Where Are the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples Located in India?
Discover the divine journey across India to the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva with their legends, locations, and travel details.
Introduction
The 12 Jyotirlingas are considered the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva, representing his presence as an infinite light or “Jyoti.” Pilgrims believe that visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas can lead to Moksha. Let’s explore each temple’s story, location, and highlights.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
Known as the first Jyotirlinga, Somnath is the “Protector of the Moon God.” The temple faces the Arabian Sea and is an architectural marvel.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Called the “Kailash of the South,” this temple is located on the banks of River Krishna amidst the Nallamala hills.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Known for its unique south-facing idol, the temple is famous for the Bhasma Aarti performed early in the morning.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Location: Narmada River island, Madhya Pradesh
The temple stands on an island shaped like the sacred symbol “Om.”
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Situated at 3,583 meters in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is part of the Char Dham Yatra and open only between April and November.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Sahyadri Hills, Maharashtra
Associated with Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, this temple is surrounded by lush forests and wildlife.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
One of the most sacred temples of India, Kashi Vishwanath lies on the banks of the River Ganga and is a major pilgrimage center.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Near Nashik, Maharashtra
Unique for having three lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is also the origin of the River Godavari.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Also called Baidyanath Dham, this temple is linked to Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva and is famous for the Shravan Mela.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat
Believed to protect devotees from poison and evil, this temple is also close to the Dwarkadhish Temple.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
Location: Rameshwaram Island, Tamil Nadu
Associated with Lord Rama, the temple is known for its long corridors and sacred wells. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
The smallest Jyotirlinga, located near the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, known for its beautiful architecture.
Conclusion
The 12 Jyotirlingas spread across India represent Lord Shiva’s boundless energy and presence. From the Himalayan peaks of Kedarnath to the coastal beauty of Rameshwaram, each shrine is a unique blend of faith, legend, and architecture. Visiting them is not just a pilgrimage—it’s a journey through India’s spiritual soul.
