Shiva is considered to be the supreme father. Shiva temples in India embody the faith and spirituality. People keep visiting these temples not only for the material gains but also for spiritual progress. These temples are believed to carry energy that can transform people’s life. Going there is not a fate but a blessing from lord Shiva.
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12 Jyotirlingas in India: Names and Locations of Lord Shiva’s Sacred Sites
Overview Table:
| Rank | Shiva Temple | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh |
| 2 | Kedarnath | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand |
| 3 | Somnath | Veraval, Gujarat |
| 4 | Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | Amarnath | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir |
| 6 | Lingaraj | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| 7 | Vaidyanathdham | Deoghar, Jharkhand |
| 8 | Trimbakeswar | Nasik, Maharashtra |
| 9 | Ramanathaswamy | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu |
| 10 | Bhimashankar | Bhavagiri, Pune |
1. Mahakaleshawar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh:
The shrine is built on the edge of Rudrasagar Lake and the side of the holy river Shipra. This 5 level structure adorned by many artistic sculptures is one of the highly visited Shiva temples in India. The Jyotirlinga is believed to be self-manifested and called Dakshinamulkhi (facing south). The Lord here is worshipped as the lord of the time. This is the only Jyotirlinga where Bhasm aarti is offered to lord Shiva every day.
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2. Kedarnath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand:
The temple is situated near the Mandakini River at an elevation of about 3583 meters. This is one of the key destinations of the Chardham Yatra and the highest among the 12 jyotirlingas. Originally, the Pandavas built the temple, but then Adi Shankaracharya of the 8th century reconstructed it. In winter, a great snowfall adorns the shrine, captivating the eyes of the visitors.
3. Somnath, Veraval, Gujarat:
It is one of the most sought-after Shiva temples in India and one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The temple is situated at the shore of the Arabian Sea. The structure features Chalukya-style architecture including intricate carvings and silver doors. Here, the Lord Shiva had relieved the deity moon(som) from the curse of Prajapati Daksh.
4. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, UP:
It is also a part of the 12 jyotirlingas. The temple stands on the bank of the holy river Ganga. The lord here represents himself as the father of the Universe. People believe that a visit to this temple followed by a bath in Ganga opens the way for liberation.
5. Amarnath, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir:
This is one of the most visited Shiva temples in India. The shrine is positioned among a mountain cave at an altitude of 3888 meters. During winter, a huge ice linga is formed inside the cave. As per the Puranas, the Lord had revealed the secrete of immortality to Goddess Parvati here.
6. Lingaraj, Bhubaneswar, Odisha:
This temple is famous for its Kalinga-style architecture. Lord Shiva had appeared here by himself in the shape of a “Linga”. Entry to this temple is restricted to the Hindus only. There is also a small sanctum of Goddess towards the northwest corner of the courtyard.
7. Vaidyanathdham, Deoghar, Jharkhand:
Lord Shiva had treated the slashed heads of Ravana here. Hence the name Vaidyanath (lord as doctor). It is also one of the Jyotirlingas and most popular Shiva temples in India. The temple complex also consists of 22 other temples of various deities of different heights.
8. Trimbakeswar, Nasik, Maharashtra:
This jyotirlinga is located among 3 hills and features several water bodies. The present temple was constructed by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. The linga here is 3 faced, symbolizing lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The temple allows only males to the core area.
9. Ramanathaswamy, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu:
This jyotirlinga has the largest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. It is one of the majestic Shiva temples in India due to its grand exteriors and marvellous interior designs. The foundation of the temple was laid by lord Rama before heading for the war with Ravana. It is also a key destination of the Chardham Yatra.
10. Bhimashankar, Bhavagiri, Pune:
It shrine is located 127 km away from Shivaji Nagar in the Ghat region of Sahyadri hills. This temple is a perfect combination of old and new Nagar-style architecture. It represents river Bhima, that flows south-east and merges with river Krishna.it is one of the 12 jyotirlingas as well.
Conclusion:
India is considered the land of spirituality. The temples in India prove it. Whereas the temples of lord shiva are always unique due to their location and vibration. The energy of these areas is contagious. Even a non-devotee can also experience immense peace and rejuvenation at these sacred places.
FAQs:
- Which Shiva temple is known as the lord of time and offers Bhasm aarti daily?
- Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, holds this distinction.
- Where is the highest among the 12 jyotirlingas situated, known for captivating snowfall in winter?
- Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, is the highest among the jyotirlingas.
- Which Shiva temple is situated at the shore of the Arabian Sea and relieves the deity moon from a curse?
- Somnath in Veraval, Gujarat, is known for its seaside location and intricate carvings.
- Where can one find the Kashi Vishwanath temple, believed to open the way for liberation after a Ganga bath?
- Kashi Vishwanath is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Ganga.
- Which Shiva temple in Jammu and Kashmir forms a huge ice linga inside a mountain cave during winter?
- Amarnath, situated in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is famous for the ice linga formed inside the cave.
- Which temple in Bhubaneswar features Kalinga-style architecture and allows entry only to Hindus?
- Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, showcases Kalinga-style architecture and restricts entry to Hindus.
- Where can one find the Vaidyanathdham temple, associated with Lord Shiva treating Ravana’s slashed heads?
- Vaidyanathdham is situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand, and is known for its association with Ravana and Lord Shiva.
- Where is Trimbakeswar temple located, featuring a three-faced linga symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva?
- Trimbakeswar temple is situated in Nasik, Maharashtra, amidst three hills.
- Which temple in Rameswaram has the largest corridor among all Hindu temples in India and is linked to Lord Rama?
- Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, features the largest corridor and is associated with Lord Rama.
- Which temple in Pune represents river Bhima and is known for its blend of old and new Nagar-style architecture?
- Bhimashankar temple in Bhavagiri, Pune, is renowned for its unique architecture and representation of river Bhima.