India is the name for its sacred religious and holy sites. Many prominent historical temples of India are the iconic attractions of true spirituality. The 12 Jyotirlingas temples sited in all corners of India are the best showcases of India’s spiritual side. What’s the meaning of Jyotirlingas means, the light of Lord Shiva. Jyoti means ‘Light’ and linga means ‘sign or phallus’.In Shiva Puranam, we can know about the complete history and significance of Jyotirlingas.
In total, there are 64 Jyotirlingas but the 12 Jyotirlingas are prominent and auspicious. Lord Shiva devotees like to complete these 12 Jyotirlingas tours to get blessed by the sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva.
Jyotirlingas in South India:
Let’s have a look at the significant Jyotirlingas located in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
1. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu:
Popularly known as ‘Varanasi of the South’, Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is quite famous for its surrounding beauty and splendid architecture. With this Jyotirlinga there is a great connection with the epic Ramayanam. Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva at this place and won the battle with Ravan. It is the southernmost famous Jyotirlinga in India located on Rameshwaram Island. Here you can witness the Sethu also.
The architecture of the temple is ornated with spectacular long corridors, towers, and 36 Cheetham’s. These are the major attractions of the temple. Nearby Dhanushkodi beach is also a must-visit place at this temple.
Temple Timing: Morning 5 AM to 1 PM and evening 3 PM to 9 PM.
Best time to Visit: October to April is the best time to visit the temple.
How to reach: Via Madurai, we can reach Rameshwaram. Through connected railways and the nearest airport, we can reach Rameshwaram.
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2. Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh:
Perched on the hilltop of Shri Shaila Mountain, Mallikarjuna temple is known as ‘Kailash of the South a well-known Jyotirlingamof South India. It is located in Srisailam. The temple on the banks of the river Krishna with beautiful architecture seems to be very impressive. Temple’s beautiful architectural works such as pillars, sculptures, gopurams, and Mukhamandapa hall are the key attractions.
The temple is home to Lord Shiva and Bhramaramba deities and it is one of the 52 Shaktipeetas of Sati. In South India, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a famous Lord Shiva temple that receives a huge crowd.
Temple Timing: Every day from 4:30 AM to 10 PM. Darshanamtimings are morning6:30 AM to 1 PM and evening 6:30 PM to 9 PM.
Best time to Visit: Winter season is the best time to visit between November to March months.
How to reach: Markapuris the nearest railway station. Through the road, you can reach the temple from Kurichedu, Markapur, and Dornalatown by bus or cab.
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Jyotirlingas in North India:
In North India, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are home to the famous Jyotirlingas of India. Let’s know where they are.
1. Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh:
Golden Temple of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath temple is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga of the 12 and the most sacred destination. Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, the temple is the dearest one to Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva resides here. That’s why this place is very auspicious to Hindu devotees and they believe death at this place offers liberation to our soul.
Temple Timing: Every day morning from 2:30 AM to 11 PM.
Best time to Visit: October to March is an ideal time to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
How to reach: Varanasi is well-connected with the surrounding towns and cities. So through a cab or bus, you can reach the temple. Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport is the nearby airport to Varanasi.
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2. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand:
Located at an altitude of 3853mts high on the Rudra Himalayan Range, Kedarnath is the highest amongst 12 Jyotirlingas. It is one of the sacred destinations of Char Dham yatra. After visiting Gangotri and Yamunotri, devotees visit Kedarnath to offer holy water to Lord Shiva.
But the temple opens to devotees only from May to June. During winters it is remained closed for 6 months. People believe that a visit to this holy place washes out our sins, unhappiness, and illness.
Temple Timing:4 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM.
Best time to Visit: Summer season is the best time to visit between April to June.
How to reach: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station and Jolly Grant is the nearest airport. From Gaurkund, you have to trek to Kedarnath or you can afford dolis. Up to Gaurkund, you will have road access.
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Jyotirlingas in West India:
In West India, the most number of Jyotirlingas are located. If you are in Maharashtra or Gujarat you can cover all these.
1. Somnath, Gujarat:
Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, Somnath is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites. It is located in Gir, Kathiawad district. The story of this Jyotirlinga says that the moon prayed for Lord Shiva to get relief from the curse of Dakshin Prajapati. It is believed that Lord Shiva resided in the temple as a sizzling column of light.
The temple is decorated with the architectural styles of Chalukyas and is a major attraction. A very interesting thing about this temple is it is reconstructed nearly 16 times. Even though it looks stunning. Its‘Joy Somnath’light and sound show is another great attraction.
Temple Timing: Every day 6 AM to 9 PM.
Best time to Visit: October to March is the best time to explore the Somnath temple.
How to reach: Veraval is the nearby railway station and Giris connected to all major cities. So through a cab or bus, you can reach Somnath.
2. Bhimashankar, Maharashtra:
Located on the banks of the river Bhima, Bhimashankaris a famous Jyotirlinga constructed by the son of Kumbhakarna, Bheema. It is believed that the river Bhima is the sweat of Lord Shiva. The major attraction of this temple is its Nagara architectural pattern and built-in black rock structure.
Its surrounding wildlife sanctuary with lush greenery is another important attraction of the temple. People rush to the temple during Maha Shivratri, which is celebrated lavishly.
Temple Timing: Every day 4:30 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM.
Best time to Visit: Winters are the best to visit Bhimashankar between October to March.
How to reach: Through Karjat railway station we can reach Bhimashankar. From the station, we have to hire a cab or bus to reach the temple.
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3. Nageshwar, Gujarat:
In Gujarat, on the coast of Saurashtra, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is quite different from others. This Jyotirlinga is like a savior from evils. People believe that Lord Shiva protects from all types of poison. Why because the story behind this Jyotirlinga says Lord Shiva rescued his devotee Supriya from the demon Daaruka.
Due to this reason, people believe the temple relief from evil. The temple surrounded by the Arabian sea, lush green gardens, and 25mts tall statues of Lord Shiva are the great attractions of this Jyotirlinga.
Temple Timing: Every day 5 AM to 9 PM.
Best time to Visit: October to February is an ideal time to visit the temple.
How to reach: Veraval and Dwarka are the nearby railway stations and Jamnagar airport is the nearby airport to reach. Daarukavanam is well-connected to the surrounding towns so through a cab or bus you can reach it.
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4. Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra:
At the place of origin of Godavari, this holy Jyotirlinga Tribakeshwaris located. History says that the river Godavari and Gautami Rishi prayed to Lord Shiva to reside here. Apart from the other Jyotirlingas, this temple is different in its shape.
It doesn’t consist of any deity but a void with three pillars appears. Each pillar depicts Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Devotees believe that all wishes will come true if pleaded to Lord Shiva at this temple.
Temple Timing: Every day 5: 30 AM to 9 PM.
Best time to Visit: October to March is a favorable time to visit.
How to reach: Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport and the Igatpuri railway stations are available to reach. From Nashik, through the road, you can reach.
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5. Grishneshwar, Maharashtra:
In Aurangabad, Grishneshwaris another fabulous architectural marvel after Ajanta and Ellora caves. The 5-storied red rock impressive Jyotirlinga is a perfect example of Shikhara craftsmanship.
This famous Jyotirlinga was carved out with numerous Gods and Goddesses. Particularly, its huge Nandi Bull and Vishnu’s Dashavatar are the iconic attractions of the temple.
Temple Timing: Every day 5; from 30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Best time to Visit: Winters and monsoons are the best time to visit.
How to reach: Aurangabad is well-connected by road, air, and railways. The temple is just 30kms away from the city so it is easy to hire a cab or bus.
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Jyotirlingas in Central and East India:
The remaining three important Jyotirlingas are located in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Let’s check where they are.
1. Vaidyanath, Jharkhand:
Vaidyanath is another important and one of the prominent Jyotirlingas. It is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. The story behind the manifestation of Lord Shiva here takes place due to Ravan. Lord Shiva ordered Ravan to carry his Shivalinga to Sri Lanka without stepping down anywhere. But Lord Vishnu interrupted Ravan and made him put down in Deoghar. Like the way, Vaidyanath was formed, and also it is an important Shaktipeeta of 52.
Temple Timing: every day morning from 4 AM to 3:30 PM and evening from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Best time to Visit: winters and monsoons are favorable to visit the temple.
How to reach: Just 15kms far away Jasidih railway junction is there. So from there, you can easily catch a cab or autorickshaw.
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2. Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh:
A mythological significant and sacred place, Omkareshwar depicts the power of Lord Shiva by the name itself. As per the mythological stories, once devas fought with danavas.
At that time Lord Shiva stood at the side of Devas as Omkareshwar’s incarnation and defeated Danavas. Since that time this place is noted as Jyothorlinga. People believe it is the place of victory over evil.
Temple Timing: Every day morning from 5 AM to the night at 10 PM.
Best time to Visit: September to March is an ideal time with a pleasant atmosphere.
How to reach: From Indore and Ujjain, there is accessibility to the airport and railway station to reach Omkareshwar. But the distance is nearly 77kms so to cover this distance we can choose a cab or bus.
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3. Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh:
Last but not least, Mahakaleshwar is a spiritually significant and historically important Jyothirlingam. It is located in Ujjain on the banks of the Kshipra river and is surrounded by thick Mahakal forests. The story says that Lord Shiva was incarnated in a stone devoted by a 5-year-old boy Srikar.
For his pure and eternal prayers, Lord Shiva manifested here as Mahakaleshwar. Another important thing is that Mahakaleshwar is one of the seven Mukti-Sthal in India.
Temple Timing: Everyday morning 4 AM to 11 PM.
Best time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit the temple.
How to reach: There is no dearth of railway stations. Ujjain junction, Pingleshwa, Vikram Nagar, and Chintaman railway stations are available to reach. The nearest airport in Indore is also accessible.
For those who immerse in the chanting of Lord Shiva, it is a must to cover all these Jyotirlingas in your lifetime. If you want to attain the wisdom of spirituality and harmony, these 12 Jyotirlingas are the right destinations to round up.
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I like to view the right pattern map to plan a round about jyothirlinka temples.