India is blessed with some of the most sacred places in the world. There are 12 Jyotirlingas located in different parts of the country, which people believe have the power to cleanse karmic debt and guide you towards spiritual liberation. The Jyotirlingas in India are the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, where he is believed to be present in the form of a strong, self-manifested linga (pillar of light). Each Jyotirlinga, from Kedarnath in the north to Rameshwaram in the south, is not only known for its spiritual powers but is also known for its mesmerising architecture and locations.
12 Jyotirlingas in India
1. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand
Located in Kedarnath village of Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,583 meters, it is one of the most auspicious pilgrimage sites among the four Chota Char Dham Yatra and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The place symbolises the boundless power and mercy of Lord Shiva.
According to a legend in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness after the battle of Kurukshetra. He escaped from them by taking the form of a bull and eventually disappeared into the earth at Kedarnath, leaving behind his hump. You can also visit the Bhairavnath Temple, Vasuki Tal (glacial lake) and Gandhi Sarovar on your visit to Kedarnath Temple. Book hotels in Rishikesh to rest before the long journey.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Uttar Pradesh
Situated on the west banks of the holy Ganga River, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the ancient and historically significant Jyotirlingas in India. The main deity of the temple, Lord Shiva, is known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar (the ruler of the universe). The present temple was constructed in the 18th century by Rani Ahilabai Holkar of Indore. The temple is also known for its architecture and the 800 kg of gold-plated tower.
Additionally, while staying at hotels in Varanasi, you can also visit the nearby tourist attractions like Kashi Vishwanath Gali, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Bharat Mata Temple, Sri Sankata Mochan Hanuman Temple, ISKCON Temple and Kriti Gallery.
Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221001
3. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Jharkhand
Popularly known as Baba Dham, Vaidyanath Temple, located in Deogahr, is known for its healing powers. According to a legend, Lord Shiva appeared as a “Vaidya” (doctor) to cure Ravan and was thus named as Vaidyanath.
According to the mythological legend, during the Treta Yug, Ravan attempted to carry this Jyotirlinga to Lanka, but was deceived by Shiva into putting it on the floor in Deoghar.
The nearby attractions around Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga include Basukinath Temple, Trikuta Hills and Naulakha Mandir. Ranchi is the biggest city that connects to this place. Book hotels in Ranchi for a restful stay before and after the pilgrimage.
Location: Shivganga Muhalla, Deoghar, Jharkhand, 814112.
4. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
Located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar is one of the most distinctive of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, as its lingam is oriented south. The direction linked to death signified Shiva’s character of Mahakaal, the destroyer of time. The temple is most famous for its early morning Bhasma Arti, in which ashes are offered to the deity.
You can stay at budget-friendly hotels in Ujjain near the Mahakal temple, immerse in the spirituality of the place and attend evening artis at Harsiddhi Temple, Ram Ghat. Furthermore, a trip to Mahakaleshwar is not complete until you visit the Kal Bhairav Temple.
Location: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, 456001
5. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar is known to occupy a central position among the 12 Jyotirlinga and is established in the form of the sacred symbol ‘ॐ’. Situated at the banks of the sacred Narmada River on Mandhata Island, the shrine offers a mystical and peaceful atmosphere to seek spiritual blessings. According to legends, Shiva manifested himself here to bless the Devas during a battle with demons. Choose from a range of budget-friendly hotels in Indore to rest well for the pilgrimage.
Mamleshwar Temple, located on the opposite side of the Narmada River, is also a part of the Jyotirlinga, so don’t forget to visit the shrine.
Location: Mandhata, Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh 450554
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Surrounded by Sahyadri Hills in Pune, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located deep in the Bhorgiri village. Situated at the banks of the Bhimarathi River- a tributary of the Krishna River, the temple is one of the spiritually located Jyotirlingas in India. According to a legend, Lord Shiva, in the form of Bhimashankar, killed the demon Tripurasura in this location, and the sweat that spilt from his body created the Bhimarathi River.
The temple is also known for its Nagar-style architecture and serene location. While visiting the temple, you can also explore nearby attractions like Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Hanuman Lake and Gupt Bhimashankar. For convenient travelling, there are numerous hotels in Pune offering private cab facilities to let you explore these places at your own pace.
Location: Bhimashankar, Khed, Maharashtra, 410509.
7. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Located in Trimbak, Nashik district of Maharashtra on the banks of the Godavari River, Trimbakeshwar is one of the unique Jyotirlingas in India. The linga at the temple symbolises the Trimurti- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Due to the continuous ritual of ablutions (abhisheka), the central linga has gradually eroded, signifying the philosophical concept of impermanence.
Another significance of the temple is the Nrayan-Nagbali rituals, which are conducted to counteract ancestral curses.
You can also explore nearby famous places like Brahmagiri Hills, Anjaneri Fort (said to be the birthplace of Hanuman) and Kushavarta Kund (Godavari origin point), while staying at affordable hotels in Nashik.
Location:Trimbak, Maharashtra, 422212.
8. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Popularly known as the “Lord of Compassion”, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The temple is built in the South Indian fashion and attracts not only devotees but also history enthusiasts. According to the legend, there was a devoted woman, Kusuma, who worshipped Lord Shiva here. Her devotion brought her son back to life after he was murdered by her co-wives.
While visiting the shrine, you can also visit other famous landmarks like Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara. Also, for a comfortable stay, you will get various budget-friendly hotels in Aurangabad.
Location: Ghrishneshwar Temple Rd, Verul, Maharashtra 431102.
9. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
The oldest shrine among the Jyotirlingas in India, Somnath Jyotirlinga, is located near Veraval, Gujarat. The Moon God (Chandra) is believed to have constructed this temple in gold to worship Lord Shiva as a token of gratitude for curing him of a curse imposed by his father-in-law, Daksha. The temple faced the brunt of various invasions and has been reconstructed multiple times and still stands strong as a symbol of faith, strength and everlasting Shiva bhakti. There are many cities through which you can visit this temple. One of them is Rajkot. There are plenty of great hotels in Rajkot for you to choose from.
The nearby places to visit around the temple are Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth and Somnath Beach.
Location: Somnath Mandir Rd, Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat 362268.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Another Jyotirlinga, located in Gujarat, the Nageshwar Temple, represents the security from evil. The temple is situated near the Arabian Sea and is one of the few temples in which Lord Shiva is present as a giant seated idol. According to a legend, a devotee named Supriya was imprisoned by a demon. Her faith and chanting of Shiva’s name impressed the Lord, who appeared and killed the demon.
The nearby tourist attractions include Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Temple and Gomti Ghat.
Location: Daarukavanam, Goriyali, Gujarat, 361335.
11. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
It is a distinct temple from the rest of the Jyotirlingas, as both Shiva and Parvati are worshipped here. According to legend, when Lord Kartikeya, in rage, proceeded to Krauncha Mountain, Lord Shiva and Parvati pursued him and stayed there in the form of Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Parvati). The nearest city is Hyderabad. If you are planning to stop here, you will find plenty of hotels in Hyderabad for a comfortable stay.
The nearby attractions include Srisailam Dam, Akkamahadevi Caves and Pathala Ganga.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, 528101.
12. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
The southernmost Jyotirlinga in India, Rameshwar Temple, is one of the significant shrines for devotees worshipping Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The temple is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and contains the longest corridor in any Hindu temple. It is said that Lord Ram worshipped Shiva here in order to purify himself after killing Ravan.
You can also explore nearby religious places like Dhanushkodi, Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple and Agni Tirtham.
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, 623526.
Thus, each of these Jyotrilingas in India represents the divine energies, cultural heritage, and mythological stories. So whether you are seeking spiritual knowledge or natural bliss, you must visit these places at least once in your lifetime.
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