12 Jyotirlings in India : Sacred Sites of Lord Shiva

There are  64 Jyotirlings in India but 12 Jyotirlingas are the most important ones and hold immense significance. These locations are located across India. All Jyotirlings are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The term “Jyotirling” refers to the Almighty’s radiant symbol. If you are a devotee of Shiva and would like to learn more about him, it is important that you know all 12 Jyotirlings of Shiva. It is believed that these 12 Jyotirlings are actually where Lord Shiva resides.

All of your sins will be forgiven, Shiva’s blessings will follow, and heaven will be yours just by praying to all of these sacred places. The twelve jyothirling are 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, Vishwanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga at Deogarh in Jharkhand, Nageshwar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, 12th jyotirling is Grishneshwar at Ellora in Aurangabad district Maharashtra. In this article, we will share with you the list of all 12 jyotirlings and their significance.

Somnath Jyotirling

Somnath Jyotirling is situated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. This is the oldest Jyotirling of all. It is believed that this Temple was First created by the God of the Moon. After he performed extreme penance in Somnath. This temple was attacked and destroyed 16 times by Mughal emperor Mohammed Ghazni. This Temple was rebuilt again and again and the temple which is present now was established by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This Temple is very important for all Hindus. Devotees come to this old shrine to see the beauty and to seek blessings.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirling

Mallikarjuna Jyotirling is situated in Andhra Pradesh on the bank of the Krishna River. Here you will find Jyotirling as well as Shakti Peeth. No one in this world can not Climb Mount Kailash Which is known to be the home of Lord Shiva. That’s why devotees visit this temple. It is surrounded by the picturesque Nallamala hills and draws pilgrims looking for spiritual comfort from all over the world.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling

This Jyotirling is situated in Ujjain Madhya Pradesh on the bank of the Kshipra River. This is their one and only Jyortirling which is facing south. Legends say that You can extend your lifespan by offering prayers in this temple and Every problem in life gets solved. It is a place where Shakti Peetha and Jyotirlingam are together. Temple is renowned for both its unusual architecture and the heavenly atmosphere that surrounds the surroundings.

Omkareshwar Jyotirling

This temple is located near Indore in Madhya Pradesh. The location of this Jyotirling is where the Narmada River flows in the shape of the word “OM”. Devotees Bring holy water from different holy sites and offer water to the shivling in Omkareshwar. Pilgrims’ spiritual experience is enhanced by the calm setting and the peaceful river waters.

Kedarnath Jyotirling

This temple is located in Uttarakhand at a height of 3,583 meters above sea level surrounded by the Himalayas and a beautiful river Mandakini and this Jyotirling and is closest to Shiva’s eternal residence Mount Kailash. The smaller Char Dham Yatra is incomplete without the Kedarnath Yatra. Legends say this temple was first created by the Grandson of Pandavas. This temple only opens for six months (April to October) out of the year due to severe winters during the other six months. This temple is a representation of resilience, devotion, and dedication in dealing with the effects of natural disasters.

Bhimashankar  Jyotirling

This Jyotirling is situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra on the mountains named Sahyadri. The Shivling here is called Moteshwar Mahadev because it is fatter and larger than other Shivlings. This serene temple is a great site for followers to commune with Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by lush greenery.

Vishwanath Jyotirling

This jyotirling is situated in the Kashi Uttarakhand on the banks of the Ganga river. It is believed that Kashi town was established by God Shiva. Known to be the 2nd home of Lord Shiva after Mount Kailash. Kashi is known to be the holiest place for Hindus.

 People also say Kashi town is Marked on  Lord Shiva’s trident. Shakti Peeta and Jyotirlingam are together here. Of all the Shiva temples, it is the most sacred.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling

This temple is situated on the banks of the Godavari River in the Nasik District of Maharashtra. According to legend, Lord Shiva chose to reside here at the request of Godavari River and Gautam Rishi. This is the only Jyotirling Where Along with Lord Shiva Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma reside here. This temple is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual ambiance.

Vaidyanath Jyotirling

This Temple is located in Deoghar Jharkhand. People believe that This Temple was established by Ravan. Ravan offered Lord Shiva his nine faces in exchange for this shivling, which Lord Shiva granted him as a blessing. Devotees seek cures for illnesses from this temple. This temple is also known as Vaijnath temple.

Nageshwar Jyotirling

This temple is located near Gomti Dwarka in Gujarat. Additional claims to the Nagesh Jyotirlinga status originate from the temples of Aundha Naganath (in the Hingoli District of Maharashtra) and Jageshwar (in the Almora District of Uttarakhand), where devotees flock to seek healing from various maladies. This temple is believed to grant spiritual growth and liberation to worshippers.

Rameshwar Jyotirling

This temple is located in Ramanatham district of Tamilnadu. This is the southernmost Jyotirling. There is a belief that Lord Rama began building Ram Setu to cross the Indian Ocean and reach Lanka from this location. It is one of the Char Dham. This temple is famous for its stunning architecture and sacred waters.

Grishneshwar Jyotirling

This temple is located near Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. This temple was established by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. This temple is also known as Shivalay. This temple holds many historical significance. This temple is beautiful in its own way.

Along with Char Dham Yatra, the Journey to this temple of 12 Jyotirling is important. All these 12 Jyotirlingas represent Lord Shiva’s cosmic presence and act as hotspots for millions of followers seeking heavenly favors and spiritual fulfillment in their lives.