12 Jyotirlingas – Explore the Divine Shiva Temples Across India

The Jyotirlingas are sacred abodes where Lord Shiva resides in his purest energy form. According to the Puranas, there are 12 Jyotirlingas spread across India, from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari. During the auspicious month of Sawan, embark on this sacred pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Somnath Jyotirlinga

Location: Gujarat

Somnath Jyotirlinga stands in the Prabhas region of Gujarat. It is the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas. According to legend, Prajapati Daksha, son of Lord Brahma, had 27 daughters who married the Moon God (Chandra). Chandra favored his most beautiful wife, Rohini, ignoring the others. Angered, Daksha cursed him to lose his beauty and brilliance. To remove the curse, Chandra worshipped Lord Shiva here for a long time. Although Shiva didn’t revoke the curse, he blessed Chandra with renewed life, leading to the waxing and waning of the moon.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Deity: Nageshwar

This Jyotirlinga stands near Dwarka, the land of Lord Krishna. A 25-meter-tall Shiva statue and lush gardens enhance its divine beauty. Lord Shiva resides here as Nageshwar with Goddess Parvati as Nageshwari. He appeared here to destroy the demon Daruka.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Location: Pune

This temple sits on the banks of the Bhima River. Legend says Bhima, son of Kumbhakarna, built this temple. Nearby lies a temple of Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the deep bond between Shiva and Parvati. Some traditions also place this Jyotirlinga near Kamakhya in Assam.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Location: Nashik

This temple stands on Brahmagiri Hill, the origin of the Godavari River, also called Gautami Ganga. Sage Gautama prayed to Lord Shiva here, and Shiva stayed as Trimbakeshwar. Inside, three sacred lingas represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the Hindu Trinity.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Location: Aurangabad

This temple lies near the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Built of red stone, its grand architecture includes numerous deity carvings. Lord Shiva appeared here to bless his devotee Ghushma, which led to the name Grishneshwar.

 

 

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga

Location: Deoghar

Located in Jharkhand, this temple holds the sacred Atmalinga. According to legend, Lord Shiva gave this Atmalinga to Ravana. When Ravana placed it on the ground here, it became permanently established, turning the spot into a Jyotirlinga.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Location: Madhya Pradesh

Lord Shiva appears here as the Lord of Time (Kaal). This is the only south-facing Jyotirlinga. Devotees witness the famous Bhasma Aarti here. Shiva revealed himself at this spot in response to a child’s deep devotion.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Location: Madhya Pradesh

Situated on an island in the Narmada River, the island resembles the Om symbol. Lord Shiva appeared here, pleased by King Mandhata’s devotion. Devotees must also visit the nearby Mamleshwar temple for complete blessings.

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Location: Uttar Pradesh

This Jyotirlinga in Varanasi is considered the first place where Lord Shiva’s energy manifested. Devotees believe Shiva blesses them here with joy and salvation. It is said when Shiva is not in Kailash, he resides in Kashi.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Location: Uttarakhand

Kedarnath stands at 12,000 feet in the Himalayas. It is one of the four sacred Char Dhams. The Pandavas built this temple to seek Shiva’s forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war.

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga

Location: Tamil Nadu

This temple dates back to Lord Rama’s era. Before his battle with Ravana, Rama installed the Shiva Linga here and worshipped his deity. This divine worship marked the beginning of his Lanka expedition.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Location: Andhra Pradesh

This sacred temple stands on Srisailam Hill. Lord Shiva and Parvati came here to pacify their son Kartikeya. Here, Shiva appears as Arjuna and Parvati as Mallika. The temple also houses the Bhramarambika Shakti Peeth.