India is home to 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, revered by millions of devotees as manifestations of Lord Shiva. Among the 64 Jyotirlingas (divine stambh pillars), these 12 hold special significance and are considered the most sanctified and auspicious dhams of Lord Shiva. Spread across the country, each Jyotirlinga has a unique history, spiritual significance, and divine aura. These shrines are the most visited by devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. If you’re planning a pilgrimage or seeking information about the 12 Jyotirlinga in India, here’s a comprehensive guide.
What Are Jyotirlingas?
The word “Jyotirlinga” is derived from two Sanskrit words: Jyoti (light) and Linga (symbol of Shiva). According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva appeared in these 12 places as a column of light, symbolizing his infinite nature. Visiting these sacred shrines is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and liberation.
List of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India
• Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Somanth in Veraval town of Saurashtra district of Gujrat is most visited shrines among other Jyotirlingas and considered as at first place among others Jyotirlingas.
According to Shiva Purana the Moon was married to 27 daughters of Rishi Prajapati. But he neglected all other wives expect Rohini due to which he was cursed by Rishi Prajapati. To absolve the curse he worshiped Shiva at Somnath in shiva linga form.
People from all over world come to visit Somnath to take shiva blessings.
The nearest railway station to Somnath is veraval Railway station which is around at 5km of distance from Somnath. From there you can take taxi to Somnath ji
• Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)
Mallikarjuna dham in located in Sarisailam on the top of Sarisaila mountain in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Situated at the banks of Krishna Mallikarjuna temple is also known as Sarisaila Kailash of the south. Here Shakti and Shiva are worshiped together.
Nearest railway station Marakpur railway station. From where taxi services are available for Mallikarjuna temple.
• Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is situated on the banks of river Kshipra amid Mahakal forest.
Mahakaleshwar is also known as Muktisthal, the place that can lead to human liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Here shiv parvati are worshiped together.
From Indore mandir is around 50 kms. One can take train or bus/cab to Ujjain, Chintaman, Vikramnagar which are nearest town to Mahakaleshwar.
• Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the Shivpuri island in Narmada river of Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. The Shivpuri island is in the shape of OM. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is the place where dev worshiped Shiva to win over Danavas.
One can reach by road from Ujjain or Khandwa to Omkareshwar.
• Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)
Kedarnath Ji in Uttrakhand is also a Jyotirlinga and also one of the Chardham of Uttrakhand. Located in Rudraprayag district Kedarnath temple is around 17 km away from Gaurikund from where the pilgrims trek to the Kedarnath temple on foot/horse/ palki/helicopter.
Kedarnath Yatra begins in April end till October/Nov end. One can visit anytime in between these 6 months and have the blessings of Shiva in the beautiful place surrounded by the snow peaks of Gharwal Himalayas of Uttrakhand.
• Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is also one of the auspicious Jyotirlingas of India. Located near banks of river Bhima in Bhorgiri village of Maharashtra near Pune at the stretch of around 50 km from Khed.
• Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)
Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Kashi Vishwanath temple was rebuilt by Ahilya Bai aholkar at the western banks of river Ganga.
It is also known as Golden temple of Varanasi , holiest of Shiva temples.
• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Trimbakeshwar temple is located in Nashik district of Maharashtra near trimbak the point where River Godavari also know as the Ganga of South originates.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is famous for its shape and the three pillars surrounding depicts Brahama, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Trimbakeshwar town is at the distance of 28 km from Nashik from where one can reach by road.
The temple gates are opened from 5 in the morning till 9 pm.
• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is considered as one of the most powerful among all other Jyotirlingas that provides protection from poison.
Located in Dwarka district of Gujrat, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is most visited shiv temple where Nageshwar Bhagwan is worshiped by shiv devotees to seek his blessings.
• Baidyanath yotirlinga (Jharkhand/Maharashtra)
Baidyanath dham is located in Deogarh, Jharkhand. King Ravna worshiped Shiva and offered his 10 heads to seek boon from shiva.
Shiva appeared as Jyotirlinga and Ravna was asked to carry it to Lanka but the shiv linga should not be placed anywhere in between the journey. But due to interruption by bhagwan Vishnu, Ravna place the jyotirlinga at Baidyanath.
Baidyanath temple is also visited by many pilgrims to remove their sins is life.
One can reach Baidyanath by road or by train. The nearest railway station is Jasidh Junction.
• Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is worshiped by bhagwan Ram in order to seek help to reach Lanka to rescue mata sita from Ravna.
Rameshwaram dham is also one of the Chardham of India.
Rameshwaram dham is located at Pamban island separated from main land by pamban Channel of 40 km. One can reach Rameshwaram by crossing the pamban bridge.
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Grishneshwra temple is located in ellora near ellora caves of Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Cut out of Red Rock, the temple is famous for its architecture. It was re-built by Ahilya Bai aholkar.
One can reach Grishnehwar temple by road in Aurangabad.
Importance of Visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas
Visiting the 12 Jyotirlinga in India is considered a highly auspicious act. Each Jyotirlinga holds unique blessings, offering spiritual cleansing and liberation (moksha). The pilgrimage route covers diverse landscapes, from the Himalayas to the southern coastline, providing a spiritual and scenic journey.
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Tips for Planning Your Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage
- Research the Best Time to Visit: Many Jyotirlingas are located in regions with extreme weather. Check the best months for travel.
- Accommodation: Book hotels or dharamshalas near the temples in advance, especially during festivals.
- Travel Route: Plan your itinerary strategically to cover multiple Jyotirlingas in one trip.
- Temple Etiquette: Follow the dress code and maintain decorum within the temples.
Conclusion
The 12 Jyotirlinga in India hold immense spiritual significance, embodying the divine presence of Lord Shiva. A pilgrimage to these sacred shrines offers not just spiritual rewards but also an opportunity to explore India’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Start your journey today and experience the eternal light of Lord Shiva!
For bookings and travel packages, visit www.TirthyatraPackage.com.
FAQs About the 12 Jyotirlingas
Jyotirlingas are manifestations of Lord Shiva in the form of light. They symbolize his infinite nature and are considered sacred for attaining spiritual liberation.
To visit all 12 Jyotirlingas, plan a route that covers the northern, southern, eastern, and western parts of India. Many travel agencies, including Tirthyatra Package, offer customized pilgrimage tours. if you want book your package with us so feel free to contact us – +91-9411-543-299
While all Jyotirlingas are significant, Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Somnath are among the most famous.
Yes, festivals like Mahashivratri and Shravan Maas are widely celebrated at Jyotirlinga temples with special rituals and festivities.
Yes, you can book comprehensive pilgrimage packages with Tirthyatra Package that include travel, accommodation, and temple visits. and you direct call us for quick response – +91-9411-543-299