12 Jyotirlingas in India – Lord Shiva Temples
What is Jyotirlinga, you ask? According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva appeared as a pillar of light to show his divine presence. Over time, temples were built where this divine appearance was believed to have occurred. That’s what a Jyotirlinga is.
‘Jyotirlinga’ comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘Jyoti’ means light, and ‘linga’ means a symbol of Lord Shiva. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Each Jyotirlinga has its own story, beauty, and magic. These temples are spread across the country, from Kedarnath’s snowy mountains to Rameshwaram’s southern shores. This is your friendly guide to exploring sacred stories and the unique significance of each Jyotirlinga in India.
12 Jyotirlinga Map
12 Jyotirlinga Name and Place List
| Name | City | State | Direction Faced | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somnath | Prabhas Patan | Gujarat | East | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Mallikarjuna | Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh | East | 4:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain | Madhya Pradesh | South (Dakshinamukhi) | 4:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Omkareshwar | Mandhata Island | Madhya Pradesh | East | 5:00 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Kedarnath | Kedarnath | Uttarakhand | West | 4:00 AM (May–Nov) | 9:00 PM (May–Nov) |
| Bhimashankar | Pune (Khed) | Maharashtra | East | 5:00 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh | East | 3:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Trimbakeshwar | Trimbak | Maharashtra | East | 5:30 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Vaidyanath | Deoghar | Jharkhand | East | 4:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Nageshwar | Dwarka | Gujarat | West | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Rameshwaram | Rameshwaram | Tamil Nadu | East | 5:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Grishneshwar | Ellora | Maharashtra | East | 5:30 AM | 9:30 PM |
Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gir, Gujarat
#1 – Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gir, Gujarat
The first stop is the Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat, one of India’s oldest and most revered temples. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt 16 times, symbolising its devotees’ resilience and unwavering faith. In terms of architecture, the temple features intricate honey-coloured stone, beautifully positioned at the meeting point of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati. The history of the Somnath Jyotirlingas dates back to 649 BC, making it a place of immense historical significance.
Interestingly, Somanth means the Lord of the Moon, and according to the Shivpurana, the moon god Chandra (Soma) performed a special puja to Lord Shiva to seek relief from a curse. Gir Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of India’s most worshipped shrines and the first among the twelve revered Jyotirlingas.
Location: Prabhas Kshetra, near Veraval, Gujarat
Timing: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Highlight: The Somnath Light & Sound Show occurs daily from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets cost ₹30 for adults and ₹10 for children under 10 years old.
How to reach
- By Road: 82 km from Junagadh and 400 km from Ahmedabad.
- By Train: Nearest station is Somnath
- By Air: Porbandar Airport (120 km) and Rajkot Airport (200 km).
Best time to visit: October to February. Or during Shivratri (February or March)
Nearby Attractions: Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Sangam, Gir National Park, and Diu Island.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
#2 – Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Tucked away in the peaceful town of Srisailam, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of the rare shrines where Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together. Devotees believe that visiting this temple washes away sins and grants moksha. Built in the classic Dravidian style, the temple complex stands tall with ornate pillars and detailed carvings that reflect South Indian artistry.
The story behind this Jyotirlinga is just as divine. As per the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came to Srisailam to pacify their son Kartikeya after he chose to live alone. Shiva visits Kartikeya on new moon nights (Amavasya) and Parvati on full moons, marking the only temple complex in India with both Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Timing: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Highlight: The gold-plated tower (vimana) and the Sahasra Linga with 1000 tiny lingas carved.
How to reach:
- By Road: 212 km from Hyderabad
- By Train: Nearest station is Markapur Road (85 km)
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (220 km)
Best time to visit: October to February
Nearby Attractions: Bhramaramba Devi Temple, Srisailam Dam, Akkamahadevi Caves
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
#3 – Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
In the heart of Ujjain, a city steeped in spiritual energy, stands the Mahakaleshwar Temple—one of the most powerful among the 12 Jyotirlingas. What sets this shrine apart is its south-facing linga, believed to radiate immense shakti and symbolise death in Hinduism. Mahakaleshwar, the “master of death,” signifies control over mortality. The temple’s architecture blends Rajput and Maratha styles, showcasing massive courtyards and finely sculpted spires.
As per legend, King Chandrasena was praying when a boy named Shrikhar came to join him, but was sent away to the city’s outskirts. There, he overheard a plot against Ujjain and prayed to Lord Shiva. In response, Shiva appeared in his Mahakal form to protect the city. In celebration of Shiva, the Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Aarti is joyfully performed at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, where devoted followers offer sacred ash (bhasma).
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Timing: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Highlight: The iconic Bhasma Aarti is performed at dawn using sacred ash and begins at 4:00 AM.
How to reach:
- By Road: 55 km from Indore
- By Train: Ujjain Junction (1.5 km)
- By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (60 km)
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Ghat, Sandipani Ashram
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
#4 – Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Set on the serene Mandhata Island, shaped like the holy symbol ‘Om’ (ॐ), Omkareshwar is a deeply spiritual destination. This sacred Jyotirlinga in India sits on the banks of the Narmada River and is surrounded by scenic ghats and temples. The main temple beautifully showcases North Indian architecture, featuring carved stone pillars and domes.
According to legend, the Narmada River longed to be close to Lord Shiva, so she performed a difficult penance. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva chose to reside near her. Many devotees believe visiting the Omkareshwar Shiva Temple offers spiritual rewards similar to worshipping the Panch Kedars (five Kedarnath shrines).
Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh
Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Highlight: Island shaped like the symbol ‘Om’ and serene boat rides.
How to reach:
- By Road: 77 km from Indore
- By Train: Omkareshwar Road Station (12 km)
- By Air: Indore Airport (80 km)
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Mamleshwar Temple, Siddhanath Temple, Gauri Somnath Temple
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
#5 – Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
High up in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga symbolises unwavering faith and divine presence. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and glacial rivers, the temple exudes an otherworldly charm that draws pilgrims from across the country. Built from massive stone slabs, it has withstood centuries of harsh weather and natural calamities.
As per legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Shiva disguised himself as a bull to avoid them and fled to Kedarnath. When discovered, he disappeared into the earth, leaving his hump behind. Now worshipped as the Char Dham pilgrimage and the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
Timing: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open May to November)
Highlight: Trekking through scenic mountain trails and witnessing Bhim Shila, a large rock, seen as a divine protector of the Kedarnath temple that miraculously appeared behind it to divert floodwaters during the 2013 floods, preventing damage.
How to reach:
- By Road: 18 km trek from Gaurikund
- By Train: Rishikesh (215 km)
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km)
Best time to visit: May to June and September to October
Nearby Attractions: Bhairavnath Temple, Chorabari Tal, Vasuki Tal
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Pune, Maharashtra
#6 – Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Pune, Maharashtra
Tucked away in the Sahyadri ranges, Bhimashankar is a heaven for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is modest yet beautiful, with stone carvings dating back to the 13th century. Surrounded by thick forests and misty hills, the region is also a declared wildlife sanctuary.
According to the tale, Lord Shiva took the fierce form of Bhimashankar to defeat the demon Tripurasura. His sweat, it is said, gave birth to the Bhima River, which still flows gently past the temple.
Location: Bhimashankar, Pune District, Maharashtra
Timing: 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Highlight: Houses a Swayambhu Jyotirlinga, a self-manifested Lord Shiva and visit the nearby Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to reach:
- By Road: 110 km from Pune
- By Train: Pune station (123 km)
- By Air: Pune Airport (118 km)
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Hanuman Lake, Nagphani Point, Sakshi Ganapati Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
#7 – Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Set along the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most spiritually powerful temples in India. This iconic Jyotirlinga is visited by a million devotees who believe that dying in Kashi grants liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The temple’s golden spires and narrow alleys radiate a timeless energy.
In Hindu mythology, Kashi was created by Lord Shiva himself. He declared it his favourite dwelling, and it’s believed that Kashi will remain even when the world ends.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 2:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Highlight: Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
How to reach:
- By Road: Well-connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh
- By Train: Varanasi Junction (5.7 km)
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (26 km)
Best time to visit: November to February
Nearby Attractions: Sarnath, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Nashik, Maharashtra
#8 – Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Nashik, Maharashtra
At the origin of the Godavari River lies Trimbakeshwar, a sacred town nestled between three hills—Brahmagiri, Nilagiri, and Kalagiri. The Trimbakeshwar temple is architecturally distinct with its black stone facade and ornate domes, built in the Hemadpanthi style of the 18th century. The lingam here is unique—it has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
According to the Shiva Purana, the river Ganga requested Shiva to descend here, giving birth to the holy Godavari.
Location: Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra
Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Highlight: Kushavarta Kund, the sacred bathing tank, is said to be the river’s source.
How to reach:
- By Road: 30 km from Nashik
- By Train: Nashik Road Station (39 km)
- By Air: Nashik Airport (55 km)
Best time to visit: November to February
Nearby Attractions: Anjaneri Fort, Brahmagiri Hill, Neel Parbat
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Deoghar, Jharkhand
#9 – Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Deoghar, Jharkhand
Popularly known as the “Baba Dham,” Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in eastern India. The temple complex has a simple yet powerful aura, with a towering shikhara and multiple shrines surrounding the main sanctum.
Legend has it that Ravana offered his ten heads to Shiva here, seeking invincibility. Impressed by his devotion, Shiva appeared as the divine healer–or ‘Vaidya’ – hence the name Vaidyanath.
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Timing: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Highlight: The month-long Shravani Mela, drawing millions of kanwariyas
How to reach:
- By Road: Easily accessible from Ranchi and Patna
- By Train: Jasidih Junction (7 km)
- By Air: Deoghar Airport (9.2 km)
Best time to visit: July to August or October to March
Nearby Attractions: Naulakha Mandir, Tapovan Caves, Basukinath Temple
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Dwarka, Gujarat
#10 – Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Dwarka, Gujarat
On the windswept coast near Dwarka, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga stands tall as a guardian of dharma. The temple is known for its massive 25-metre tall Shiva statue, and the shrine itself is simple yet deeply spiritual.
The Shiva Purana describes how Lord Shiva protected a devotee named Supriya from a demon called Daruka at this very place. Since then, Shiva has resided here as Nageshwar — the lord of serpents.
Location: Between Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka, Gujarat
Timing: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Highlight: The towering outdoor Shiva statue and peaceful coastal surroundings.
How to reach:
- By Road: 17 km from Dwarka
- By Train: Dwarka Railway Station (15.5 km)
- By Air: Jamnagar Airport (137 km)
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Temple, Gomti Ghat
Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
#11 – Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
At the southern tip of India, the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is of deep spiritual importance. The temple’s long corridors—some of the longest in the world—and 1,000 intricately carved pillars are architectural marvels. It’s also one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
As per the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here to seek forgiveness for killing Ravana. The lingam he built from sand is still housed in the sanctum and draws millions of pilgrims annually.
Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Highlight: Agni Theertham and the temple’s legendary corridor.
How to reach:
- By Road: Connected to Madurai and Chennai
- By Train: Rameshwaram Railway Station (1.8 km)
- By Air: Madurai Airport (170 km)
Best time to visit: October to April
Nearby Attractions: Dhanushkodi, Agni Theertham, Adam’s Bridge
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Aurangabad, Maharashtra
#12 – Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Just a short distance from the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the last in the list of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Built with red basalt stone, the temple features a five-tiered shikhara and exquisite carvings that reflect Maratha temple design.
The story behind the temple speaks of a religious woman named Ghushma, who created lingams daily and immersed them in a pond. When a jealous relative killed her son, she remained unshaken in her faith. Moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva revived her son and stayed there as Grishneshwar.
Location: Ellora, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Highlight: Proximity to Ellora Caves and beautifully sculpted architecture.
How to reach:
- By Road: 30 km from Aurangabad
- By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station (38.9 km)
- By Air: Aurangabad Airport (41 km)
Best time to visit: November to February
Nearby Attractions: Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara
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FAQs
What are the 12 Jyotirlingas in sequence?
The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred temples of Lord Shiva. They are:
- Somnath – Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna – Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
- Kedarnath – Uttarakhand
- Bhimashankar – Maharashtra
- Kashi Vishwanath – Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra
- Vaidyanath – Jharkhand
- Nageshwar – Gujarat
- Rameshwaram – Tamil Nadu
- Grishneshwar – Maharashtra
What are the 5 Main Jyotirlingas in India?
The five Jyotirlingas that are considered the most important due to their spiritual history, divine significance, and high number of devotees:
- Somnath (Gujarat): Known as the first Jyotirlinga, it symbolises Lord Shiva’s timeless presence. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, reflecting unwavering faith.
- Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh): This temple is on the holy Shri Shaila mountain. It represents Shiva and Parvati together, symbolising divine unity.
- Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh): This is the only Dakshinamukhi (south-facing) Jyotirlinga, and it is believed to protect devotees from untimely death.
- Kedarnath (Uttarakhand): Located high in the Himalayas, it is one of the Chota Char Dham and is believed to have been directly established by the Pandavas.
- Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh) – Situated in the sacred city of Varanasi, it is believed that dying here grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
What is the order to visit the 12 Jyotirlinga?
There is no fixed order to visit these 12 Jyotirlinga in India.
What is the name of the 13th Jyotirlinga?
There is no official 13th Jyotirlinga. However, Mukti-Gupteshwar is commonly regarded as one of them. It is located in Mauritius and is sometimes considered the only Jyotirlinga outside India.
What are the 12 names of the Jyotirlingas in India?
The list of 12 Jyotirlingas in India is:
- Somnath
- Mallikarjuna
- Mahakaleshwar
- Omkareshwar
- Kedarnath
- Bhimashankar
- Kashi Vishwanath
- Trimbakeshwar
- Vaidyanath
- Nageshwar
- Rameshwaram
- Grishneshwar
In which direction do the 12 Jyotirlingas face?
Most of the 12 Jyotirlingas face east, which is considered auspicious as it aligns with the rising sun, symbolising hope, purity, and enlightenment. However, Mahakaleshwar is the only south-facing Jyotirlinga, believed to protect devotees from untimely death and negative energies. Additionally, Kedarnath and Nageshwar face west, representing Shiva as the destroyer of darkness.
Which Jyotirlinga is most powerful?
All Jyotirlingas are equally divine, but Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath are believed to be especially powerful.
- Kashi is where moksha (liberation) is believed to be easiest.
- Somnath is the first Jyotirlinga and stands for eternal strength.
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