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These sacred destinations offer much more than just spiritual significance—they are also serene and beautiful, providing peace and insight to those who visit. Experiencing the 12 Jyotirlingas in person is far more awe-inspiring than any image or description can capture. Check out this list of the 12 Jyotirlingas to see which ones you have yet to visit on your spiritual journey.
The term “Jyotirlinga” is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Jyothi’ meaning ‘radiance’, and ‘linga’ meaning ‘phallus’. These sacred Jyotirlingas symbolize different manifestations of Lord Shiva. There are 12 Jyotirlingas spread across India, each strategically located and visited by countless Hindu devotees on their spiritual journeys. For anyone looking to embark on a spiritual path, visiting these revered sites is a profound experience.
The Jyotirlingas are dispersed throughout India and attract millions of devotees and travellers from across the globe. If you’re planning to visit, this guide to the 12 Jyotirlingas will be incredibly helpful. Here are the names and locations of these sacred sites, along with their images.
Jyotirlingas In West India
From the list of 12 Jyotirlingas, you can journey to Maharashtra and Gujarat for your spiritual awakening. In Maharashtra, be sure to visit:
1. Somnath – Gir Somnath In Gujarat
Somnath is one of the most renowned Jyotirlingas in India and is regarded as the first among the twelve. This revered pilgrimage site is highly worshipped and features stunning Chalukya-style architecture. According to legends, Lord Shiva manifested here as a radiant column of light. The Shiv Purana narrates the tale of the Moon marrying the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati.
However, Daksha Prajapati cursed the Moon for favouring only Rohini over his other wives. To lift the curse and restore his lost radiance, the Moon prayed to Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted his wish and decided to dwell at Somnath forever. Located in the Kathiawad region, the Somnath Jyotirlinga temple has been destroyed and rebuilt nearly sixteen times. This temple stands as a key destination among the 12 Jyotirlingas and remains a significant landmark for travellers visiting Gujarat.
- Temple opening hours: The Somnath Temple remains open every day from 6 AM to 9 PM. Aarti is conducted three times a day at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM. Additionally, the popular light and sound show, ‘Joy Somnath’, takes place every evening from 8 to 9 PM.
- How to reach: The nearest railway station to Somnath is Veraval Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities across India. Located just 5 km from Somnath, the temple is easily accessible by taxi.
2. Nageshwar – Daarukavanam In Gujarat
Located on the Saurashtra coast in Gujarat, between Gomati Dwarka and Bait Dwarka, the Nageshwar Temple is a renowned Jyotirlinga site. Devotees visit the Nagnath Temple throughout the year to seek the blessings of Nageshwar Mahadev, who is worshipped in an underground sanctum. The temple boasts a 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva, a lush garden, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. This Jyotirlinga is especially revered for its believed power to protect against all forms of poison.
- Temple opening hours: The Nageshwar Temple is open every day from 5 AM to 9 PM. Devotees can visit for darshan between 6 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 5 PM to 9 PM.
- How to reach: The closest railway stations to Nageshwar are Dwarka Station and Veraval Station. The nearest airport to Dwarka is Jamnagar Airport, located 45 km away.
3. Bhimashankar – Pune In Maharashtra
The Bhimashankar Temple, situated on the banks of the River Bhima, is a striking black rock structure showcasing Nagara-style architecture. Surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, the temple is believed to have been constructed by Bheema, the son of Kumbhakarna. Pilgrims visit this renowned Jyotirlinga year-round, especially during Maha Shivratri. Visitors also often explore the nearby Kamalaja Temple, dedicated to Parvati.
- Temple opening hours: The Bhimashankar Temple is open daily from 4:30 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM. Darshan begins at 5 AM and continues until 9:30 PM. There is a break for Madhyan Aarti in the afternoon, during which darshan is closed for 45 minutes.
- How to reach: The closest railway station to Bhimashankar is Karjat, located 168 km away. From there, you can travel the remaining distance by bus or rickshaw.
4. Trimbakeshwar – Nashik In Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near Brahmagiri mountain, the origin of the Godavari River, also referred to as Gautami Ganga. As per the Shiv Purana, the river and sage Gautami pleaded with Lord Shiva to remain here, leading to his manifestation as Trimbakeshwar. What sets this jyotirlinga apart is its distinctive structure: rather than a conventional shrine, there is a void containing three pillars. These pillars symbolize the three supreme deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.
- Temple Hours: Open daily from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
- How to Reach: The nearest airport to Trimbakeshwar is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The closest railway station is Igatpuri Railway Station. Trimbakeshwar, located in Nashik, is also accessible by road.
5. Grishneshwar – Aurangabad In Maharashtra
Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas mentioned in the Shiva Purana, is renowned for its impressive five-story red rock structure adorned with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. Located close to the famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves, this temple was constructed by Ahilyabai Holkar. The temple features a grand Nandi Bull in the main courtyard, alongside a stunning sculpture of Vishnu’s Dashavatar carved into the red rock. Also referred to as Gru Someswara and Kusum Eswarar, Grishneshwar is a must-see destination in Aurangabad.
- Temple opening hours: The Grishneshwar Temple is open for darshan and puja from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily. During the Shravan month, darshan is available from 3 PM to 11 PM. Normally, the darshan takes about two hours, but during Shravan, due to the large crowds, it may take 6 to 8 hours to complete your visit.
- How to reach: You can reach Aurangabad by train or flight from various parts of India. Delhi offers direct trains and flights to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, Grishneshwar Temple is approximately 30 km away, and you can conveniently reach it by taxi.
Jyotirlingas In East And Central India
Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh are renowned for their stunning landscapes and for being home to several of India’s 12 famous Jyotirlingas.
6. Vaidyanath – Deoghar In Jharkhand
One of the most sacred Jyotirlingas in India, Vaidyanath (also known as Baidyanath or Vaijinath), is also among the 52 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Sati in Hinduism. According to legend, Ravana worshipped Shiva for years and invited Him to Lanka. Shiva appeared as a Shivalinga and instructed Ravana not to place it down until he reached Lanka.
However, during the journey, Vishnu intervened and convinced Ravana to rest the Shivalinga temporarily. Ravana disobeyed Shiva, leading Shiva to settle here as Vaidyanath in Deoghar. The temple attracts the highest number of devotees during Shravana, as worshipping here is believed to alleviate suffering and grant moksha (liberation).
- Temple opening hours: The Vaidyanath temple is open daily from 4 AM to 3:30 PM, and then again from 6 PM to 9 PM. On special occasions such as Maha Shivaratri, the temple extends its visiting hours.
- How to reach: The nearest railway station to Vaidyanath is Jasidih Junction, which is well-connected from Ranchi. The temple is just 15 km away from the station and can be easily reached by auto or taxi.
7. Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
Located amidst the dense Mahakal Forest, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is a revered Jyotirlinga in India. This sacred shrine holds immense significance in central India and is believed to have been founded by a five-year-old boy, Srikar, inspired by King Chandrasena of Ujjain. Situated on the banks of the Kshipra River, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is also one of the seven mukti-steals in India, believed to offer eternal liberation to devotees.
- Temple Opening Hours: The temple is open daily from 4 AM to 11 PM. Devotees can visit for darshan during the following hours: 8 AM to 10 AM, 10:30 AM to 5 PM, 6 PM to 7 PM, and 8 PM to 11 PM.
- How to Reach: The closest airport to Mahakaleshwar is Indore, located 51 km away. The nearest railway stations are Ujjain Junction, Chintaman, Vikram Nagar, and Pingleshwa.
8. Omkareshwar – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar, meaning ‘Lord of the Om Sound’, is a highly revered spiritual destination in India. Situated on Shivapuri Island in the Narmada River, the temple holds immense mythological significance. According to legend, during a fierce battle between the Devas and Danavas, the Devas sought Lord Shiva’s assistance. Moved by their devotion, Lord Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar and helped the Devas triumph over the Danavas, solidifying Omkareshwar as one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas in India.
- Temple opening hours: The temple is accessible daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. Darshan is available from 5:30 AM to 12:20 PM and from 4 PM to 8:30 PM.
- How to reach: The nearest airports to Omkareshwar are Indore (77 km) and Ujjain (133 km). The closest major railway station is also in Indore, 77 km away. Buses are available from Indore, Ujjain, and Khandwa to Omkareshwar.
Jyotirlingas In North India
Explore the locations of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand that you can include in your travel itinerary:
9. Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath, often referred to as the Golden Temple in Varanasi, is one of the most significant Jyotirlinga temples. Constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, a Maratha queen, this temple holds great religious importance for Hindus. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva resides here, bestowing liberation and happiness upon all who visit. It is also considered one of the earliest Jyotirlingas in India, with legends stating that it emerged from the Earth’s surface to reach the heavens, demonstrating its power over other deities. As one of the most frequented Jyotirlingas in India, it attracts millions of devotees each year.
- Temple opening hours: The temple is open daily from 2:30 AM to 11 PM. Below are the daily puja rituals and darshan timings.
- Mangala Aarti: 3 AM to 4 AM.
- Sarva Darshan: 4 AM to 11 AM.
- Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM.
- Sarva Darshan: 12:20 PM to 7 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7 PM to 8:15 PM
- Shringara Aarti: 9 PM to 10:15 PM
- Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- How to Reach: Varanasi Junction is the main railway station, well-connected to other stations across the city.
10. Kedarnath – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
Situated in the Rudra Himalayan Range at an elevation of 1,200 feet, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the four sacred dhams in Hinduism. Due to severe winter conditions and heavy snowfall, the temple remains closed for six months, with visiting hours limited to May to June. Pilgrims typically begin their journey at Gangotri and Yamunotri, where they collect holy water to offer at the Kedarnath shrine.
Many devotees believe that visiting the Kedarnath temple and bathing the Jyotirlinga can cleanse them of unhappiness, misfortunes, and bad luck. The trek to Kedarnath is moderately challenging, so pilgrims often use walking sticks or ride mules and ponies. Behind the main temple lies the Samadhi of Shankaracharya, a revered Hindu saint.
- Temple opening hours: The temple is open from 4 AM to 12 PM and again from 3 PM to 9 PM.
- How to reach: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant, and the closest railway station is in Rishikesh. You can drive up to Gaurikund, and from there, a trek is required to reach Kedarnath.
Jyotirlingas In South India
Scroll down to explore the locations of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
11. Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, revered as the site where Lord Rama prayed after his victory over Ravana, is one of the southernmost Jyotirlingas in India. Surrounded by the sea, this temple boasts stunning architecture, intricate corridors, and 36 sacred water tanks.
Often referred to as the ‘Varanasi of the South,’ Rameshwaram is an important pilgrimage destination, easily accessible from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Devotees visiting this Jyotirlinga also explore Dhanushkodi Beach, where it is believed that Lord Rama constructed the Ram Setu (bridge) to Lanka to rescue his wife. This sacred site is also one of the Char Dhams of India.
- Temple Opening Hours: The temple is open every day from 5 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM. Darshan is available until 8 PM.
- How to Reach: The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is in Madurai, located approximately 163 km away. Rameshwaram is also well-connected by train to several major cities in South India, including Chennai.
12. Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh
Known as the Kailash of the South, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple is situated on Shri Saila Mountain, alongside the Krishna River. This temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture, detailed sculptures, and ornate pillars known as gopurams. It enshrines the deities Shiva and Bhramaramba (Parvati) and holds a significant place as one of the 52 Shakti Peeths of Sati. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is among the most revered Shaivite shrines in India.
- Temple opening hours: The temple is open every day from 4:30 AM to 10 PM. Darshan is available from 6:30 AM to 1 PM and 6:30 PM to 9 PM.
- How to reach: Mallikarjuna is easily accessible by road from nearby towns such as Doranala, Markapur, and Kurichedu. The nearest railway station is Markapur.
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey to visit the 12 Jyotirlingas during the Shravan month of 2024 presents a unique chance to explore some of India’s most revered sacred sites. Each Jyotirlinga, with its own deep history and spiritual significance, offers a distinctive experience that showcases the diverse aspects of Lord Shiva. From the southern coastal temple of Rameshwaram to the majestic heights of Kedarnath in the Himalayas, these temples stand as both architectural masterpieces and profound centres of devotion.
By visiting these sacred shrines, you will immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Hindu spirituality and gain a deeper understanding of the powerful myths and legends associated with each site. Whether you seek spiritual growth, divine blessings, or a stronger connection with your faith, this pilgrimage offers a rewarding and transformative experience.
Plan your visits in line with the temple timings and local customs, and make the most of this auspicious time to deepen your spiritual journey. May your travels be filled with peace, devotion, and enlightenment as you explore the sacred Jyotirlingas.
