India is a land of spiritual light, and among its most revered manifestations are the Dwadasha Jyotirlingas – the twelve radiant shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. These Jyotirlingas are not just temples but timeless centres of divine energy, faith, and eternal light (Jyoti). They are believed to have appeared from the boundless pillar of light – a manifestation of Shiva himself – as described in various ancient scriptures.
Let’s embark on a sacred journey to discover these twelve powerful abodes, their origins in the Puranas, Sanskrit verses, significance, locations, best visiting times, and how to reach them.
Historical and Scriptural Significance
The mention of Jyotirlingas can be found in the Shiva Purana, particularly in the Kotirudra Samhita. It narrates that when Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma disputed about supremacy, Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of light – Jyotirlinga. It was then declared that wherever this light touches the earth, it becomes a sacred site of Shiva’s Jyotirlinga.
There are twelve such places where Shiva is worshipped in his most powerful linga form.
द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्रम्
Sanskrit Text with Transliteration:
- सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् ।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालम् ओंकारममलेश्वरम् ॥
Saurāṣṭre Somanāthaṁ cha Śrīśaile Mallikārjunam |
Ujjayinyāṁ Mahākālaṁ Omkāraṁ Amalēśvaram ||
- परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम् ।
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने ॥
Paralyāṁ Vaidyanāthaṁ cha Ḍākinyāṁ Bhīmaśaṅkaram |
Setubandhe tu Rāmeśaṁ Nāgeśaṁ Dārukāvane ||
- वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे ।
हिमालये तु केदारं घृष्णेशं च शिवालये ॥
Vārāṇasyāṁ tu Viśveśaṁ Tryambakaṁ Gautamītaṭe |
Himālaye tu Kēdāraṁ Ghṛṣṇeśaṁ cha Śivālaye ||
- एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः ।
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति ॥
Etāni Jyotirliṅgāni sāyaṁ prātaḥ paṭhēnnaraḥ |
Saptajanmakṛtaṁ pāpaṁ smaraṇēna vinaśyati ||
List of 12 Jyotirlingas of India
Each Jyotirlinga is uniquely significant and connected with a local legend of Lord Shiva.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
- Importance: The first among the twelve Jyotirlingas; known as the eternal shrine.
- Scripture Mention: Rebuilt several times after invasions; stands as a symbol of resilience.
- Sanskrit Name: Prathame Saurashtre Somanatham
- Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat
- Nearest City: Veraval (6 km), Junagadh (85 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
- Importance: Located on Srisailam, it’s also a Shakti Peetha.
- Scripture Mention: Shiva and Parvati stayed here for their son Kartikeya.
- Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Nearest City: Hyderabad (215 km), Kurnool (180 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
- Importance: Only Dakshinamukhi (south-facing) Jyotirlinga.
- Scripture Mention: Protects the devotees from untimely death (Mahakaal).
- Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Nearest City: Indore (55 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
- Importance: Situated on an island shaped like ‘Om’ in the Narmada.
- Scripture Mention: King Mandhata’s penance led Shiva to appear here.
- Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
- Nearest City: Indore (77 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
- Importance: Among the holiest pilgrimage sites; part of Char Dham.
- Scripture Mention: Built by Pandavas to seek forgiveness after Kurukshetra war.
- Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Nearest Town: Gaurikund (16 km trek), Rishikesh (220 km)
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (closed in winters)
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
- Importance: Associated with the demon Tripurasura’s slaying.
- Scripture Mention: Forests here are also part of rich wildlife sanctuaries.
- Location: Pune District, Maharashtra
- Nearest City: Pune (110 km)
- Best Time to Visit: September to February
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
- Importance: Most venerated Shiva temple, located in the spiritual capital.
- Scripture Mention: One who dies here attains moksha directly by Shiva’s grace.
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Nearest City: Varanasi (within the city)
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
- Importance: Source of the sacred Godavari River.
- Scripture Mention: Unique linga with three faces – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
- Location: Trimbak, Nashik, Maharashtra
- Nearest City: Nashik (30 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
- Importance: Also called Baba Baidyanath Dham; healing powers believed.
- Scripture Mention: Ravana offered his heads here to gain Shiva’s blessings.
- Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Nearest City: Jasidih (7 km), Patna (281 km)
- Best Time to Visit: July (Shravan Mela), October to March
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
- Importance: Known to protect devotees from poison and evil forces.
- Scripture Mention: Demon Daruka was defeated here by Shiva.
- Location: Darukavan, near Dwarka, Gujarat
- Nearest City: Dwarka (17 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
- Importance: Linked with Ramayana; where Lord Rama worshipped Shiva.
- Scripture Mention: A confluence of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
- Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
- Nearest City: Madurai (170 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
- Importance: Last Jyotirlinga in the list; closely located near Ellora Caves.
- Scripture Mention: Appeared for a devout woman Kusuma.
- Location: Ellora, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Nearest City: Aurangabad (30 km)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Best Time for a Jyotirlinga Yatra
While each shrine can be visited year-round, October to March is ideal for most due to pleasant weather. The Shravan month (July-August) is considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva devotees. Mahashivratri and Karthik Purnima are also key pilgrimage dates.
Spiritual Essence and Pilgrimage Importance
Pilgrimage to all 12 Jyotirlingas is believed to:
- Liberate one from the cycle of rebirth.
- Fulfill wishes and cleanse sins.
- Offer immense spiritual merit (punya).
Key Points for Pilgrims
- Carry valid ID proofs, cash, and local guides if needed.
- Follow temple dress codes and timings.
Avoid monsoon season for hilly terrains like Kedarnath and Bhimashankar.