Have you visited any Lord Shiva temples outside of India? While you may have seen many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in India, there are several abroad that boasts amazing architecture and rich heritage. In this article, we Touringwala will introduce you to some of the most famous Lord Shiva temples outside of India that are worth a visit.
Prambanan Temple, Java – Indonesia
The Prambanan temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, boasts magnificent carvings from the epic Ramayana. Constructed in the 8th century by the rulers of the Mataram dynasty, this group of temples is located at the foothills of the sacred Merapi mountain. The temple entices visitors with its sanctums dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma (collectively known as Thrimuthulu) and their respective Vahanas. While the premises once had 224 temples, most of them were destroyed by massive earthquakes, leaving behind only their ruins.
Nearby Places
One can enjoy various tourist spots nearby this temple, some of them are listed here
* Sewu Temple
* Plaosan Temple
* Gembira Loka Zoo
* Borobudur Temple
Pashupatinath Temple- Nepal
Nestled in the heart of Nepal, Pashupatinath temple enthralls its devotees with its Nepalese pagoda-style architecture. Built by King Jayadeva in 753 AD, the temple’s main sanctum is accessible only to followers of Hinduism, while non-Hindu visitors can still experience the divinity of other temples. The entrance to the temple is adorned with wooden rafters, as well as gold, silver, and copper roofs. According to mythology, visiting the temple can bring virtue to the visitors. One can also observe many sadhus on the temple premises.
Nearby Places
* Langtang National Park
* Boudhanath
* Changu Narayan
* Shechen Monastery
* Garden Of Dreams
Katas Raj Temple – Pakistan
Have you heard of the famous Lord Shiva temple nestled in Pakistan? If not, let me introduce you to the Katasraj temple (also known as Kataksha, which means “God’s tears”) located in Chakwal, Pakistan. This 9th-century temple complex enthralls visitors with its seven ancient temples, splendid architecture, and a pristine pond (believed to be made from Lord Shiva’s tears). According to legend, the hand-made Linga in the sanctum was installed by Lord Krishna, and the Pandavas resided here during their exile for a long period.
Nearby Places
* Kallar Kahar Lake
Grand Bassin – Mauritius
If you’re planning a trip to Mauritius, be sure to visit the stunning temple located on the shores of Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao. The serene atmosphere of the temple provides devotees with a deeply spiritual experience. The lush green scenery and crystal-clear waters offer a perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate. Visitors are treated to a breathtaking sight of the 33-metre-tall Shiva statue, which is the third tallest in the world. Additionally, the pond features statues of Durga, Hanuman, and Lord Ganesh, all of which add to the temple’s charm and allure.
Nearby Places
* Chamarel Waterfall
* Black River Gorges National Park
* Grand Baie
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman – Malaysia
The Rajakaliamman temple in Malaysia, which is the only glass temple of its kind, attracts numerous tourists and devotees with its breathtaking beauty. The temple is decorated with 300,000 mosaic glass pieces, which leave visitors delighted.
Nearby Places
* Johor Zoo
* Chinese Heritage Museum
* MacRitchie Nature Trail
* Night Safari