Mahashivratri is on 8 March 2024. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, devotees visit the temples of Mahadev and offer prayers. There are many Shiva temples, ancient Jyotirlingas, and Shivalayas in India, the glory of which is famous even abroad. Shiva devotees are also not limited to India only, there are devotees of Mahadev settled in foreign countries as well, who search for temples to have darshan of Bholenath on the occasion of Mahashivratri. If you also want to visit the ancient temples of Lord Shiva established abroad, then first know which countries you have to visit and what is the specialty and history of these Shiva temples.
Prambanan Temple Indonesia
There is an ancient Shiva temple in Java, Indonesia, which is famous by the name of Prambanan Temple. This temple was renovated in the 10th century. Located 17 km away from the city, this Shiva temple is quite grand and beautiful. There are three main temples in the temple complex - one of Lord Brahma, one of Lord Vishnu, and one of Lord Shiva. The three idols of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are facing east. In front of the main temple, there is a related temple on the west side. The temples are dedicated to the vehicles of God. Like the temple of Hans is built in front of Lord Brahma, Garuda in front of Lord Vishnu, and Nandi Maharaj's temple in front of Lord Mahadev.
There are many other temples built in the Prambanan temple complex. There are four rooms inside the Shiva temple, one of which houses a huge idol of Lord Bholenath. In the second, there is the idol of Lord Shiva's disciple Agastya, in the third, the idol of Mother Parvati and in the fourth, the idol of Lord Ganesha. To the north of the Shiva temple is the temple of Lord Vishnu and to the south is the temple of Lord Brahma.
Munneswaram Temple, Sri Lanka
Munneswaram Temple is located in India's neighboring country Sri Lanka, where Lord Shiva resides. The history of Munneswaram temple is linked to the Ramayana period. According to religious beliefs, after killing Ravana, Lord Shri Ram Chandra ji worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. There are five temples in this temple complex, of which the largest temple is of Lord Mahadev. Later the Portuguese attacked this temple twice and tried to damage it.
Katasraj Temple Pakistan
There is a temple of Lord Bholenath in India's neighboring country Pakistan. This temple is located 40 km away from Pakistan. Due to its location on the hill of Katas in Pakistan, the name of the temple is popular as Katasraj Temple. It is believed that in mythological times, Lord Shiva was very sad due to the Agni Samadhi of Mother Sati, and then his tears fell at two places, due to which Katasraj Sarovar was formed at one place and Pushkar Sarovar came into existence at the other.
Shiva-Vishnu Temple, Melbourne, Australia
There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in the city of Melbourne, Australia, which was constructed around 1987. This temple was inaugurated by 10 priests from Kanchipuram and Sri Lanka. The architecture of the temple is a good example of Hindu and Australian traditions. Apart from Lord Shiva and Vishnu, other Hindu deities are also worshiped inside the temple complex.
(PC: Social media)
