“Jyoti” means ‘radiance’ or ‘light,’ and “Linga,” the iconic symbol of Lord Shiva, Jyotirlinga means ‘radiant linga’ or ‘self-illuminating pillar’. Lord Shiva was one of the supreme deities in Hinduism and the 12 Jyotirlinga temples are considered spiritually potent and centers of devotion, meditation, and spiritual awakening. There is a complete legend behind these temples and they were originally 64 in number. These temples are scattered all over India illustrating Lord Shiva’s divine presence.
One of the major beliefs that the pilgrims have about these temples is that they can attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death by visiting these temples.
12 jyotirlinga temples
- Somnath, Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
- Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
- Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
- Vaidyanath, Jharkhand
- Nageshwar, Gujarat
- Rameshwar, Tamil Nadu
- Grishneshwar, Maharashtra
Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Primal Shrine of Lord Shiva
This a vibrant and cheerful temple located in Prabhas Patan near the Veraval port. This temple has great spiritual importance and literary mentions. This temple is supposed to be built and then rebuilt multiple times. Dwadash Jypotirlinga yatra begins with this temple
Mallikarjuna
Uniting Lord Shiva and Parvati
This is a place where Shaktipeeth and Jyotirlinga temples are together. Enclosed by tall walls this temple is an architectural and sculptural masterpiece. It is situated in the mountains and the river Krishna also known as Patal Ganga flows near this temple.
Mahakaleshwar
Shiva: The master of time and eternal regulator
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as the master of time and the eternal regulator. The idol of this is dakshin mukhi (South faced). The most important fact about this temple is the belief that Mahakaal or Lord Shiva dominates the life of people. The temple also possesses the shrines of Ganesh, Parvati, and Kartikey.
Omkareshwar
Lord Shiva’s Omkara
The temple is situated on an island on the banks of the Narmada River. The temple also associates with the cosmic sound of Om {ॐ}, a highly revered symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Kedarnath
Char Dham pilgrimage
This temple is nestled in the midst of snow-covered Himalayas, This beautiful vibrant temple is open for devotees only from April to November. Near this Jyotirlinga temple are many other pilgrimage sites such as Tungnath, Rudranath, and Madhyamaheshwar.
Bhimashankar
Greenery and spirituality
This spiritual wonder is constructed in the Nagara style and possesses some similarities with the Hemadpanthi style which is commonly seen in the Deccan region. A popular legend of Shiva defeating the demon Bhima is associated with this temple. The Temple complex also comprises the Shani Temple.
Kashi Vishwanath
Sacred to Shiva
Out of all Shiva temples, Kashi Vishwanath temple is the holiest of all.Situated in varanasi,on the banks of holy ganga this temple holds religious significance in the hearts of millions of devotees. A major belief among the devotees of this temple is that bath in the river Ganges paves the path for Moksha(spiritual liberation). Mahashivratri festival adds more to this temple so this festival is the best for a visit.
Trimbakeshwar
Scenic beauty and spiritual significance
The temple is situated on the Brahmagiri hills in the Nashik district. Trimbak or Tryambakeshwar stands out from other jyotirlinga temples as it shows 3 faces of lord Shiva Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. River Godavari adds more charm to this spiritual splendor.
Vaidyanath
Lord of Physicians: Shiva
The temple is situated in the Deoghar district of Jharkhand, India. “Vaidyanath” means the Lord of Physicians. One major belief of this temple is that Lord Shiva heals all ailments of his devotees. The temple is surrounded by hills making it the best place for spiritual happiness.
Nageshwar
Lord of Snakes: Shiva
The temple illustrates Lord Shiva as the Lord of Snakes. This pilgrimage site is situated close to the coastal area of the Arabian Sea. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is very significant religious important in Hinduism.
Rameshwar
The central figure of the epic Ramayana
Attracting devotees from far and wide, this Jyotirlinga temple is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The sacred journey to this temple can cleanse your sins and bring spiritual merit. It is a place where Lord Rama offered prayers to Shiva before going to Sri Lanka.
Grishneshwar
Lord of Compassion: Shiva
“Grishneshwar” means Lord of Compassion. The temple is located nearby the city of Elora in the state of Maharashtra. This temple has beautiful and detailed carvings and sculptures denoting the architectural heritage of India.
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