List Of 12 Jyotirlingas in India With Name And Places
The Twelve Jyotirlingas hold an extraordinary place in Hinduism, especially among the devotees of Lord Shiva. These shrines are scattered across India, and each one is a focal point of worship, offering devotees a connection to the divine. This article explores the significance, location, spiritual relevance of these sacred sites, 12 Jyotirlinga images with name, providing a visual guide to these sacred sites across India, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about the Jyotirlingas. What Are Jyotirlingas? In Hinduism, Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he is worshipped in the form of a luminous pillar of light. “Jyoti” means light and “linga” refers to the iconic representation of Shiva, so a Jyotirlinga represents a column of light. It is believed that these shrines are where Lord Shiva appeared in his infinite form, symbolizing his unmanifested, omnipresent essence. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, each one considered to be a unique manifestation of Lord Shiva. These shrines attract millions of devotees each year who believe that visiting these sacred sites will grant them spiritual liberation (moksha) and blessings from Lord Shiva. The scientific significance of Jyotirlingas lies in its representation of cosmic energy and light, symbolizing the profound connection between the physical and spiritual realms in Hindu philosophy. The Twelve Jyotirlingas: Names and Locations 1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat Location: Prabhas Patan, near Saurashtra in Gujarat The Somnath temple is one of the most significant and ancient pilgrimage sites in India. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in history, yet it remains a symbol of resilience and devotion. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and its connection to the moon god, Som. There are several hotel near Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple that offer convenient accommodations for pilgrims and tourists visiting this sacred site. 2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh Situated in the Nallamala Hills, this temple is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is also an important site for Shaivism and a popular spot for pilgrims who come here seeking blessings. Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga near airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, making it easily accessible for travelers visiting the temple. 3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is unique because the idol of Lord Shiva here faces south, which is believed to be an auspicious direction. Mahakaleshwar is associated with time and death, and Ujjain is one of the four Kumbh Mela locations. Here are Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga images, showcasing the grandeur and spiritual significance of this sacred temple in Ujjain. 4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh Omkareshwar is located on an island in the river Narmada and is shaped like the symbol “Om,” signifying its spiritual significance. The temple is highly revered and a major pilgrimage site for devotees. Ujjain to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga distance is approximately 130 kilometers, making it a convenient journey for pilgrims traveling between the two sacred sites. 5. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, Jharkhand Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand Also known as Vaijnath, Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva cured Ravana’s injuries. The temple attracts millions of devotees, especially during the Sawan month. 6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra Location: Pune, Maharashtra Situated in the scenic Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar temple jyotirlinga is known for its beautiful surroundings and the legends surrounding the demon Bhima, who was slain by Lord Shiva. The temple is also famous for being part of a biodiversity hotspot. 7. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu This Rameshwar Jyotirlinga temple is located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu and is known for its connection to Lord Rama, who is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here before going to Lanka. It’s also one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in South India. 8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat Location: Dwarka, Gujarat Nageshwar is considered to be one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is believed to be the site where the demon Daruka was defeated by Shiva. It is located in a region associated with legends of Krishna and Dwarka. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga darshan timings typically are from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing devotees ample time to visit and offer prayers at this sacred shrine. 9. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Varanasi Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple is perhaps the most famous of all the Jyotirlingas, located in the ancient city of Varanasi, known as the spiritual capital of India. It holds immense religious significance, being one of the most revered temples in Hinduism. 10. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra Location: Trimbak, Nashik, Maharashtra Trimbakeshwar is unique because it features three faces that represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is located near the source of the Godavari River, which adds to its spiritual and geographical importance. 11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand Kedarnath is located in the high Himalayas, and it is one of the most difficult but rewarding pilgrimage destinations. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Kedarnath, and it is a part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October, as the weather is pleasant and the temple is open for darshan. 12. Grishneswar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra Location: Ellora, Maharashtra Grishneswar is the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas, located near the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is associated with Lord Shiva’s healing powers and is a significant stop for pilgrims visiting the area. FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Jyotirlingas 1. Which is the Best Order to Visit the 12 Jyotirlingas in India? The best order to visit the Jyotirlingas depends on a combination of geographical convenience and spiritual significance. Pilgrims often visit the Jyotirlingas in a clockwise direction, starting from Somnath and following through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and finally Tamil Nadu. 2.Are Shivling and Jyotirlingas the Same? The Shivling is a