12 Jyotirlingas in India

What is a Jyotirlinga, you ask? According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva appeared as a pillar of light to show his divine presence, and over time, temples were built where this divine appearance was believed to have occurred. So, a Jyotirlinga is a shining symbol of Lord Shiva.

‘Jyotirlinga’ comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘Jyoti’, meaning light, and ‘Linga’, meaning symbol of Lord Shiva. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, each deeply important to the followers of Lord Shiva. Every Jyotirlinga has its own unique story, beauty, and significance. These sacred sites highlight the power and greatness of Shiva. In this blog, we’ll explore their stories and understand why they are so special.

Table Of Content

Meaning & Significance

The 12 Jyotirlingas in India are some of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that these are the places where Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light to show his divine power. Visiting these 12 holy sites is said to free devotees from their sins and help them achieve moksha, or spiritual liberation. A Shivling represents Lord Shiva symbolically, while a Jyotirlinga is believed to be a self-manifested divine light form of Shiva. These Jyotirlingas are mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Shiva Purana and hold deep religious importance for followers of Lord Shiva.

There are officially 12 Jyotirlingas in India because ancient scriptures identify only 12 places where Shiva appeared as a pillar of light, which makes them uniquely sacred.

12 Jyotirlinga Name and Place List

Many people from around the world visit the 12 Jyotirlingas in India to feel close to Lord Shiva and find peace.

1 – Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 important Jyotirlingas in India. It is a holy place for Hindus in Prabhas Kshetra, near Veraval in Gujarat. One of the oldest temples in India, which was rebuilt 16 times. The temple is famous for its beautiful design and rich history. As per Shivpurana, the moon god Chandra (Somnath) once prayed to Lord Shiva to remove a curse given by his father-in-law, Daksha. Lord Shiva was happy with Chandra’s prayers and appeared as a Jyotirlinga to free him from the curse. While visiting Gir Somnath Jyotirlinga, one should not miss the daily sound show from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

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.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Attend the Light & Sound Show.
• Visit Triveni Sangam.
• Explore nearby temples and Gir National Park.

Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

How to reach

By Road	82 km from Junagadh and 400 km from Ahmedabad
By Train	Somnath (station code – SMNH), which is 2.5 km
By Air	Porbandar Airport (PBD) is 120 km & Rajkot Airport (RAJ) is 200 km away

Best time to visit: October to February or during Shivratri (February or March)
Nearby Attractions: Bhalka Tirth, Dehotsarg Tirth, Gita Mandir, Triveni Sangam, Gir National Park, and Diu Island

 

2 – Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

Srisailam Mallikarjuna is located in the beautiful Nallamala hills. It is an important pilgrimage place for devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple is also believed to be one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, special temples for worshipping Shakti (the goddess). According to legends, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came here in the forms of Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Parvati) to stay close to their son, Kartikeya. Making it India’s only temple complex with a Jyotirlinga and a 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.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Visit Bhramaramba Devi Temple
• Explore caves and Srisailam Dam
• Participate in temple rituals

Ideal Duration: 2 days

How to reach:

By Road	212 km from Hyderabad
By Train	Nearest station is Markapur Road (station code -MRK), which is 85 km
By Air	Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (RGIA) is 220 km away

Best time to visit: October to February
Nearby Attractions: Bhramaramba Devi Temple, Srisailam Dam, Sakshi Ganapati Temple, Akkamahadevi Caves

 

3 – Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

In the heart of the ancient city of Ujjain, stands the Mahakaleshwar Temple—one of the most powerful among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This temple is special because it faces south, which is believed to radiate immense shakti and symbolise death in Hinduism. The temple is named ‘Mahakal’, which means “Lord of Time”, and people believe he protects the city from evil. One of the main attractions here is the Bhasma Aarti, a special ritual held early in the morning.

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.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Attend the famous Bhasma Aarti
• Explore Ujjain ghats and temples

Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

How to reach:

By Road	55 km from Indore
By Train	Ujjain Junction (1.5 km), (station code -UJN), which is 85 km
By Air	Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport, Indore (IDR) is 60 km away

Best time to visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Ghat, Sandipani Ashram

 

4 – Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga gets its name from the shape of the island in the Narmada River, which looks like the Hindi symbol ‘Om’ (ॐ). It is one of the most beautiful Jyotirlinga temples in India. According to legend, King Mandhata prayed here for a long time, and Lord Shiva appeared to bless him. That is how this Jyotirlinga came to be. 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.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Take a boat ride on the Narmada River
• Parikrama (circumambulation) of the island

Ideal Duration: 1 day

How to reach:

By Road	77 km from Indore
By Train	Omkareshwar Road Station (station code – OM), which is 12 km
By Air	Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport, Indore (IDR) is 80 km away

Best time to visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Mamleshwar Temple, Siddhanath Temple, Gauri Somnath Temple

 

5 – Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is among the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas and the Char Dham in India. It is located at 3,583 metres in the Himalayas, near the Mandakini River and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. According to legend, the Pandavas visited this holy site to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings after the Kurukshetra war. Due to extreme weather in the winter, the temple is open only during summer (May to October or November).

Note: All visitors must register online in advance on the Uttarakhand Tourism website. Booking can be a hassle. Call us on 1800-123-5555 to help you with the booking.

Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
Timing: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open May to November)
Highlight: Bhim Shila, a huge rock believed to have saved Kedarnath Temple during the 2013 floods.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Trek to Kedarnath Temple.
• Visit Bhairavnath Temple.
• Enjoy Himalayan views.

Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days

How to reach:

By Road	18 km trek from Gaurikund
By Train	Rishikesh Railway Station (station code – RKSH), which is 215 km
By Air	Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) is 250 km away
By Helicopter	Guptkashi Helipad is 46 km away, and the flight time is 15 minutes. Tickets can be booked on the IRCTC website and cost ₹7,740 per person (round trip)

Best time to visit: May to June and September to October
Nearby Attractions: Bhairavnath Temple, Chorabari Tal, Vasuki Tal

Book your Char Dham package today!

 

6 – Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri hills, near Pune in Maharashtra. Thick forests surround it and lie within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. According to the tale, a demon named Tripurasura was causing trouble on Earth. Lord Shiva took the form of Bhimashankar to protect his devotees and defeated the demon. That is why this place is considered very holy and important.

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.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Trekking in the Sahyadri hills.
• Visit a wildlife sanctuary.

Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 days

How to reach:

By Road	110 km from Pune
By Train	Pune station (station code – PUNE), which is 123 km
By Air	Pune International Airport (PNQ) is 118 km away

Best time to visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Hanuman Lake, Nagphani Point, Sakshi Ganapati Temple

 

7 – Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas in India. It is located in the holy city of Varanasi, on the western bank of the River Ganges. The name of the temple means ‘Lord of Light’. According to legend, Lord Shiva gave the city of Kashi to Goddess Parvati as a gift and promised to live there forever. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has inspired many saints and spiritual seekers. A million devotees believe that dying in Kashi grants liberation from the cycle of rebirth.  

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timing: 2:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Highlight: Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

What Visitors Can Do:

• Attend Ganga Aarti.
• Visit ghats and temples.

Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days

How to reach:

By Road	Well-connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh
By Train	Varanasi Junction railway station (station code – BSB), which is 5.7 km
By Air	Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is 26 km away

Best time to visit: November to February
Nearby Attractions: Sarnath, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat

 

8 – Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Nashik in Maharashtra. It is special because the lingam represents the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple is also near the source of the Godavari River, making it an important place for Hindu rituals. Trimbakeshwar temple is architecturally distinct with its black stone facade and ornate domes, built in the Hemadpanthi style of the 18th century.  According to legend, Lord Shiva blessed sage Gautam and his wife Ahalya with immortality at this spot.

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.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Visit Kushavarta Kund
• Perform religious rituals

Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

How to reach:

By Road	30 km from Nashik
By Train	Nashik Road Station (station code – NK), which is 39 km
By Air	Nashik International Airport (ISK) is 55 km away

Best time to visit: November to February
Nearby Attractions: Anjaneri Fort, Brahmagiri Hill, Neel Parbat

 

9 – Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, also known as Baidyanath Dham, is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It is one of the most visited Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is linked to Ravana, the demon king, who worshipped Lord Shiva to gain invincibility. Ravana offered his ten heads to Shiva, one after another. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva appeared and healed him. The temple is called Vaidyanath, meaning “Lord of Physicians.” The temple complex has a simple but strong spiritual feel, with a tall shikhara (temple tower) and many small shrines around the main temple.

Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Timing: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Highlight: The month-long Shravani Mela, drawing millions of kanwariyas

What Visitors Can Do:

• Attend Shravani Mela
• Visit nearby temples

Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 days

How to reach:

By Road	Easily accessible from Ranchi and Patna
By Train	Jasidih Junction (JSME), which is 7 km
By Air	Deoghar Airport (DGH) is 9.2 km away

Best time to visit: July to August or October to March
Nearby Attractions: Naulakha Mandir, Tapovan Caves, Basukinath Temple

 

10 – Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Dwarka in Gujarat. 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.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Visit Dwarka temples
• Explore coastal areas

Ideal Duration: 1 day

How to reach:

By Road	17 km from Dwarka
By Train	Dwarka Railway Station (station code – DWK), which is 15.5 km
By Air	Jamnagar Airport (JGA) is 137 km away

Best time to visit: October to March
Nearby Attractions: Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Temple, Gomti Ghat

 

11 – Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

Rameshwaram is a sacred town in Tamil Nadu. It is home to the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. According to legend, Lord Rama built a Shiva Linga here to worship Lord Shiva before going to Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita. The Temple is also known for its grand structure and has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India.

Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Highlight: Agni Theertham and the temple’s legendary corridor.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Take a holy dip at Agni Theertham
• Visit Dhanushkodi

Ideal Duration: 2 days

How to reach:

By Road	Connected to Madurai and Chennai
By Train	Rameshwaram Railway Station (station code – RMM), which is 1.8 km
By Air	Madurai Airport (IXM) is 170 km away

Best time to visit: October to April
Nearby Attractions: Dhanushkodi, Agni Theertham, Adam’s Bridge

 

12 – Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, just a short distance from the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves. The temple is built from red stone and has a unique and beautiful style of architecture. According to legend, a devotee named Kusuma worshipped Lord Shiva with great faith. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga and gave her a divine vision.

Location: Ellora, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra
Timing: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Highlight: Proximity to Ellora Caves and beautifully sculpted architecture.

What Visitors Can Do:

• Visit Ellora Caves
• Explore historical sites

Ideal Duration: 1 day

How to reach:

By Road	30 km from Aurangabad
By Train	Aurangabad Railway Station (AWB), which is 38.9 km
By Air	Aurangabad Airport (IXU) is 41 km away

Best time to visit: November to February
Nearby Attractions: Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara

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12 Jyotirlinga Route Map & Travel Plan

Planning all 12 Jyotirlinga route map can be done region-wise.

Suggested Route Sequence:

Gujarat → Maharashtra → Madhya Pradesh → Uttar Pradesh → Uttarakhand → Jharkhand → South India

Distance Overview:

• Total travel distance: approx. 12,000–15,000 km.
• Best covered in multiple phases.

Route Planning Tips:

• Travel region-wise instead of all at once
• Combine nearby temples
• Plan 20–30 days for the full journey

How to Visit All 12 Jyotirlingas (Travel Guide)

• Start with nearby states
• Use flights for long distances
• Book accommodation in advance
• Travel in groups for convenience
• Follow a structured Kerala-style itinerary approach for planning trips

Jyotirlingas in North India vs South India

When planning a pilgrimage, many travellers look for Jyotirlinga in North India or Jyotirlinga in South India to organise their journey better. Dividing them by region helps in route planning and travel convenience.

Jyotirlingas in North India

These temples are mostly located in spiritually rich cities and Himalayan regions:

• Kedarnath (Uttarakhand): Located in the Himalayas, it requires trekking
• Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh): Situated in Varanasi, one of the oldest cities
• Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Famous for Bhasma Aarti
• Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh):  Located on an island shaped like ‘Om’
• Vaidyanath (Jharkhand):  Known for Shravani Mela

Key Highlights (North India):

• Strong spiritual and historical importance
• Cooler climate (especially Kedarnath)
• Ideal for combining with Char Dham or Ganga pilgrimage
• Best time: October to March (except Kedarnath – summer only)

Jyotirlingas in South India

These temples are known for their grand architecture and peaceful surroundings:

• Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh): Located in the Nallamala hills
• Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu):  Part of Char Dham, coastal temple

Key Highlights (South India):

• Dravidian-style temple architecture
• Warmer climate and easier accessibility
• Can be combined with South India temple tours
• Best time: October to February

Western India (Bonus Cluster For Planning)

Many travellers also include Western temples together:

• Somnath & Nageshwar (Gujarat)
• Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)

Festivals And Special Rituals at Jyotirlingas

Each Jyotirlinga celebrates festivals and rituals that reflect deep devotion to Lord Shiva. These events are the best time to experience the spiritual energy of these temples.

Major Festivals Celebrated

• Mahashivratri (Most Important Festival): Celebrated at all Jyotirlingas with night-long prayers, special aartis, and huge gatherings
• Shravan Month (July-August): Considered highly sacred for Shiva worship. Devotees (Kanwariyas) visit temples, especially Vaidyanath
• Kartik Month Festivals: Important in temples like Kashi Vishwanath

Special Rituals at Key Jyotirlingas

• Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain)

  • Famous Bhasma Aarti performed early morning
  • One of the most unique Shiva rituals in India

• Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi)

  • Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
  • Daily temple rituals throughout the day

• Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)

  • Opening ceremony in the summer
  • Closing ceremony before winter

• Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)

  • Holy bath in 22 temple wells
  • Rituals before entering the temple

• Somnath (Gujarat)

  • Evening Light & Sound Show
  • Daily aarti with sea-facing backdrop

 

Why Visit During Festivals?

• Experience a strong spiritual atmosphere
• Witness traditional rituals and ceremonies
• Participate in special prayers and offerings

 

12 Jyotirlinga Darshan Order (Sequence & Mythological Order)

Traditional order:

1. Somnath
2. Mallikarjuna
3. Mahakaleshwar
4. Omkareshwar
5. Kedarnath
6. Bhimashankar
7. Kashi Vishwanath
8. Trimbakeshwar
9. Vaidyanath
10. Nageshwar
11. Rameshwaram
12. Grishneshwar

 

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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

However, there is no fixed order to visit these Jyotirlingas.

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)

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

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.

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.

How many Jyotirlinga in India?

There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

What is the total Jyotirlinga in India?

The total number is fixed at 12 as per Hindu scriptures.