News for 'Shiva Temples'

6 Must-Visit Shiva Temples

6 Must-Visit Shiva Temples

Rediff.com9 Mar 2024

Explore some of the majestic temples dedicated to Lord Shiva across the country.

A Shiva temple in Texas

A Shiva temple in Texas

Rediff.com4 Feb 2008

The Sri Saumyakasi Shiva temple was inaugurated during weeklong festivities and ceremonies, presided over by Swami Tejomayananda, spiritual head of the Chinmaya Mission organization worldwide, before many devotees.

Tension near Taj Mahal as Hindu group attempts entry for religious rituals

Tension near Taj Mahal as Hindu group attempts entry for religious rituals

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Members of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha were stopped by police while attempting to enter the Taj Mahal with kanwars to perform religious rituals, claiming the monument is a Shiva temple. They were redirected to a different temple to perform their worship.

Abandoned Shiva temple reopens in Aligarh's Muslim-dominated area

Abandoned Shiva temple reopens in Aligarh's Muslim-dominated area

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Right-wing organizations, including Bajrang Dal and All India Karni Sena, held a 'shuddhikaran' (purification) ceremony and chanted Hanuman chalisa at a long-abandoned Shiva temple in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The temple, located in a Muslim-majority locality, was "reopened" by members of these groups. The ceremony took place on Wednesday night amid tight security measures. Local residents, including a former Aligarh Mayor, have voiced concerns over the state of the temple and called for its restoration.

After 21 years of marriage, UP husband helps wife marry younger lover

After 21 years of marriage, UP husband helps wife marry younger lover

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

A man in Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, helped solemnise the marriage of his wife, a mother of five, with her lover at a Shiva temple after she expressed her desire to live with the other man, ending marital discord.

Muslim woman constructs Shiva temple

Muslim woman constructs Shiva temple

Rediff.com13 Mar 2005

"The Lord appeared in my dreams late last year and asked me to undertake the project," Noor Fatmi, a widow and a practising lawyer, said.

Ellora's Magnificent Kailasa Temple

Ellora's Magnificent Kailasa Temple

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The magnificent Kailasa temple stands as a testament to ancient Indian engineering and artistic brilliance, carved meticulously from a single mountain.

IMAGES: Top 11 Shiva temples outside India

IMAGES: Top 11 Shiva temples outside India

Rediff.com10 Mar 2013

To mark the festival of Maha Shivratri, here's a list of temples dedicated to Lord Siva in various parts of the world.

Modi explains Xi significance of temple backdrop at BRICS

Modi explains Xi significance of temple backdrop at BRICS

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 18th BRICS summit in Bharat Mandapam. The leaders were photographed against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu's iconic Ramanathaswamy temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Modi explained the temple's importance to President Xi, highlighting its unique status as a Char Dham and Jyotirlinga shrine, and its historical and religious significance linked to Lord Ram.

7 killed, 14 injured in stampede at Bihar temple

7 killed, 14 injured in stampede at Bihar temple

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

At least six people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai district on Monday, caused by a heavy rush of devotees during the holy month of Shravan.

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Two prominent temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur and the Bade Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, observed India's Independence Day on August 11, four days ahead of the national celebration. This unique tradition stems from their adherence to the Hindu calendar, specifically Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponded to August 15, 1947, and fell on August 11 this year. Special rituals, flag hoisting, and a Tiranga Yatra marked the early celebrations.

Taj Mahal was Shiva temple, Tejo Mahal, says BJP MP

Taj Mahal was Shiva temple, Tejo Mahal, says BJP MP

Rediff.com18 Oct 2017

BJP leader Vinay Katiyar said like a Shiva temple, water drips from the ceiling in the Taj Mahal.

BJP workers spray gomutra in temple after Maha Muslim MLA's visit

BJP workers spray gomutra in temple after Maha Muslim MLA's visit

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

A video of Sattar's visit to the Shiva temple in Rahimabad in his assembly constituency Sillod on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday went viral on social media, triggering protests from the BJP and other outfits.

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

BJP leaders and devotees across India are performing pujas and havans for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed while thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Somnath are holding special rituals, honouring his courage in saving 174 lives.

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India has actively engaged in cultural diplomacy over the past 12 years, providing grant assistance and expertise for the restoration and conservation of significant heritage sites, including temples and archaeological complexes, across multiple Asian countries, reinforcing shared civilisational ties.

Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa Leaves You Spellbound

Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa Leaves You Spellbound

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Lord Ganesha comes in various forms and each one lives in your heart. Enjoy these pictures from Rediff readers.

10 Famous Maa Temples

10 Famous Maa Temples

Rediff.com11 May 2026

We journey to 10 famous Maa temples, each devoted to a different form of Devi or the female force...

US to return 3 ancient sculptures taken illegally from Indian temples

US to return 3 ancient sculptures taken illegally from Indian temples

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Smithsonian will return three ancient bronze sculptures to India after evidence showed they were illegally removed from Tamil Nadu temples in the 1950s

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Raksha Bandhan takes on a different character as you travel across India.

How a tea break saved 5 friends in devastating Nepal floods

How a tea break saved 5 friends in devastating Nepal floods

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Five friends from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, narrowly escaped being swept away by flash floods in Nepal's Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river valleys thanks to an impromptu tea break. They endured two tense days on higher ground, witnessing devastation, before returning home safely, with a poignant Raksha Bandhan moment providing comfort.

'Shiva Is An Inclusive God Who Accepts Everyone As They Are'

'Shiva Is An Inclusive God Who Accepts Everyone As They Are'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'He is the God of Gods, the originator of yoga and the Vedas, the most powerful masculine figure who respects the feminine.'

Pix: Ayodhya Ram temple gets 2 more holy 'kalash'

Pix: Ayodhya Ram temple gets 2 more holy 'kalash'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The construction of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple is targeted for completion by October 2025.

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Maha Shivratri, one of India's most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated with deep devotion across the country.

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh authorities have implemented extensive security and logistical measures for the annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on Thursday and concludes on August 11. These include AI-enabled surveillance, additional security personnel, medical camps, dedicated control rooms, and traffic diversions, all aimed at ensuring a "zero incidents and zero accidents" pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.

Akshay Kumar Visits A Temple With Mum-In-Law Dimple Kapadia

Akshay Kumar Visits A Temple With Mum-In-Law Dimple Kapadia

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Akshay Kumar, joined by his mother-in-law Dimple Kapadia, sought divine blessings at the Shri Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, praying for national prosperity and family well-being.

Plea claims mosque in UP's Badaun is site of Shiva temple

Plea claims mosque in UP's Badaun is site of Shiva temple

Rediff.com3 Sep 2022

Civil judge (senior division) Vijay Gupta took up the matter on Friday and directed the Intezamia Committee managing the Shamsi Jama Masjid to present its side on September 15, when the court will next hear the matter.

The Lawyer Who Quit Her Job To Make Lord Ganeshas

The Lawyer Who Quit Her Job To Make Lord Ganeshas

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A third generation murtikar and probably one of the first in her family, Manaswi Bagwe, a self-taught sculptor, is quietly pushing the boundaries of idol-making.

Devotees Flock To Babulnath Temple In Mumbai For Mahashivratri

Devotees Flock To Babulnath Temple In Mumbai For Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

On the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday, February 15, 2026, devotees gathered in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva at the Babulnath Temple in south Mumbai.

Shiva temple swept away, prayers at Kedarnath begin Sept 11

Shiva temple swept away, prayers at Kedarnath begin Sept 11

Rediff.com2 Aug 2013

Swollen waters of the Bhagirathi following incessant overnight rains washed away a famous Shiva temple in Uttarkashi on Friday even as the state government set September 11 as the date for resumption of regular prayers at Kedarnath temple,which were suspended after the June calamity.

Gambhir attends Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple

Gambhir attends Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain on Friday.

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has ordered notices to be issued to three parties in a civil suit claiming the existence of a Shiva temple within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The suit, filed in September, seeks directions to resume worship at the alleged temple. The court has issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20.

SEE: Km-long queue of Lord Shiva devotees in Mumbai

SEE: Km-long queue of Lord Shiva devotees in Mumbai

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Devotees thronged the Shri Babulnath Temple in South Mumbai on Mahashivratri, March 8.

Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi

Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that forces opposing the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after independence are still active and that India needs to be vigilant and united to counter them. He highlighted the temple's history of resilience against repeated attacks and emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made to protect it.

Modi leads 'Shaurya Yatra' honouring Somnath Temple defenders

Modi leads 'Shaurya Yatra' honouring Somnath Temple defenders

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 'Shaurya Yatra' in Somnath, Gujarat, honouring those who defended the Somnath temple. He also offered prayers and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Train seat turned into Shiva temple one-time affair: Railways

Train seat turned into Shiva temple one-time affair: Railways

Rediff.com17 Feb 2020

In a first, seat number 64 of coach B5 in the Kashi-Mahakal Express, that connects three Jyotirlingas in two states, had been turned into a mini-temple devoted to Lord Shiva.

Mohan Yadav's Family Land Deals Raise Conflict Of Interest Questions

Mohan Yadav's Family Land Deals Raise Conflict Of Interest Questions

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's family is under scrutiny after an Indian Express newspaper report revealed their extensive land purchases in Ujjain, particularly in areas benefiting from state infrastructure projects, raising questions of propriety and conflict of interest.

Modi appeals to people to take 9 Pledges on health, nature, others

Modi appeals to people to take 9 Pledges on health, nature, others

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the people of Karnataka to commit to nine pledges focused on sustainability, health, and local empowerment to drive development in the state and across India.

Now NCERT Class VII book expands account of Ghazni's plunders, killings

Now NCERT Class VII book expands account of Ghazni's plunders, killings

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

The six-page section, titled The Ghaznavid Invasions, states that Mahmud of Ghazni conducted 17 campaigns in India, returning each time with large quantities of treasure. The old NCERT class 7 history textbook had a paragraph on Mahmud of Ghazni.

IPL star offers prayers at Mahakal Temple

IPL star offers prayers at Mahakal Temple

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'If Mahakal's blessings remain with me, I will continue to progress like this.'

6 Movies To Watch This Maha Shivratri

6 Movies To Watch This Maha Shivratri

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Namrata Thakker picks 6 cine ways to celebrate Maha Shivratri.