Maha Shivratri is approaching, and with it comes a night of profound spiritual energy, devotion, and divine blessings. It is a time when devotees of Lord Shiva gather to chant, pray, and seek His grace, believing that this sacred night holds the power to grant wisdom, peace, and liberation. And what better place to celebrate this auspicious occasion than at Shivoham Shiva Temple, one of the most spiritually enriching Shiva temples in India?
Recently, Team Deshwale spoke with the temple authorities to learn more about the Maha Shivratri celebrations at Shivoham Shiva Temple. The temple officials shared insights into the rituals, events, and spiritual experiences that make this year’s festival truly extraordinary.
Amid the bustling city of Bangalore, on Old Airport Road, stands one of the most magnificent and spiritually uplifting temples-Shivoham Shiva Temple. This sacred place is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Supreme Being in Shaivism, who embodies creation, preservation, and destruction. Built in 1995, the temple is most famous for its breathtaking 65-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, seated in deep meditation. Every year, nearly 500,000 devotees and visitors flock to this temple to seek blessings, with a surge of over 100,000 visitors during Maha Shivratri, one of the holiest nights in Hinduism.
As Maha Shivratri 2025 approaches on February 26, the temple is preparing for 24 hours of grand celebrations, including sacred Abhishekams, Shiva Aartis, mantra chanting, Jyotirlinga Darshan, and the breathtaking Maha Shivratri Sound & Light Show. Whether you seek divine blessings, spiritual transformation, or simply an experience that will leave you in awe, this is the place to be.
Let’s dive deeper into the history, grandeur, and Maha Shivratri celebrations of Shivoham Shiva Temple, where faith meets enlightenment.
The History and Transformation of Shivoham Shiva Temple
Originally known as Shiv Mandir, the temple was consecrated on February 26, 1995, by the Shankaracharya of Sringeri. The sculptor Kashinath was entrusted with the creation of the majestic Shiva murti, ensuring that the idol resonated with the divine presence described in ancient scriptures.
In 2016, the temple was renamed Shivoham Shiva Temple to reflect a deeper spiritual purpose: guiding devotees towards moksha (liberation) by imparting the wisdom of the Vedas. This transformation made the temple more than just a place of worship—it became a center for spiritual growth and self-realization.
Awe-Inspiring Features of the Temple
The Shivoham Shiva Temple is a masterpiece of spiritual architecture, offering visitors an immersive experience of Shiva’s divine essence.
The Grand Shiva Statue
The 65-foot-tall Shiva statue is one of the most iconic representations of Lord Shiva in the world. It portrays Shiva in a meditative posture, with the River Ganga flowing from His matted locks, signifying His role as the cosmic sustainer. His trishul (trident) and damaru (drum) symbolize the destruction of evil and the creation of the universe.
The Majestic Ganesha Idol
Standing 32 feet tall, the Lord Ganesha statue is another significant attraction within the temple premises. Unveiled in 2003 by Dada J.P. Vaswani, this idol is revered by devotees who tie saffron-colored threads in front of it, seeking Ganesha’s blessings to remove obstacles from their lives.
The Largest Lingam in Bangalore
At the temple’s entrance stands a 25-foot Shiva Lingam, the largest in Bangalore. This sacred representation of Lord Shiva symbolizes infinity, unity, and the formless cosmic presence of the Supreme Being.
The Healing Stones
Several healing stones are placed within the temple’s sanctuary, facing the idol of Lord Shiva. Worshippers touch or embrace these stones, believing they hold the power to heal ailments and bring positive energy into their lives.
Pilgrimage Experiences within the Temple
For those who are unable to undertake long, strenuous pilgrimages, Shivoham Shiva Temple brings the divine experience to them through replica pilgrimages of some of the holiest Hindu shrines.
Amarnath Pancha Dhama Yatra
A unique man-made cave has been created within the temple premises to simulate the rugged terrains of Amarnath, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. Devotees embark on this symbolic journey, culminating in the darshan of a replica of the sacred Amarnath ice lingam.
12 Jyotirlinga Darshan
The twelve Jyotirlingas—considered the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva—have been recreated inside the temple, allowing visitors to experience the divine presence of all the Jyotirlingas in one place. These include Somnath, Kedarnath, Omkareshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, and Rameshwaram.
Maha Shivratri: The Night of Divine Union and Awakening
Maha Shivratri, meaning ‘The Great Night of Shiva,’ is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism. This auspicious night is observed on the 14th day of the Phalguna month in the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2025, Maha Shivratri falls on Wednesday, February 26.
Devotees observe day-long fasting, night-long vigils, chanting of Shiva mantras, and special Abhishekam rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The Spiritual Significance of Maha Shivratri
- The Night of Shiva’s Cosmic Dance (Tandava), symbolizing the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
- The Holy Marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, representing the balance of divine masculine and feminine energies.
- Shiva as Neelkanth, when He consumed Halahala poison to save the universe during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
- On this sacred night, Shiva grants His devotees spiritual wisdom, absolution of sins, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (moksha).
Maha Shivratri Celebrations at Shivoham Shiva Temple
Maha Shivratri at Shivoham Shiva Temple is a grand spiritual affair featuring 24 hours of non-stop festivities. The temple echoes with powerful Shiva mantras, bhajans, and Aarti every two hours.
Key Highlights of the Celebration
- Maha Rudrabhisheka Japam & Maha Mrityunjaya Japam
- Maha Shivratri Special Sound & Light Show
- Barah Jyotirlinga Yatra & Paanch Dham Yatra
- All-Night Shiva Jaagaran
- Themed Celebrations: ‘Sanatana Dharma Yatra’
- Inauguration of Vaishno Devi Yatra, a replica of the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine
- Every year, the temple selects a spiritual theme to enhance devotees’ understanding of the divine truth. The 2025 Maha Shivratri theme, Sanatana Dharma Yatra, focuses on the eternal and boundless faith of Hinduism, guiding devotees toward self-realization and spiritual enlightenment.
Humanitarian Work: Serving Humanity as Worship
At the heart of all Maha Shivratri celebrations is the principle of service to humanity (Shiv Gyani Jan Seva). The temple donates a significant portion of its proceeds from ticket sales and activities to A.i.R Humanitarian Homes, which provide shelter, food, and medical care to over 600 homeless individuals in Bangalore.
For devotees, this act of selfless giving aligns with Lord Shiva’s teachings—compassion, detachment, and service to all beings.
Join the Maha Shivratri 2025 Celebrations
This February 26, 2025, embrace the spiritual energy of Maha Shivratri at Shivoham Shiva Temple. Immerse yourself in divine chants, sacred rituals, and spiritual pilgrimages, and be a part of an unparalleled night of devotion and enlightenment.
