According to the Shiva Purana, once, Lord Brahma (the creator) and Lord Vishnu (the preserver) got into a fierce argument about who was the supreme deity of the universe. As their debate escalated, Lord Shiva manifested before them in the form of a massive pillar of light (called a Jyotirlinga), with no beginning or end. To end the dispute, Shiva challenged Brahma and Vishnu to find either the top or the bottom of the glowing pillar. Vishnu took the form of a boar and dug deep to find the base, while Brahma turned into a swan and flew upwards to locate the top.
After a long search, Vishnu accepted his defeat honestly, acknowledging that he couldn’t find the end of the pillar. However, Brahma lied, claiming that he had found the top with the help of a Ketaki flower. Enraged by this falsehood, Lord Shiva cursed Brahma, saying that he would not be worshipped in temples on Earth, and declared that the Ketaki flower would no longer be used in Shiva’s offerings. This event marked the beginning of the Jyotirlinga, with Shiva’s divine energy spreading across 12 sacred places in India, each representing a unique aspect of his power and energy. These places became known as the 12 Jyotirlingas, and each one has its own sacred story, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees. The <a href=”https://indiantempletravel.in/annamalaiyar-temple-tiruvannamalai-travel-guide/”>Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai is believed to be the place where this column of light cooled into a solid form, becoming the first Jyotirlinga, although it’s not one of the traditionally listed 12 Jyotirlingas. For travel guide information about Arunachaleswara Temple Click here.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Somnath is the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is located in Saurashtra, Gujarat. According to legend, Som, the moon god, once felt guilty about his diminishing glow and worshipped Lord Shiva to regain his radiance. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga at Prabhas Patan, near the Arabian Sea. The temple has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by invaders, and it is considered one of the most sacred and ancient temples in India. The Somnath Temple symbolizes the victory of faith over adversity, attracting millions of pilgrims each year.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh)
The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located on the Srisailam hill in Andhra Pradesh, where Lord Shiva resides with his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Bhramaramba). According to legend, after the marriage of their sons, Lord Shiva and Parvati chose to remain at Srisailam in the form of a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Jyotirlinga. The temple, perched atop a picturesque hill, is not only a vital Jyotirlinga shrine but also a significant Shakti Peetha, revered by devotees of both Shiva and Shakti. It is renowned for its data-end=”737″ data-is-only-node=””>spiritual ambiance, architectural beauty, and the scenic Nallamala forest that surrounds it, offering a peaceful retreat for pilgrims.
Here is our detail travel guide to <strong>Srisailam from major cities, accommodations, best time to visy –Srisailam Travel Guide
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and is revered as one of the most powerful among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mahakal, the Lord of Time and Death, who is believed to protect his devotees from untimely death and grant them salvation.
According to legend, tart=”513″ data-end=”543″>King Chandrasena of Ujjain was a devout follower of Shiva and prayed for divine protection against invading enemies. In response, Lord Shiva appeared as a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Jyotirlinga, defeating the enemies and blessing the land. The temple, located on the banks of the sacred Shipra River, is especially famous for its daily Bhasma Aarti, a unique and ancient ritual performed using sacred ash, drawing thousands of devotees every day.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh)
The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located on an island in the Narmada River, in Madhya Pradesh. The island is uniquely shaped like the sacred syllable ‘Om’, symbolizing the supreme cosmic reality in Hindu philosophy.
According to legend, King Mandhata, a devout ruler from the Ikshvaku dynasty, sought to rid himself of misfortune. He performed intense penance and worshipped Lord Shiva at this very site. Pleased with his unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar, blessing the king and making the island a divine abode. The Omkareshwar Temple is not only a prominent Jyotirlinga shrine, but also admired for its stunning architecture, peaceful river setting, and spiritual energy, making it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and seekers alike.
Omkareswar
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Kedarnath, Uttarakhand)
The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, located high in the Himalayas, is one of the most sacred of the twelve Jyotirlingas and forms a vital part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. According to legend, after the Pandavas defeated the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, they sought forgiveness from d=”494″>Lord Shiva for the sins committed during the war. Shiva, evading them, disguised himself as a bull and tried to hide. When the Pandavas discovered him, he submerged himself into the earth, leaving behind his hump at Kedarnath. This divine event marks the origin of the Jyotirlinga at this site. The Kedarnath Temple, standing at an altitude of over 3,500 meters, is a majestic spiritual destination that attracts thousands of pilgrims, especially during the summer months when the temple is accessible.
6. Bhimasankar Jyotirlinga (Pune, Maharashtra)
The Bhimasankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashtra, surrounded by lush forests and scenic landscapes. It is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and holds great religious and ecological significance.
According to legend, Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna (Ravana’s brother), performed severe penance to defeat Lord Shiva. In response to his arrogance, Shiva appeared in a fierce form and vanquished him, manifesting as the Bhimasankar Jyotirlinga at the very spot.
d=”893″>The temple is a revered destination for pilgrims and nature lovers alike, offering a tranquil atmosphere amidst dense woods. It is also the origin point of the Bhima River, making it both a spiritual and geographical marvel.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi, often considered the spiritual capital of India, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds deep significance in Hinduism.
According to legend, Lord Shiva chose to reside in Varanasi in the form of the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, making it one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites. Devotees believe that those who visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and worship the Jyotirlinga are blessed with liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. Its rich history, spiritual aura, and the presence of the Ganga make it a timeless center of devotion and a symbol of divine presence on Earth.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Trimbak, Maharashtra)
The Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Trimbak, near Nashik in Maharashtra, and is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds immense spiritual significance, especially because it is situated near the source of the holy Godavari River.
start=”383″ data-end=”637″>According to legend, Lord Shiva manifested here with three faces, representing the Hindu trinity—Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. This rare form of the lingam makes the Trimbakeshwar Temple unique among all Jyotirlingas.
The temple is also closely associated with the Nashik Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years. Its architectural beauty and divine ambiance draw devotees and spiritual seekers from all over India.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Deoghar, Jharkhand/ Bihar)
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is located in Deoghar, which lies on the border of Bihar and Jharkhand. It is renowned for its spiritual significance and healing powers, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year.
According to legend, Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, prayed to Lord Shiva to obtain the Atma Linga. However, he was tricked by Lord Vishnu, who caused the Linga to fall to Earth. The Linga is believed to have landed in Deoghar, and Shiva manifested in this form to grant protection and divine grace to his devotees.
The Vaidyanath Temple has earned its reputation as a center for healing, with devotees visiting it to seek relief from various ailments. It remains one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India, with both its religious and healing properties drawing people from all over.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Dwarka, Gujarat)
The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, located near Dwarka in Gujarat, holds immense religious significance as it is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva manifested himself to defeat the demoness Daruka, who had been terrorizing the region.
According to legend, Daruka</strong> had imprisoned Lord Shiva’s devotees, and in response, Shiva appeared as the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga to rescue them and destroy the demoness. This act of divine intervention made the site sacred and a major pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva.
ta-end=”936″>The Nageshwar Temple is not only famous for its historical and mythological importance but also for its stunning architecture and the ancient traditions of worship that have been followed for centuries. It continues to attract thousands of pilgrims each year who come to seek blessings and to experience its serene spiritual environment.
=”Nageshwar Jyotirling” />11. Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu)
The Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga is located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and holds a special place in Hindu mythology. It is one of the most revered temples among the twelve Jyotirlingas, attracting millions of devotees annually.
According to the Ramayana, after Lord Rama defeated Ravana, he built a bridge to Lanka and worshipped Lord Shiva at Rameswaram to atone for the sin of killing a Brahmin (Ravana). This story of repentance and devotion is central to the significance of the Ramanathaswamy temple.
The temple is renowned for its grand architecture, sacred rituals, and the divine energy that permeates the location. As one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, it plays a crucial role in the spiritual and religious life of countless devotees.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Ellora, Maharashtra)
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located near the famous Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, an area known for its historical and cultural significance. The temple holds great importance among the twelve Jyotirlingas and is a revered site for devotees.
The legend behind this Jyotirlinga tells the story of a poor woman named Sudikshina, who showed unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. Pleased with her sincerity and faith, Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga and granted her blessings. This story symbolizes the power of devotion and faith, irrespective of one’s material wealth.
The Grishneshwar Temple</strong> is not only a sacred site but also an architectural marvel. Its intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures attract tourists and pilgrims alike, making it a unique blend of spirituality and art.
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