All About 12 Jyotirlinga

athitidevobhavo Updated on February 27, 2024February 17, 2024

Table of Contents

12 jyotirlinga name and place list

The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and each of them is considered a manifestation of his divine light. Here is a list of the 12 Jyotirlingas along with their mantras and brief descriptions:

1. Somnath (Gujarat)

The first Jyotirlinga, Somnath is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat.

The Somnath Temple is situated on the western coast of Gujarat and overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlinga, a divine and powerful symbol of the Lord. The temple complex is vast and includes various smaller shrines dedicated to different deities.

The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, which is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu). The temple architecture is a beautiful blend of Chalukya and Solanki styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning its walls and pillars.

The Somnath Temple is not just a religious site but also a symbol of resilience and faith for the Hindu community. It attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world who come to witness its grandeur and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

2. Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh)

Also known as Kashi of the South, Mallikarjuna is located on the Shri Shaila Mountain.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is situated at Srisailam in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the banks of the Krishna River and is surrounded by the Nallamala Hills. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is associated with many legends and stories from Hindu mythology. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati once came to this place and settled here for a while. The temple is also mentioned in the ancient texts like the Skanda Purana and the Shiva Purana.

The architecture of the Mallikarjuna temple is a blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles. The main sanctum houses the lingam, which is the symbol of Lord Shiva. The lingam is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu), making it a highly revered shrine for Shiva devotees.The temple complex also houses several other shrines dedicated to various deities, including Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, especially during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, when special rituals and celebrations are held at the temple.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

3. Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

Situated on the banks of the Kshipra River, Mahakaleshwar is known for its unique idol of Lord Shiva.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on the banks of the Rudra Sagar Lake and is one of the most famous and ancient temples in India.

The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Mahakaleshwar (another form of Lord Shiva), is believed to be swayambhu, or self-manifested. The temple’s architecture is predominantly of the Bhumija style, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning its walls.One of the unique features of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is the idol of Lord Shiva, which is believed to be dakshinamurti, facing the south, unlike most other idols of Lord Shiva that face the east or north. The temple is also famous for its lingam, which is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is considered extremely sacred by devotees.

The Mahakaleshwar temple is not only a place of worship but also a center of cultural and spiritual activities. The temple complex houses various smaller temples dedicated to different deities, as well as a large courtyard where various rituals and ceremonies are performed.The temple is especially crowded during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. Devotees from all over the country visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Mahakaleshwar and to witness the grand celebrations.Overall, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain is a place of great spiritual significance and is revered by millions of devotees as a sacred abode of Lord Shiva.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

4. Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)

Located on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is shaped like the Hindu symbol “ॐ”.

Omkareshwar is a sacred Hindu temple located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada River.

The name Omkareshwar means “Lord of Omkaara,” which refers to the sound of the sacred syllable ‘Om,’ considered to be the sound of the universe. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) here is said to be Swayambhu, meaning it has naturally occurred, not man-made.Omkareshwar Temple is known for its unique architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple complex consists of several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. The island of Omkareshwar is also known for its natural beauty, surrounded by the Narmada River and lush greenery.

The Jyotirlinga at Omkareshwar is considered very auspicious, and it is believed that a pilgrimage to this sacred place can help devotees attain salvation (moksha). The temple attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year, especially during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, when special celebrations are held.Visitors to Omkareshwar can also explore other attractions on the island, such as the Siddhanath Temple, Kajal Rani Cave, and the Satmatrika Temples. The island is accessible by boats, and the journey to Omkareshwar is considered a part of the pilgrimage experience.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

5. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)

Situated in the Himalayas near the Mandakini River, Kedarnath is one of the Char Dhams.

Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. It is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, near the Mandakini River.

The Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The temple is made of large, heavy, rough-cut stones and is famous for its exquisite architecture and stunning location amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.The temple is only accessible by foot, and pilgrims have to trek about 16 kilometers from Gaurikund to reach the temple. The trek is considered challenging but is undertaken by thousands of devotees every year as part of their pilgrimage.

Kedarnath is also surrounded by other scenic attractions, including the Vasuki Tal lake, which is a popular trekking destination, and the Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, which is believed to be the source of the Mandakini River.

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to October, as the weather is pleasant and the temple is accessible. However, the temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, and the idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to Ukhimath, where it is worshipped for six months.Overall, Kedarnath is not only a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus but also a place of immense natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

6. Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)

Located near Pune, Bhimashankar is known for its beautiful architecture and the surrounding natural beauty.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, India. It is situated near the village of Bhavagiri, approximately 50 km northwest of Khed, near Pune. This sacred pilgrimage site is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

The temple’s architecture reflects the Nagara style and is constructed with black stone. It has a beautiful idol of Lord Shiva, along with statues of Nandi, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Parvati. The temple complex also includes other shrines and small temples dedicated to various deities.The origin of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is associated with a legend from the ancient scriptures. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna, to defeat the demon Tripurasura. After the battle, Lord Shiva resided in the Sahyadri mountains, which later became known as Bhimashankar.

The temple is located amidst the lush greenery of the Sahyadri hills, providing a serene and tranquil atmosphere for devotees. It is also a popular trekking destination, with the trekking route offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.Devotees visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of the region. The temple is especially crowded during the Mahashivratri festival, which is celebrated with great fervor and devotion.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

7. Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh)

Situated in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the holiest temples in Hinduism.

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus. Here are some details about Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga:

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

8. Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)

Located near Nashik, Trimbakeshwar is where the Godavari River originates.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, located near Nashik in Maharashtra, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred site is situated at the foothills of the Brahmagiri mountain, near the origin of the Godavari River. The temple’s architecture is a blend of the North Indian and South Indian styles, reflecting its historical significance and the various dynasties that ruled the region.

The main sanctum of Trimbakeshwar houses the lingam, representing Lord Shiva, and is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. The temple complex also includes other shrines dedicated to various deities such as Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, and others.

Trimbakeshwar is known for its religious significance and is believed to be the place where the holy river Godavari originates. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination, especially during the Mahashivratri festival, when devotees from all over gather to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.Apart from its religious importance, Trimbakeshwar is also known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. The town offers a peaceful environment, making it a perfect place for spiritual retreats and meditation.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

9. Vaidyanath (Deoghar, Jharkhand)

Also known as Vaijnath, this temple is located in Deoghar in the Santhal Parganas division of Jharkhand.

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, also known as Vaidyanath Dham or Baba Baidyanath Temple, is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is revered by devotees who visit to seek blessings and fulfill their wishes.

The legend associated with Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is related to the story of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. To gain invincible powers, Ravana tried to uproot Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. In response, Lord Shiva pressed down the mountain with his toe, trapping Ravana underneath. Ravana then composed the “Shiva Tandava Stotram” in praise of Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva released Ravana and gave him the Atma Linga, a divine lingam that granted immense powers but with the condition that it should not be placed on the ground before reaching its final destination.

On his way back to Lanka, Ravana felt the need to answer nature’s call. He entrusted the Atma Linga to a Brahmin boy, instructing him not to place it on the ground. The boy, unable to hold the lingam for long, placed it on the ground and vanished. This spot where the lingam was placed is believed to be where the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga temple stands today.

The Vaidyanath Temple is a complex of several temples dedicated to different deities. The main temple is where the Jyotirlinga is enshrined. The lingam is adorned with various jewels and is considered very sacred by devotees. The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to other gods and goddesses, such as Parvati, Ganesha, and Hanuman.

Devotees believe that a visit to Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga helps in attaining spiritual enlightenment and relief from diseases. The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims, especially during the holy month of Shravan (July-August), when the “Shravani Mela” is celebrated with great fervor.The Vaidyanath Temple is not only a place of worship but also an architectural marvel, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India. Its significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas makes it a revered destination for devotees and tourists alike.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

10. Nageshwar (Dwarka, Gujarat)

Located near Dwarka, Nageshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is also known as Nagnath Temple.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, located near Dwarka in Gujarat, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as Nagnath Temple. It holds great religious significance for Hindus and is a popular pilgrimage site.

The legend behind Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is linked to a demon named Daruka, who was wreaking havoc on the devotees of Lord Shiva. To protect them, Lord Shiva took the form of a Jyotirlinga at this spot and defeated the demon.

The temple complex is beautifully designed, with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. The main sanctum houses the Shiva Linga, which is believed to be self-manifested. The linga is unique as it faces south, unlike other Jyotirlingas that face east or north.Devotees visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. The temple is especially crowded during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, when special prayers and offerings are made to Lord Shiva.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

11. Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu)

Situated in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, this temple is known for its long corridors and sacred ponds.

Rameshwaram, also known as Rameswaram, is a town in Ramanathapuram district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located on Pamban Island, separated from mainland India by the Pamban Channel and is about 50 kilometers from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the holiest places in India for Hindus and is renowned for its Ramanathaswamy Temple, a famous pilgrimage site.

Ramanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam, a pillar of light. The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. It is believed that a visit to Rameshwaram and offering prayers at this temple will cleanse one’s sins and bring salvation.

The Ramanathaswamy Temple’s origins date back to the Ramayana era, with a mention in the ancient Hindu epic. According to the epic, Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu, prayed to Shiva here to absolve any sins he might have committed during his war against the demon king Ravana in Sri Lanka.The temple complex is known for its architectural grandeur, with its massive sculptured pillars, intricate carvings, and vibrant corridors. The temple’s main deity, the Lingam, is housed in the inner sanctum and is believed to have been established by Lord Rama himself.

Rameshwaram is also famous for its holy water bodies, such as Agni Theertham, where pilgrims take a ritual bath before entering the temple. The town is also known for its scenic beauty, with pristine beaches and clear blue waters, making it a popular tourist destination as well.Overall, Rameshwaram is a place of great religious and cultural significance, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike with its rich history, stunning architecture, and spiritual ambiance.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.

12. Grishneshwar (Ellora, Maharashtra)

Located near the Ellora caves, Grishneshwar is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Ellora, Maharashtra, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated near the famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples. Grishneshwar Temple is believed to be the last or 12th Jyotirlinga on earth.

The temple architecture is typical of the medieval period and is characterized by its red stone walls and sculptural motifs. The main sanctum sanctorum houses the Jyotirlinga, a representation of Lord Shiva, which devotees visit to seek blessings.The legend associated with Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga revolves around a devout woman named Kusuma who was married to a Brahmin named Sudharm. Due to a curse, Sudharm died young, leaving Kusuma heartbroken. She devoted herself to Lord Shiva and performed rigorous penance. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva restored Sudharm’s life and also manifested himself as the Jyotirlinga at Grishneshwar.

The temple complex is an important pilgrimage site for Shaivites and attracts devotees from all over the country. It is particularly popular during the Maha Shivaratri festival, when thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is not just a place of worship but also a reflection of ancient Indian architecture and culture, making it a must-visit for those interested in history, spirituality, and art.

Suggested Tour Package: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

Join Athiti Devo Bhavo Tours for char dham yatra tour package.