The Jyotirlingas are sacred representations of Lord Shiva. Jyotirlinga or Jyotirling or Jyotirlingam is a Sanskrit word where Lord Shiva is worshipped, in the form of Jyotirlingam. The term “Jyotirlinga” is derived from two words: “Jyoti,” meaning “radiance” or “light,” and “Linga,” representing the iconic symbol of Lord Shiva in the form of a cylindrical structure or phallus. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Every year, thousands of people go on Jyotirlingas visit and devote themselves to Lord Shiva. Jyotirlingas hold immense religious significance in Hinduism.
According to Hindu mythology, these twelve Jyotirlingas are spread around India and each temple or Jyotirling represents a different divine energy and unique manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is believed that they all are self-manifested and emerge naturally. Jyotirlingas is considered highly auspicious and is believed to confer blessings, spiritual merit, and liberation (moksha) to devotees.
The twelve Jyotirlingas and their respective locations are as follows:
- Somnath Jyotirlinga – Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Mandhata Island, Madhya Pradesh
- Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Pune, Maharashtra
- Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Nashik, Maharashtra
- Baidyanath Jyotirlinga – Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Dwarka, Gujarat
- Rameshwar Jyotirlinga – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Ellora, Maharashtra
12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India:-
1. Somnath JyotirlingaÂ
Somnath Jyotirlinga is located in the vibrant city of Gujarat named Prabhas Patan near Veraval. It is one of twelve sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Somnath Jyotirlinga is Somnath temple where the jyotirlinga is enshrined. It holds immense religious significance in Hinduism and is believed to be the first among the Jyotirlingas. This temple has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to natural calamities. This temple is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It has a magnificent architectural marvel adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and ornate decorations. Somnath Jyotirlinga is must must-visit pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva whether is on Jyotirlinga yatra or not.
- Open Timing: Somnath Temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. However, the aarti and specific rituals vary and you can check on the official website.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is also known as Srisailam temple. Because it is situated in the town of Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is enshrined in the Mallikarjuna Temple. The temple is situated on the banks of the Krishna River amidst the lush Nallamala forests. Moreover, the temple also has the Bhramaramba Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, making it a revered pilgrimage destination for Shaivism and Shaktism devotees. Several visitors came here to seek blessings, perform rituals, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Open Timing: Mallikarjuna Temple is usually open from 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM and from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for darshan. Special poojas and rituals are conducted at designated times which you can check on the website.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that it is one of the most powerful manifestations of Lord Shiva’s divine energy. Mahakaleshwar Temple is enshrined with the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. This temple is situated at the banks of the holy Rudra Sagar Lake. The Temple also reflects the rich cultural heritage of Ujjain. The temple is known for its unique lingam, which is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested). Mahakaleshwar temple is world famous because of its unique Bhasma Aarti where aarti is done with the sacred ash.Â
- Open Timings: Mahakaleshwar temple is open at 4:00 AM and 11:00 PM. For Bhasma Aarti, you have to check the website and pre-book for a slot to attend it.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the”Om” shaped islands on the Narmada River. Yes, OM is a symbol of Lord Shiva and holds significance in Hinduism. Omkareshwar Temple has enshrined Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. It is a beautiful and complex temple that comprises several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. It is also a unique lingam, which is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested)
- Opening Time:Â Omkareshwar Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Visitors can visit the temple for prayer during the opening time.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. It is situated at an altitude of over 11,000 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. It is a sacred shrine or temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedarnath is a sacred place which is important in Char Dham Yatra and Jyotilingas Yatra. It is believed that it was built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Visits need to be tracked to the Temple.
- Open Timing: Kedarnath temple is open for 6 months only from April/May to November. Thtimeng to open is 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, is situated in the Sahyadri range near Pune, Maharashtra. It is also jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva vanquished the demon Bhima, hence the name. This temple gives scenic views with lush greenery.Â
- Open Timing: Bhimashankar temple is open from 4:30 AM with the morning aarti and closes by 9:30 PM after the evening rituals. For more, you can visit the official website.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is a temple situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the abode of Vishwanath, the ruler of the universe. It is also known as the “GoldeTemplele” because it is a resplendent gold-plated dome. One who visits Varanasi must visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Open Timing: Kashi Vishwanath temple is open for all from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Trimbakeshwar Temple is situated near Nashik in Maharashtra. This temple is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is located at the source of the Godavari River and is known for its unique lingam representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is one of the unique temples to represent these three powerful gods. It is an ancient temple that holds unique architecture.
- Open timings: Trimbakeshwar Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The time varies according to festivals or special occasions.
9. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga
Baidyanath Temple, also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, is situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It is revered as one of the Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is associated with the legend of Ravana offering his ten heads as penance. During the month of Shravan, millions of devotees come here for the “Sharavani Mela” to offer blessings.Â
- Open Timing: Baidyanath temple is open for all from 4:00 Am to 9:0 PM. Visitors can enjoy Mangal Arrti in the morning and Shrinagar Aarti in the night.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Dwarka in Gujarat. Nageshwar temple is revered as one of the Dwadasha Jyotirlingas (twelve Jyotirlingas). It is believed to be the abode of Nageshwar, the lord of the cosmic serpent. It is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations for devotees of Lord Shiva. This temple symbolises the Nageshwar which means “Lord of snakes”.
- Open Timing: Nageshwar temple is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM for all visitors.
11. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is a Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also a pilgrimage site which is part of Char Dham Yatra. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana. Several devotees came here to worship lord shiva and wash their sins.
- Open Timing: Ramanathaswamy Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga or Grishneshwar Temple is located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is one of the ancient temples in India. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the smallest Jyotirlinga of all. It is also the last and end of Jyotirlinga yatra. After the visit, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, your Jyotirlinga will be ends
- Open Timing: Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is open from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. During the month of Shravan, timing varies. Temple will open at 3:00 AM. Visit the official visit once you visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.