Jyotirlingas in India hold great significance in Indian culture. Let us dive a little deeper into the brief information about these jyotirlingas.

Precisely there are exactly 12 Jyotirlingas in India all across India and devotees from all around India pay a visit to these pilgrims in order to seek blessings from Lord Shiva who exists in various forms in these Jyotirlingas. In the presence of divine energies, these sanctums provide a feeling of calmness.

Jyotirlingas means Column of Light and these shrines are believed to be the sacred spots where Lord Shiva himself visited.

What is a Jyotirlinga?

A Jyotirlinga is a sacred representation of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is considered to be a self-manifested, divine pillar of light or “Linga” that symbolizes the formless and infinite nature of Lord Shiva. The term “Jyotirlinga” is derived from two words: “Jyoti,” meaning “radiant light,” and “Linga,” representing the iconic representation of Lord Shiva.

According to Hindu mythology, there are twelve Jyotirlingas spread across India, each associated with a specific legend and divine significance. These Jyotirlingas are highly revered pilgrimage sites for Shaivites, followers of Lord Shiva. It is believed that by worshipping these Jyotirlingas with devotion and sincerity, one can attain divine blessings and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

The 12  Jyotirlingas are:

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Andhra Pradesh

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Uttar Pradesh

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga in Jharkhand

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Gujarat

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga in Tamil Nadu

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra

Devotees from all over the world undertake pilgrimages to these sacred shrines to seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment. Each Jyotirlinga has its own unique significance and historical importance, making them an integral part of Hindu religious beliefs and cultural heritage. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

The legend behind these Jyotirlingas:

When Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were debating who was the ultimate deity, Lord Shiva came as a pillar of light and instructed each of them to discover the ends. Neither could anyone. It is claimed that the jyotirlingas are placed were these pillars of light fell. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

List of 12  Jyotirlingas In India:

12 Jyotirlingas	Location	State
Somnath	Veraval	Gujarat
Mallikarjuna	Srisailam	Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar	Ujjain	Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwara	Khandwa	Madhya Pradesh
Kedarnath	Kedarnath	Uttarakhand
Bhimashankar	Pune	Maharashtra
Vishweshwara	Varanasi	Uttar Pradesh
Trayambakeshwar	Trimbak	Maharashtra
Nageshwara	Jamnagar	Gujarat
Baidyanath	Deoghar	Jharkhand
Rameshwaram	Rameshwaram	Tamil Nadu
Grishneshwar	Aurangabad	Maharashtra

Somnath in Gir, Gujarat:

It is regarded as the first of the jyotirlingas — the first location where Lord Shiva showed himself. The temple’s fascinating architecture is largely inspired by the Chalukya style with an extremely beautiful altar to Lord Shiva. It is India’s most popular pilgrimage site. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Nageshwar in Darukavana Gujarat:

It is situated along the coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat. The temple of Nagnath, which is flanked by Gomai Dwarka and Bet Dwarka on either side, attracts a large number of pilgrims and visitors who are drawn in by the captivating attraction of the temple construction and setting. The shrine is a symbol of protection from all forms of venom and poison and is thought to be one of the finest and most powerful jyotirlingas in India. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Bhimashankar in Pune, Maharashtra:

The jyotirlinga, which is surrounded by lush flora on all sides, is said to have been built by Bheema, Kumbhakarna’s son. Surprisingly, it is also located on the banks of the River Bhima. During MahaShivratri, the site transforms into a carnival-like refuge for devotees from all around the state. Easily one of India’s most well-known jyotirlingas. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra:

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, situated near the Brahmagiri hill, is also the source of the famed Godavari River also referred to as the Dakshin Ganga and the Gautami Ganga. Surprisingly, unlike other Jyotirlingas, the one at Trimbakeshwar is structured differently, with three pillars representing the three supreme forces, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Read Also: Kedarnath Dham Yatra in 2023

Grishneshwar in Aurangabad, Maharashtra:

The jyotirlinga is thought to have been constructed by Ahilyabai Holkar and is situated close to the Ajanta and Ellora caves. The temple complex is highly spectacular, with wonderful carvings, sculptures, and other features. It is equally stunning, and the temple building will captivate you. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Vaidyanath in Deoghar, Jharkhand:

The legend of this jyotirlinga goes as follows: Ravana, an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, pleaded for years to welcome him to Lanka. Ravana was also harmed during this time. As a result, when Lord Shiva went to see his devotee, Ravana was not in the greatest of health. Lord Shiva took it upon himself to heal Ravana, and as a result, he was given the name Vaidyanath. Every year, a large number of pilgrims visit the temple, particularly during the Maha Shivratri and Shravana months. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh:

Located in Ujjain’s Mahakal forest, it is said to have been established by a five-year-old kid named Srikar. The temple is located on the banks of the Kshipra River, and the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the country’s seven Mukti stalas. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Omkareshwar in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh:

The Lord of the Om Sound is the significance of this temple. The temple is well-known for its mythical importance. It is thought that there was a fight between the Devas and the Danavas. As the Devas appealed to Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva chose their side and came as Omkareshwar to aid them in their victory against the evils. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:

It is thought to have been constructed as a result of a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. The legend simply states that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva would be worshipped equally, while Lord Brahma would be rejected for lying. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Kedarnath in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand:

Another popular destination where A bath in the holy water of Gangotri and Yamunotri from the reservoir within the Kedarnath temple is said to wash away all your concerns and anxieties. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Rameshwaram in Rameshwaram Island, Tamil Nadu:

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is also known as the Kashi of the South. In addition to touring the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, worshippers frequently visit Dhanuskhodi seashore to seek Lord Rama’s blessings. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh:

 

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple, the twelfth of India’s 12 jyotirlingas, is positioned on the top of the Srisaila Mountain. The River Krishna can be seen from the shrine, which has beautiful architecture and sculptures. Andhra Pradesh’s Jyotirlinga is also recognised as one of Sati’s 52 shakti peethas. 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

A tour of these religious destinations would be enchanting and rewarding that you can indulge in.

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