Mahashivratri special: Must-visit Lord Shiva temples in Delhi-NCR

On this auspicious occasion of Shivratri, if you find yourself in Delhi/NCR and are eager to offer prayers and seek blessings without venturing far to the Himalayas or renowned Jyotirlingas, fear not. The capital city and its neighboring regions has some of the ancient and special Shiva temples, where you will find the solace and ambience that you are seeking. All you have to do is, select which one is nearer to you, and you are good to go.

So, here are some of these sacred shrines.

Delve into the rich history of Neeli Chhatri Mandir, and learn about its origins back to the time of King Yudhisthir, the eldest of the Pandavas. Located on Nigambodh Ghat in the Jamuna Bazaar area of Delhi, this temple was built in the honor of Lord Shiva. It’s believed that King Yudhisthir even performed the Ashwamedha Yagna here, adding to the sanctity of the temple.

Situated near the Delhi-Gurgaon NH-8, this expansive temple is renowned for its vast statues of deities, with lush gardens in the backdrop. The towering copper-hued statue of Lord Shiva, standing at an impressive 100 ft, captivates visitors. The temple also houses idols of other deities, creating a divine atmosphere worth experiencing.

A hidden gem in Delhi, Shiv Mandir Gufawala in the Preet Vihar area stands as a marvel. Crafted in the form of a vast cave, it houses beautifully designed images and idols of Hindu gods, with Lord Shiva and Vaishno Devi as the primary deities. This temple, serving both locals and tourists, has been a spiritual hub for over two decades.

The Laxminarayan Mandir, commonly known as Birla Mandir, is a Hindu temple located in Delhi. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, and is dedicated to Laxminarayan (Vishnu) and Lakshmi. Built by Jugal Kishore Birla between 1933 and 1939, it embraces inclusivity, welcoming members of all castes. The temple also features small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Buddha.

Legend has it that more than 5000 years ago, during the Pandavas' special fire ceremony in Indraprastha (present-day Delhi), Lord Bhairav aided them. Enshrined in this temple, the stone image of Lord Bhairav was sought by Pandava Prince Bheema, who prayed for help to counter evil spirits disrupting their rites. Lord Bhairav agreed, manifesting as a stone image, and granted protection to the Pandavas' rituals.

True to its name, the Dudheshwar Nath Temple is made of white marble, resembling the color of milk. Located a few kilometers from the Hindon River in Ghaziabad, this self-revealed Shiva lingam attracts worshippers with its divine aura. Legend has it that the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji renovated the temple in modern times, and it is considered a wish-fulfilling temple, drawing devotees, especially soldiers from the nearby army cantonment.