Discover the 12 Sacred Jyotirlingas of India: A Spiritual Journey
Somnath Jyotirlinga
Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
Somnath Temple, Somnath Mandir Rd, Veraval, Gujarat 362268
The Somnath Temple is the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located on the western coast of Gujarat. Known as the “Shrine Eternal,” it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, symbolizing resilience. Somnath is revered for being the place where Lord Krishna ended his earthly avatar.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101
Nestled in the Nallamala Hills, the Mallikarjuna Temple is a tranquil place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are believed to have manifested. It is a site of great spiritual significance and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006
Mahakaleshwar is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas and is located in Ujjain, known for its powerful energy. The temple is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, performed daily before sunrise, where the Lord is worshipped with sacred ash.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Omkareshwar, Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar Temple, Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh 450554
Situated on the sacred island in the shape of ‘Om,’ Omkareshwar Temple holds immense religious significance. The island is located on the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers, adding to its spiritual charm.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445
Kedarnath Temple is nestled high in the Himalayas and is accessible only during certain months due to heavy snowfall. It is one of the most revered pilgrimages and is considered the home of Lord Shiva in his Kedarnath form.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Pune, Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Temple, Bhorgiri, Pune, Maharashtra 410509
Set amidst the Sahyadri Hills, Bhimashankar is a beautiful pilgrimage spot known for its natural beauty and the ancient temple architecture. It is surrounded by dense forests, making it a perfect place for spiritual solitude.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the sacred city of Varanasi, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. Lord Shiva is believed to grant moksha (salvation) to his devotees here.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Nashik, Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar Temple, Trimbak, Nashik, Maharashtra 422212
Trimbakeshwar is located near the origin of the holy river Godavari. This Jyotirlinga is unique as it represents the trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. The temple is also an important center for various Vedic rituals like Narayan Nagbali and Tripindi Shraddha.
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
Deoghar, Jharkhand
Baba Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar, Jharkhand 814112
Also known as Baba Baidyanath, this temple is considered one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here and offered his ten heads, thus the deity is also referred to as ‘Vaidyanath,’ the Lord of healing.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Dwarka, Gujarat
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat 361345
Situated near Dwarka, Nageshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is considered a symbol of protection from all poisons. It is believed that Lord Shiva in this form protects his devotees from negativity and evil.
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here to absolve his sins after the war against Ravana. The temple’s intricate architecture and long corridors make it one of the finest in India.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431102
Grishneshwar Temple is located near the famous Ellora Caves and is the twelfth Jyotirlinga. This temple is revered for its simplicity and its importance in Hindu mythology. It is said to be the last Jyotirlinga on earth.
