Embark on a sacred journey to the 12 Jyotirlingas of India, where divine energy meets history and legend.
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is revered as the Supreme Being and the creator of the universe. According to ancient legends, there was once a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu over their supremacy. To resolve this, Lord Shiva manifested as an enormous pillar of divine light, known as a ‘Jyotirlinga’. Brahma ascended upwards, and Vishnu delved downwards in search of its ends. Vishnu eventually conceded defeat, while Brahma falsely claimed to have found the top. Enraged by this deception, Shiva cursed Brahma, declaring that he would never be worshipped, whereas Vishnu was blessed for his honesty. These sacred pillars of light became the revered Jyotirlingas, embodying the essence of Shiva.
Adi Shankaracharya, the great saint who revitalized Hinduism in the 8th century CE, identified twelve Jyotirlingas as the most significant. These temples, spread across India, are not only places of worship but also historical and architectural marvels. Here is a guide to these twelve divine shrines.
1. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Situated near Veraval in Gujarat, Somnath is regarded as the first and most sacred of all Jyotirlingas. It is believed that the Moon God, Soma, worshipped Shiva here to rid himself of a curse by his father-in-law, Daksha. As a result, this site is also known as Prabhas Kshetra. Over the centuries, the temple was built and rebuilt multiple times, facing destruction by invaders. The present-day temple, constructed from yellow stone, was inaugurated in 1951 by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The Arabian Sea’s waves striking the temple’s walls create a mesmerizing sight. Visitors should note that mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside, and offerings are made via a mechanical device. A fascinating light and sound show takes place every evening at 7:45 PM.
2. Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Known as the ‘Kashi of the South’, this Jyotirlinga is nestled in the Nallamala hills along the banks of the Krishna River. According to legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati visited this place to console their son Kartikeya, who was upset over his younger brother Ganesha’s marriage occurring before his own. The temple complex houses both Mallikarjuna Swamy (Shiva) and Bhramaramba Devi (Parvati). Surrounded by lush forests, Srisailam is especially scenic during monsoons. Nearby attractions include Panchamathams, Istakmeswari Temple, Srisailam Dam, and Sikharam.
3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar, located in Ujjain, is unique as it is a ‘Swayambhu’ Jyotirlinga, meaning it manifested itself naturally. Unlike others, this linga derives power from within. It houses a significant shrine, Omkareshwar, and an additional sacred site, Nagchandreshwar, which is open only on Nag Panchami. The temple is famous for its ‘Bhasma Aarti’ (ritual with sacred ash), which takes place at 4 AM. Entry to this ritual requires prior booking. The temple also offers free prasad and has a dharamshala for devotees.
4. Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Located on Mandhata Island, shaped like the sacred ‘Om’ symbol, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is about 80 km from Indore. Another temple, Mamleshwar, also claims Jyotirlinga status. This temple is known for its stunning three-story structure with intricately carved granite pillars. A circumambulation of the island, covering around five kilometers, is a popular spiritual activity. The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road, with Indore as the primary transit point.
5. Rameshwaram Temple, Tamil Nadu
Situated on Pamban Island, Rameshwaram is historically linked to Lord Rama, who worshipped Shiva here before crossing over to Lanka to rescue Sita. The Ramanathaswamy Temple boasts two Jyotirlingas—one made by Lord Rama and another brought by Hanuman from Kashi. A unique tradition requires devotees to bathe in 22 sacred water tanks before offering prayers. Nearby attractions include Dhanushkodi, Agneeteertham, and Pamban Bridge.
6. Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar, Jharkhand
Also known as Vaidyanath, this temple is subject to dispute, as three locations claim to house the original Jyotirlinga—Deoghar in Jharkhand, Parli-Vaijanath in Maharashtra, and Baijnath in Himachal Pradesh. The Deoghar temple complex consists of 22 temples, including the main shrine dedicated to Shiva. According to legend, Ravana performed intense penance and sacrificed his heads to Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva granted him a Jyotirlinga but warned against placing it on the ground. Ganesha, disguised as a Brahmin boy, tricked Ravana into placing it, thus making the site its permanent abode.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Located in the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi), the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas. Though it is listed ninth in the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram, it holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. Over centuries, several great saints, including Goswami Tulsidas, Adi Shankaracharya, Guru Nanak, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, and Sant Kabir, have visited this temple. The temple has faced multiple invasions and destruction but has been rebuilt several times. The present-day structure was renovated by Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Maheshwar, while Raja Ranjit Singh contributed by covering two of its domes with gold in the 18th century. On an average day, the temple welcomes around 5,000 visitors, but on auspicious occasions like Mahashivratri, the number soars to nearly 200,000. Due to security measures, visitors must deposit their mobile phones and cameras before entering. The journey to the temple leads through Kashi’s famous narrow lanes, where one can explore local delicacies and unique souvenirs.
8. Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra
Located in the Sahyadri Hills, 110 km from Pune, Bhimashankar is known for its serene landscape. The temple is constructed from black stone in Maratha-style architecture. The Bhima River originates here. This temple is linked to the legend of Shiva slaying the demon Bhima. The region offers breathtaking views, particularly the nearby Nagfani Peak. Adventure seekers can also trek to Bhimashankar from Karjat.
9. Nageshwar Temple, Gujarat
Located near Dwarka, this temple is associated with the story of Shiva defeating a demon named Daruka. The temple is known for its large statue of Lord Shiva and a serene spiritual ambiance. Though Nageshwar is in Gujarat, similar claims exist for Jageshwar in Uttarakhand and Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra.
10. Trimbakeshwar Temple, Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar, a sacred temple town near Nashik, Maharashtra, sits on the banks of the Godavari River. It is one of the four sites where the Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. According to legend, Shiva appeared here with the entire Hindu pantheon to bless Gautam Rishi and his wife Ahilya for their great penance. He not only granted a Jyotirlinga but also released the Godavari River, often called the Ganga of the South, from his hair. Trimbakeshwar is also linked to revered saints—Nivruttinath took samadhi here, and Guru Gorakhnath meditated in a nearby cave. The town features Kushavarta, a sacred water tank, and a temple marking the spot where Rama performed the shraddh ceremony for his ancestors. Trimbakeshwar is also known for genuine Rudraksha beads, as the area has many Rudraksha trees. Frequent buses from Nashik CBS provide easy access.
11. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath, the highest and most remote of all Jyotirlingas, is located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. Named after King Kedar, who ruled during the Satya Yuga, the temple is a key site in the Chardham Yatra. Due to harsh weather, it remains open for only six months annually. Reaching Kedarnath requires a trek of 14 km from Gaurikund, although horse rides and helicopter services are available. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the journey offers breathtaking views. According to legend, the Pandavas performed penance here after the Kurukshetra war. Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century Hindu philosopher, is believed to have attained samadhi at this site, and a temple dedicated to him stands nearby. Following the devastating floods of 2013, obtaining permission before visiting Kedarnath has become mandatory.
12. Grishneshwar Temple, Maharashtra
Located near the Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar is a relatively lesser-visited Jyotirlinga. The temple, built in Maratha architectural style, features intricate carvings and a peaceful environment, making it ideal for a serene spiritual experience. A visit to the 12 Jyotirlingas is not just a religious journey but also an exploration of India’s rich history, architecture, and culture. Each temple has a unique story, adding to the spiritual significance of these sacred sites. Whether for faith, history, or adventure, this journey offers a profound experience for every traveler.
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Related Content
Spiritual Tourism: A Guide To Ujjain’s Temples And the Kumbh Mela Experience
Spiritual Tourism: A Guide To Visiting The Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir
