Jyotirlingas, an integral part of Hindu mythology and spirituality, are revered as manifestations of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of destruction and transformation. The term ‘Jyotirlinga’ is derived from ‘Jyoti,’ meaning ‘radiance,’ and ‘linga,’ symbolizing the cosmic nature of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures, the origin of Jyotirlingas dates back to the time when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu engaged in a cosmic argument about supremacy. To put an end to their dispute, Lord Shiva appeared as a column of infinite light, thus establishing the concept of Jyotirlingas. These sacred shrines are believed to radiate divine energy and hold immense spiritual significance for devotees. In this article, you will find the list of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Also, check how to reach them, their locations, temple timings, and tips for visiting these Lord Shiva temples
List of 12 Jyotirlingas in India you can Explore in 2024
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga
Somnath Jyotirlinga, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, holds immense religious significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Legend has it that the original temple was built by the Moon God himself out of gold, and later reconstructed by various rulers. The temple stands as a symbol of resilience and devotion, having withstood several invasions and reconstructions throughout history.
- How to Reach: Somnath is well-connected by road, with regular bus services available from major cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot. The nearest railway station is Veraval, approximately 6 kilometres away from the temple.
- Temple Location: Shree Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath, Gujarat – 362268.
- Temple Timing: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, situated atop the Shri Shaila Mountain in Andhra Pradesh, is revered as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of Goddess Parvati performing penance to reunite with Lord Shiva, making it a symbol of love and devotion.
- How to Reach: The nearest railway station is in Kurnool, approximately 221 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use local buses to reach Srisailam, the base for Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.
- Temple Location: Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh – 518101.
- Temple Timing: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM (Open all days)
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is revered as one of the most powerful manifestations of Lord Shiva. The temple’s unique feature is its self-manifested lingam, which is believed to possess healing powers and grant wishes to devotees.
- How to Reach: Ujjain is well-connected by road and rail. The temple is approximately 3 kilometres from the Ujjain railway station.
- Temple Location: Mahakaleshwar Temple, Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – 456006.
- Temple Timing: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Open all days)
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Ujjain
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, situated on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, is renowned for its picturesque setting and spiritual ambience. The temple is associated with the legend of King Mandhata and his devotion to Lord Shiva, making it a symbol of faith and devotion.
- How to Reach: The nearest major city is Indore, approximately 77 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Omkareshwar.
- Temple Location: Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple, Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh – 450554.
- Temple Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Open all days)
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is revered as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located amidst breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine landscapes.
- How to Reach: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, approximately 220 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Gaurikund, the base camp for Kedarnath.
- Temple Location: Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand – 246445.
- Temple Timing: 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Closed during winter)
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, nestled amidst the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra, is renowned for its architectural splendour and spiritual significance. The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva vanquishing the demon Tripurasura, making it a symbol of triumph over evil.
- How to Reach: Pune is the nearest major city, approximately 120 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Bhimashankar.
- Temple Location: Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashankar, Maharashtra – 410509.
- Temple Timing: 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Open all days)
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, situated on the banks of the holy Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is revered as one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is steeped in history and mythology, attracting millions of devotees and pilgrims from around the world.
- How to Reach: Varanasi is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The temple is located in the heart of the city, easily accessible from the railway station and bus terminals.
- Temple Location: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221001.
- Temple Timing: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Open all days)
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Varanasi
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, situated in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, is revered as one of the most ancient and sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its unique architecture and religious significance, attracting devotees and pilgrims from far and wide.
- How to Reach: Nashik is the nearest major city, approximately 28 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Trimbakeshwar.
- Temple Location: Trimbakeshwar Temple, Trimbak, Maharashtra – 422212.
- Temple Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is revered as one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of Ravana performing penance to attain immortality, making it a symbol of devotion and determination.
- How to Reach: The nearest railway station is in Jasidih, approximately 7 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Deoghar.
- Temple Location: Baba Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar, Jharkhand – 814112.
- Temple Timing: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, situated on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat, is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of a demon named Daruka, who was vanquished by Lord Shiva, thus establishing the sanctity of the shrine.
- How to Reach: Dwarka is the nearest major city, approximately 17 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Nageshwar.
- Temple Location: Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat – 361335.
- Temple Timing: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
11. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, located on the picturesque island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, is revered as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Rama offering prayers to Lord Shiva before embarking on his journey to Lanka, making it a symbol of divine blessings and protection.
- How to Reach: The nearest major city is Madurai, approximately 170 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Rameshwaram.
- Temple Location: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu – 623526.
- Temple Timing: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, is revered as one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of a devout woman named Kusuma, who worshipped Lord Shiva with unwavering devotion, thus attaining divine blessings.
- How to Reach: Aurangabad is the nearest major city, approximately 30 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Grishneshwar.
- Temple Location: Grishneshwar Temple, Verul, Maharashtra – 431102.
- Temple Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Open all days)
Embarking on a pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas in India is a transformative journey that offers devotees an opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Shiva. Each Jyotirlinga holds a unique significance and is surrounded by captivating legends and myths that inspire awe and reverence. As you embark on this sacred journey, may you find solace, inner peace, and divine blessings in the presence of the mighty Jyotirlingas.
FAQs
Q. Where are the 12 Jyotirlingas situated?
A. The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and are distributed across India. Here is the list of the 12 Jyotirlingas in sequence:
- Somnath in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat.
- Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh.
- Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- Omkareshwar on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh.
- Kedarnath in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
- Bhimashankar in Pune district, Maharashtra.
- Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Trimbakeshwar near Nashik in Maharashtra.
- Vaidyanath (Vaijnath) in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
- Nageshwar (Aundha Nagnath) near Dwarka in Gujarat.
- Rameshwar (Ramanathaswamy) in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
- Grishneshwar near Ellora, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
Q. Which is the first of 12 Jyotirlingas in India?
A. The first of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India is the Somnath Jyotirlinga. It is situated in the Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Q. What is the secret behind 12 Jyotirlinga?
A. The secret behind the 12 Jyotirlingas lies in their symbolic representation of completeness and cosmic order in Hinduism. Each Jyotirlinga is associated with a unique mythological story, showcasing different aspects of Lord Shiva’s divine manifestations. The number 12, resonating with zodiac signs and celestial harmony, emphasizes the unity in diversity of India. Pilgrimage to these sacred sites offers devotees a comprehensive spiritual journey, exploring the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva.
Q. Which jyotirlinga is most powerful?
A. In Hindu tradition, no specific Jyotirlinga is considered more powerful than others. Each of the 12 Jyotirlingas is equally revered, and devotees visit them for blessings and spiritual connection with the formless aspect of Lord Shiva.
Q. Which jyotirlinga was destroyed?
A. There is no historical evidence suggesting that any of the 12 Jyotirlingas were destroyed. Legends associated with some Jyotirlingas may involve instances of destruction and reconstruction, but these events are often symbolic rather than historical.
Q. Which jyotirlinga to visit first?
A. There is no prescribed order for visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hindu tradition. Devotees can choose any Jyotirlinga to start their pilgrimage based on personal preference or convenience.
Q. Which jyotirlinga is difficult to reach?
A. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath in the Himalayas is often considered challenging to reach due to its high altitude and mountainous terrain, requiring pilgrims to undertake a trek.
Q. Which jyotirlinga is underground?
A. None of the 12 Jyotirlingas is entirely underground; they are all housed in temple structures above ground.
Q. Can I touch Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?
A. In most temples, including Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, touching the Shivlinga directly is generally not allowed. Devotees usually offer prayers from a respectful distance.
Q. Are all Jyotirlingas in a straight line?
A. No, the 12 Jyotirlingas are not in a straight line; they are scattered across different regions of India.
