Nearest airport – Trichy Airport (55 km)
  • By Train: Thanjavur Railway Station is well-connected.
  • By Road: Buses available from Trichy, Madurai, and Chennai.

6. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)

Special Events:

  • Devotees take a holy bath in the 22 sacred wells before visiting the temple.
  • Maha Rudrabhishekam and special evening pujas.

Timings:

  • Temple remains open till late at night on Maha Shivaratri.
  • Special darshan and abhishekam from 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Nearest airport – Madurai Airport (170 km)
  • By Train: Rameswaram Railway Station is well-connected.
  • By Road: Buses available from Madurai, Chennai, and Trichy.

7. Murudeshwar Temple (Karnataka)

Special Events:

  • The Murudeshwar Gopuram is illuminated with grand lighting and decorations.
  • Devotees witness the Maha Shivaratri Abhishekam and cultural programs.

Timings:

  • Temple remains open from 6:00 AM to midnight.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Nearest airport – Mangalore International Airport (140 km)
  • By Train: Murudeshwar Railway Station is well-connected.
  • By Road: Buses available from Mangalore, Udupi, and Bangalore.

8. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Uttarakhand)

Special Events:

  • Pilgrims trek to the temple early morning and perform sacred rituals.
  • Night-long Shiv bhajans and aarti.

Timings:

  • Temple remains open from 5:00 AM to midnight on Maha Shivaratri.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Nearest airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (49 km)
  • By Train: Nearest railway station – Rishikesh (32 km)
  • By Road: Buses and taxis available from Haridwar and Rishikesh.

9. Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

Special Events:

  • The Adiyogi Shiva Statue hosts a grand night-long Maha Shivaratri event.
  • Special meditation sessions, musical performances, and spiritual discourses.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (40 km)
  • By Train: Coimbatore Railway Station is well-connected.
  • By Road: Regular buses and taxis available.

10. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple (Karnataka)

Special Events:

  • Devotees perform special Rudrabhishek and seek blessings at this ancient temple.
  • The town witnesses cultural festivities and traditional rituals.

How to Reach:

  • By Air: Goa International Airport (140 km)
  • By Train: Gokarna Road Railway Station (10 km)
  • By Road: Well-connected by buses from Goa, Bangalore, and Mangalore.

Conclusion

Maha Shivaratri is the perfect occasion to embark on a spiritual journey and visit some of the most revered Shiva temples in India. Plan your trip in advance and immerse yourself in devotion this Maha Shivaratri!