12 Jyotirlinga in India: Names, Places, History & Darshan Guide

The 12 Jyotirlinga in India represent profound spiritual destinations for Lord Shiva devotees. This comprehensive guide explores their introduction of 12 Jyotirlinga, significance, list of 12 jyotirlinga with places, history of jyotirlinga, and much more. Discover answers to common questions about these sacred temples.

12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiv

Jyotirlinga merges two Sanskrit words: “Jyoti” meaning light and “Linga” representing Shiva’s symbol (Sanskrit: ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग). These sites showcase Lord Shiva’s luminous divine presence. The Shiva Purana describes 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Each temple embodies distinct qualities of Shiva. Devotees journey to these sacred places seeking divine blessings and spiritual awakening.

Meaning and Significance of 12 Jyotirlingas

These 12 Jyotirlingas temple stand as Lord Shiva’s holiest dwelling places. Ancient legends connect each shrine to miraculous divine appearances. Devotees believe Shiva manifested as blazing light columns at these locations. Pilgrims travel here to earn spiritual merit. Many seek freedom from endless birth cycles. Others pray for divine grace and protection.

History of 12 Jyotrilingas

Ancient Hindu texts narrate the 12 Jyotirlingas’ sacred origins. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once argued about their supremacy. Their dispute prompted Lord Shiva to appear as endless light. This infinite luminous pillar demonstrated Shiva’s ultimate power. The twelve locations where Shiva appeared became holy Jyotirlinga sites. These places continue attracting millions of devotees worldwide.

Explore 12 Jyotirlinga in India by States

Planning devotees can find the 12 Jyotirlinga in India organized by Indian states:

Dwadash Jyotirling Stotra in Hindi (द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्र हिंदी पाठ)

12 Jyotirlinga in India

Explore sacred list of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Each temple represents Lord Shiva’s powerful divine manifestation. These revered shrines stretch across India. They offer transformative pilgrimage experiences for faithful devotees.

12 Jyotirlinga of India (भारत के 12 ज्योतिर्लिंग)

शिव के 12 रूप, 12 तीर्थ – 12 ज्योतिर्लिंग, जहां बसा है अद्भुत ब्रह्म का तेज!

• Somnath (Gujarat): Lord of the Moon
• Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh): Shiva with Parvati
• Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Lord of Time
• Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Om-shaped Island
• Kedarnath (Uttarakhand): Liberator from Sins
• Bhimashankar (Maharashtra): Mighty Shiva Form
• Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh): Lord of Universe
• Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra): Trinity Embodiment (Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva)
• Vaidyanath (Jharkhand): Divine Healer
• Nageshwar (Gujarat): Serpent Protector
• Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu): Rama’s Shiva Devotion
• Grishneshwar (Maharashtra): Lord of Compassion

🔱 हर ज्योतिर्लिंग में बसती है शिव की एक अनोखी लीला, एक अलग गाथा, और एक दिव्य अनुभूति।

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Gujarat

Gujarat houses the legendary Somnath Jyotirlinga temple. This shrine ranks as Earth’s first Jyotirlinga according to religious texts. The temple draws countless Hindu pilgrims seeking divine blessings. Multiple reconstructions showcase unwavering devotional faith throughout history. Magnificent architecture reflects centuries of spiritual dedication.

• Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Nearest Airport: Keshod Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Evening light and sound show ‘Joy Somnath’ runs from 8 PM to 9 PM.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh hosts the sacred Mallikarjuna temple. This unique site serves dual religious purposes perfectly. The temple functions as both Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha simultaneously. Lord Shiva appears as Mallikarjuna here. Goddess Parvati manifests as Bhramaramba. This combination attracts Shaivism and Shaktism followers equally.

• Temple Timings: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Nearest Airport: Kurnool Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Markapur Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Intricate pillar carvings and golden Vimana showcase exceptional craftsmanship.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Ujjain city in Madhya Pradesh houses the revered Mahakaleshwar temple. This Jyotirlinga commands tremendous respect among Shiva devotees worldwide. The shrine’s distinctive Bhasma Aarti ritual attracts thousands daily. Sacred ash ceremonies create deeply spiritual experiences. Dawn prayers using consecrated ash remain uniquely powerful.

• Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore
• Nearest Railway Station: Ujjain Junction
• Special Attraction: Daily dawn Bhasma Aarti ceremony draws devoted pilgrims seeking special blessings.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Mandhata Island in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmada River hosts Omkareshwar temple. The island’s natural shape resembles sacred ‘Om’ symbol perfectly. This geographical feature enhances the site’s spiritual importance significantly. River surroundings create peaceful meditation environments. Devotees experience profound tranquility during temple visits.

• Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore
• Nearest Railway Station: Omkareshwar Road Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Island location shaped like ‘Om’ creates extraordinary spiritual symbolism.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas shelter Kedarnath temple at 3,583 meters elevation. This high-altitude shrine demands significant physical commitment from pilgrims. A challenging 16-kilometer trek from Gaurikund leads here. The temple operates from April through November only. Harsh winter conditions close access temporarily.

• Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM (April to November)
• Best time to visit: May to June and September to October
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Breathtaking Himalayan mountain views provide serene spiritual atmosphere.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s Sahyadri hills embrace the scenic Bhimashankar temple complex. Dense forest surroundings create natural beauty everywhere. Nature enthusiasts find perfect trekking opportunities nearby. Wildlife sanctuaries add ecological importance to religious significance. Adventure seekers enjoy combining spirituality with outdoor exploration.

• Temple Timings: 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary protects rare Indian Giant Squirrels successfully.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi city in Uttar Pradesh houses the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. This renowned Jyotirlinga sits on Ganga’s sacred western bank. The location forms Shaiva philosophy’s spiritual center. Holy river proximity enables traditional ritual performances. Ancient ghats provide ceremonial spaces for devotees.

• Temple Timings: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
• Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction
• Special Attraction: Ganga ghat access allows traditional river ceremonies and sacred rituals.

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Maharashtra

Trimbak town near Nashik in Maharashtra hosts Trimbakeshwar temple. This unique shrine displays three lingams within single sanctum. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva receive worship together here. Trinity representation creates exceptional religious significance. Brahmagiri Hills provide stunning scenic backgrounds.

• Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Nearest Airport: Nashik Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Nashik Road Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Three divine forms in one linga with beautiful Brahmagiri Hills backdrop.

9. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Deoghar, Jharkhand

Deoghar in Jharkhand state houses Baba Baidyanath Dham temple. Devotees recognize this powerful healing shrine worldwide. Many pilgrims seek Lord Shiva’s medicinal blessings here. The temple demonstrates remarkable therapeutic spiritual energy. Faith-based healing draws millions seeking relief from ailments.

• Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Best time to visit: July to September (Shravan month) and October to March
• Nearest Airport: Deoghar Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Jasidih Junction
• Special Attraction: Grand Shravan Mela becomes India’s largest religious gathering annually.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Gujarat

Gujarat’s Dwarka region contains the protective Nageshwar temple. This sacred Jyotirlinga shields devotees from harmful influences effectively. Poisonous threats and negative energies cannot penetrate here. Divine protection extends to all sincere visitors. Spiritual armor strengthens through regular temple visits.

• Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Nearest Airport: Porbandar or Jamnagar Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Dwarka Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Impressive 80-foot Lord Shiva statue dominates temple premises magnificently.

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Temple, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu’s Rameshwaram Island hosts this significant temple complex. The shrine belongs to both Char Dham and 12 Jyotirlingas collections. Lord Rama’s Lanka journey connects directly to this location. Epic Ramayana events occurred near these sacred grounds. Historical and religious importance combine beautifully here.

• Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to April
• Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Rameshwaram Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Magnificent corridors and sacred water tanks display architectural excellence.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Maharashtra

Aurangabad’s Ellora Caves vicinity houses Grishneshwar temple. This twelfth and final Jyotirlinga completes the sacred dozen. Simple architectural elegance characterizes the shrine’s appearance. Peaceful spiritual atmosphere pervades temple grounds constantly. Devotees experience profound inner tranquility during visits.

• Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station
• Special Attraction: Close proximity to UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves site.

12 Jyotirlinga in India – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Jyotirlinga?
Jyotirlinga represents Lord Shiva’s devotional symbol displaying his limitless divine nature.

How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?
Twelve sacred Jyotirlingas exist across different Indian states currently.

Which states have the most Jyotirlingas?
Maharashtra state leads with five Jyotirlingas within its boundaries.

Is there a specific order to visit the Jyotirlingas?
Devotees can visit these temples in any sequence based on personal convenience and devotion.

What is the significance of visiting Jyotirlingas?
Jyotirlinga pilgrimages purify sins, provide spiritual merit, and guide devotees toward moksha (liberation).