12 JYOTIRLINGAS IN INDIA - TEMPLES OF LORD SHIVA

12 Jyotirlingas in India - Temples of Lord Shiva

12 Jyotirlingas In India – Temples Of Lord Shiva

1. Somnath – Gir Somnath In Gujarat

This is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas in India. Somnath is regarded as the first among the twelve aadi jyotirlingas and one of the most worshipped pilgrimage sites in the country. The temple architecture resembles Chalukya style and Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared in this shrine, as a sizzling column of light. Shiv Purana tales reveal that Moon married 27 daughters of Dakshin Prajapati. But Moon was cursed by Prajapati for neglecting all his wives except one; Rohini. In order to get rid of the curse and regain his lost luster and beauty, he worshipped Lord Shiva. The almighty granted his wish and resided here as Somnath eternally. Located in Kathiawad region, Somnath jyotirlinga temple was destroyed and rebuilt almost sixteen times. There is no doubt in the fact that this temple comes on the top in the 12 Jyotirlingas’ list.

2. Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh

Popular as Kailash of the South among the other 12 Jyotirlingas in India; Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga temple is located atop Shri Saila Mountain, on the banks of River Krishna. With beautiful architecture and sculptures, decorated pillars are known as gopurams and mukha mandapa hall, the temple of Mallikarjuna consists of deities of Shiva and Bhramaramba or Parvati and is listed as one among the 52 shakti peeths of Sati. Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga is unquestionable, one of the greatest Shaivite shrines of the country.

3. Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh

Surrounded by dense Mahakal forest, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain is another the Jyotirling in India that has immense spiritual significance. As one of the popular jyotirlingas of central India, the shrine at Mahakaleshwar is believed to be set up by a five-year-old boy Srikar, who was inspired by the devotion of King Chandrasena of Ujjain. Located by the banks of Kshipra River, Mahakaleshwar jyotirlinga is also among the seven Mukti-sthal in India; the place that can liberate a human being to eternity.

4. Omkareshwar – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar, translating to ‘Lord of the Om Sound’, is one of the most sacred places in India. Situated in an island called Shivapuri, on the Narmada River, this temple has immense mythological significance too. People believe that once there was a war between Devas and Danavas, and the devas prayed to Lord Shiva for victory. Satisfied with the prayer, Lord Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar and helped the devas to achieve triumph over the evils.

5. Kedarnath – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand

Situated in the Rudra Himalayan Range, at an altitude of 1200 feet, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is also considered as one of the 4 dhams of Hindu religion. Due to extremely cold weather and snowfall, the temple remains closed for 6 months during winter and is open only from May to June. Pilgrims on their way to Kedarnath, first visit Gangotri and Yamunotri to take holy water, which they offer to Kedarnath Shiva linga. People believe in visiting Kedarnath temple and bathing the jyotirlinga, one can get rid of all unhappiness, ill-luck, and misfortunes. Trekking up to Kedarnath is moderately difficult and people use walking sticks or ride on mules or dolis. The Samadhi of Shankaracharya- the famous Hindu saint is located just behind the main Kedarnath temple.

6. Bhimashankar – Pune In Maharashtra

On the banks of River Bhima there lies, Bhimashankar temple- a marvelous black rock structure, with Nagara architectural pattern. Surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary of the same name, the jyotirlinga here is believed to be built by Bheema- Kumbhakarna’s son. The huge number of pilgrims visit this shrine, round the year, especially during Maha Shivratri. Devotees visiting Bhimashankar temple, also see Kamalaja temple- an incarnation of Parvati, located close by.

7. Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is believed to be worshipped by Lord Rama, after his phenomenal victory over Ravana. Known as the southernmost jyotirlingas in the country, the temple is surrounded by sea and boasts of its beautiful architecture, decorated corridors, and 36 theerthams. Popular as ‘Varanasi of the south’, Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is also one of the most visited holy places in India, approached via Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Devotees visiting this jyotirlinga, also visit Dhanushkodi beach, from where Lord Rama had built Ram Setu up to Lanka, to save his wife. This is also one of the char dhams of India.

8. Trimbakeshwar – Nashik In Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar jyotirlinga is located near Brahmagiri mountain, the place of origin of Godavari River, also known as Gautami Ganga. According to Shiv Purana, Godavari River and Gautami Rishi pleaded Lord Shiva to reside here and hence the God emerged in the form of Trimbakeshwar. The most unique part of this jyotirlinga is its shape. Instead of a shrine, there is a void here with three pillars placed inside. The three pillars represent the three most powerful and authoritative Gods, namely, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.

9. Nageshwar – Daarukavanam In Gujarat

Located on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat, between Gomati Dwarka and Bait Dwarka, Nageshwar is one of the popular Jyotirlinga temples in India. Thousands of devotees visit the temple of Nagnath, round the year, to seek blessings from the holy shrine of Nageshwar Mahadev located in an underground sanctum. The 25-m tall statue of Lord Shiva, a large garden and unobstructed views of the azure Arabian Sea, fascinates the visitors. This is one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas in India, which symbolizes the protection of all types of poisons.

10. Vaidyanath – Deoghar In Jharkhand

A highly revered jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlinga names in the country, Vaidyanath or Baidyanath or Vaijinath is also one among the 52 shakti pethas shrines of Sati of Hindu religion. Mythological stories believe that Ravana revered Shiva for years and invited Shiva to Lanka. Shiva showed up as shivalinga and ordered Ravana not to put down anywhere until he reaches Lanka. Vishnu interrupted Ravana in between and influenced him to keep the shivalinga at rest for sometimes. Thus, Ravana disobeyed Shiva and since then he resides as Vaidyanath, here in Deoghar. The month of Shravana receives maximum footfall here as people believe worshipping this shrine of Shiva will help them to get rid of all miseries and attain moksha and salvation.

11. Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh

Renowned as Golden Temple in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is a popular one on the Jyotirlinga temples list. Constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar- a Maratha Monarch, this Jyotirlinga is a significant religious place for the Hindus. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva resided here and offered liberation and happiness to all. It is also considered as one of the first Jyotirlingas in the country which showcased its power over other Gods, broke through Earth’s surface, and moved towards heaven. It’s among the most sought after 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

12. Grishneshwar – Aurangabad In Maharashtra

With impressive red rock 5 storied Shikhara style structure, carvings of Gods and Goddesses, and a huge Nandi Bull in the main court hall, Grishneshwar temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Shiva Purana, located near the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Built by Ahilyabai Holkar, this temple is also known as Gru Someswara and Kusum Eswarar. The sculpture of Vishnu’s Dashavatar, carved on red rock is immensely impressive and fascinates each and every visitor.

" Om Namah Shivaya "