LORD SHIVA – Know about the 12 Jyotirlinga

सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालम्ॐकारममलेश्वरम्॥१॥

परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमाशंकरम्।
सेतुबंधे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥२॥

वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यंबकं गौतमीतटे।
हिमालये तु केदारम् घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥३॥

एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः।
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥४॥

According to the wise sage Adi Sankaracharya, the text mentioned above talks about the Jyotirlingam Stotram, and a visit to these sacred places fulfills your spiritual longing. Now, let’s explore the 12 Jyotirlingas spread across India.

These 12 Jyotirlingas hold significant importance in defining the identity of their respective regions in India. For those interested in architecture, history, legends, and spirituality, a visit to these temples provides enlightenment in every aspect. Knowing the names and locations of these 12 Jyotirlingas enhances both your spiritual and travel experiences. Visiting these temples at least once in your lifetime is a worthwhile travel goal.

These Jyotirlinga temples are sacred and offer serene surroundings with beautiful features. While you can visit these temples throughout the year, the experience is especially sensational during festivals, particularly Maha-Shivaratri.

Describing the magnificence of these 12 Jyotirlingas is challenging, as the true aura of these temples can only be felt when you visit them. Understanding the significance of the Jyotirlinga adds to the appeal of these temples and their powerful presence in India.

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga

Somnath is the first among the Jyotirlinga temples in India. It is located in Gir Somnath, Gujarat. This sacred temple follows the Chalukya style of architecture and stands on the western edge of the Indian subcontinent, overlooking the Arabian Ocean. It is a highly revered pilgrimage site in the country.

Story behind the Somnath Temple

According to Hindu mythology, the temple’s origin involves the moon creating it in gold, later rebuilt by Ravana in silver, then by Krishna in sandalwood, and finally by Bhimadeva in stone. Legend has it that Soma (the moon) married Daksha’s 27 daughters but favored only one, Rohini, leading to a curse from Daksha that made Soma lose his luster. To lift the curse, Soma prayed to Shiva, and the temple got its name, Somnath, meaning ‘lord of the moon.’ Mahmud Ghazni, a Turkic dynasty ruler, invaded the temple multiple times to loot its gold, and it’s named after the moon, known as Soma. The legend behind Somnath Jyotirlinga involves Chandra (moon) being cursed by Daksha for neglecting his 27 daughters. The curse plunged the world into darkness until all the Gods requested Chandra to pray to Lord Shiva. After worship, Shiva appeared and restored Chandra’s light, leading to the creation of the Jyotirlinga.

Somnath Temple timings and its route

The Somnath Temple opens daily from 6 AM to 9 PM, with Aarti ceremonies at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM. The light and sound show, ‘Joy Somnath,’ takes place from 8 PM to 9 PM. To reach Somnath, the nearest railway station is Veraval, about 6 km away, and the nearest airport is Diu Airport, approximately 80 km away. Taxis are available for hire from both locations to reach the temple.

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2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga 

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is often referred to as the Kashi of the South. According to the Shiv Puran, this Jyotirlinga represents the combined form of both Shiva and Parvati. The name “Mallika” represents Goddess Parvati, while “Arjun” refers to Lord Shiva. Situated in the Nallamala hill forests along the Krishna River, this temple is among the twelve most popular Jyotirlingas in India. The temple, also known as Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, boasts beautiful architecture adorned with carvings, colorful pillars (gopurams), and the Mukha Mandapa Hall.

Story behind the Mallikarjuna Temple

When Shiva and Parvati couldn’t decide which son to marry first, Ganesh or Kartikeya, they devised a competition. The challenge was to circle the world, and whoever returned first would marry Riddhi and Siddhi. While Kartikeya embarked on the journey, Ganesha, considering Shiva and Parvati as his entire world, encircled them. Impressed by Ganesha’s gesture, Shiva and Parvati chose to marry him first. In disappointment, Kartikeya went to a mountain named ‘Kravunja’ and stayed there. Shiva and Parvati visited Kartikeya, and the Jyotirlinga was created where they met.

Mallikarjuna Temple timings and its route

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple is open for devotees daily from 4:30 AM to 9 PM. After the morning session, the temple closes for a few hours in the afternoon and reopensin the evening, typically around 4:00 PM. To reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, the nearest railway station is Markapur Road, approximately 84 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach the temple. The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, around 200 km away, and you can hire a taxi at the airport to reach the temple.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Nestled along the Kshipra River, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is the most powerful and divine among the 12 Jyotirlingas. It’s also one of the seven Mukti-Sthal (sacred places) in India. According to Hindu mythology, Mahakaal is a form of Lord Shiva, and people from all over India come to worship Lord Mahakaleshwar here. The name Mahakaal combines “Maha” (the virtue of Lord Shiva) and “Kaal” (time).

This temple holds a unique Swayambhu Jyotirlinga, where Shiva is considered the immortal soul with no creator above him, radiating his own energy.

Story behind the Mahakaleshwar Temple

Chandrasena, a devoted ruler, faced an attack on his kingdom by King Ripudamana and the invisible demon Dushan. Fearing defeat, Chandrasena prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Shiva appeared and vowed to protect the kingdom of Mahakaleshwar from Dushan and other demons, leading people to believe that Lord Shiva resides there.

Mahakaleshwar Temple timings and its route

The Mahakaleshwar Temple is open for devotees daily from 4 AM to 10 PM, with Darshan available during specific time slots throughout the day which is in morning 10.30 AM to 1.00 PM and then in evening 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM. Bhasma aarti timings are in morning 4.00 AM to 6.00 AM. To reach the temple, the nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction, about 2 km away, where you can hire a taxi. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, approximately 57 km away, and you can hire a taxi there to reach the temple.

4.Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Situated on an Om-shaped island called Shivapuri along the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a highly revered Hindu temple, symbolizing the Lord of the Om Sound. The temple, a magnificent three-storied structure with large pillars crafted from carved granite stone, holds great significance as a center of intense faith.

The Omkareshwar temple is not alone; there are two main temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. One, named Omkareshwar, is located on the island, while the other, Mamleshwar, is situated on the south bank of the Narmada River on the mainland. Devotees consider both temples equally divine Jyotirlingas and often visit both, as they are conveniently close to each other.

Story behind the Omkareshwar Temple

When demons attacked King Mandhata’s kingdom, a mighty mountain sought help from Lord Shiva, who, pleased by the king’s devotion, decided to stay at Omkareshwar forever.

Omkareshwar Temple timings and its route

The Omkareshwar Temple welcomes devotees for Darshan every day from 5 AM to 3.30 PM and 4.30 to 9.30 pm. and Aarti from 5.00 AM to 5.30 AM. To reach the temple, the nearest railway station is Khandwa Junction, approximately 70 km away, where you can hire a taxi. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, around 85 km away, and you can hire a taxi at the airport to reach the temple.

5. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga

The Vaidyanath Dham or Baba Baidyanath Temple is a very famous place of worship in India. It’s known as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are sacred places dedicated to the god Shiva. This temple is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.

Story Behind the Vaidyanath Temple

According to a story in Hindu mythology, there was a demon king named Ravana who worshipped Shiva intensely. He wanted Shiva to come to his kingdom in Lanka. Shiva agreed but gave him a condition: Ravana had to carry a special symbol of Shiva, called a lingam, without placing it on the ground until they reached Lanka. On the way, Ravana was tricked by the god Vishnu disguised as a water god. Ravana put the lingam down and it became rooted to the ground where the temple now stands.

The temple complex includes the main temple of Baba Baidyanath and 21 other smaller temples. Every year, during the month of Shravan, many devotees go on a pilgrimage known as Kanwar Yatra. They carry holy water from the Ganga River to pour over the lingam at Baba Dham.

Vaidyanath Temple timings and its route

The temple is open for visitors in two shifts: 5.30 AM to 3.30 PM, and then 6.30PM to 9.00 PM. To get to the temple, the nearest railway station is Jasidih Junction, about 8 km away. From there, you can take a taxi to reach the temple. The nearest airport is Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Airport, also about 8 km away

6.Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Bhimashankar is the sixth among the 12 special places called Jyotirlingas in India, as per the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram. This temple is situated by the Bhima River and is known for its black rock structure, holding great importance for Hindus.

According to a story in Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva got really mad once and turned a wicked demon named Bhima into ashes. Shiva then stayed in this place in the form of a Jyotirlinga, which is a special symbol representing his divine power. The temple has a unique architectural style called Nagara, in the Maratha tradition. Besides being a holy place, the surroundings also offer beautiful views.

The legend behind Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga goes like this: Bhima, a boy, learned that his father was killed by an avatar of Rama. Filled with anger, he sought revenge and gained powerful abilities through worship. However, he misused his powers and terrorized people, forcing them to worship him. Shiva intervened, defeated Bhima, and decided to stay at this spot to protect people from such demons.

The temple is open to visitors in two shifts every day, in the morning until midday and in the evening until late night. To get to Bhimashankar Temple, the nearest railway station is Karjat Junction, about 147 km away. From there, you can take a taxi to reach the temple. The closest airport is Pune International Airport, which is around 105 km away.

7.Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga

Rameshwaram is the seventh in the list of 12 special places called Jyotirlingas. The temple there is built in a stunning Dravidian style and is located in a small town on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. What makes Rameshwaram special is that there are twenty-two water bodies within the temple complex.

People who visit the Rameshwaram temple usually take a holy bath in these water bodies before they go for Darshan (seeing the deity) as a way to show their respect to Lord Shiva. The temple has two Jyotirlingas, one created by Lord Rama and another one brought by Hanuman from Kashi. It’s believed that the Jyotirlinga brought by Hanuman is a copy of the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga.

The story behind the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga goes like this: Lord Hanuman and Mother Sita brought two Jyotirlingas to Rameshwaram, and both are worshipped in a specific order. This was also the place where Lord Rama worshipped Vishnu after defeating Ravana.

The temple is open for visitors in two shifts every day, in the morning until early afternoon and then in the afternoon until late at night.

To reach Rameshwaram Temple, the closest railway station is Rameswaram Railway Station, just about 1.5 km away. Once you arrive, you can easily get a taxi to reach the temple. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, which is around 177 km away from the temple.

8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Nageshwar is a famous Jyotirlinga temple in Gujarat, India, located on the Saurashtra coast between Gomati Dwarka and Bet Dwarka. It’s well-known for its power to protect from poisons. The temple is made of pink stone, and inside, there’s a statue of Dakshinamurti. Only Hindu devotees are allowed to go inside and worship or perform Abhishek (ritual pouring of liquids).

To enter the sanctum, permission is granted by the local priest dressed in traditional attire. According to the Shiv Purana, Lord Shiva defeated a demon named Daruka and his army to rescue his devotee Supriya. Lord Shiva’s body was covered with snakes, giving rise to the name Nageshwar. There’s also a large sitting statue of Shiva that can be seen from a distance.

The story behind Nageshwar Jyotirlinga goes like this: A devotee named Supriya in Dwarka was attacked by a demon named Daaruka. She prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared, defeated Daaruka, and saved Supriya. This made the place the abode of Lord Shiva.

The temple is open for devotees in two shifts every day, in the morning until early afternoon and then in the afternoon until late at night.

To get to Nageshwar Temple, the nearest railway station is Dwarka Junction, around 16 km away. Once you arrive, you can hire a taxi to reach the temple. The closest airport is Jamnagar Airport, which is approximately 127 km away from the temple.

9.Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Kashi Vishwanath is a very important Jyotirlinga in India, and lots of people come here every year to seek blessings. In the past, the temple was looted many times because it was made of pure gold.

According to a story in the Shiva Purana, Brahma and Vishnu once argued about who was more powerful. To test them, Lord Shiva turned into an endless pillar of light and asked them to find its end. Brahma lied about finding it, but Vishnu admitted defeat.

This made Shiva angry, and he cursed Brahma that Hindus wouldn’t worship him. However, Vishnu, for being honest, would be worshipped. The places where Shiva’s light went through the Earth are now known as the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The legend behind Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga goes like this: Kashi is believed to be the oldest place on Earth and the home of all the gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). People think that visiting Kashi can wash away all sins and lead to salvation. It’s believed that Shiva created this place and the city that can never be destroyed.

The temple is open for visitors in two shifts every day, in the morning until early afternoon and then in the afternoon until late at night.

To reach Kashi Vishwanath, the closest railway station is Varanasi Junction, about 5 km away. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is also about 25 km away from the temple.

10. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Trimbakeshwar is an important spiritual place located near the Brahmagiri Mountain by the River Godavari in Nasik. It’s one of the four Hindu cities where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years.

The temple has a unique shape and is well-known worldwide. Inside, there are three pillars representing the three powerful Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Legend has it that the temple stands where Lord Rama performed a ceremony for his ancestors.

According to Hindu mythology, a sage named Gautam and his wife had a special blessing that they would never face famine. This made other sages jealous, and they planned to ruin Gautam’s reputation by sending a dead cow to his barn. To clear his name, Gautam prayed to Lord Shiva, who allowed the Ganga River to flow through his ashram. Gautam then asked Shiva to stay there, and thus, Trimbakeshwar emerged.

The story behind Trimbakeshwar goes like this: A sage named Gautam Rishi had a pit that could produce unlimited food. Jealous rivals sent a dead cow to the pit, causing Gautam great sorrow. He called upon Lord Shiva, who blessed the place with the Ganga River, purifying it and making it his abode.

The temple is open for visitors in two shifts every day, in the morning until early afternoon and then in the afternoon until late at night.

To reach Trimbakeshwar, the nearest railway station is Nasik Road, about 38 km away. Upon arrival, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. The closest airport is Nashik Airport, which is approximately 50 km away from the temple.

11.Kedarnath

Kedarnath, an important Jyotirlinga, sits on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand. It’s a key stop in the Chardham pilgrimage that includes Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath. Legend has it that the temple was built by the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.

Though there’s no exact date in ancient records for when it was built, many believe it’s around 3,000 years old. The temple closes for 6 months each year due to the harsh weather at its high-altitude location. Behind the main Kedarnath temple lies the final resting place (Samadhi) of the famous Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya.

The story behind Kedarnath goes like this: In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought a place to wash away their sins and reach heaven. They worshiped Lord Shiva and discovered the shrine we now know as Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple. There, they found Shiva in the form of a vast triangular-shaped ‘Jyotirlinga’.

The temple is open for devotees from 4 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM, depending on the weather conditions.

To get to Kedarnath, the nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 210 km away from Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, you can trek about 17 km to reach the temple. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter ride. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, around 225 km away from Gaurikund.

12. Grishneshwar

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is known as the lord of compassion and is the last among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is beautifully made with red and black stones, standing tall with a Shikhara-style construction, resembling a mountain peak.

Inside the temple, you’ll find stunning carvings of Vishnu’s Dashavatar on the walls. In the main hall, there’s a big Nandi Bull, symbolizing purity and justice. The temple is near the Ellora caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also called Dhushmeshwar Temple.

The story behind Grishneshwar goes like this: A woman named Kusum worshiped Lord Shiva by immersing him in a water tank. Even though her unique way of worship wasn’t understood by her husband and others in the village, she continued praying. In her hardships, her husband killed her son, but Kusum persevered. Lord Shiva appeared in front of her and her son out of the water tank, making this the permanent abode of the Jyotirlinga.

The temple is open for devotees every day from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. To reach Grishneshwar Temple, the nearest railway station is Aurangabad, about 34 km away. Upon arrival, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, approximately 41 km away, where you can also hire a taxi to reach the temple.

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