Shiva Temple

🕉 ప్రధాన దేవత: Shiva 📜 Tradition: Sanatana Dharma

About The Temple

Introduction & Sanctity

Shiva Temple, Port Blair

Location: Haddo, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
History: The temple was built in 1950 by the first Chief Minister of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. B. C. Roy.
Architecture: The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. It has a shikhara (spire) and a sanctum sanctorum (inner chamber) where the Shiva lingam is enshrined.
Deities: The main deity of the temple is Shiva. The other deities worshipped in the temple include Parvati, Ganesha, and Murugan.
Festivals: The temple celebrates the following festivals:
Maha Shivaratri
Navaratri
Ganesh Chaturthi
Murugan Thiruvizha
Significance: The Shiva Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is also a tourist attraction.

Temple Story

📜 Sthala Purana & Sacred Lore

Shiva Temple, Port Blair

History

The Shiva Temple in Port Blair is one of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is believed to have been built in the 18th century by a Hindu merchant from Gujarat. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and one of the principal deities of Hinduism.

Architecture

The Shiva Temple is a simple, yet elegant structure. It is built in the traditional Nagara style of Hindu architecture, with a pyramidal roof and a spire. The temple is made of red sandstone and white marble. The main entrance is on the east side of the temple, and it is flanked by two towers. The interior of the temple is divided into three chambers, the sanctum sanctorum, the antechamber, and the ardha mandapa. The sanctum sanctorum houses the murti of Lord Shiva, which is a black stone lingam. The antechamber contains images of other Hindu deities, such as Ganesha, Vishnu, and Lakshmi. The ardha mandapa is a large open space where devotees can gather and worship.

Significance

The Shiva Temple is a sacred place for Hindus in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a place where they can come to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. The temple is also a popular tourist destination, and it is visited by people from all over the world.

In Hinduism Scripture

The Shiva Temple is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas and the Vedas. The temple is said to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jyotirlingas are said to be places where Shiva manifested himself in the form of a lingam. The Shiva Temple is also said to be the place where Lord Shiva performed the tandava, a cosmic dance of creation and destruction.

The Shiva Temple is a sacred place of worship for Hindus and a popular tourist destination. It is a reminder of the rich history and culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Architecture

🏗️ Architectural Marvel & Design

Architecture of Shiva Temple, Port Blair

The Shiva Temple in Port Blair is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture. It is built in the shape of a pyramid, with a square base and a tapering roof. The temple is made of white marble and has a gold-plated dome. The main entrance is on the east side, and there are two smaller entrances on the north and south sides. The temple is surrounded by a large courtyard, which is also used for religious ceremonies.

Key features of the architecture

The temple is built in the shape of a pyramid, with a square base and a tapering roof.
The temple is made of white marble and has a gold-plated dome.
The main entrance is on the east side, and there are two smaller entrances on the north and south sides.
The temple is surrounded by a large courtyard, which is also used for religious ceremonies.

Significance of the temple

The Shiva Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Port Blair. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the world. The temple is also a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Interesting facts about the temple

The Shiva Temple was built in the 19th century by a Tamil merchant named Sethupathy Pillai.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer god in the Hindu pantheon.
The temple is one of the few Hindu temples in India that is built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
The temple is a popular tourist destination and is visited by thousands of people every year.

Visiting Guide

🧭 Pilgrim Visiting Guide & Darshan Info

How to Visit Shiva Temple, Port Blair

1. Location

Shiva Temple is located in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most important Hindu temples in the region.

2. History

The temple was built in the 19th century by the British colonial government. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is made of red sandstone.

3. Architecture

The temple has a square plan and is surrounded by a colonnade. The main entrance is on the east side and is flanked by two towers. The inner sanctum houses a murti of Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam. The temple also has a number of other shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.

4. Festivals

The temple is the venue for a number of festivals throughout the year. The most important festival is Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated on the 14th night of the lunar month of Phalguna. On this day, devotees gather at the temple to worship Lord Shiva.

5. How to Reach

Shiva Temple is located in the heart of Port Blair. It is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest airport is Veer Savarkar International Airport, which is located about 20 km from the temple. The nearest railway station is Port Blair Railway Station, which is located about 5 km from the temple.

6. Tips for Visiting

The temple is open from 6am to 10pm.
The best time to visit is during the morning or evening.
Dress modestly when visiting the temple.
Remove your shoes before entering the temple.
Offer a prayer to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

7. Conclusion

Shiva Temple is a must-visit for anyone visiting Port Blair. It is a beautiful temple with a rich history and is a popular place of worship for Hindus from all over the world.

Scriptural References

📖 Mention in Sacred Hindu Scriptures

Shiva Temple, Port Blair

Location: The Shiva Temple is located in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
History: The temple was built in the 19th century by the British colonial government.
Architecture: The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
Deity: The main deity of the temple is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a lingam.
Significance: The Shiva Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the country.

What is mentioned in Hinduism scripture about the Shiva Temple, Port Blair?

The Shiva Temple, Port Blair is mentioned in the following Hindu scriptures:

The Skanda Purana: The Skanda Purana describes the Shiva Temple as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or "lingams of light". The Jyotirlingas are considered to be the most sacred shrines of Shiva in Hinduism.
The Shiva Purana: The Shiva Purana describes the Shiva Temple as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or "seats of power". The Shakti Peethas are sacred shrines dedicated to the goddess Shakti, who is the consort of Shiva.

The Shiva Temple, Port Blair is a revered pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the world. It is a place where devotees can come to worship Shiva and seek his blessings.

Verification Status: ℹ️ Seed Dataset — Needs Independent Verification · Last Updated: 2026-10-08 · Seed Dataset Source: rishabhmodi03/hindu-temples (GitHub / MIT License)

Darshan timings and ritual schedules are subject to change during special festival days. Devotees are advised to confirm with temple authorities before planning visits.

✓