12 Jyotirlinga in India: Sacred Shiva Temples & Their Significance

Published on Aug 06, 2025

India, a land of spiritual richness and divine energy, is home to the 12 Jyotirlinga, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. These Jyotirlingas, spread across the country, are not just religious sites but powerful energy centers that attract millions of devotees every year. Each Jyotirlinga temple has its own story rooted in ancient scriptures and is revered for its mystical significance.

In this article, we will explore the 12 Jyotirlinga in India, their location, mythology, temple details, and why every Shiva devotee dreams of visiting them once in a lifetime.

What is a Jyotirlinga?

The term Jyotirlinga is derived from two Sanskrit words: Jyoti meaning “radiance” or “light” and Linga meaning “mark” or “symbol” of Shiva. A Jyotirlinga is a devotional representation of Lord Shiva, believed to have appeared as a column of fire piercing through the earth and sky.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas that are considered the holiest among all Shiva temples. They are mentioned in ancient Hindu texts like the Shiva Purana.

12 Jyotirlinga in India List with Place

Here is the complete 12 Jyotirlinga in India list with place and state for your spiritual journey:

Here is a helpful South Indian temple chart that categorizes famous temples by location and primary deity:

Jyotirlinga Name	Location (Place, State)
Somnath	Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
Mallikarjuna	Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar	Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar	Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Kedarnath	Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Bhimashankar	Pune, Maharashtra
Kashi Vishwanath	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Bhimashankar	Pune, Maharashtra
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	Nashik, Maharashtra
Vaidyanath (Baidyanath)	Deoghar, Jharkhand
Nageshwar	Dwarka, Gujarat
Rameshwaram	Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Grishneshwar	Aurangabad, Maharashtra

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Location: Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Saurashtra, Gujarat
Significance: The first of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India
Legend: It is believed that the Moon God (Soma) built this temple to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for a curse.
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Special Attraction: Light and Sound Show in the evening

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Significance: Known as the Kailash of the South
Legend: Built where Shiva and Parvati visited to calm their son Kartikeya
Temple Timings: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Nearby Attractions: Srisailam Dam, Pathala Ganga

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Significance: One of the few temples with Dakshinamukhi (south-facing) Jyotirlinga
Legend: Shiva appeared to protect his devotee from a demon and stayed on as Mahakal
Temple Timings: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Special Darshan: Bhasma Aarti every morning at 4:00 AM

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa district
Significance: The island is shaped like the sacred symbol 'Om'
Legend: King Mandhata meditated and pleased Lord Shiva here
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Special Experience: Boat ride around the island

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District
Significance: Located at 3,583 meters in the Himalayas
Legend: Built by the Pandavas to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva
Temple Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Open only from May to October)
Travel Tip: Trek or helicopter access available

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Pune District, Maharashtra
Significance: Surrounded by lush forests and hills
Legend: Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura here
Temple Timings: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Eco-Note: Part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Significance: Most sacred among all Jyotirlingas
Legend: Lord Shiva himself resides in Kashi and grants liberation
Temple Timings: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Experience: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a must-see

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
Significance: Source of the Godavari River
Legend: Sage Gautama's penance led to the emergence of the Godavari and Shiva
Temple Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Unique Feature: The linga here has three faces – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand (also claimed by Parli, Maharashtra)
Significance: Known as Baidyanath Dham
Legend: Ravana offered his ten heads to Shiva at this place
Temple Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Festival Highlight: Shravan Mela – a grand pilgrimage

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat
Significance: Protects devotees from poison and evil
Legend: Shiva appeared to save his devotee Supriya from demons
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Nearby Attraction: Dwarkadhish Temple

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

Location: Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu
Significance: Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before going to Lanka
Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Architectural Highlight: One of the longest temple corridors in India

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Ellora, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Significance: The last Jyotirlinga in the list
Legend: Goddess Parvati created this linga for a pious woman named Kusuma
Temple Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Nearby Attraction: Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

 

Also Read: Top Temples to Visit in Hyderabad with Family

Importance of Visiting the 12 Jyotirlinga

Visiting the 12 Jyotirlinga in India is believed to cleanse all sins and grant spiritual liberation (moksha). Devotees often take up a pilgrimage, known as Jyotirlinga Yatra, to cover all twelve temples in their lifetime.

Some also choose to visit one Jyotirlinga every year or during the holy month of Shravan.

Tips for Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage

• Plan in Advance: Some temples are in remote or high-altitude areas (like Kedarnath)

• Avoid Peak Season: Check the crowd situation during festivals

• Respect Traditions: Follow temple dress codes and customs

• Local Guides: Hire local guides for better understanding of each temple's history

• Safety: Some treks (like Kedarnath) require physical fitness.

Conclusion

The 12 Jyotirlinga in India are not just temples – they are gateways to spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings. Each shrine tells a unique story of devotion, miracles, and the eternal power of Lord Shiva. Whether you're a devotee, a spiritual seeker, or a cultural enthusiast, embarking on the Jyotirlinga Yatra can be a deeply transformative journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the 12 Jyotirlinga in India?

Ans: The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines of Lord Shiva located across India, including Somnath, Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Rameshwaram, and more.

Q2. Which is the most powerful Jyotirlinga?

Ans: All Jyotirlingas are considered equally powerful, but Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath are highly revered.

Q3. How many Jyotirlinga are in Maharashtra?

Ans: There are five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra – Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, Aundha Nagnath, and Parli Vaijnath (although some debate the last two).

Q4. Is Kedarnath one of the 12 Jyotirlingas?

Ans: Yes, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Q5. Can I complete the Jyotirlinga Yatra in one trip?

Ans: Yes, but it requires thorough planning and 25–30 days depending on travel and stay.