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Mahashivratri 2024: The most spectacular structures ever constructed are the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in South India. Across South India, dynasties such as the Cholas, Pallavas, and Chalukyas ruled for generations, erecting magnificent temples as a symbol of their devotion to Lord Shiva, the greatest of all Hindu gods. The striking aspect of these temples is their exquisite architecture. 

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, let us check out the list of 7 famous Lord Shiva temples in South India. 

7 Famous Temples In South India 

1. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram 

Ramanathaswamy Temple, located on the island of Rameswaram, is one of the most exquisite Shiva temples in all of South India. It is also one of India's Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage sites. This sacred temple is one of South India's twelve Jyotirlinga temples. The vast corridors of Ramanathaswamy Temple are among its most prominent features; they are the longest of any Hindu temple in India. 

2. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram 

The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is a complex of temples, not just one. Since the temple complex is located on the Bay of Bengal's coasts, it is collectively referred to as Shore Temple. These are the old remains of what was once one of the most gorgeous temples in India; they are not the temples where puja is performed. The entire complex of temples is designed like Dharmaraja Ratha or a chariot. There are other temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in addition to the major Shiva temple. 

There are many ancient lord Shiva temples located in South India. (Image Source: Canva)

3. Srikalahasteeswara Temple, Srikalahasti

his temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam temples and Lord Shiva takes the form "Vayu" - one of the five elements of nature. The temple is one of the 275 that make up the Paadal Petra Sthalam, also known as the largest Shiva temple on the continent. This shrine is linked to several mythical stories. The most well-known is that Vayu, the wind deity, spent aeons meditating here. This explains the other name for the Shiva linga in this temple, Vayu Linga. It is stated that during all four Yugas, Lord Brahma meditated here. 

4. Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Another name for the Thillai Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram is Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Nataraja is this temple's principal god. Lord Shiva performs the cosmic dance, thus, he is often referred to as Nataraja, the God of Dancing. One of the most well-known shrines to Lord Shiva in South India is the Thillai Nataraja Temple. Indian traditional dances like Bharatnatyam are portrayed on the temple walls. 

5. Jambukeswarar Temple, Tiruchirappalli

Located in Tiruchirappalli, the Jambukeshwarar Temple is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. This is the place where Lord Shiva is said to have appeared as water. It is one of the most significant Lord Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. This sacred temple is among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. The water stream that runs under the lingam at this temple is extraordinary because it never runs out.  

6. Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Murudeshwara

Not only is the Murudeshwar Shiva Temple one of the holiest Shiva temples, but it also has one of the most lovely surroundings. The temple provides picturesque views of the Arabian Sea because it was constructed close to the Arabian coast. Numerous aspects of Murudeshwar Temple are well-known. The second-largest Shiva statue in the world is housed at the temple.  

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7. Uma Maheswara Temple, Yaganti

One of the most well-known temples in Andhra Pradesh is the Uma Maheswara Temple. The temple was constructed in the fifteenth century by King Harihara Bukka Raya, the founder of the Vijayanagara Empire. Ardhanareeswara is the manifestation of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The origin of the temple deity is described in old mythical stories. In one such narrative, Sage Agastya asked Lord Shiva to take the form of Mother Parvati and come before him. This is the reason that the temple is called Uma Maheshwari and Lord Shiva is worshipped in the glorious form of Ardhanareeswara.