12 Jyotirlingas in India

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Jyotirlingas, an integral part of Hindu mythology and spirituality, are revered as manifestations of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of destruction and transformation. The term ‘Jyotirlinga’ is derived from ‘Jyoti,’ meaning ‘radiance,’ and ‘linga,’ symbolising the cosmic nature of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures, the origin of Jyotirlingas dates back to the time when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu engaged in a cosmic argument about supremacy. To put an end to their dispute, Lord Shiva appeared as a column of infinite light, thus establishing the concept of Jyotirlingas. These sacred shrines are believed to radiate divine energy and hold immense spiritual significance for devotees. In this article, you will find the 12 Jyotirlinga name and place list. Also, check how to reach them, their locations, temple timings, and tips for visiting these Lord Shiva temples.

List of 12 Jyotirlingas in India you can Explore in 2024

Popular Jyotirlinga in Gujarat
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1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gurjarat

4.0
40,000 reviews
Somnath Jyotirlinga, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, holds immense religious significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Legend has it that the original temple was built by th...
20-May-2024
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2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh

4.0
49,000 Reviews
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, situated atop the Shri Shaila Mountain in Andhra Pradesh, is revered as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of God...
20-May-2024
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3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain

4.0
1,30,000 Reviews
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is revered as one of the most powerful manifestations of Lord Shiva. The temple’s unique feature is its self-manifested lingam, which i...
20-May-2024
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4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

4.0
14,000 Reviews
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, situated on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, is renowned for its picturesque setting and spiritual ambience. The temple is associated with the legend of King Mandh...
20-May-2024
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5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand

4.0
51,000 Reviews
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is revered as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located amidst breathtaking natural beauty, su...
20-May-2024
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6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

4.0
20,000 Reviews
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, nestled amidst the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra, is renowned for its architectural splendour and spiritual significance. The temple is associated with the legend of Lord ...
20-May-2024
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7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Varanasi

4.0
91,000 Reviews
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, situated on the banks of the holy Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is revered as one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is steeped in his...
20-May-2024
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8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

4.0
49,000 Reviews
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, situated in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, is revered as one of the most ancient and sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its unique ar...
20-May-2024
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9. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, Jharkhand

4.0
50,000 Reviews
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is revered as one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of Ravana performing penance to...
20-May-2024
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10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat

4.0
30,000 Reviews
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, situated on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat, is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of a demon name...
20-May-2024
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11. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu

4.0
10,000 Reviews
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, located on the picturesque island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, is revered as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of ...
20-May-2024
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12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

4.0
10,000 Reviews
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, is revered as one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the legend of a devout wo...
20-May-2024

Embarking on a pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas in India is a transformative journey that offers devotees an opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Shiva. Each Jyotirlinga holds a unique significance and is surrounded by captivating legends and myths that inspire awe and reverence. As you embark on this sacred journey, may you find solace, inner peace, and divine blessings in the presence of the mighty Jyotirlingas.

FAQs

Q. Where are the 12 Jyotirlinga in India situated?

A. The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and are distributed across India. Here is the list of the 12 Jyotirlinga name with place in sequence:

  • Somnath in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat.
  • Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Omkareshwar on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Kedarnath in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
  • Bhimashankar in Pune district, Maharashtra.
  • Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Trimbakeshwar near Nashik in Maharashtra.
  • Vaidyanath (Vaijnath) in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
  • Nageshwar (Aundha Nagnath) near Dwarka in Gujarat.
  • Rameshwar (Ramanathaswamy) in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
  • Grishneshwar near Ellora, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.

Q, Which is the first of 12 Jyotirlingas in India?

A. The first of the 12 Jyotirlinga list in India is the Somnath Jyotirlinga. It is situated in the Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat.

Q. What is the secret behind 12 Jyotirlinga temple?

A. The secret behind the 12 Jyotirlingas lies in their symbolic representation of completeness and cosmic order in Hinduism. Each Jyotirlinga is associated with a unique mythological story, showcasing different aspects of Lord Shiva’s divine manifestations. The number 12, resonating with zodiac signs and celestial harmony, emphasizes the unity in diversity of India. Pilgrimage to these sacred sites offers devotees a comprehensive spiritual journey, exploring the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva.

Q. Which Jyotirlinga is most powerful?

A. In Hindu tradition, no specific Jyotirlinga is considered more powerful than others. Each of the 12 Jyotirlingas is equally revered, and devotees visit them for blessings and spiritual connection with the formless aspect of Lord Shiva.

Q. Which Jyotirlinga was destroyed?

A. There is no historical evidence suggesting that any of the 12 Jyotirlingas were destroyed. Legends associated with some Jyotirlingas may involve instances of destruction and reconstruction, but these events are often symbolic rather than historical.

Q. Which Jyotirlinga to visit first?

A. There is no prescribed order for visiting the 12 Jyotirlinga location in Hindu tradition. Devotees can choose any Jyotirlinga to start their pilgrimage based on personal preference or convenience.

Q. Which Jyotirlinga is difficult to reach?

A. Among the 12 Jyotirlinga places, Kedarnath in the Himalayas is often considered challenging to reach due to its high altitude and mountainous terrain, requiring pilgrims to undertake a trek.

Q. Which Jyotirlinga is underground?

A. None of the 12 Jyotirlingas is entirely underground; they are all housed in temple structures above ground.

Q. Can I touch Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?

A. In most temples, including Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, touching the Shivlinga directly is generally not allowed. Devotees usually offer prayers from a respectful distance.

Q. Are all Jyotirlingas in a straight line?

A. No, the 12 Shivling are not in a straight line; they are scattered across different regions of India.

This post was last modified on 20-May-2024

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