Near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat, Somnath is the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This temple of Lord Shiva is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas and holds the primary position. The vast Arabian Sea in the background makes Somnath Temple captivating. Near the temple is the Triveni Ghat, where three rivers—Hiranya, Kapila, and Saraswati—converge. Somnath also has historical significance, as the five Pandavas are believed to reside here.
Mallikarjuna of Srisailam
In the southern part of India, Andhra Pradesh lies the famous Mallikarjuna Temple on Srisailam Mountain along the banks of the Krishna River. This Jyotirlinga is also known as the “Kailash of the South.” Named after Parvati as Malika and Shiva as Arjuna, the temple is referred to as Mallikarjuna.
Mahakaleshwar
Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This temple, set on the banks of the Rudra Sagar Lake, is breathtaking. Lord Shiva is believed to be established here in a self-manifested form. The deity here is often called Dakshinamurti due to its south-facing orientation.
Omkareshwar
Just two to three hours from Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Omkareshwar is another Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh. Located on the banks of the Narmada River, the temple is easily accessible.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is considered one of the most beautiful Jyotirlingas, surrounded by stunning nature. The temple is located in Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Mandakini River, amidst snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and the temple offers a blissful atmosphere. Kedarnath is also part of the famous Char Dham Yatra and stands 3,583 meters above sea level.
Bhimashankar
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Bhimashankar is more famous as a tourist destination. Located in Khed Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra, Bhimashankar is the origin point of the Bhima River, one of the major rivers in Maharashtra. Surrounded by dense forests of the Sahyadri range, it was declared a sanctuary in 1984.
Kashi Vishwanath
One of the most sacred Jyotirlingas is Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The main Kashi Vishwanath Temple was destroyed by the brutal and aggressive Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who built a mosque in its place. Todar Mal rebuilt the temple during Akbar’s reign, but it was again destroyed by Aurangzeb. Later, it was reconstructed by Ahilyabai Holkar.
Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is situated 28 km from Nashik, at the foothills of the Brahmagiri Mountain, the origin of the Godavari River. The temple was rebuilt by Balaji Baji Rao, the third Peshwa, between 1740 and 1760. It is a famous pilgrimage site, and the temple is world-renowned.
Vaijanath
Vaijanath, or Parli Vaijanath, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in Parli in Beed district, Maharashtra. Another temple named Vaijanath is located in Deoghar village in Santhal Pargana, Jharkhand, also considered one of the Jyotirlingas. It is believed that the temple in Parli was built during the Yadava period by Hemadri and later renovated by Ahilyabai Holkar.
Nageshwar
Nageshwar, the “Lord of Snakes,” is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas near Dwarka in Gujarat. According to legend, those who worship this Jyotirlinga are freed from sin. The Shiva Purana mentions Nageshwar as being located in “Darukavana,” an ancient forest in India.
Rameshwaram
One of the Char Dhams, Rameshwaram is a beautiful and enchanting location. It is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds significant importance. Just as Kashi holds reverence in the north, Rameshwaram is similarly revered in the south. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, this conch-shaped temple draws attention. It is believed that Lord Rama himself established the Shiva Lingam here.
Grishneshwar
This ancient temple of Lord Shiva, Grishneshwar, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, about 11 km from Daulatabad and near the Ellora Caves. The Ramayana, Mahabharata, Shiva Purana, and Skanda Purana mention Grishneshwar. The temple is constructed with red stones and features intricate carvings.
Travel Guide to the 12 Jyotirlingas: A Pilgrimage of Faith Across India
The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, scattered across India, each representing a unique manifestation of the divine. For centuries, these pilgrimage sites have drawn devotees from all corners of the globe, offering spiritual solace and cultural richness. Embarking on the journey to the Jyotirlingas is an act of devotion, where every location holds immense historical and religious significance.
- Somnath (Gujarat): The first Jyotirlinga in Saurashtra is known for its majestic seaside temple. The temple is famously reconstructed after being destroyed multiple times in history.
- Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh): Nestled in the serene hills of Srisailam, this site is revered by locals and has a breathtakingly beautiful temple.
- Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Situated in Ujjain, it is one of the most famous and powerful Jyotirlingas.
- Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Found on an island in the Narmada River, this Jyotirlinga is known for its unique “Om” shape.
- Kedarnath (Uttarakhand): Set amidst the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, this site offers a divine experience of both the physical and spiritual journey.
- Bhimashankar (Maharashtra): Located in the Sahyadri range, Bhimashankar is enveloped in lush greenery, making it a peaceful retreat.
- Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh): Located in the holy city of Varanasi, this Jyotirlinga holds unparalleled significance in Hinduism.
- Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra): Located near Nashik, the Trimbakeshwar temple is known for its distinctive tri-faced idol of Lord Shiva.
- Vaidyanath (Bihar/Jharkhand): It is known for its healing powers, with devotees seeking blessings for health and well-being.
- Nageshwar (Gujarat): This temple is surrounded by tranquillity and is known for its association with the Naga serpent.
- Ramanathaswamy (Tamil Nadu): Situated in Rameswaram, it is renowned for its vast corridors and sacred bathing ponds.
- Grishneshwar (Maharashtra): The last of the Jyotirlingas, located near Ellora caves, this temple is a testament to intricate Indian architecture.
A pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas is a religious journey exploring India’s diverse culture, rich history, and spiritual heritage. Each temple has its unique aura, offering devotees a chance to experience different facets of divine power across the country.
