This weekend will be a little different from all your other weekends, with the big night of Mahashivaratri falling on Friday, February 21st 2020. Widely celebrated by practising Hindus and Shaivites around the globe, this festival stands out from all the others. This two-day celebration is meant to dive deeper and introspect on one’s life and their purpose, to meditate and focus. As you thank lord Shiva for all that he has taught, take a tour around temples built for the diety and soak in the divine energy of the protector of this universe.

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, situated in the Kurnool district, deserves a foremost mention. Being most important of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, this is where Lord Shiva is believed to have lived with Goddess Parvati.

Sikhareswara Swami Temple is situated at the highest peak of the Srisailam, which is where it derives its name from. Apart from the high vibrations of the temple, one can also enjoy the panoramic view downhill and of River Krishna. One of the popular legends associated with this place says that Lord Shiva appeared in front of his devotees as Veera Shankara Swamy, and liberated them of all the sins.

In Chittoor district, Srikalahastesswara Temple attracts many curious travellers and devout believers, alike. This temple was built during the Pallava dynasty and oozes a vibrant charm, in the aesthetics and architecture.

Leader of the pack of five Pancharama Kshetra! Legend says, Lord Indra places a piece of the Shivalingam in the Amravathi to defeat the demon, named Taraka. The temple was built on the banks of the River Krishna much later and came to be known as Amaralingeswara Temple.

Second, to the five temples of Pancharama Kshetra, Ksheerarama is a monument of national importance and protected by central agencies. Here, Lord Vishu is believed to have left a piece of the Shivalingam. Ksheerarama is also the tallest of all.

Kumararama is the third in the lot of five Pancharama Kshetra, followed by Somarama and Draksharama. Nestled in the Bhimavaram and Samalkota district of West and East Godavari, these temples are considered to be the holiest. Dating back to the third century, they are an important site of pilgrimage for practising Hindus and Shaivites. One can also find the tallest Shivalingam, at the height of 16 feet, here.

Yet another temple in Kurnool district, Yaganti is popularly known for its contribution and history, of the fifth and sixth-century rulers from Pallavas to Cholas, and Chalukyas. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and called as the Uma Maheshwara temple, many rulers and kings paid a significant contribution to the building of this structure. Here, the idols have been carved out of single stone and hence, is called as the Ardhanareeswara.

One of the most popular temples, based in Karimnagar, Vemulawada is always bustling with devotees. This main temple houses an idol of Rajarajeshwara Swamy, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Apart from this, the temple also has idols of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi and Siddi Vinayaka along with smaller temples devoted to other deities like Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, Bhimeshwara Swamy, Kodanda Rama and Kasi Visweswara.

Which temple do you plan on visiting this Mahashivratri? Let us know in the comments below. You can also find all your entertainment here on ZEE5.