5 mysterious shivlings in India: Have you seen them yet?

Shivlings are revered all across the world, for their spiritual significance and powerful form. Known as a form of Shiva, a shivling is found in every Hindu temple, and some even keep one at home. However, these holy structures are often shrouded in mystery about its origins, myth, and legends. Closer home, here are five myterious shivlings you might not know much about...

Located in the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, this Shivling forms naturally every year in winter. Made entirely of ice, it somewhat resembles a rock formation, created by dripping water that freezes once the temperature dips. What adds to this shivling's aura is is, that it forms on its own in winter months, and then melts, symbolizing the cycle of creation and destruction associated with Lord Shiva. The site sees a heavy influx of visitors during the annual Amarnath Yatra. It is said that the ice Shivling grows and shrinks according to the phases of the moon.

Situated in the The Bijli Mahadev temple in Kullu is a Shivling known as Butter Mahadev. According to legends, every 12 years, lightning strikes this temple, smashing the Shivling into pieces. Locals then apply butter to mend it, believing it soothes Lord Shiva's pain. According to legend, Lord Shiva had asked the rain God Indra to strike lightning every 12 years to protect the valley from harm. This shivling has puzzled devotees and scientists alike.

Sahasralinga, which literally translates into "a thousand Shivlings," is located on the Shalmala River in Karnataka. During dry and hot seasons, thousands of intricately carved Shivlings emerge from the riverbed, along with carvings of Nandi, and some yoni symbols. It is said that these carvings date back to the reign of King Sadashivaraya (1678-1718). Their origins still remain unclear, but they are a wonderful work of ancient craftsmanship. During Mahashivaratri, pilgrims gather here to offer prayers when most carvings become visible due to low water levels.

In Varanasi’s Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev temple lies a Shivling that is said to be growing continuously. Believed to be over 2,500 years old, this self-manifested Shivling roughly grows by the size of a sesame seed every year. Devotees are in awe of this mysterious structure that defies scientific explanation. Said to be worshipped since ancient times by sages like Vibhandak Rishi, this Shivling symbolizes Shiva's eternal presence and dynamic energy.

Located in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, Bhooteshwarnath is considered the largest natural Shivling in the world. This rock formation grows taller every year, adding to its charm and mystery. Devotees believe this growth signifies Shiva’s boundless energy and invisible presence on Earth. Its sheer size attracts pilgrims from all across the world, who come to witness this natural wonder and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.