12 Jyotirlinga Name and Place – Timing & How to reach

12 Jyotirlinga Name and Place – Timing & How to reach

A Spiritual Home to the Oldest, Most Culturally and Spiritually Rich Traditions: An Exploration of India’s Twelve Jyotirlingas. India is home to numerous sacred sites that are still regarded as some of the most revered in the world. If you’re wondering how many Jyotirlingas there are in India, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s examine the 12 Jyotirlingas that are most prominent in the thoughts of Lord Shiva’s followers.

The Sanskrit words “Jyoti,” which means light, and “Linga,” which means symbol or representation of Shiva, are the origin of the term Jyotirlinga. Therefore, Jyotirlinga signifies Lord Shiva’s radiant sign. In India, these 12 Jyotirlingas are thought to represent Lord Shiva’s omnipotence and supremacy. This blog will walk you through the history, significance, and much more of these 12 sacred sites.

The Significance and Meaning of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas

The twelve Jyotirlingas in India are regarded as the holiest temples devoted to Lord Shiva. Shiva is said to have reaffirmed his supreme divinity in these locations by appearing as a fiery column of light. In India, a vision of the 12 Jyotirlinga is thought to free the followers from their sins and grant them moksha. The 12 Jyotirlingas in India are regarded as having significant religious significance and are mentioned in a number of ancient Hindu texts, including the Shiva Purana.

here is the list of 12 Jyotirlinga Name and Place:

1. Somnath – Gir Somnath In Gujarat
2. Nageshwar – Daarukavanam In Gujarat
3. Bhimashankar – Pune In Maharashtra
4. Trimbakeshwar – Nashik In Maharashtra
5. Grishneshwar – Aurangabad In Maharashtra
6. Vaidyanath – Deoghar In Jharkhand
7. Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
8. Omkareshwar – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
9. Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
10. Kedarnath – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
11. Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu
12. Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh

Somnath – Gir Somnath in Gujarat

Above all, Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas. This important Hindu pilgrimage site is situated in Gujarat’s Prabhas Kshetra, close to Veraval. It is renowned for both its historical significance and opulent architecture. According to a Somnath legend, Chandra, the moon deity, offered a puja to Lord Shiva in order to be freed from the curse that his father-in-law Daksha had placed on him. Shiva, pleased by Chandra’s devotion, took the form of Jyotirlinga and freed her from the evil spell.

Nageshwar – Daarukavanam in Gujarat

One of the first of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas devoted to Shiva is Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, which is located in Gujarat close to Dwarka. The temple’s sanctum, which is a chamber beneath the surface of the earth where Shiva granted Supriya darshan, is where the name comes from. In order to protect his followers from Daaruka’s oppression, Lord Shiva took the form of Nageshwar. Daaruka was a demon who used to cause problems for the locals. Because the temple’s presiding deity has long been associated with snakes, the name “Nageshwar” is derived from the word “Nag,” which means snake or serpent.

Bhimashankar – Pune in Maharashtra

In the midst of lush vegetation and the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashtra, sits the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. The temple’s history revolves around Tripurasura, a demon who turned into a threat to humanity. This location gained significant importance after Lord Shiva, in the guise of Bhimashankar, vanquished the demon Tripurasura in order to save his followers.

Trimbakeshwar – Nashik in Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, which is located near Nashik, Maharashtra, is significant because it represents the trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Being at one of the Godavari River’s sources and one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas, it is a significant location for Hindu rites and other events. Here, the sage Gautam and his wife Ahalya are said to have received the boon of immortality from Lord Shiva.

Grishneshwar – Aurangabad in Maharashtra

The final of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the Ellora caves region, close to Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The architecture of the temple is of a different kind of beauty, and it is constructed of red stone. The legend tells of a devotee named Kusuma who, with faith in her heart, worshipped Lord Shiva. Thus, the Lord gave her vision while assuming the form of a Jyotirlinga.

Vaidyanath – Deoghar in Jharkhand

Baidyanath Dham, also known as Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, this one receives the most visitors. It is also connected to Ravana, the demon king, who used Lord Shiva’s blessing to become unbeatable. Ravana offered his ten heads one after the other in an attempt to appease Shiva. The name Vaidyanath, which means “Lord of Physicians,” comes from Shiva, who came before him and healed Ravana after being pleased with his penance.

Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas that house a lord, is situated in the historic city of Ujjain. Because it faces south and is thought to be a Starbaa form—which is auspicious—this temple is well-known. The “Mahakal,” which means “Lord of Time,” is the subject of several beliefs and is thought to be the city’s savior from all evil. Bhasma Aarti, one of the most well-known 12 Jyotirlingas in India, is a major draw for devotees at this temple in the early morning.

Omkareshwar – Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh

The holy town of Omkareshwar, also called the “Mandhata Parvat” or the “Omkar Parvat,” is tucked away about 80 km southeast of the busy metropolis of Indore. It gets its name from an island that resembles the sacred letter “OM.” The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, is located in this tranquil town and is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination.

Along the banks of the Narmada River, pilgrims travel from far and wide to offer prayers and seek blessings at the shrine. Ekatma Dham, a sanctuary dedicated to the profound teachings of Shri Adi Shankaracharya, adds even more spiritual significance to the town. Seekers, saints, and yogis find refuge in this sanctuary, which provides a calm setting for discovering Omkareshwar’s rich spiritual legacy.

Omkareshwar is a representation of divine energy and spiritual harmony at the meeting point of the two sacred rivers, the Narmada and the Kaveri. By upholding the ageless teachings of Advaita Vedanta, Ekatma Dham enhances its spiritual appeal and fosters an environment where followers can discover the deep lessons ingrained in the town’s spiritual legacy.

Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh

One of the most well-known of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India is Kashi Vishwanath, which is situated in the revered city of Varanasi. This temple, which literally translates to “Lord of Light,” is situated on the western bank of the Ganges, India’s spiritual capital. According to legend, Lord Shiva himself promised to live in this city, Kanchi, forever when he gave it to the goddess Parvati. Numerous saints and sages have drawn spiritual inspiration from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Kedarnath – Kedarnath in Uttarakhand

One of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas, the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is situated in the Himalayas at an elevation of 3,583 meters above sea level. The temple is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River and amid snow-capped peaks; its description readily conveys the area’s beauty. After the battle at Kurukshetra, the Pandavas are said to have come here to seek Shiva’s blessings in order to atone for their sins. Only in the summer is it possible to visit the temple because the weather is not as pleasant during the other seasons.

 Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu

The emotional significance of this temple town stems from the legend that Lord Rama erected a Shiva Linga here to worship Lord Shiva before departing for Lanka to rescue his abducted wife Sita. Among all the Hindu temples in the nation, it boasts the longest corridor and is renowned for its imposing architecture. Rameshwaram is one of the well-known 12 Jyotirlingas in India and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh

The Srisailam Mallikarjuna is among the popular 12 Jyotirlingas in India, and is in the middle of the natural beauties of the Nallamala hills and a great pilgrimage site for the devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was also believed to be one among 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, a temple for Shakti worshippers. It is said that Lord Shiva bearing his consort took the forms of Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Parvati) and reached here to live with their son, Kartikeya.

The idea of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India has repeatedly demonstrated that they are not only religious icons but also works of amazing architecture. Each Jyotirlinga has its own significance and mythology. Visiting these 12 Jyotirlingas in India can lead to spiritual enlightenment, comfort, and an appreciation of India’s rich cultural legacy. Each of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, from the serene Rameshwaram to the snow-capped peaks of Kedarnath, provides a glimpse into the mystical and divine facets of Hinduism. Begin this divine adventure and encounter God’s grace—Blessings and grace in the form of Lord Shiva.