Dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are total 12 Jyotirlingas packed with enormous religious and historical significance. When you break the word “Jyotirlinga”, it becomes ‘jyothi’, which means ‘radiance’ and ‘linga, which means phallus. These Jyotirlingas are considered different manifestations of Shiva. These Jyotirlingas in India are spread strategically, and Hindu devotees from all across the nation visit each one on their spiritual journey. If you are fond of mythological places, or searching places for a blissful experience, these divine gems are perfect to plan your trip. Let’s hear the significant and fascinating history along with enjoying a little visual tour of each of them.
The 12 Jyotirlingas In India are:-
Jyotirlingas are holy shrines that represent Lord Shiva, the Supreme God, in a special form. The word “Jyoti” means light, and it is believed that Shiva appeared as a beam of light at these sacred places. These shrines are considered very powerful and are visited by devotees seeking blessings. Here is the list of 12 Jyotirlingas in India with names and places.
- Somnath – Gir Somnath In Gujarat
- Nageshwar – Daarukavanam In Gujarat
- Bhimashankar – Pune In Maharashtra
- Trimbakeshwar – Nashik In Maharashtra
- Grishneshwar – Aurangabad In Maharashtra
- Vaidyanath – Deoghar In Jharkhand
- Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
- Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
- Kedarnath – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
- Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu
- Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh
1. Somnath – Gir Somnath In Gujarat
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This is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas in India. Somnath is regarded as the first among the twelve aadi jyotirlingas and one of the most worshipped pilgrimage sites in the country. The temple architecture resembles the Chalukya style, and Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared in this shrine as a sizzling column of light. Shiv Purana tales reveal that Moon married 27 daughters of Dakshin Prajapati.
But Prajapati cursed Moon for neglecting all his wives except one, Rohini. To get rid of the curse and regain his lost lustre and beauty, he worshipped Lord Shiva. The almighty granted his wish and eternally resided here as Somnath. Located in the Kathiawad region, Somnath Jyotirlinga temple was destroyed and rebuilt almost sixteen times. There is no doubt that this temple is at the top of the Jyotirlingas’ list, and this jyotirlinga in Gujarat is a key landmark for travellers.
Temple opening hours: Every day from 6 AM to 10 PM. Aarti takes place at 7 AM, 12 noon and 7 PM. The famous light and sound show, ‘Joy Somnath’, takes place every day between 8 to 9 pm in the evening.
How to reach: Veraval Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Somnath. It is well-connected with the major cities of India and is just 5 km away. A taxi or cab can cover this distance.
Also read: Temples In Gujarat
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2. Nageshwar – Daarukavanam In Gujarat
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Located on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat, between Gomati Dwarka and Bait Dwarka, Nageshwar is one of India’s most popular Jyotirlinga temples. Thousands of devotees visit the temple of Nagnath around the year to seek blessings from the holy shrine of Nageshwar Mahadev, located in an underground sanctum. The 25-m tall statue of Lord Shiva, large garden, and unobstructed views of the azure Arabian Sea fascinate visitors. This is one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas in India, which symbolizes the protection of all types of poisons.
Temple opening hours: 6 AM to 9 PM, every day of the week. Devotees can go for darshan between 6 AM and 12:30 PM and 5 PM and 9 PM.
How to reach: The nearest railway stations for Nageshwar are Dwarka station and Veraval station. Jamnagar Airport (45 Km) is the nearest airport to Dwarka
3. Bhimashankar – Pune In Maharashtra
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On the banks of River Bhima lies Bhimashankar temple- a marvellous black rock structure with a Nagara architectural pattern. Surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary of the same name, this jyotirlinga in Maharashtra is believed to have been built by Bheema- Kumbhakarna’s son. Many pilgrims visit this shrine around the year, especially during Maha Shivratri. Devotees visiting Bhimashankar temple also see Kamalaja temple- an incarnation of Parvati, located nearby. This is one of the most popular jyotirlingas in India.
Temple opening hours: Every week from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Darshan starts at 5 in the morning and continues till 9:30 at night. During Madhyan Aarti, darshan is closed in the afternoon for 45 minutes.
How to reach: The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar is the Karjat station (168 Km). The remaining distance can be covered in a bus or a rickshaw
Related Post: Temples In Maharashtra
4. Trimbakeshwar – Nashik In Maharashtra
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Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Brahmagiri mountain, the place of origin of the Godavari River, also known as Gautami Ganga. According to Shiv Purana, Godavari River and Gautami Rishi pleaded with Lord Shiva to reside here and hence God emerged in the form of Trimbakeshwar. The most unique part of this jyotirlinga is its shape. Instead of a shrine, there is a void here with three pillars placed inside. The three pillars represent the three most powerful and authoritative Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.
Temple opening hours: 6:00 AM to 9 PM, all days of the week.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Trimbakeshwar is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The nearest railway station is Igatpuri Raiway station. Located in Nashik, Trimbakeshwar can be reached by road too.
5. Grishneshwar – Aurangabad In Maharashtra
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With an impressive red rock-storied Shikhara style structure, carvings of Gods and Goddesses, and a huge Nandi Bull in the main court hall, Grishneshwar temple is one of the jyotirlingas of Shiva Purana, located near the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Built by Ahilyabai Holkar, this temple is also known as Gru Someswara and Kusum Eswarar. The sculpture of Vishnu’s Dashavatar, carved on red rock is immensely impressive and fascinates each and every visitor. This is also one of the best places to visit in Aurangabad.
Temple opening hours: For darshan and puja, visit the temple between 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. During Shravan, darshan is between 3 PM to 11 PM. Usually, darshan takes about a couple of hours. During the month of Shravan, there are huge footfalls, and it takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete the darshan.
How to reach: You can reach Aurangabad by train or flight from other parts of India. Delhi has direct trains and flights to this city. Aunrangabad is 30 Km away from Grishneshwar and this distance can be covered by road, in a taxi.
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6. Vaidyanath – Deoghar In Jharkhand
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A highly revered jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlinga names in the country, Vaidyanath, Baidyanath, or Vaijinath is also one among the 52 shakti pethas shrines of Sati in the Hindu religion. Mythological stories believe that Ravana revered Shiva for years and invited Shiva to Lanka. Shiva showed up as Shiva linga and ordered Ravana not to put down anywhere until he reached Lanka. It is a popular Jyotirling in India.
Vishnu interrupted Ravana in between and influenced him to keep the Shiva linga at rest for a while. Thus, Ravana disobeyed Shiva, and since then, he has resided as Vaidyanath here in Deoghar. The month of Shravana receives maximum footfall here as people believe worshipping this shrine of Shiva will help them get rid of all miseries and attain moksha and salvation.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open seven days a week from 4 AM to 1 PM, and from 4 PM to 9 PM. However, during special religious occasions like Maha Shivaratri, darshan timings are extended. Darshan timings are 7.30 to 8 AM.
How to reach: The nearest railway station to Vaidyanath is Jasidih Junction, which can be reached from Ranchi. The temple is just 15 km away from the station and can be reached in an auto or cab.
7. Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
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Surrounded by dense Mahakal forest, Mahakaleshwar temple, Ujjain is another the Jyotirling in India that has immense spiritual significance. As one of the popular jyotirlingas of central India, the shrine at Mahakaleshwar is believed to be set up by a five-year-old boy Srikar, who was inspired by the devotion of King Chandrasena of Ujjain. Located by the banks of the Kshipra River, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is also among the seven mukti-than in India, the place that can liberate a human being to eternity.
Temple opening hours: Darshan timing: 5 AM to 3.50 PM, and 4.15 pm to 9.30 pm. Mangal Aarti: 5.00 am to 5.30 am, Jalabhishek: 5.30 am to 12.25 pm and Evening aarti: 8.20 pm to 9.05 pm.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Mahakaleshwar is Indore (51 km). The four nearest railway stations are Ujjain Junction, Chintaman, Vikram Nagar, and Pingleshwa.
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8. Omkareshwar – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
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Omkareshwar, translating to ‘Lord of the Om Sound’, is one of the most sacred places in India. Situated in an island called Shivapuri, on the Narmada River, this temple has immense mythological significance too. People believe that once there was a war between Devas and Danavas, and the devas prayed to Lord Shiva for victory. Satisfied with the prayer, Lord Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar and helped the devas triumph over the evils, making it one of the most popular among the 12 jyotirlingas in India.
Temple opening hours: Open on all days of the week from 5 in the morning to 10 in the night. Darshan is between 5:30 AM to 12:20 PM and 4 pm to 8:30 PM.
How to reach: Indore (77km) and Ujjain (133km) are the nearest airports to Omkareshwar. The nearest major railway station is 77 Km away, in Indore.There are also buses running from Indore, Ujjain, and Khandwa to Omkareshwar.
Jyotirlingas In North India
See where the Jyotirlingas are situated in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand that you can visit during your trip there:
9. Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
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Renowned as Golden Temple in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is a popular one on the Jyotirlinga temples list. Constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar- a Maratha Monarch, this Jyotirlinga is a significant religious place for the Hindus. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva resided here and offered liberation and happiness to all. It is also considered as one of the first Jyotirlingas in the country which showcased its power over other Gods, broke through Earth’s surface and moved towards heaven. It’s among the most sought-after 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Temple opening hours: The temple opens every day from 2:30 AM for 11 PM. Read below for the daily puja rituals and darshan timings.
Mangala Aarti: 3 AM to 4 PM
Sarva Darshan: 4 AM to 11 AM
Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM
Sarva Darshan: 12:20 PM to 7 PM
Sandhya Aarti: 7 PM to 8:15 PM
Shringara Aarti: 9 PM to 10:15 PM
Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM
How to reach: Varanasi Junction is the nearest railway station and several other stations in the city.
Related Post: Temples In Varanasi
10. Kedarnath – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
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Situated in the Rudra Himalayan Range, at an altitude of 1200 feet, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is also considered as one of the 4 dhams of the Hindu religion. Due to extremely cold weather and snowfall, the temple remains closed for 6 months during winter and is open only from May to June. Pilgrims on their way to Kedarnath, first visit Gangotri and Yamunotri to take holy water, which they offer to Kedarnath shivalinga.
People believe that by visiting the Kedarnath temple in April and bathing in the jyotirlinga, one can get rid of all unhappiness, ill luck, and misfortunes. Trekking up to Kedarnath is moderately difficult and people use walking sticks or ride on mules or dolis. The Samadhi of Shankaracharya- the famous Hindu saint, is located just behind the main Kedarnath temple.
Temple opening hours: 4 AM to 9 PM, Darshan timing: 6 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 7 pm, and 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
How to reach: Jolly Grant is the nearest airport, and Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath. The nearest road connectivity is to Gaurkund, from where you can trek to Kedarnath.
11. Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu
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Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is believed to be worshipped by Lord Rama, after his phenomenal victory over Ravana. Known as the southernmost jyotirlingas in the country, the temple is surrounded by sea and boasts of its beautiful architecture, decorated corridors, and 36 theerthams.
Popular as ‘Varanasi of the south’, Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is also one of the most visited holy places in India, approached via Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Devotees visiting this jyotirlinga, also visit Dhanushkodi beach, from where Lord Rama had built Ram Setu up to Lanka, to save his wife. This is also one among the char dhams of India.
Temple opening hours: 5 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM. Darshan is permitted till 8 PM.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is in Madurai (163 Km). It is also connected by railway from several major South Indian cities including Chennai.
Related Post: Temples In Tamil Nadu
12. Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh
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Popular as Kailash of the South among the other 12 Jyotirlingas in India; Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga temple is located atop Shri Saila Mountain, on the banks of River Krishna. With beautiful architecture and sculptures, decorated pillars known as gopurams and mukha mandapa hall, the temple of Mallikarjuna consists of deities of Shiva and Bhramaramba or Parvati and is listed as one among the 52 Shakti peeths of Sati. Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga is unquestionable, one of the greatest Shaivite shrines of the country.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open from 4:30 AM to 10 PM every day. Darshan is between 6:30 am and 1 pm and 6:30 pm and 9 pm.
How to reach: Mallikarjuna is accessible by road from nearby towns, including Doranala, Markarpur, and Kurichedu. The nearest railway station is Markapur.
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We bet you didn’t know all these 12 Jyotirlingas places before. Now, are you already excited to explore the divine jyotirlingas of India? Let us help you in your trip to India for an incredible journey. Surprise your family and plan a vacation to any of these places. The intricate design of these temples are brilliant to marvel at.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Jyotirlingas In India
Where are the 12 Jyotirlingas in India?
India is home to 12 Jyotirlingas, each with its own significance. While Maharashtra boasts 5 sites, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh each house 2. The remaining 5 can be found in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand. These ancient sites are steeped in spirituality and draw pilgrims from all over the world.
How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?
There are 12 Jyotirlingas in total in India, and they are spread out in different states. In west, you can witness Somnath, Nageshwar, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, and Grishneshwar, In East and Central India, you can explore Vaidyanath, Mahakaleshwar, andOmkareshwar. In North, you can visit Kashi Vishwanath, and Kedarnath, as well as In South, you can visit Rameshwaram, and Mallikarjuna.
How are Jyotirlingas formed?
All Jyotirlingas did not form at once. There is a story behind every Jyotirlinga formed, what is its purpose. For instance, it is believed that Daaruka (a demon) took Supriya and others to his city, Darukavana, a city under the sea. They all prayed to Lord Shiva who appeared and vanquished Daaruka. Since then, Lord Shiva resided there in the form of a Jyotirlinga.
Which is the most powerful jyotirlinga?
All the Jyotirlingas have a powerful aura and not one can be picked as the most powerful Jyotirlinga. Although many believe that Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain is one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
Is Kedarnath a jyotirlinga?
Yes, Kedarnath is one of the Jyotirlingas, and it is located in Uttarakhand.
Which is the first of 12 Jyotirlingas?
Yes, Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas which is visited by millions of religious people every year.
What are the 5 main Jyotirlingas?
The five main Jyotirlingas in India are:
1. Bhimashankar
2. Trimbakeshwar
3. Grishneshwar
4. Mahakaleshwar
5. Baidyanath Dham
How can one get to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga?
You will first have to reach Indore by air, road or train. From there, you can find a taxi to Mahakaleshewar Jyotirlinga.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
