Kartik Aaryan’s Mahakaleshwar Temple visit highlights Sawan devotion. Explore India’s most visited Shiva temples, their history, faith and religious importance.
After receiving National award 2026 recognition for his film Chandu Champion, Kartik Aaryan visited the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple to offer his prayers to Lord Shiva. His recent visit to the most revered Shiva shrine of India started drawing attention of his fans and genZ towards importance of holy pilgrimage to all Jyotirlingas.
Coincidently, the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) is also starting from next week. According to Hindu Scriptures & dharma, this month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and millions of devotee’s visits Mahadev temples all across the country in the same month to take blessings. The Mondays of Shravan or Sawan Somvar are believed to be very auspicious. Devotees keep fasts and offer water (jal abhishek), milk and prayers to the Shiva.
From ancient Jyotirlingas to powerful pilgrimage centres, here are some of the most visited Shiva temples in India during Sawan.
1. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Mahakaleshwar is among the most revered Shiva temples in India.
Why devotees visit:
- The temple is famous for the unique Bhasma Aarti, performed early morning using sacred ash.
- Devotees believe Lord Mahakal protects them from negative energies and represents the power of time itself.
- During Sawan, thousands of devotees gather daily for darshan and special rituals.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Situated on the banks of the Ganga, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in the world.
Why devotees visit:
- Varanasi is considered the spiritual capital of India. Devotees believe a visit to Kashi and prayers to Vishwanath can provide spiritual liberation(Moksh).
- During Sawan, the temple witnesses’ massive crowds of pilgrims carrying Gangajal for offering.
3. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, Somnath Temple holds immense religious and historical importance.
Why devotees visit:
- Believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga.
- Located near the Arabian Sea, the temple attracts pilgrims throughout the year.
4. Trimbakeshwar Temple, Maharashtra
Located near Nashik, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is another important Jyotirlinga shrine.
Why devotees visit:
- It is associated with the origin of the Godavari River.
- The temple holds importance for various Hindu rituals.
- Sawan attracts large numbers of Shiva devotees.
5. Baidyanath Dham, Jharkhand
Baidyanath Temple is among India’s most important Shiva pilgrimage centres.
Why devotees visit:
- Millions participate in the famous Kanwar Yatra to offer holy water to Lord Shiva.
- Devotees believe prayers here are connected with healing and blessings.
6. Lingaraj Temple, Odisha
One of Odisha’s oldest temples, Lingaraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Harihara.
Why devotees visit:
- Represents a unique blend of Shiva and Vishnu traditions.
- The temple attracts devotees during major Hindu festivals, including Sawan.
7. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Rameshwaram is well connected by road and rail.
Why devotees visit:
- The temple remains accessible during Sawan, with devotees visiting for special prayers and rituals.
- Travellers should keep an eye on coastal weather conditions during heavy monsoon spells.
Travel to Which Jyotirlingas Need Extra Caution During Sawan Monsoon
- Kedarnath: Due to high altitude, trekking route, landslides and sudden weather changes.
- Bhimashankar: Heavy rainfall can affect forest routes and ghat roads.
- Omkareshwar: Heavy rains may impact river areas around the temple.
List the names of all jyotirlingas
| Jyotirlinga | State |
| Somnath | Gujarat |
| Mallikarjuna | Andhra Pradesh |
| Mahakaleshwar | Madhya Pradesh |
| Omkareshwar | Madhya Pradesh |
| Kedarnath | Uttarakhand |
| Bhimashankar | Maharashtra |
| Kashi Vishwanath | Uttar Pradesh |
| Trimbakeshwar | Maharashtra |
| Vaidyanath (Baidyanath Dham) | Jharkhand |
| Nageshwar | Gujarat |
| Rameshwaram | Tamil Nadu |
| Grishneshwar | Maharashtra |
Which jyotirlinga refers to a Shakti Peetha too?
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of those rare temples of Lord Shiva which represents both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple also known as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba Temple, situated at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh is an important Shiva-Shakti pilgrimage centre along with being an important Shakti Peetha.
What makes the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga the most powerful Shiva temple?
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga near Dwarka, Gujarat is the jyotirlinga that represents the power of Lord Shiva to protect his devotees from any fear or negativity. Containing a colossal Shiva idol, the temple is a place of worship famous for defeating a demon known as Daruka who troubled Shiva’s devout follower.
Why is the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga The 12 Jyotirlingas last one?
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga located near Ellora caves in Maharashtra is believed to be the 12th and final one upon which The Shiva Purana and other scriptures have laid emphasis. The temple is believed to be an ancient shrine. The temple is linked to the legend of Kusuma whose prayers made the Linga manifest.
