Exploring the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva: A Divine Pilgrimage Across India

India is not just a place of deep roots and traditions and culture, but also a home where the divine shows in many ways. One such way is Lord Shiva, the supreme god in the Hindu group of three. Known as the destroyer and transformer, Lord Shiva’s presence is worshipped all over the world in various temples. Among the most significant holy sites of Lord Shiva are the 12 Jyotirlingas. These 12 places are seen as the most sacred of all Shiva temples in India, where Lord Shiva came as a light that never ends to bless his devotees.

The term “Jyotirlinga” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Jyoti”, meaning light, and “Lingam”, meaning symbol. Together, they signify the radiant form of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, the origin of the Jyotirlingas is linked to a celestial event involving Brahma and Vishnu, underscoring Shiva’s unmatched supremacy. Visiting these sacred shrines is considered a path to spiritual awakening and liberation. 

A visit to these Jyotirlingas is seen as a way to wake up your spirit and get final freedom. This blog helps you know the stories behind the names, places, states, significance, and stories related to each of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are set across the land of India.

1. Somnath (Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra, Gujarat):

Somnath is the first Jyotirlinga and was the first temple made in India. This temple is for Som, the Moon God, and is one of the most significant temples in India. They say that Som was cursed by his father-in-law, the Sage Daksha. This made him lose his light. He prayed to Lord Shiva here to get back his glory, and Shiva, pleased with his devotion, gave his light back. The temple has seen many attacks and break-ins over the years, with Mahmud of Ghazni knocking it down in 1025 CE. It was built many times, and the temple we see now stands as a mark of hard work and love. The Somnath Temple also means the never-ending light of Lord Shiva, as the temple faces the Arabian Sea, making it a sign of hope and might. It was built again in the 1950s. It is near the Arabian Sea, and the look of the temple is stunning. The view of the sea from here is excellent, and this adds to the deep feel of this holy place.

• Location: Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra, Gujarat
• Opening Timings: Somnath Temple opens at 6:00 AM and remains open till 9:30 PM.
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Mangala Aarti: 6:00 AM- 6:30 AM
    
  • Shringar Aarti: 8:00 AM- 8:30 AM
    
  • Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM- 7:30 PM
    
  • Shayana Aarti: 9:00 PM- 9:30 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Sasan Gir National Park: Home to the Asiatic lions, this park gives you a special view of wildlife. It sits about 50 km from Somnath.
  
• Prabhas Patan: An ancient archaeological site, about 6 km from the temple, noted for its old ruins and calm beach.
  
• Junagadh: A city with a lot of history, found about 100 km from Somnath, has sites like Uperkot Fort, Girnar Hills, and the Mahabat Maqbara.
  
• Diu: A beach town 90 km away, known for its clean beaches and old Portuguese buildings.

How to Reach:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Diu Airport (90 km away) or Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (about 400 km away).
  
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Veraval Railway Station (about 7 km from the temple).
  
• By Road: Somnath is well-connected by road. You can take a bus or rent a car from major cities like Ahmedabad and Surat.
  

2. Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh):

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is for Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna and is one of the most significant temples in South India. The temple is situated on a hill in the Srisailam Mountains and is appreciated for its beauty and divine presence. Myths say Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati lived here as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba. Stories also link the temple to the Pandavas, who may have come here when they were away from home. The temple is near the holy Krishna River, making it more special. It is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, tied to the sky or ether (Akasha), and it is said that prayers here can bring his blessings and relieve all troubles from life.

• Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM- 5:00 AM
    
  • Afternoon Aarti: 12:00 PM-12:30 PM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM- 6:30 PM
    
  • Night Aarti: 9:00 PM-9:30 PM
    

Nearby Attractions:

• Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary: This place is a must-visit for those who love wildlife, plants and animals.
  
• Srisailam Dam: A big water power dam on the Krishna River, just 12 km from the temple.
  
• Patalganga: A holy river not far from the temple, tied to many old stories from Hindu myths.
  
• Bhramaramba Devi Temple: Near the Mallikarjuna temple, this is a key holy place for the worship of Goddess Parvati.
  

How to Reach:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, around 200 km away.
  
• By Train: Srisailam Railway Station is the nearest, but it is not well-connected to all major cities. You may need to take a train to Hyderabad and then travel by road.
  
• By Road: Srisailam is well-connected by road with major cities in Andhra Pradesh.
  

3. Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

The Mahakaleshwar Temple is a well-known Shiva temple in Ujjain, seen as one of the seven cities that bring freedom (Moksha) to those who pray there. This temple is especially sacred because it has a rare lingam that faces south, the only one among the Jyotirlingas. The south-facing Shiva lingam stands for Yama, the god of death, and is thought to give endless life to those who pray here. The story linked to Mahakaleshwar speaks of a great demon, Dushana, whom Lord Shiva had killed in Ujjain. It’s said that Lord Shiva defeated Dushana and protected the city. The temple’s aartis and Bhasma Aarti are very well-known, and is believed that attending these rituals helps in seeking blessings for both material and spiritual well-being.

• Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Bhasma Aarti: 4:00 AM (Only on special occasions, reservations required)
    
  • Morning Aarti: 7:30 AM- 8:00 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM-7:30 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Kal Bhairav Temple: A significant temple just 2 km away from Mahakaleshwar, made to honour Lord Bhairav, a form of Lord Shiva.
  
• Mahakaleshwar Mandir: Situated by the banks Shipra River, is yet another important place for those who pray to Lord Shiva.
  
• Ram Ghat: A ghat on the Shipra River where people perform religious rituals.
• Vedh Shala: An ancient watch spot in Ujjain, known for its sky-watching tools used to see stars.
  

How to Reach:

• • By Air: The nearest airport is Indore Airport (55 km away).
    
  • By Train: Ujjain Junction is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
    
  • By Road: Ujjain is connected to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and nearby states by road.
    

4. Omkareshwar (Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh)

Omkareshwar is located on the Omkar Hills, and its name comes from the island’s shape, which looks like the Om sign, a holy syllable in Hinduism. The temple honours Lord Shiva as Omkareshwar, showing the significance of the sound that was made. They say Lord Shiva shared the Om chant with his fans here—the temple’s worth links to the Om sound, the deep hum of all things. Praying here is said to calm a person’s mind and change them inside out. The temple is also significant in the tale of King Mandhata, who once prayed here and got a blessing from the gods.

• Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM- 6:00 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM- 7:00 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Mandhata Hill: A key place for pilgrims. It has lovely views and an old temple for Lord Shiva.
• Saraswati River: A holy river nearby, associated with many Hindu tales.
• Omkareshwar Island: The temple is located on an island that looks like an Om. It has amazing lookouts and a calm feel.
• Kundalpur Jain Temple: A well-known Jain temple close to Omkareshwar. It honours Lord Mahavira.
  

How to Reach:

• • By Air: Indore Airport is the nearest major airport, around 77 km away.
    
  • By Train: Khandwa Junction is well connected by trains from various parts of India.
    
  • By Road: Omkareshwar is accessible by road from Indore, Khandwa, and other major cities in Madhya Pradesh.
    

5. Kedarnath (Kedarnath, Uttarakhand):

Kedarnath is a very holy place in India and is situated high up in the mountains. It is the highest Jyotirlinga, at 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level in the Himalayas. This temple of Lord Shiva is created in the form of Kedarnath, which marks one of the ancient and vital temples for Shiva in Hindu stories. The story behind Kedarnath is about the Pandavas, who wanted to say sorry to Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra War. It is said that Lord Shiva, as a bull, hid in the earth when the Pandavas came to him. His body parts showed up in five other spots, and the Kedarnath Temple shows where the bull’s hump was. It is also said that if you pray here, you can find moksha (freedom from the life cycle).

• Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 4:15 AM to 9:00 PM (seasonal from May to October).
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM- 5:30 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM- 7:00 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Badrinath: A well-known pilgrimage site and one of the Char Dham, set 230 km from Kedarnath.
• Vasuki Tal: A lake high up in the hills, with snow all over the peaks, about 8 km from Kedarnath.
• Gauri Kund: A holy lake near the base of the Kedarnath temple, held to be where Goddess Parvati washed before she sat and thought of Lord Shiva.
• Chorabari Lake: Also called Gandhi Sarovar, a clean lake that gives a quiet space.

How to Reach:

• • By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 240 km away.
    
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh or Haridwar, from where you can travel by road to Kedarnath.
    
  • By Road: Kedarnath is accessible only by road from Gaurikund. From there, pilgrims can trek around 16 km to reach the temple.
    

6. Bhimashankar (Pune, Maharashtra):

Bhimashankar, situated in the Sahyadri Hills in Maharashtra and honours Lord Shiva as Bhimashankar. This temple links to the old tale of Bhim, the demon Lord Shiva, defeated here. In the story, Bhima was a strong demon who hurt the earth. Shiva defeated him with his divine powers. The Bhimashankar temple also stands out as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it a key holy pilgrimage for the Hindus. The temple lies in deep green woods and brings a calm air for prayer and quiet thought. It is said that the temple holds the power to heal, drawing lots of followers to find help and blessings.

•  Location: Pune, Maharashtra
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM- 6:00 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM- 6:30 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Bhima River: The river by the temple is linked to the tale of Bhimashankar. Here, it is said, Bhima took time in deep thought.
• Pune: The city of Pune is not far, about 110 km. It has old sites like Aga Khan Palace, the Shaniwar Wada, and the Osho Ashram.
• Lenyadri Caves: These caves are near, about 45 km from Bhimashankar. They are one of 18 key temples for Lord Ganesha.
• Mulshi Lake: A calm water body with great views, close to Pune.
  

How to Reach:

• • By Air: The nearest airport is Pune Airport, about 110 km away.
    
  • By Train: Pune Junction is the nearest railway station, from which you can take a bus or taxi to Bhimashankar.
    
  • By Road: Bhimashankar is well-connected by road from Pune and Mumbai.
    

7. Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh):

Kashi Vishwanath, set in the holy city of Varanasi, is one of the most well-known of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the oldest Shiva temples in India. This temple is built for Lord Vishwanath, also known as Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as the king of the world. Varanasi is thought to be the home of Lord Shiva, and it is said that anyone who dies here will reach moksha (free from the cycle of life and death). The tale of Kashi Vishwanath goes back to old times when Lord Shiva is said to have shown up here to bless the sage Vishwanath. The temple is situated near the Ghats of the River Ganga, and taking a dip in the river here is considered highly auspicious. Kashi Vishwanath holds a deep meaning for those in search of lasting peace and freedom.

• Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Opening Timings: The temple opens at 2:30 AM and closes at 11:00 PM.
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 3:00 AM- 4:00 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM
    
  • Ganga Aarti: 6:30 PM on the Ghats
    

Nearby Attractions:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat: A well-known ghat by the temple, where many come to see the daily Ganga Aarti, with thousands of devotees.
• Sarnath: A key Buddhist holy site, 10 km away, where Lord Buddha spoke his first wise words.
• Manikarnika Ghat: A top holy ghat in Varanasi, linked to Hindu end-of-life rites.
• Ramnagar Fort: Situated by the Ganges river, this old fort gives a look at the regal past of Varanasi.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi is the nearest airport.
  
• By Train: Varanasi Junction is a major railway station, well connected to all major cities in India.
  
• By Road: Varanasi is easily accessible by road from cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Patna.
  

8. Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra):

The Trimbakeshwar Temple is situated in Trimbak, near Nashik, in Maharashtra, and worships Lord Shiva as Trimbakeshwar. This name stands for the three gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is special as it has a Trimbak (three-faced) lingam showing three parts: making, keeping, and ending. This place is also key as the starting point of the Godavari River, a very holy river in India. The Trimbakeshwar Temple is linked to the old tale of the wise man Rishi Gautama and his wife Ahilya. They prayed here to break free from a curse.

• Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM- 6:00 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM-7:30 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Godavari River: The river by the temple is significant and is the place of the well-known Nashik Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.
• Panchavati: A holy place in Nashik, home to big holy spots like the Kalaram Sansthan Temple and Saptashrungi.
• Saptashrungi: A hill temple for Goddess Saptashrungi, 60 km from Nashik.
• Nashik Vineyards: The area near Nashik is known for its wine-making, with lots of vineyards offering wine-tasting trips.

How to Reach:

• • By Air: Gandhinagar Airport (near Nashik) or Mumbai Airport (165 km).
    
  • By Train: Nashik Road Railway Station is the nearest, well-connected by train.
    
  • By Road: Nashik is easily reachable by road from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby cities.
    

9. Vaidyanath (Deoghar, Jharkhand/Bihar):

Vaidyanath is a revered Jyotirlinga and is called the Lord of Healing. The place sits in Deoghar, on the edge between Bihar and Jharkhand. The significance of this place is the healing touch of Lord Shiva. The old story says that Ravana, the demon king, prayed to Lord Shiva here to live forever and got the gift of healing for all the sick. Praying at this place is thought to fix the sick and ease other hurts. The spot is also key in Rama’s trip to Lanka, as it is told that Lord Rama stopped here to pray before his fight with Ravana.

• Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand/Bihar
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM- 5:30 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM- 7:30 PM
    

Nearby Attractions:

• Trikut Hills: Sit just 10 km from Deoghar and show incredible sights. They are well-known for the Trikut Ropeway.
• Nandan Pahar: A garden on a hill with lovely views and temples for many gods.
• Raghunath Temple: An old place for prayer near the Vaidyanath Temple. It is for Lord Rama.
• Baba Baidyanath Dham: Next to the Vaidyanath temple, there are more holy places in Deoghar for Lord Shiva.

How to Reach:

• • By Air: Patna Airport is the nearest, around 150 km away.
    
  • By Train: Deoghar Junction is connected to major cities.
    
  • By Road: Deoghar is well connected by road from Patna, Ranchi, and other nearby towns.
    

10. Nageshwar (Dwarka, Gujarat):

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near the coast of the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. They worship Lord Shiva as Nageshwar, who saves from snake bites. A tale says the demon Dhanava, who scared folks a lot, was killed by Lord Shiva here. For this, Shiva gave the land magic strength and help. This temple is key for people who want safety from snake bites. It is a big spot for those hurt by snake bites. The holy place is also said to be where Lord Krishna killed the demon Kaliya, who had made the Yamuna River dirty.

• Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
  
• Opening Timings: The temple opens from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 6:00 AM- 6:30 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM- 7:30 PM
    

Nearby Attractions:

• Dwarkadhish Temple: This holy place is for Lord Krishna. It is situated in the middle of Dwarka, about 25 km away.
• Bet Dwarka: This island is about 30 km out and is linked to Lord Krishna’s life.
• Dwarka Beach: A calm and lovely beach with great views of the Arabian Sea.
• Rukmini Devi Temple: A temple for Lord Krishna’s wife, Rukmini, only 2 km from the Dwarkadhish Temple.

How to Reach:

• • By Air: The nearest airport is Porbandar Airport (about 100 km).
    
  • By Train: Dwarka Railway Station is the nearest.
    
  • By Road: Dwarka is well-connected by road to other major cities in Gujarat.
    

11. Ramanathaswamy (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu):

Ramanathaswamy is one of the key temples situated on the holy isle of Rameswaram, off the shore of Tamil Nadu. The temple honours Lord Shiva as Ramanathaswamy, showing the link between Lord Rama and Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Rama prayed to Shiva here to get divine help before his fight with Ravana. The temple is significant to those who come to find inner peace and ask for blessings for a calm life. It is also a must-visit place for those doing Rudra Abhishek and Shiva worship.

• Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Dhanushkodi: A lost town around 20 km from Rameswaram, known for its old temples and pretty seaside.
• Pamban Bridge: The well-known sea bridge that links Rameswaram with the mainland, giving a great view of the Palk Strait.
• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: A safe spot known for its coral reefs and sea life, set 30 km from Rameswaram.
• Ramanathaswamy Temple Complex: The holy temple area holds many other small temples and a pretty hall with 1,000 pillars.

How to Reach:

• • By Air: Madurai Airport is the nearest, about 150 km away.
    
  • By Train: Rameswaram Railway Station is well-connected by trains.
    
  • By Road: Rameswaram is easily accessible by road from Madurai and other nearby cities.
    

12. Dwarkadhish (Dwarka, Gujarat)

Grishneshwar sits in Ellora, by Aurangabad in Maharashtra, and is one of the holy shrines of the Jyotirlingas. The temple is tied to the praise of Lord Shiva as Grishneshwar, the Lord of care and the end of sin. They say the temple was made by Kailasapati, a true lover of Lord Shiva, and is known for its deep art and fine lines. Grishneshwar is thought to hold rare powers to give out pure freedom, and going to this temple is seen as a central part of making spiritual hopes come true. The temple is part of the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which gives history and old value to this holy place.

• Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
• Opening Timings: The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  
• Aarti and Timings:
  
  • Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM- 6:00 AM
    
  • Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM- 7:00 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Ellora Caves: These caves are a World Heritage site, 30 km away from the closest temple, cut from rock. They show old Indian art and building ways.
• Ajanta Caves: About 100 km from Grishneshwar, these caves are well-known. They have old rock walls with Buddhist art and rock shapes.
• Bibi Ka Maqbara: In Aurangabad, this site stuns many as the “Taj of the Deccan”. It shows the grand style of old Mughal builders.
• Daulatabad Fort: This old fort is situated about 15 km from Aurangabad. It’s famed for its key spot and great design.
  

How to Reach:

• By Air: Aurangabad Airport is the nearest.
  
• By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest major station.
  
• By Road: Aurangabad is well-connected by road from major cities like Mumbai and Pune.
  

The 12 Jyotirlingas are situated all over India. Visiting them is key to a Hindu’s faith trip. These holy spots show Lord Shiva’s endless and formless self. They stand for his vast power. Want to find soul freedom or feel god’s power? A trip to the 12 Jyotirlingas is a way that not just gets you near to Shiva, but also lets you see the rich mix of India’s past, ways, and holy rites.