When you break down the word “Jyotirlinga,” it comes from ‘Jyothi,’ meaning ‘radiance,’ and ‘linga,’ meaning ‘phallus.’ These Jyotirlingas represent different forms of Shiva. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, each placed strategically across the country, and Hindu devotees visit them on their spiritual journeys. If you plan to start a spiritual journey, visiting these Jyotirlingas is a great way to begin.
These sacred places offer spiritual insight and blessings and are beautiful and peaceful. No matter which ones you visit, seeing the 12 Jyotirlingas in person is much more impressive than any picture. Look at this list of the 12 Jyotirlingas and see which ones you still need to visit on your spiritual path.
Jyotirlingas are spread across the country and attract devotees and travelers from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip, this list of the 12 Jyotirlingas can be very helpful. Here are the names and locations of the 12 Jyotirlingas, along with their images:
- Somnath – Gir Somnath In Gujarat
- Nageshwar – Daarukavanam In Gujarat
- Bhimashankar – Pune In Maharashtra
- Trimbakeshwar – Nashik In Maharashtra
- Grishneshwar – Aurangabad In Maharashtra
- Vaidyanath – Deoghar In Jharkhand
- Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
- Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
- Kedarnath – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
- Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu
- Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh
Jyotirlingas In West India
From the list of 12 Jyotirlingas, you can head to Maharashtra and Gujarat for your spiritual awakening. In Maharashtra, visit:
1. Somnath – Gir Somnath In Gujarat
Somnath is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas in India and is considered the first among the twelve. It is a highly worshipped pilgrimage site. The temple features Chalukya-style architecture. According to legends, Lord Shiva appeared here as a glowing column of light. The Shiv Purana tells the story of the Moon marrying the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati.
However, Daksha Prajapati cursed the Moon for neglecting all his wives except Rohini. To lift the curse and regain his lost luster, the Moon worshipped Lord Shiva. The almighty granted his wish and decided to reside at Somnath eternally. Located in the Kathiawad region, the Somnath Jyotirlinga temple has been destroyed and rebuilt almost sixteen times. This temple is a top destination among the 12 Jyotirlingas and a significant landmark for travelers in Gujarat.
- Temple opening hours: The Somnath temple is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM. Aarti is performed thrice daily at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM. The popular light and sound show, ‘Joy Somnath,’ takes place every evening from 8 to 9 PM.
- How to reach: The closest railway station to Somnath is Veraval Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities across India. It is only 5 km from Somnath, and you can easily reach the temple 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 popular Jyotirlinga site. Devotees visit the Nagnath temple year-round to seek blessings from Nageshwar Mahadev, who is worshipped in an underground sanctum. The temple features a 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva, a large garden, and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. This Jyotirlinga is known for its power to protect against all types of poisons.
Temple opening hours: The Nageshwar temple is open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM. Devotees can visit for darshan between 6 AM and 12:30 PM and from 5 PM to 9 PM.
How to reach: The nearest railway stations for Nageshwar are Dwarka station and Veraval station. Jamnagar Airport (45 Km) is the nearest airport to Dwarka.
3. Bhimashankar – Pune In Maharashtra
The Bhimashankar temple, located on the banks of the River Bhima, is an impressive black rock structure with Nagara-style architecture. The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra surrounds it. The temple is believed to have been built by Bheema, the son of Kumbhakarna. Pilgrims visit this popular jyotirlinga throughout the year, especially during Maha Shivratri. Visitors also often explore the nearby Kamalaja temple dedicated to Parvati.
Temple opening hours: The Bhimashankar temple is open every day from 4:30 AM to 12 noon and from 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 when darshan is closed for 45 minutes.
How to reach: The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar is Karjat, 168 km away. You can cover the rest of the distance by bus or rickshaw.
4. Trimbakeshwar – Nashik In Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Brahmagiri mountain, the source of the Godavari River, also known as Gautami Ganga. According to the Shiv Purana, the river and the sage Gautami asked Lord Shiva to stay here, leading to his manifestation as Trimbakeshwar. What makes this jyotirlinga unique is its shape: instead of a traditional shrine, there is a void with three pillars inside. These pillars represent the three supreme deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.
Temple opening hours: 5:30 AM to 9 PM, all days of the week.
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, can also be reached by road.
5. Grishneshwar – Aurangabad In Maharashtra
Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas from Shiva Purana, stands out with its stunning five-story red rock structure and intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. Located near the famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves, this temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar. It features a massive Nandi Bull in the main court, and a remarkable sculpture of Vishnu’s Dashavatar carved into the red rock. Also known as Gru Someswara and Kusum Eswarar, Grishneshwar is a must-visit site in Aurangabad.
Temple opening hours: You can visit Grishneshwar Temple for darshan and puja from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. During the Shravan month, darshan is available from 3 PM to 11 PM. Typically, darshan takes about two hours, but during Shravan, the temple experiences large crowds, and it may take 6 to 8 hours to complete your visit.
How to reach: You can travel to Aurangabad by train or flight from other parts of India. Delhi offers direct trains and flights to Aurangabad. Once you arrive, Grishneshwar Temple is about 30 km away, and you can easily reach it by taxi.
Jyotirlingas In East And Central India
Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh are known for their beautiful landscapes and for hosting some of the 12 famous Jyotirlingas in India.
6. Vaidyanath – Deoghar In Jharkhand
One of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India, Vaidyanath (also known as Baidyanath or Vaijinath), is also one of the 52 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Sati in Hinduism. According to mythology, 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.
During the journey, Vishnu intervened and persuaded Ravana to rest the Shivalinga temporarily. As a result, Ravana disobeyed Shiva, and Shiva settled here as Vaidyanath in Deoghar. The temple sees the highest number of visitors during Shravana, as devotees believe worshipping here helps relieve miseries and achieve moksha (liberation).
Temple opening hours: The Vaidyanath temple is open every day from 4 AM to 3:30 PM and again from 6 PM to 9 PM. On special occasions like Maha Shivaratri, the visiting hours are extended.
How to reach: The closest railway station to Vaidyanath is Jasidih Junction, accessible from Ranchi. The temple is only 15 km from the station and can be reached by auto or taxi.
7. Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
Vaidyanath, also known as Baidyanath or Vaijinath, is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas in India and is also a significant Shakti Peetha shrine. According to myth, Ravana worshipped Shiva for many years and invited him to Lanka. Shiva appeared as a Shiva linga and told Ravana not to place it down until he reached Lanka. Despite this, Ravana was delayed, and the Shiva linga was left at its current location, making Vaidyanath a famous Jyotirlinga in India.
Vishnu intervened and persuaded Ravana to set the Shiva linga down temporarily. As a result, Ravana disobeyed Shiva, and the Shiva linga stayed in Deoghar, now known as Vaidyanath. During the month of Shravana, the temple attracts many visitors. Devotees believe worshipping at this shrine helps them overcome their troubles and achieve moksha, or liberation.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open daily from 4 AM to 3:30 PM and from 6 PM to 9 PM. The visiting hours are extended on special occasions like Maha Shivaratri.
How to reach: The nearest railway station to Vaidyanath is Jasidih Junction, which can be reached from Ranchi. The temple is just 15 km from the station and can be reached by car or by car.
7. Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
Nestled in the dense Mahakal forest, the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain is a significant Jyotirlinga in India. This shrine is well-known in central India and is believed to have been established by a five-year-old boy named Srikar, inspired by King Chandrasena of Ujjain. Located along the banks of the Kshipra River, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is also one of the seven mukti-sthals in India, which are believed to offer eternal liberation.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open from 4 AM to 11 PM. Devotees can visit for darshan from 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 nearest airport to Mahakaleshwar is Indore (51 km). Ujjain Junction, Chintaman, Vikram Nagar, and Pingleshwa are the nearest railway stations.
8. Omkareshwar – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar, which means ‘Lord of the Om Sound,’ is a highly revered site in India. This temple is located on Shivapuri Island in the Narmada River and holds great mythological importance. According to legend, during a battle between the Devas and Danavas, the Devas prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar and helped the Devas win over the Danavas. This makes Omkareshwar one of the most significant Jyotirlingas in India.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open every day from 5 AM to 10 PM. Darshan times are from 5:30 AM to 12:20 PM and 4 PM to 8:30 PM.
How to reach: The nearest airports to Omkareshwar are Indore (77 km away) and Ujjain (133 km away). 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
Discover the locations of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand that you can visit during your trip:
9. Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath is a prominent Jyotirlinga temple known as the Golden Temple in Varanasi. Built-in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, a Maratha queen, this temple is a major religious site for Hindus. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva resides here, granting liberation and happiness to all. It is also considered one of the earliest Jyotirlingas in India, believed to have shown its power over other gods by breaking through the Earth’s surface and reaching heaven. It’s one of the most visited Jyotirlingas in the country.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open every day from 2:30 AM to 11 PM. Below are the daily puja rituals and darshan timings.
Mangala Aarti: 3 AM to 4 PM
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 closest railway station to several other stations in the city.
10. Kedarnath – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
Located in the Rudra Himalayan Range at 1,200 feet, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the four sacred dhams in Hinduism. Due to harsh winter conditions and heavy snowfall, the temple is closed for six months and is only open from May to June. Pilgrims visiting Kedarnath typically start their journey at Gangotri and Yamunotri, where they collect holy water to offer at the Kedarnath shrine.
Many believe visiting the Kedarnath temple and bathing the Jyotirlinga can help remove unhappiness, bad luck, and misfortunes. Trekking to Kedarnath is moderately challenging, so people often use walking sticks or ride mules and dolls. Behind the main Kedarnath temple is the Samadhi of Shankaracharya, a renowned Hindu saint.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open from 4 AM to 12 PM and 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; from there, you’ll need to trek to Kedarnath.
Jyotirlingas In South India
Scroll down to find the locations of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
11. Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, believed to have been worshipped by Lord Rama after his victory over Ravana, is one of the southernmost Jyotirlingas in India. The sea surrounds the temple and features stunning architecture, intricate corridors, and 36 sacred water tanks.
Often called the ‘Varanasi of the South,’ Rameshwaram is a major pilgrimage site accessible via Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Visitors to this Jyotirlinga also explore Dhanushkodi Beach, where Lord Rama is said to have built the Ram Setu (bridge) to Lanka to rescue his wife. This site is also one of the Char Dhams of India.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open daily 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, about 163 km away. Rameshwaram is also well-connected by train to several major South Indian cities, including Chennai.
12. Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh
Known as the Kailash of the South, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple is on Shri Saila Mountain by the Krishna River. The temple features stunning architecture, intricate sculptures, and decorative pillars called gopurams. It houses the deities of Shiva and Bhramaramba (Parvati) and is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths of Sati. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of the most important Shaivite shrines in India.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open daily 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 accessible by road from nearby towns like Doranala, Markapur, and Kurichedu. The closest railway station is Markapur.
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey to visit the 12 Jyotirlingas during the Swam month of 2024 offers a unique opportunity to explore some of India’s most revered sacred sites. Each Jyotirlinga, with its own rich history and spiritual significance, presents a distinct experience that reflects the diverse aspects of Lord Shiva. From the southern shores of Rameshwaram to the Himalayan heights of Kedarnath, these temples are architectural marvels and profound centers of devotion.
By visiting these holy shrines, you immerse yourself in the deep traditions of Hindu spirituality and gain a greater understanding of the powerful myths and legends associated with each site. Whether you seek spiritual growth, divine blessings, or a deeper connection with your faith, this pilgrimage promises to be a rewarding and transformative experience.
Plan your visits according to the temple timings and local customs, and take advantage 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.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Swam month?
Ans: The Swam month is a period in the Hindu calendar considered highly auspicious for spiritual activities and pilgrimages, especially to sacred sites like Jyotirlingas.
Q2: What are Jyotirlingas?
Ans: Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, each representing a different aspect of the deity. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, each with its unique significance and mythology.
Q3: Why visit the Jyotirlingas during the Swam month?
Ans: Visiting Jyotirlingas during the Swam month is believed to bring greater spiritual benefits, blessings, and fulfillment of prayers. The month is considered particularly powerful for worship and meditation.
Q4: What are the visiting hours for the Jyotirlingas?
Ans: Visiting hours vary for each Jyotirlinga. Generally, temples open early in the morning and close late in the evening, with specific darshan times throughout the day. It’s best to check the timings of each temple in advance.
Q5: How can I travel to the Jyotirlingas?
Ans: Jyotirlingas are accessible by various modes of transportation, including trains, flights, and buses. The nearest major cities or railway stations are usually well-connected to the temples.
Q6: What should I wear when visiting Jyotirlingas?
Ans: It is recommended to wear modest and respectful clothing. Traditional attire is often preferred, and it’s important to follow any specific dress codes set by the temples.
Q7: Are there any special rituals or practices to follow?
Ans: Each Jyotirlinga may have specific rituals and practices. Common practices include offering prayers, performing aarti, and making offerings. Local customs and traditions should be followed.
Q8: What should I know before visiting?
Ans: Plan your visit, check the temple timings, and ensure you understand the local customs. Be prepared for possible crowds, especially during the Swam month. It’s also helpful to carry essentials like water and snacks.
Q9: Are accommodations available near the Jyotirlingas?
Ans: Accommodations are usually available near most Jyotirlingas, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious options. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak pilgrimage times.
Q10: Can I visit all 12 Jyotirlingas in one trip?
Ans: Visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas in one trip may be challenging due to their widespread locations across India. Planning a trip based on your location and travel preferences is advisable.
