Jyotirlinga In India are considered to be the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. These are located across different states of India and are believed to be the most powerful and auspicious places where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Each of these Jyotirlinga In India has a unique history and significance, and devotees from all over the world visit these holy places to seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
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The Sacred Journey: Exploring the 12 Jyotirlinga of India
Explore India’s spiritual essence with the revered 12 Jyotirlinga In India, including Somnath, Mallikarjuna, and Mahakaleshwar, hallowed temples embodying Lord Shiva’s divine energy dispersed across the country.
A Pilgrimage to 12 Jyotirlinga’s In India
Somnath Temple
According to popular mythology, the Moon God built Somnath Temple to express gratitude to Lord Shiva. The temple was attacked and robbed several times in the past, but it has since been restored to its former beauty.
The temple is designed in the Chalukya style, with many pillars, but Jain architectural features can also be found in some areas. The sanctuary houses the sacred Jyotirlinga.
- How to reach Somnath Temple? Somnath Temple is located in Gujarat, accessible by road via NH51, by rail to Veraval Railway Station (5 km away), and by air to Diu Airport (90 km away).
- What is Somnath Temple famous for? Somnath Temple is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a revered Hindu pilgrimage site.
- Best time to visit Somnath Temple: The best time to visit Somnath Temple is October to March for pleasant weather.
Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple has the distinction of being a Shaktipeeth. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhramarambika and is located atop the Nallamala Hills. It is one of the famous Jyotirlinga In India.
The temple is a respected Hindu holy site devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is designed in Chalukya and Maratha styles and contains a Shiva Lingam that is thought to be Swayambhu.
- How to reach Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple? Located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, accessible by car via NH40; the nearest railway station is Markapur car (85 km away), and the nearest airport is Hyderabad Airport (212 km away).
- What is Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple famous for? Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the Shakti Peetha of Goddess Bhramaramba.
- Best time to visit Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple: The best time to visit Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is October to February for cooler temperatures.
Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple
The temple is a respected Hindu holy site devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is designed in Chalukya and Maratha styles and contains a Shiva Lingam that is thought to be Swayambhu (self-manifested).
The marble walkways lead to the chamber where the god resides. The temple contains three stories dedicated to Mahakalesvara, Omkaresvara, and Nagachandresvara, respectively.
- How to reach Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple? To reach Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, it is accessible by road via NH52, by rail to Ujjain Junction, and by air to Indore Airport (55 km away).
- What is Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple famous for? Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the god’s lingam facing south, unique among Jyotirlingas.
- Best time to visit Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple: The best time to visit Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple is from October to March for a pleasant visit.
Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Omkareshwar is the fourth most respected of the twelve jyotirlingas located around the world. Shri Omkareshwar Temple, located on the banks of the holy river Narmada, is well-known for its grand Sabha Mandal, or gathering hall.
Witness the Nagara-style building and enjoy the intricate carvings on the temple’s walls. The temple’s floor is still submerged in water after it was built on the banks of the Narmada River.
- How to reach Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple? It is accessible by road via NH47, and by rail to Omkareshwar Road Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Indore Airport (77 km away).
- What is Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple famous for? Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas situated on an island in the Narmada River.
- The best time to visit Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The best time to visit Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is October to March for favorable weather.
Baidyanath Dham
As one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingams, the Baidyanath Dham is a renowned tourist destination in the state of Jharkhand. This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and consists of 21 temples.
Baidyanath Dham is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is believed that visiting this holy site can bring spiritual and physical healing to the devotees.
- How to reach Baidyanath Dham? To reach Baidyanath Dham, situated in Jharkhand, is easily accessible by road via NH133, the nearest railhead is Baidyanathdham Deoghar Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Patna Airport (244 km away).
- What is Baidyanath Dham famous for? The Baidyanath Dham is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a significant pilgrimage site in Hinduism.
- Best time to visit Baidyanath Dham: The best time to visit Baidyanath Dham is from October to February for a comfortable visit.
Bhimashankar Temple
Bhimashankar, located in the village of Bhavagiri, is an admired pilgrimage place with one of Lord Shiva’s 12 jyotirlingas in India, standing at 1,005 meters.
The source of the Bhima River is located in the hills of Bhimashankar, as is the Bhimashankar Sanctuary, which is home to a diverse range of flora, wildlife, and birds.
- How to reach Bhimashankar Temple? It is located in Maharashtra, accessible by road via NH61, the nearest railhead is Pune Railway Station (107 km away), and the nearest airport is Pune Airport (125 km away).
- What is Bhimashankar Temple famous for? It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located amid the Sahyadri range.
- Best time to visit Bhimashankar Temple: The best time to visit Bhimanshankar Temple is from October to March for pleasant weather.
Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy
Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is a well-known Hindu temple located on the island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India. It is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, which are revered as Lord Shiva’s most sacred abodes.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for those seeking spiritual blessings, and it is notable for its architectural magnificence and historical significance.
- How to reach Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy? It is accessible by road via NH87, the nearest railhead is Rameswaram Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Madurai Airport (174 km away).
- What is Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy famous for? Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy is famous for being one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and its grand corridors.
- Best time to visit Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy: The best time to visit Arulmiguru Ramanathaswamy is from October to April for a spiritual journey.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as Darukavana in the Shiv Purana, is approximately 20 minutes from Dwarka’s city core. The name Darukuvana derives from the Sanskrit term for deodar woodlands.
You can seek divine blessings at the underground Shiv Linga, perform a mandir-parikrama, and learn about the fascinating legends surrounding this religious site. Nageshwar Temple is one of the famous Jyotirlinga In India.
- How to reach Nageshwar Jyotirlinga? It is located near Dwarka in Gujarat, accessible by road via NH947, the nearest railhead is Dwarka Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport (137 km away).
- What is Nageshwar Jyotirlinga famous for? Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is famous for one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the presence of a large statue of Lord Shiva in a reclining position.
- Best time to visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: The best time to visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is from October to March for a comfortable visit.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas or the most sacred Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva. The first temple is thought to have been built in 1490 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
As you approach the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you’ll notice the majestic spire (shikhara) that rises over the city. The temple was created in the North Indian architectural style, with elaborate carvings and ornaments.
- How to reach Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple? Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, accessible by road via NH31, the nearest railhead is Varanasi Junction, and the nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
- What is Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple famous for? Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is famous for being One of the holiest temples in Hinduism and a major pilgrimage site.
- Best time to visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The best time to visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is from October to March for a pleasant visit.
Trimbakeshwar Temple
Situated in the foothills of the Brahmagiri Mountain Range, this 18th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Offer prayers to Lord Shiva, watch the magnificent Rudra Abhishek ceremony, and admire the gorgeous deities and lingams housed within the temple. It is also considered to be one of the famous Jyotirlinga In India.
- How to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple? It is accessible by road via NH160, the nearest railhead is Nashik Road Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Nashik Airport (40 km away).
- What is Trimbakeshwar Temple famous for? Trimbakeshwar Temple is famous for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the presence of three lingams representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Best time to visit Trimbakeshwar Temple: The best time to visit Trimbakeshwar Temple is from October to March for a pleasant visit.
Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple, located near the head of the Mandakini River and believed to have been built by the Pandavas to please Lord Shiva, is one of the Char Dhams (where Hindus can reach quick moksha). It is also considered to be one of the most traveled Jyotirlinga In India.
Begin by offering prayers at the main shrine that houses the ‘Kedarnath Lingam’. The temple’s architecture is impressive, as it was built with grey stones and no mortar. It is one of the famous Jyotirlinga In India.
- How to reach Kedarnath Temple? Situated in Uttarakhand, accessible by road via NH7, the nearest railhead is Rishikesh Railway Station (189 km away), and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (239 km away).
- What is Kedarnath Temple famous for? Kedarnath Temple is famous for being One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and for its stunning Himalayan backdrop.
- Best time to visit Kedarnath Temple: The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is from May to June and September to October for pilgrimage; avoid monsoon due to heavy rains.
Grishneshwar Temple
The Grishneswar shrine, located less than an hour from Aurangabad, is a renowned shrine devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple in India. The temple’s walls also have colorful murals depicting Lord Vishnu’s various avatars.
You can pray at the historic temple, admire the fascinating South Indian architectural style, and enjoy prasad offerings.
- How to reach Grishneshwar Temple? It is accessible by road via NH53, the nearest railhead is Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km away), and the nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport.
- What is Grishneshwar Temple famous for? Grishneshwar Temple is famous for one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and its beautiful architecture.
- Best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple: The best time to visit Grishneshwar Temple is from October to March for a comfortable visit.
Suggested Read: Religious Places in Uttar Pradesh
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The 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India are considered sacred for Hindus and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each temple has a unique history and legend behind it. Seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and feel rejuvenated in body, mind, and spirit. Om Namah Shivaya! We would love to hear from you about your visit to the temples in Tamil Nadu, feel free to leave a comment.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Somnath Temple, located in Veraval, is one of the world’s most well-known and renowned Shiva shrines, as it is thought to be the first of the twelve jyotirlingas.
Start from Kedarnath – Kashi Vishwanath – Baidyanath – Mahakaleshwar – Omkareshwar – Grishneshwar – Bhimashankar – Tryambakeshwar – Somnath – Nageshwar – Mallikarjuna – Ramaswamy.
Somnath Temple, Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Baidyanath Dham Bhimashankar Temple, Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Grishneshwar Temple.
The 12 Jyotirlinga temples are spread across India, from the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir to the southern tip of Tamil Nadu. Some of the temples include:
Somnath: In Gujarat
Mallikarjuna: At Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleswar: At Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar: In Madhya Pradesh
Kedarnath: In Himalayas
Bhimashankar: In Maharashtra
Viswanath: At Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
Triambakeshwar: In Maharashtra
Vaidyanath: Jyotirlinga
Somnath Temple is one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas In India.