Shiva Temples in Europe for Karthika Masam 2026: Where to Worship, Dates and Etiquette
Where to worship Lord Shiva in mainland Europe during Karthika Masam 2026: the Arulmihu Sivan Temple in Glattbrugg near Zurich, the Sivaalayam in Munich and the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Fürth, plus well-known temples of Shiva's family in Germany, France and Switzerland, a pointer to the UK's Shiva temples, calculated European dates for the Somavarams and Karthika Pournami, what to offer, etiquette and keeping Karthika at home in a European winter.
Where to worship Lord Shiva in mainland Europe during Karthika Masam 2026: the Arulmihu Sivan Temple in Glattbrugg near Zurich, the Sivaalayam in Munich and the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Fürth, plus well-known temples of Shiva's family in Germany, France and Switzerland, a pointer to the UK's Shiva temples, calculated European dates for the Somavarams and Karthika Pournami, what to offer, etiquette and keeping Karthika at home in a European winter.
Quick answer: the best-known Shiva temples in Europe for Karthika Masam 2026 on the mainland are the Arulmihu Sivan Temple in Glattbrugg (canton of Zurich), Switzerland, the Sivaalayam in Munich, Germany and the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Fürth, Germany. Temples of Shiva's family, such as the Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple in Hamm, the Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam in Paris and the Sri Sivasubramaniar Temple in Adliswil, are also popular in Karthika. By our calculation, Karthika Masam runs from Tuesday 10 November to Tuesday 8 December 2026 in most of Europe (from Monday 9 November in Dublin and Lisbon), with Karthika Pournami on Tuesday 24 November 2026.
This guide has been restored at its original hindutone.com address. Europe's Hindu temples are spread thinly, so we list only well-known, long-established temples we are sure of, with their city and main deity. We do not give darshan timings, prices, phone numbers or street addresses. Please check the temple's official website before you go.
Karthika Masam 2026 dates in Europe
Karthika is the month most dear to Lord Shiva. These dates are calculated for 21 European cities, from Frankfurt and Paris to Stockholm and Madrid:
- Karthika Masam begins: Tuesday 10 November 2026 in most cities, and Monday 9 November in Dublin and Lisbon.
- Nagula Chavithi: Friday 13 November 2026.
- Karthika Somavarams: Monday 16 November, Monday 23 November, Monday 30 November and Monday 7 December 2026. Dublin and Lisbon also count Monday 9 November.
- Karthika Pournami: Tuesday 24 November 2026. Purnima tithi runs from Monday 23 November, 7:13 PM to Tuesday 24 November, 3:54 PM in Central European Time (one hour earlier in Dublin and Lisbon, one hour later in Helsinki).
- Masik Shivaratri: Sunday 6 December 2026, a day earlier than in India.
- Karthika Masam ends: Tuesday 8 December 2026 (Amavasya).
European winter sunsets are early. On 24 November the sun sets around 4:33 PM in Frankfurt, 5:03 PM in Paris and 3:08 PM in Stockholm, so plan the evening lamp early. For city-by-city times, see our Karthika Masam 2026 in Europe city by city guide.
The temples at a glance
| Temple | City | Main deity |
|---|---|---|
| Arulmihu Sivan Temple | Glattbrugg (canton of Zurich), Switzerland | Lord Shiva |
| Sivaalayam | Munich, Germany | Lord Shiva (Siva Panchayatanam) |
| Shiva Vishnu Temple | Fürth (Bavaria), Germany | Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu |
| Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple | Hamm, Germany | Goddess Kamakshi (a form of Parvati, Shiva's consort) |
| Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam | Paris, France | Lord Ganesha (Vinayakar), Shiva's son |
| Sri Sivasubramaniar Temple | Adliswil (near Zurich), Switzerland | Lord Murugan (Subramaniar), Shiva's son |
| UK Shiva temples | London and other UK cities | Lord Shiva (see our UK guide) |
Shiva temples in mainland Europe
1. Arulmihu Sivan Temple, Glattbrugg (Switzerland)
The Arulmihu Sivan Temple in Glattbrugg, in the canton of Zurich, is a Tamil temple whose main deity is Lord Shiva. It was founded in 1994 and is one of the best-known Shiva temples in continental Europe. Its festivals draw up to 4,000 devotees, so expect it to be busy on important days. For Shiva devotees in Switzerland and nearby countries, it is the natural place for Karthika Somavaram darshan and the Karthika Pournami lamp. Check the temple's official website for current timings.
2. Sivaalayam, Munich (Germany)
The Sivaalayam in Munich is a Shiva temple based on the Siva Panchayatanam. In this form of worship, five deities are honoured together, Shiva, Vishnu, the Devi, Surya and Ganesha, with Lord Shiva at the centre. This makes it a fitting place for Karthika, a month sacred to both Shiva and Vishnu. Check the temple's official website before you visit.
3. Shiva Vishnu Temple, Fürth (Germany)
The Shiva Vishnu Temple in Fürth, in Bavaria, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Worshipping Shiva and Vishnu together is especially fitting in Karthika, when Shiva is honoured on Mondays and Vishnu wakes on Devutthana Ekadashi (Friday 20 November 2026 in Europe). It is convenient for families in the Nuremberg area. Check the temple's official website for current timings.
Temples of Shiva's family in mainland Europe
The temples below are among the best-known Hindu temples in their countries. Each is dedicated to a member of Shiva's divine family rather than to Shiva himself. Many Tamil temples also have a shrine to Shiva, but please confirm this with the temple before you travel specifically for Shiva darshan.
4. Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple, Hamm (Germany)
The Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple in Hamm, in North Rhine-Westphalia, is one of the largest Hindu temples in continental Europe. It was built by the Tamil community in the South Indian style, with a tall gopuram over the entrance. The main deity is Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Worship of the Goddess is very fitting in Karthika, a month sacred to Shiva and Shakti together. Families from across Germany and neighbouring countries travel here for major festivals. Check the temple's official website for current timings and any Karthika pujas.
5. Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam, Paris (France)
The Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam in Paris is the best-known Hindu temple in France. It is a Tamil temple of Lord Ganesha, the elder son of Shiva and Parvati, and it is a focus of the Tamil and wider South Asian community in the city. Traditionally, worship begins with Ganesha, so a visit here is a natural start to a Karthika Monday. Check the temple's official website before you go.
6. Sri Sivasubramaniar Temple, Adliswil (Switzerland)
The Sri Sivasubramaniar Temple in Adliswil, just outside Zurich, is one of the best-known Hindu temples in Switzerland. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, worshipped as Subramaniar, the son of Shiva. In the Tamil tradition, the Karthika full moon is celebrated as Karthigai Deepam, which is closely linked with Murugan, so many Tamil families in Switzerland go to Murugan temples at this time. Check the temple's official website for current timings.
If you are in the UK or Ireland
The UK has Europe's largest Hindu population and several temples where Shiva is a main deity or has a major shrine. They are covered in our separate guide to Shiva temples in the UK for Karthika Masam 2026. UK dates are slightly different from the mainland, because the UK month begins on Monday 9 November; see our Karthika Masam 2026 in the UK guide. Readers in Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia and elsewhere usually worship at local community mandirs. Ask friends or local Indian associations for the nearest one.
What to offer at a Shiva shrine in Karthika
- A lamp: a ghee or sesame oil lamp is the central offering of Karthika. Use the place the temple provides for lamps.
- Bilva leaves and flowers: bilva is especially dear to Shiva but is hard to find in Europe. If you cannot find it, white flowers offered with devotion are enough.
- Fruit: simple, clean fruit is the easiest offering to carry in winter.
- Abhishekam: ask the priest before offering. Do not pour water or milk on any murti yourself unless the temple allows it.
- Mantra: chant "Om Namah Shivaya" quietly while you circle the shrine.
Etiquette and tips for European winters
- Dress: wear modest, traditional clothing. Bring warm layers, because you will remove shoes and some halls are cool.
- Travel: temples are often far from city centres. Plan public transport, and allow for early darkness and winter weather.
- Crowds: weekends and festival days are busiest. Weekday visits after work may be shorter but calmer.
- Lamps at home: many apartments and student residences have strict fire rules. Use a stable lamp, never leave it unattended, or use an electric diya where flames are not allowed.
- Timings: check the temple's official website for current timings, as arrangements change in festival months.
Keeping Karthika at home
Most NRI families in Europe will reach a temple only on a few days of the month, and that is fine. Light a lamp each evening, eat simple vegetarian food or fast on Mondays, and offer flowers to a Shiva linga or picture at home. Our Karthika Masam 2026 rules and Karthika Somavaram 2026 guides explain the customs. If you are visiting family in America, see our guide to Shiva temples to visit during Karthika Masam 2026 in the USA.
Frequently asked questions
When is Karthika Masam 2026 in Europe?
By our calculation, Karthika Masam 2026 begins on Tuesday 10 November in most of mainland Europe and on Monday 9 November in Dublin and Lisbon. It ends on Tuesday 8 December 2026 everywhere. Karthika Pournami is on Tuesday 24 November 2026. Confirm on Drik Panchang for your city.
Which are the main Shiva temples in mainland Europe?
Three temples where Lord Shiva is the main deity are the Arulmihu Sivan Temple in Glattbrugg, in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland, the Sivaalayam in Munich, Germany, and the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Fürth, Bavaria, Germany. The Glattbrugg temple, founded in 1994, is one of the best-known Shiva temples in continental Europe. The UK has its own Shiva temples, covered in our UK guide.
What does Siva Panchayatanam mean at the Munich Sivaalayam?
Panchayatana worship honours five deities together: Shiva, Vishnu, the Devi, Surya and Ganesha. In a Siva Panchayatanam, Lord Shiva is the central deity. The Sivaalayam in Munich is described as based on this form of worship.
How many Karthika Somavarams are there in Europe in 2026?
In most mainland European cities there are four: 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December. In Dublin and Lisbon the month starts a day earlier, so Monday 9 November is also a Karthika Somavaram, making five.
When should I light the Karthika Pournami lamp in Europe?
Karthika Pournami is on Tuesday 24 November. In Central European Time, Purnima tithi runs from 7:13 PM on Monday 23 November to 3:54 PM on Tuesday 24 November, which is before sunset in many cities. Families light lamps on the evening of 24 November or follow their temple's calendar, and some also light lamps on the evening of 23 November, when the Purnima has already begun.
Where can I find temple timings?
We do not list timings, prices or contact details, because they change, especially in festival months. Please check the temple's official website for current timings.
Editor's note
Editor's note (6 October 2026): This guide has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. We list only well-known, long-established temples we are confident about, and we state each temple's main deity accurately. European dates for Karthika Masam 2026 are calculated with the HinduTone panchang calculator using Drik-style rules; please confirm on Drik Panchang for your city. We do not give timings, prices or contact details. Please check the temple's official website before you visit.
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