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Madhya Pradesh, in central India, is a state with numerous attractions. Mahashivratri, a significant Hindu festival held in February or March, is a major event on the state’s cultural calendar. This festival honours Lord Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism, and is widely celebrated, reflecting the region’s vibrant cultural traditions. Explore the list of the famous Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh that demonstrate its historical significance. The state also boasts breathtaking natural beauty, including lush forests and picturesque lakes, surrounding these temples and adding to their allure.
Famous Shiva Temples In Madhya Pradesh
Here is a list of the famous Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh for spiritual blessings:
1. Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Mandhata
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Omkareshwar Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Mandhata near Khandwa, a city in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, which are important in Shiva worship. The temple is situated on an island in the Kshipra River, and the island’s shape resembles the sacred symbol ‘Om,’ which adds to its significance. This unique feature draws many visitors each year. The main attraction of the temple is the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, a revered object of worship. On special occasions like Shivratri, it is the best temple in Madhya Pradesh to visit.
Location: Mandhata City, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
2. Bhojeshwar Temple, Bhojpur
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bhojeshwar Temple, located about 28 km from Bhopal in Bhojpur village, Madhya Pradesh, is a significant historical and architectural site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 12th century during Raja Bhoja’s reign, the temple features a remarkable single-stone Shiva linga. It stands 2.35 metres tall and has a circumference of approximately 6 metres. The temple, known as the “Somnath of the East,” is well-known for its impressive design. As one of the most popular Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh, it attracts a large number of visitors, particularly during Shivratri, because of its historical significance and architectural beauty.
Location: Bhojpur Road Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
3. Chauragarh Temple, Pachmarhi
Photo: Kmohankar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lord Shiva is honoured at the Chauragarh Temple, which is located atop Chauragarh Hill in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh. Due to its elevated position, which provides breathtaking views of the hills and valleys around, it draws both nature lovers and spiritual travellers. Many pilgrims are drawn to the serene setting, which is ideal for meditation and introspection, particularly during the annual pilgrimage season. As one of the popular Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh, it is a well-known destination in Pachmarhi because of its unique combination of spiritual significance and scenic beauty.
Location: Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
4. Mahakal Temple, Ujjain
Photo: Gyanendra_Singh_Chau / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mahakaleshwar Temple, also known as the Mahakal Temple, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Ujjain and is highly revered. During festivals, the temple becomes among the famous temples in Madhya Pradesh, attracting devotees from all over who frequently queue in long lines to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. The rituals and ceremonies continue all day and night, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Ujjain also has the historic Shani Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shani and can be found on the banks of the River Shipra. Another significant site is the Mangalnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popular among both locals and tourists.
Location: Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 4 AM – 11 PM
Entry Fee: ₹250
5. Kakanmath Shiva Temple, Morena
Photo: पवन सिंह बैश / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One prominent example of Kachchhapaghata architecture is the Kakanmath Temple, which is situated in Suhaniya (ancient Simhapaniya) in District Morena. Constructed during the reign of Kirtiraj between 1015 and 1035 AD, the temple is still remarkable even in its current state of ruin. As one of the important Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh, It was initially built on a decorated platform with smaller shrines all around it. The main sanctum, an ambulatory, and a gudhamandapa with rows of pillars are all part of the temple’s design. The temple’s structure is still remarkable despite the effects of weathering.
Location: Sihoniya, Madhya Pradesh, India
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
6. Kachnar City Shiva Temple
Photo: ankit_dandhare / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kachnar City Temple is a prominent site for Lord Shiva devotees. The temple’s showpiece is a gigantic 76-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, which stretches for the sky. This stunning statue is the primary draw for tourists. In addition to the statue, the temple has reproductions of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are revered to Shiva worshippers. If you go during “Shivaratri,” expect a massive throng. The event attracts a significant number of adherents, making the surrounding region a bright and colourful celebration venue.
Timings: Early morning until late evening
Location: Kachnar City, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: N/A
7. Pashupatinath Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The Pashupatinath Temple, located in Mandsaur, is a well-known Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. This temple, located beside the Shivna River, is immensely important to the inhabitants despite being less well-known than its Kathmandu counterpart. The Shiv Ling, which represents Lord Shiva with eight faces, is one of its distinguishing features. The lower four faces retain their original shape but are less obvious than the upper four, which are well defined. The temple’s architecture has four entrances, each facing a different direction, which adds to its distinctiveness while also supporting the building’s symbolic worth.
Location: Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: ₹624 (for foreigners)
8. Matangeshvara Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho
Photo: Yogendra Singh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Khajuraho temples were built together but are dedicated to both Hinduism and Jainism, reflecting the builders’ respect for diverse beliefs. Among these, the Matangeshvara Temple stands out. Constructed in the 9th century by King Chandra Dev of the Chandela Dynasty, this Hindu temple is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, within the Western group of temples. Dedicated to Shiva, it is renowned for its historical and architectural significance. The Matangeshvara Temple remains a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the globe who come to admire its beauty and learn about its rich history.
Location: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
9. Jaleshwar Shiva Temple, Maheshwar
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Maheshwar is a town renowned for its spiritual and cultural legacy. It is situated in the Khargone district on the banks of the Narmada River. It has a number of temples with Lord Shiva as its primary focus. The Lord Rama and Datta Temples, as well as the ancient Ahilya Fort, are important points of interest. The serene atmosphere of the town is enhanced by the Narmada River’s ghats. Maheshwar is also well-known for its handloom weaving sector, which creates exquisite textiles. Maheshwar’s unique combination of historical buildings, religious sites, and handcrafted goods makes it a worthwhile and engaging destination.
Location: Adjacent to Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
10. Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This sacred spot has a long history in Hinduism that dates back to the Ramayana. Shri Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman stopped at the location where Mata Sita wished to worship the river goddess Narmada on their way to Chitrakoot. In her honour, Shri Ram made a Shivling out of sand, consecrated it, and worshipped it. He also offered her a chunri. The temple was discovered in 1890 after being hidden for a long time. It is basic and devoid of ornate decorations; it is constructed inside a cave. A small Shivling with a deep spiritual significance is contained within.
Location: Banks of Narmada River at Gupteshwar in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Timings: 8 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
There are numerous holy Shiva temples in Madhya Pradesh, each with special significance of its own. These famous temples offer both historical and religious contexts, essential to the state’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Plan a visit with TripXL and experience the spirituality of this place today.
Cover Photo: its Suren / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
