Jyotirlingas in India

India, a land of diverse cultures and rich traditions, is also home to several sacred pilgrimage sites. Among these, the 12 Jyotirlingas hold a special place in the hearts of devotees. These are the holy shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlinga or "pillar of light". Each Jyotirlinga site has its own unique legend and distinct significance, be it the Maharashtra Jyotirlinga or Gujarat Jyotirlinga. With ample Jyotirlinga Tour Package options to choose from, here are the 12 main Jyotirlingas to know about before planning a trip:. 

1. Somnath, Gujarat

   The Somnath temple, located in Gujarat, is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot for devotees. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, symbolising its resilience.
   
   

2. Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh

   Situated on the banks of the Rudra Sagar lake, the Mahakaleshwar temple houses the Jyotirlinga that is believed to be self-born. The temple is known for its unique Bhasma Aarti, where the linga is bathed in sacred ash.
   
   

3. Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

   Omkareshwar, located on an island called Mandhata in Madhya Pradesh, is home to another sacred Jyotirlinga. The island, shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol 'Om', adds to the spiritual significance of the place.
   
   

4. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

   Nestled in the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the highest located Jyotirlingas. The temple can only be reached by a trek and remains closed for six months due to extreme weather conditions.
   
   

5. Bhimashankar, Maharashtra

   Located near Pune in Maharashtra, Bhimashankar is surrounded by lush green forests and is a source of the river Bhima. The temple architecture features intricate carvings and is a blend of old and new structures.
   
   

6. Viswanath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

   Varanasi, also known as Kashi, houses the Viswanath Jyotirlinga temple. The city is considered one of the oldest and holiest in India. A dip in the holy Ganges near the temple is believed to wash away all sins.
   
   

7. Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra

   Trimbakeshwar, located near Nasik in Maharashtra, is known for its unique linga - a single linga with faces of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The temple is also the source of the Godavari River.
   
   

8. Vaidyanath, Jharkhand

   Vaidyanath, also known as Baidyanath, is located in Jharkhand. It is believed that Ravana, the king of Lanka, worshipped Shiva at this site.
   
   

9. Nageshwar, Gujarat

   Nageshwar, near Dwarka in Gujarat, is known as the 'Darukavana', which is an ancient epic name of a forest in India.
   
   

10. Rameshwar, Tamil Nadu

    Rameshwar, located on Rameshwaram Island, in Tamil Nadu is associated with Lord Rama. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here on his way back from Lanka.
    
    

11. Grishneshwar, Maharashtra

    Located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, Grishneshwar is believed to be the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga on the earth.
    
    

12. Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh

    Situated on Shri Shaila Mountain by the banks of the Patal Ganga, Krishna River in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Mallikarjuna is revered as one of the greatest sacred places in India.
    
    Each of these Jyotirlingas offers a unique spiritual experience, steeped in mythology and tradition. Whether you're a devotee of Lord Shiva, a spiritual seeker, or a lover of history and culture, these Jyotirlingas promise a journey of faith, devotion, and enlightenment.

Latest Updates on Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath will open from 10th May 2024, registrations & bookings are open now for Chardham, Kedarnath & Badrinath Yatra.