Jyotirlinga in India: Illuminating the Path to Shiva’s 12 Sacred Abodes in India

Exploring the cosmic nexus of the 12 Shiv jyotirlinga is believed to be one of the most important things to do in Hinduism. Each one of these jyotirlinga in India is strategically placed, spread across the country and represents the omnipresence and spiritual universality of Shiva. It is said that “Shiva is anywhere and everywhere. Within you…within me…and in every atom that has graced the planet”. 

A Shiv Jyotirling is the devotional representation of Lord Shiva. It is considered to be sacred and holy, a form in which his meditative energy and consciousness exist. Many devotees of Lord Shiva visit these 12 traditional Jyotirlinga shrines in India to pray to the Lord and offer obeisance.

These shrines are nothing but manifestations of Lord Shiva and are worshipped in the form of Jyotirlingam or the phallus symbol of the deity. Originally there are 64 Jyotirlingas across the country, but the 12 in this jyotirlinga list are considered holy and auspicious. Hop on this spiritual tour as we take you on a journey to see each of the 12 stunning jyotirlingas in India.

We suggest that you get a pen and paper, note down the 12 jyotirlinga names with the place and see which of these you can cover in one go and plan your itinerary accordingly. 

Read on! 

You Will Definitely Enjoy Reading About EXPERIENCE THE PILGRIMAGE OF A LIFETIME ON THIS CHAR DHAM YATRA!

12 Jyotirlinga name list with place: Know their significance

Jyotirlinga in India – North

1. Kashi Vishwanath

The Kashi Viswanath temple is called the Golden Temple of Varanasi and is situated on the banks of the river Ganga.

It is famous for housing one of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India. Legend has it that Varanasi was the first place where the Shiv Jyotiling first manifested. It is also believed that Lord Shiva actually resided here. This is the reason why people wish to die in this holy place, where the Lord himself dwelt once, and attain liberation. Some say, “You directly reach the divine embrace of the Lord”. 

Varanasi, apart from having the best temples in India, is also famous for its rich history. Therefore, apart from going to temples, you can indulge in exploring the historically significant places in the region. Most importantly, do not miss out on exploring the ghats where you can interact with locals and know stories and tales that will make your eyes wide and leave your jaws dropped. Also known as the city of the dead, Varanasi can show you a glimpse of the other world.  

• Location: Varanasi

• Temple opening hours: Daily 2.30 am to 11 pm
• Places to visit : Hotels near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi

Also Read: GHATS OF VARANASI: A VISUAL SYMPHONY OF RELIGIOUS HYMNS AND RHYTHMIC WATERS

Book a hotel in Varanasi and worship the Lord, the giver of liberation!

2. Kedarnath

This sacred temple is situated at the feet of the mountain named Kedar. According to legends, impressed by the penance of Nara and Narayana, the incarnations of Lord Shiva and Vishnu took the form of a Jyotirlinga and made Kedarnath their permanent abode. 

The Jyotirlinga at the Kedarnath temple is open for only six months of the year and during this time, many devotees climb up the mountains to reach the sacred site as they believe that praying here fulfils all their desires and needs. People also visit Yamunotri and Gangotri before heading to Kedarnath and bring the holy river water to offer in this temple. 

• Location: Uttarakhand
• Temple opening hours: Daily 4 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm
• Places to visit : Hotels near Kedarnath Uttarakhand

 Jyotirlinga in India – South

1. Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is the first in the South India Jyotirlinga list. The southernmost Jyotirlinga in India is present off the Sethu coast. This temple is considered as sacred as that of the Jyotirlinga in Varanasi and is also known to be closely associated with the epic Ramayana. Lord Ram on his way to Sri Lanka had stopped in Rameshwaram to worship this south Jyotirlinga to seek his blessings and then went to Sri Lanka to slay Ravana and safely return with Sita.

The south Jyotirlinga temple is renowned for its intricate architecture in the form of embellished corridors, towers and 36 theerthams. It is often visited by those who embark on the Char Dhams of India. While making your 12 Jyotirlinga name list with the place, keep this on top priority because the atmosphere here feels like you’ve stepped right into the heart of heaven.

• Location: Rameshwaram
• Temple opening hours: Daily 5 am to 1 pm & 3 pm to 6 pm

While you are in Rameshwaram, also explore the other beautiful temples and pilgrimage shrines in the region. You can know about them from here: THE TOP 6 TEMPLES IN RAMESHWARAM

2. Mallikarjuna

This Jyotirlinga is located on the banks of the Krishna River, on the lap of Shree Shaila Mountain in Andhra Pradesh. This abode of the south India Jyotirlinga is known as the “Kailash of the South”, and the main deities of this temple are Lord Mallikarjun (Shiva) and Goddess Bhramaramba. The Mallikarjuna is a praiseworthy Shiva temple in South India because of its amazing structure and divine ambience.

The temple houses one of the twelve Jyotirlinga in India and is also one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of Sati, so it has many tourists visiting regularly. Love hill stations? Then you must add Sri Mallikarjuna-Brahmaramba temple in Srisailam to your 12 jyotirlinga name list with place. 

• Temple opening hours: Daily 4.30 am to 10 pm

Jyotirlinga in India – West

1. Nageshwar

Next on the Jyotirlinga list is the famous Nageshwar temple. The Jyotirlinga at the Nageshwar Temple is significant because devotees believe that it protects man from poison and danger. The temple is located on the coast of Sourashtra in Gujarat.

Many visit the temple to offer prayers because they believe that doing so saves them from all evil in the world and also protects them from any form of poison. This divine shrine had Lord Shiva’s form when he drank the poison to protect mankind during the Samudra Manthana. Other highlights of the temple are the large statue of Lord Shiva and lush gardens.

• Location: Daarukavanam
• Temple opening hours: Daily 5 am to 9 pm

2. Trimbakeshwar

According to scripture, Gautam Rishi and the Godavari river pleaded with Lord Shiva to make Trimbakeshwar his home and hence Shiva appeared in the form of Trimbakeshwar to make this holy temple his abode.

Among the 12 jyotirlinga name with place that we mentioned, the Shiv linga here has a different shape. There is no shrine at the temple, but there is a void with three pillars representing the Gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. 

• Location: Nashik
• Temple opening hours: Daily 5.30 am to 9 pm
• Places to Visit : Hotels near Trimbakeshwar Nashik

Book a perfect stay at hotels in Nashik and visit this famous Jyotirlinga.

3. Bhimashankar

This temple was built by Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna. The temple has a lot of history behind it and is a famous pilgrimage site. Visit the temple to check out the stone facade of the building covered in Nagara architectural patterns and to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The famous Kamalaja temple is also located close by. After exploring this Jyotirlinga in India, pay a visit to Kamalaja temple. Doing so is believed to be fulfilling and more auspicious. 

• Location: Pune
• Temple opening hours: Daily: 4.30 am to 12 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm.
• Places to visit : Hotels near Bhimashankar Pune

4. Grishneshwar

This temple is constructed in true Shikhara architectural side out of the red rock. It is famous for housing one of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India.

At the temple, you can also spot a Nandi bull and carvings of different Indian Gods and Goddesses. You will be amazed by the sheer excellence with which our ancestors have sculpted the figure, true to their description in the mythologies. The highlight of this temple is Vishnu’s Dashavatar, which is carved entirely of red rock.

• Location: Aurangabad
• Temple opening hours: Daily: 5.30 am to 9.30 pm

Book a hotels in Aurangabad for a quality stay!

5. Somnath

The Jyotirlinga at Somnath has an interesting story, it all begins with love. The love between the moon and Rohini, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati. 

They both had a lot of trouble in their relationship, but it was Lord Shiva who appeared as Somnath and saved their union. Since then Shiva is believed to have made Somnath Temple his home after he appeared as a fiery column of light. This Jyotirlinga in India signifies love, togetherness and the bond of relationships beyond the materialistic norms. While you make your 12 jyotirlinga name list with place, know that couples who come here together can resolve their marital problems and the ones who are looking forward to marriage unions will be blessed with a merry life. 

• Location: Gir Somnath
• Temple opening hours: Daily: 6 am to 9 pm

Jyotirlingas in India – East

1. Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar is where Lord Shiva appeared to defeat the Danavas who came to fight the Devas. Located on the banks of the river Narmada, the temple is located on an island that is believed to be rooted in mythology and Hindu culture. Visit this holy temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and explore the temple.

• Location: Khandwa
• Temple opening hours: Daily: 5 am to 10 pm

2. Mahakaleshwar

The Mahakaleshwar houses one of the most popular Jyotirlinga in India. There are many legends behind how the Jyotirlinga came into being at this temple.

One of them is about a boy who kept worshipping a stone, pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva came down as a Jyotirlinga and settled in the town. The Mahakaleshwar is also popular for being one of the seven “Mukti-Sthal” in India – a must-add to your Jyotirlinga list. 

• Location: Ujjain
• Temple opening hours: Daily: 4 am to 11 pm
• Places to visit : Hotels near Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain

You can now book hotels in Ujjain for a comfortable stay!

3. Vaidyanath

This temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of Sati. It is also one of the highly worshipped Jyotirlinga shrines in India. According to the legend, Ravana prayed sincerely to Lord Shiva to make Sri Lanka invincible. In return, Lord Shiva granted one Jyotirlinga to the Lanka King and asked him to safely carry it without placing it on the ground.

Unfortunately, Ravana was forced to place the Jyotirlinga on the ground and it got rooted. As penance, Ravana cut his 9 heads and offered them to Shiva, who in turn fixed them back to his body like a vaidya or doctor, hence the name Vaidhyanath to this Jyotirlinga. Devotees believe that coming to the temple helps them get rid of misery and suffering. For a unique experience, visit during the Shravan month.

• Location: Ujjain
• Temple opening hours: Daily: 4 am to 3.30 pm

The 12 Jyotirlinga in India are a must-visit for anyone interested in religion and culture. Visiting all of them gives you immense peace and joy. 

If you are keen to explore the nearby places and are looking for suggestions on what to see and do, we can help with suggestions, send us your queries in the comments below and we will get back to you with a reply. Jai Bholenath!