Rajasthan is a state known for its majestic palaces, culture & vast deserts. Even though the state boasts some of the most famous Shiva temples in the country, like the Eklingji Temple in Udaipur and the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Alwar, there are numerous shrines spread across the state that may not draw thousands of devotees daily but are sacred just the same. These holy places, often found in the most remote villages, forests, and hills, are of enormous spiritual and historical importance, hidden in plain sight. In the following article, we uncover some of the most infamous and lesser-known shrines of Lord Shiva around Rajasthan, each shrouded in its mystery and lore.
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Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Mount Abu
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an architectural marvel located near the famous Achalgarh Fort on Mount Abu. A notable aspect of the temple is that it houses a naturally formed Shiva Linga, and the temple is constructed around the footprint of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the temple was built to guard a sacred toe-print of Shiva. The temple is also recognised for featuring three gigantic stone buffalo statues, which signify godly shelter. However, this temple is less visited than the famous Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu, as it is no less important for its history.
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Sukhram Mahadev Temple, Sirohi
Hidden amidst the caves deep inside the Aravalli ranges in the Sirohi district is the Sukhram Mahadev Temple, a Shiva shrine. It is said that the sage Sukhram founded this temple and meditated here for many years. The cave has a naturally occurring Linga that locals worship, and many trekked across the rugged land hoping to receive blessings. The serenity surrounding the place and the gorgeous sight of the Aravalli adding an aura make this shrine nothing short of divine.
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Baneshwar Mahadev Temple, Dungarpur
The Baneshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Shiva shrine nestled in the tribal heartland of Rajasthan, Dungarpur. Located at the merging point of the Som and the Mahi rivers, it is a significant pilgrimage place, especially for the Bhil tribe. The temple occurs during an annual Baneshwar Fair, which witnesses a huge congregation of devotees and tribal people. The fair is Rajasthan’s biggest tribal congregation and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Baneshwar (forest lord) avatar.
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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Baran
Deep in the forests of the Baran district lies the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, an impressive shrine to Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by greenery and a serene ambience, and the temple is presumed to have been constructed in the 10th century. Intricately carved from stone, it exhibits exquisite Rajput and Gurjara-Pratihara style of architecture. The temple is said to be visited by hermits and sages who come to it for solace from its divine power.
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Palaeolithic Shiva Linga of Kerakot, Jalore
One of Rajasthan’s most ancient and mysterious Shiva temples is also among the Palaeolithic Shiva Lingas on Kedarkot in Jalore. Archaeologists think that this site is thousands of years old and one of the oldest existing symbols of Shiva worship. Funny enough, the Linga is a naturally formed stone and is said to have been worshipped by prehistoric man. This secluded haven provides a rare insight into the ancient spiritual practices of Rajasthan’s early people.
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Mahakaleshwar Temple, Karauli
Karauli is noted for its ancient temples and forts, including the lesser-known Mahakaleshwar temple. This temple, located in an isolated portion of the district, is dedicated to the most dominating face of Lord Shiva, Mahakal. The temple, which is said to have been there for ages, is also frequented by sages who do deep meditation there. The temple’s spiritual aura is accentuated by its rustic surroundings, forests , and a river.
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Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Barmer
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a unique yet sacred temple hidden in the Barmer district. Legend has it that the Pandavas built this temple in their exile. Shiva here is self-manifested (swayambhu), and the shape of the Shiva Linga here resembles a trident. The temple lies within a cave’s confines and is mapped around rugged rocky terrain. It remains a significant pilgrimage site for worshippers, notably during the Mahashivratri celebrations.
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Bagore Ki Mahadev, Bhilwara
Near Bhilwara is a less-commercialised Shiva temple called Bagore Ki Mahadev. The temple is constructed right on the river and surrounded by thick greenery, which makes it a perfect place for meditation and spiritual retreat. The highlight of this temple is that a natural Shiva Linga rises here and is claimed to change its color based on the time of the day. It is said that Lord Shiva himself visited this place and blessed a local sage.
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Harshnath Temple, Sikar
Harshnath Temple, located on the Harshnath hills in Sikar, is an old shrine in honour of Lord Shiva. Built in the 10th century, the temple is an architectural marvel with stunning sculptural artwork. Partially in ruins from invasions, the site remains essential to the spirits. This little-known jewel is popular amongst pilgrims and history-seekers alike, who flock to marvel at its ancient engravings and spectacular sweeping views of the surrounding hinterlands.
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Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Banswara
Cosseted in the valley of Banswara among lush green hills, the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a wonderful abode for the Lord of the creatures, devotees. It is considered to be a thousand-year-old temple where mystery is full of doors of the divine. As per the legend, Lord Shiva manifested at this spot in a divine luminance, and thus, the site is holy. One of the main attractions of the temple is its naturally occurring underground water stream, which is also thought to have many medicinal benefits.
Conclusion
The hidden shrines of Lord Shiva in Rajasthan are not just places of worship but rich in history, folklore, and architectural beauty. These lesser-known temples serve as a sanctuary for those seeking peace and devotion away from the crowded sights. Be it a cave temple built in the realm of the Aravallis, an age-old site that has been prayed to since even pre-historic practice or a qasbah hidden in thick forest cover, such places are imbued with divinity. The real lovers of Lord Shiva find these hidden gems of the state an avenue to breathe into spirituality and let the silence speak what the alleys of their heart have to express.
