The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India

A Jyotirlinga, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, is a revered site where the deity is worshipped in the form of a radiant, fiery pillar of light. The word ‘Jyoti’ refers to ‘radiance,’ while ‘Lingam’ stands for the symbolic mark or the phallic representation of Lord Shiva. These pillars of divine light are believed to emanate the supreme energy of Shiva. According to legend, the Jyotirlingas are places where Shiva manifested himself as a fiery pillar, transcending both space and time.

In the ancient text Shiv Mahapuran, it is said that a dispute once arose between Lord Brahma (the creator) and Lord Vishnu (the preserver) regarding supremacy. To resolve this, Shiva manifested himself as an endless column of light, a Jyotirlinga. While Brahma claimed to have found the top of the column, Vishnu accepted defeat and acknowledged Shiva’s supremacy. To punish Brahma for his false claim, Shiva cursed him, stating that he would not be worshipped in any of the sacred rituals. Vishnu, on the other hand, would remain worshipped eternally. The twelve Jyotirlingas are thus considered to be divine manifestations of Shiva’s infinite form, where devotees can witness the radiant, formless aspect of the deity.

12 Jyotirlingas in India With Names and Places

There are 12 highly revered Jyotirlingas across India, each one unique and significant. These sacred shrines symbolize the infinite and unmanifested Shiva, and visiting these temples is considered a way to cleanse oneself of past sins and attain spiritual liberation. Each Jyotirlinga represents a different form of Lord Shiva and is located in distinct parts of India, creating a pilgrimage circuit known as the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Yatra.

The following are the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas:

1. Somnath (Saurashtra, Gujarat)

Located in the town of Prabhas Patan, Somnath is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, reflecting its significance and reverence. It is a significant pilgrimage destination known for its historical and mythological importance.

2. Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh)

Situated on the banks of the Krishna River in the Srisailam mountain range, Mallikarjuna is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha. It is a place where the divine and feminine energies are worshipped together. The temple’s architecture is rich with sculptural beauty, making it one of the most prominent temples in India.

3. Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

Known for being the only south-facing Jyotirlinga, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain is revered as Swayambhu (self-manifested). The temple is unique for having a Shree Yantra placed upside down on the ceiling of its Garbhagriha. It is also a place where the Shakti Peetha is present, symbolizing the divine union of energy and consciousness.

3. Omkareshwar (Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh)

Located on an island in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Om, the primordial sound of the universe. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India and a significant center for spiritual growth.

4. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)

Situated in the northernmost region of India, Kedarnath is nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. It is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and is accessible only during the summer months. Kedarnath is revered for its association with Lord Shiva’s abode and is a hub for spiritual seekers.

5. Bhimashankar (Pune, Maharashtra)

Bhimashankar is located in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra and is associated with the legend of Bhima, one of the Pandavas. It is considered a significant pilgrimage site and has multiple temples dedicated to different forms of Shiva, including a temple dedicated to the Bhima Shankar.

6. Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is one of the holiest temples in India. It is located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River and is believed to grant liberation to those who visit it. Varanasi, being the oldest living city, is a place of eternal spiritual significance.

7. Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra)

Trimbakeshwar is famous for its association with the origin of the Godavari River. The temple is situated at the foot of the Brahmagiri hills and is known for its unique architecture. The Trimbakeshwar temple enshrines Shiva in the form of three deities, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction.

8. Baidyanath (Deoghar, Jharkhand)

The Baidyanath temple in Deoghar is famous for its association with the myth of Ravana, the demon king. It is believed that Ravana prayed to Shiva for years and received a divine Lingam, which he was instructed not to place on the ground. However, it is said that Vishnu intervened and convinced Ravana to place the Lingam at Deoghar, where it resides today.

9. Nageshwar (Dwarka, Gujarat)

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located near the ancient city of Dwarka in Gujarat and is known for its association with Lord Krishna’s childhood stories. It is also a place where devotees believe their desires and prayers are granted.

10. Rameshwar (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu)

Rameswaram, located in the southernmost part of India, is home to the Rameshwar Jyotirlinga. It holds great significance for devotees of Lord Rama, as it is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here before proceeding to Lanka.

11. Grishneshwar (Ellora, Maharashtra)

Located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, Grishneshwar is the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is known for its architectural grandeur and its proximity to the Ellora caves, making it a prominent cultural and religious site.

These twelve Jyotirlingas are scattered across India, each with a rich history, mythology, and significance. Devotees believe that by visiting these temples and offering their prayers, they can attain spiritual liberation and remove the sins of their past lives.

Reciting the names of these Jyotirlingas with devotion and visiting them can lead to purification of the soul, granting blessings from Lord Shiva and the fulfillment of desires. The Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra, a sacred hymn in praise of the twelve Jyotirlingas, describes the glory of these temples and their divine powers. It is believed that by chanting this prayer, one can cleanse their soul and break free from the cycle of rebirth.

FAQs About 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva

1. What are the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva?

The 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, each representing a different form of the deity. The Jyotirlingas are considered extremely holy and are believed to be self-manifested representations of Shiva. These are: Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwar, and Grishneshwar. Pilgrims believe that visiting these temples brings spiritual benefits and the blessing of Lord Shiva, leading to liberation (moksha).

2. What is the sequence of 12 Jyotirlingas?

The sequence of the 12 Jyotirlingas is traditionally followed during pilgrimages, starting with Somnath and ending with Grishneshwar. The order is as follows:

• Somnath (Gujarat)
• Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh)
• Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
• Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
• Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
• Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)
• Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh)
• Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)
• Vaidyanath (Bihar/Jharkhand)
• Nageshwar (Gujarat)
• Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu)
• Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)
  This sequence is followed by many pilgrims as part of a spiritual journey, and the journey is often done either in a specific region or across the entire country.

How to start 12 Jyotirlingas in India?

To begin the pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas, start by planning your journey based on your location and convenience. The most common route is to visit them in order of proximity or in the traditional sequence. One can begin at Somnath (Gujarat) and proceed southward, visiting Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), and then head north to the other temples. You can visit Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, and continue traveling to Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) and Bhimashankar (Maharashtra). Many devotees travel by road or train, and it is important to make arrangements for lodging and transportation in advance.

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