Sacred Shrines of Shiva – The 12 Jyotirlingas You Must Visit

Jyotirlingas are the highest form of Lord Shiva, according to Hindu mythology. Dispersed all over India, these twelve sacred temples are each important and have fascinating individual histories. Visiting these Jyotirlingas is a much-desired pilgrimage. Your spiritual travel schedule should include a visit to these hallowed homes you cannot miss.

1. Gujarat’s Somnath Jyotirlinga

Lying in Prabhas Patan close to Veraval in Gujarat, Somnath, sometimes known as the “Eternal Shrine,” has a turbulent past that is well-known; it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Reflecting Lord Shiva’s everlasting strength, the shrine towers boldly at the brink of the Arabian Sea.

2. Andhra Pradesh’s Mallikarjunta Jyotirlinga

Rising at the summit of the picturesque Nallamala Hills, Srisailam, a Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Andhra Pradesh, relative to the myth of Shiva and Parvati visiting their son Kartikeya, this is a work of amazing architecture.

3. Jayotirlinga, Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Located in the city of Ujjain, it is known for the particular ‘Bhasma Aarti, or veneration by employing holy ashes, of its god. Thought of as an effacer of wrongdoers, it is strongly related to the theory of time cycles.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

The Om sign gives Omkareshwar, on Mandhata island in the Narmada river, its name. It is a remarkable experience because of the temple’s serene surroundings, including the holy river. This is a must-see.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga from Uttrakhand

One of the holiest Jyotirlingas is Kedarnath, in the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple’s surrounding snow-covered mountains add to its mystical appeal; it is approachable only via a walk. The Pandavas are supposed to have founded it.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga from Maharashtra

Rising in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar is surrounded by rich vegetation and forests. The temple is supposed to be connected to the legend about Lord Shiva slaying the monster Tripurasura. Those who enjoy the outdoors also frequent it.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Uttar Pradesh

Found in the holy city of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is the height of spiritual awareness. Millions of pilgrims centre the temple, which is situated on the banks of the Ganges river. One is supposed to be liberated by visiting this temple.

8. Trimbaseshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

The temple of Trimbakeshwar is unique since it has three lingas denoting Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh and is tucked close to Nashik. Extremely respected in Hindu ceremonies, it is close to the source of the Godavari river.

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga from Jharkhand

Found in Deoghar, Jharkhand, Vaidyanath, sometimes known as Baidyanath, linked to the narrative of Ravana’s penance to please Lord Shiva, this temple is renowned for healing. Especially in the Shravan month, this pilgrimage site is rather significant.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga from Gujarat

Nageshwar resides in Gujarat near Dwarka. There is a well-known tale around this Jyotirlinga whereby Lord Shiva protects his disciple from a demon, Daruka. Many followers of the temple come from its calm surroundings.

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu

Deeply linked with the epic Ramayana, Rameshwaram is situated on Pamban Island. Said to have worshipped Shiva here to atone for his sins following the war over Ravana, Lord Rama is. The sublime splendour of the temple is enhanced by its elaborate halls and holy water tanks.

12. Grishnehwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

The twelfth of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Grishneshwar, is located near the Ellora caves. The temple’s unique red stone construction and serene surroundings make it a quiet place of prayer. It is thought of as a representation of married pleasure and bliss.