12 Jyotirlingas of India: Names, Locations & Guide | DevMarg

The twelve Jyotirlingas represent the most revered pilgrimage circuit for devotees of Lord Shiva. According to the Shiva Purana, these are twelve sites across India where Shiva manifested as a "jyoti stambha" - an endless column of radiant light that pierced through the earth and sky, demonstrating his supremacy as the formless, infinite reality. Each Jyotirlinga has its own unique legend, architectural heritage, and spiritual atmosphere. Millions of devotees undertake the sacred journey to visit all twelve Jyotirlingas, believing that such a pilgrimage purifies all sins and bestows the blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual liberation.

The Legend of the Jyotirlingas

According to the Shiva Purana, once Brahma and Vishnu began arguing about who was supreme. To settle the dispute, Shiva manifested as an immense column of fire (jyoti) that had no beginning or end. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upward to find the top, while Vishnu became a boar and dug downward to find the base. Neither could find the limits of this infinite light. Vishnu humbly admitted his inability, while Brahma falsely claimed he had found the top. Shiva revealed himself and declared that wherever this column of light touched the earth, it would be a sacred site - these became the twelve Jyotirlingas.

The 12 Jyotirlingas: Names and Locations

Somnath in Gujarat's Veraval is the first Jyotirlinga, standing proudly on the Arabian Sea coast. Mallikarjuna sits atop Srisailam hill in Andhra Pradesh. Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its Bhasma Aarti. Omkareshwar is on an island in the Narmada River. Kedarnath stands at 11,755 feet in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Bhimashankar is nestled in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra. Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi is among the most visited temples in India. Trimbakeshwar near Nashik is where the Godavari River originates. Vaidyanath is in Jharkhand's Deoghar. Nageshwar is near Dwarka in Gujarat. Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu was established by Lord Rama himself. Grishneshwar near Ellora in Maharashtra completes the sacred twelve.

1. Somnath - Veraval, Gujarat

2. Mallikarjuna - Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

3. Mahakaleshwar - Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

4. Omkareshwar - Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh

5. Kedarnath - Uttarakhand (Himalayas)

6. Bhimashankar - Pune, Maharashtra

7. Kashi Vishwanath - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

8. Trimbakeshwar - Nashik, Maharashtra

9. Vaidyanath - Deoghar, Jharkhand

10. Nageshwar - Dwarka, Gujarat

11. Rameshwaram - Tamil Nadu

12. Grishneshwar - Ellora, Maharashtra

Most Popular Jyotirlingas to Visit

While all twelve Jyotirlingas hold equal spiritual significance, some are particularly popular. Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi draws millions annually - the recent corridor renovation has transformed the pilgrimage experience. Somnath's magnificent coastal temple, rebuilt after multiple destructions, stands as a symbol of Hindu resilience. Kedarnath, accessible only by trek or helicopter, offers a deeply moving Himalayan pilgrimage experience. Mahakaleshwar's unique Bhasma Aarti, performed with sacred ash at 4 AM, is considered one of the most powerful rituals in India. Rameshwaram, connected to the legend of Lord Rama, holds special importance for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

Planning Your Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage

Visiting all twelve Jyotirlingas requires careful planning as they are spread across India. Most pilgrims complete the circuit over several trips rather than one continuous journey. The best approach is to group geographically close Jyotirlingas: the Maharashtra cluster (Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar), the Gujarat pair (Somnath, Nageshwar), and the Madhya Pradesh duo (Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar). Kedarnath is only accessible from May to November. Carry appropriate clothing for varying climates. Book accommodation well in advance during peak seasons and festivals, especially Maha Shivaratri when temple crowds multiply significantly.

Group nearby Jyotirlingas for efficient travel

Kedarnath open May-November only

Visit during Maha Shivaratri for special rituals

Book accommodation early in peak season

Carry weather-appropriate clothing

Allow 1-2 days per Jyotirlinga for full experience

Spiritual Significance and Benefits

Hindu scriptures describe enormous spiritual merit from visiting the Jyotirlingas. Even chanting the names of all twelve in the morning is said to wash away sins accumulated over seven lifetimes. The Shiva Purana states that visiting each Jyotirlinga with sincere devotion brings specific blessings - Somnath grants freedom from disease, Mahakaleshwar conquers the fear of death, and Kedarnath accelerates spiritual liberation. The complete circuit purifies the devotee at the deepest level, removing karmic obstacles and opening the path to moksha. Many devotees report transformative spiritual experiences during their Jyotirlinga pilgrimages.

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12 Jyotirlingas: Complete Guide