The 12 Powerful Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India you must visit
Lord Shiva, the Mahadev, is worshipped in many forms, but his energy is said to be most powerfully manifested in the Jyotirlingas – divine shrines spread across India. The word Jyotirlinga means “radiant sign of Shiva.” According to the Shiva Purana, there are 12 Jyotirlingas across India, each representing a unique manifestation of Shiva. Visiting all twelve is believed to grant moksha (liberation).
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
📍 Location: Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath, Gujarat
✨ Significance: Known as the first Jyotirlinga, Somnath has immense historical and spiritual value. Legends say the Moon God (Chandra) worshipped Shiva here to regain his lost luster. Over centuries, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times by invaders, yet it stands today as a symbol of faith and resilience. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the nearby Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers) and seeking blessings at Somnath grants relief from all sins and worldly attachments.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
📍 Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
✨ Significance: Situated in the Nallamala Hills, Mallikarjuna is among the most revered shrines of Shiva and Parvati. Here, Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna, while Goddess Parvati is revered as Bhramaramba. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, making it doubly sacred. Legend says that Shiva came here to console his son Kartikeya, who felt disheartened after losing a celestial contest. A pilgrimage to Mallikarjuna is believed to grant both worldly prosperity and spiritual growth.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
📍 Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
✨ Significance: On the banks of the holy Kshipra River lies Mahakaleshwar, the only Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Swayambhu (self-manifested). The temple is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, a ritual where Shiva is worshipped with sacred ash at dawn. According to legends, Shiva appeared here to protect Ujjain from a demon named Dushana. Devotees believe that worshipping at Mahakaleshwar removes fear of death and grants liberation.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
📍 Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
✨ Significance: Omkareshwar is located on an island in the Narmada River shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol ‘Om’. The temple is closely associated with another shrine, Mamleshwar, located nearby. Together, they hold deep spiritual significance. Legend says that Lord Shiva manifested here after the Devas prayed to him for protection against the demon king. Pilgrims consider Omkareshwar as a place where cosmic vibrations can be deeply felt, making it a vital stop for seekers of inner peace.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
📍 Location: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
✨ Significance: One of the holiest shrines in India, Kedarnath stands high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 11,755 feet. It forms a part of the Char Dham Yatra and is accessible only for six months due to snow. According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Shiva. The Lord, disguised as a bull, dived into the earth, and his hump appeared at Kedarnath. The temple, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, exudes unmatched divinity and serenity.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
📍 Location: Pune district, Maharashtra
✨ Significance: Nestled in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar is linked to the story of Shiva defeating the demon Tripurasura. The temple is also the source of the Bhima River. Surrounded by dense forests, it is both a spiritual destination and a nature lover’s paradise. According to devotees, worshipping at Bhimashankar blesses one with strength and protection against evil forces. The temple’s Nagara-style architecture adds to its charm.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
📍 Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
✨ Significance: Perhaps the most famous Jyotirlinga, Kashi Vishwanath is located in Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities. The temple, standing on the banks of the holy Ganga, is believed to be the spiritual center of the universe. According to scriptures, dying in Kashi and worshipping Vishwanath ensures moksha (liberation). Devotees from across the globe visit here to seek Shiva’s blessings, believing that this holy darshan washes away lifetimes of sins.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
📍 Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
✨ Significance: Situated near the origin of the Godavari River, Trimbakeshwar is a unique Jyotirlinga where the sanctum contains three lingams, representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). The temple is renowned for performing rituals like Narayan Nagbali Puja, which is said to liberate souls of ancestors. The temple’s black stone architecture and peaceful surroundings make it a spiritually powerful place.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
📍 Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
✨ Significance: Also called Baidyanath Dham, this shrine is associated with the legend of Ravana, who worshipped Shiva to gain invincibility. To please Shiva, Ravana offered his heads one by one, and Shiva, moved by his devotion, appeared as Vaidyanath, the “Supreme Healer.” Devotees believe that praying here cures ailments and grants health. During the Shravan month, millions of pilgrims carry holy water from the Ganga to offer at this temple.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
📍 Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
✨ Significance: Nageshwar is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva protected his devotee Supriya from a demon named Daaruka. The Jyotirlinga here is considered a powerful shield against poisons, evil forces, and negative energies. Located near Dwarka, the temple attracts both devotees and tourists. The massive Shiva statue near the temple is a striking landmark.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
📍 Location: Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu
✨ Significance: Situated on the sacred Rameswaram Island, this Jyotirlinga has a close connection with the Ramayana. Lord Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva here before crossing the sea to Lanka to rescue Sita. The temple is famous for its long corridors and intricately carved pillars. Pilgrims also bathe in the 22 holy wells inside the temple, each believed to have unique healing properties.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
📍 Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
✨ Significance: The last of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Grishneshwar is located close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and carvings. Legend says that a devout woman named Kusuma worshipped Shiva here, and the Lord blessed her by manifesting as the Jyotirlinga. Despite being the smallest Jyotirlinga temple, it radiates immense spiritual energy.
The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are not just religious sites but symbols of divine energy and faith. Each temple carries unique legends and blessings, making the pilgrimage an unforgettable spiritual journey. Visiting even one Jyotirlinga is considered sacred, but completing the yatra of all twelve is said to grant liberation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jyotirlingas (FAQs)
1. Which is the first Jyotirlinga in India?
The first and most important Jyotirlinga is Somnath Temple in Gujarat.
2. How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?
There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, spread across different states.
3. What is the meaning of Jyotirlinga?
Jyotirlinga means “Radiant Symbol of Shiva” – it represents Lord Shiva’s infinite presence.
4. Which Jyotirlinga gives moksha?
All Jyotirlingas are believed to grant liberation, but Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi is considered the gateway to moksha.
5. Which Jyotirlinga is in the Himalayas?
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand is located at 11,755 ft in the Himalayas.
6. What is the best time to visit Jyotirlingas?
October to March is the best season for most Jyotirlingas. Kedarnath and Himalayan shrines are open only May to October.
🙏 Om Namah Shivaya!
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand – Sacred Journey to the Divine Himalayas
Somnath Jyotirlinga
Shri Badarinath Kedarnath Govt Website
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga