Shivkhola Temple, Narwud — Attraction in West Bengal

A Shiva temple is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, known as "The Destroyer" in the Holy Trinity (Trimurti), along with Brahma and Vishnu. These temples are often characterized by the presence of a Shivalinga, a symbolic representation of Shiva. Devotees come to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings.

Some key features of Shiva temples include: Shivalinga: The central sacred symbol representing Shiva, often made of stone or metal. Nandi: The bull, which is the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Shiva, often placed facing the main sanctum. Temple architecture: In many traditional Shiva temples, Dravidian or Nagara-style architecture can be seen, depending on the region of India. Offerings: Devotees typically offer water, milk, and bel leaves (Bilva) to the Shivalinga during worship.

Famous Shiva temples in India include: Kedarnath Temple (Uttarakhand) Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh) Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu)

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The Shivkhola temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled within a natural cave on the banks of the Shivkhola River in the scenic Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Located approximately 30-40 km from Siliguri, this serene pilgrimage site is set amidst dense forests and tea gardens within the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary area. The temple is famous for a naturally formed Shiva Lingam worshipped inside the cave and is a significant spiritual center, particularly busy during Maha Shivaratri. Beyond its religious importance, Shivkhola is a picturesque nature retreat known for its tranquil ambiance, the sound of the cascading river, and opportunities for picnics, camping, and nature walks, making it a hidden gem for both spiritual seekers and...

A mesmerizing place, about 1hr 30 mins drive from Siliguri. From Rongtong, it takes around 40 minutes, but the road is spiralling up and down with 45 degrees incline, and views are breath taking. Amidst beautiful tea gardens, sparsely populated, a bike ride is more suitable, as road is narrow and tough terrain.

As you reach the khola, the water is so clean, you can wash your eyes. Far from crowd, a perfect place to spend 2-3 hours. Come with your lenses, and leave your world behind. Meditate in the river bed with chirps of birds and sounds of water passing through. Better to bring your own food, and not litter anywhere and keep the place as...