India’s spiritual landscape is blessed with numerous sacred Shiva temples, but few command the respect and worship that the 12 Jyotirlingas do. But, what are these Jyotirlingas? Jyotirlingas in India are the holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and represent some of the most powerful forms of the divine in Hindu tradition.
These sacred shrines are also popularly known as the “Bara Jyotirlinga” (Bārah meaning twelve in Hindi) or “Dwadasa Jyotirlinga” (Dvādaśa meaning twelve in Sanskrit). Both terms are commonly used by devotees and pilgrims when referring to twelve self-manifested Shiva Lingams. Spread across the entire India, each Jyotirlinga temple holds immense mythological significance and is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.
Here’s state wise information of jyotirlingas:
State | No. of Jyotirlingas | Jyotirlingas |
Andhra Pradesh | 1 | Mallikarjuna (Srisailam) |
Uttar Pradesh | 1 | Kashi Vishwanath |
Uttarakhand | 1 | Kedarnath |
Tamil Nadu | 1 | Rameswaram |
Madhya Pradesh | 2 | Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar |
Gujarat | 2 | Somnath, Nageshwar |
Maharashtra | 4 | Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar & Baidyanath |
The Jyotirlingas hold immense spiritual importance in Hindu mythology and continue to attract millions of worshippers each year. Popularity of jyotirlinga opularity stems from several important aspects:
According to Hindu scriptures, particularly the “Shiva Purana”, the Jyotirlingas originated when Lord Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of light (Jyoti) during a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. When neither could find the beginning or end of this column of light, Lord Shiva emerged from it, showing his supreme power. The places where parts of this divine light fell became the sacred Jyotirlinga sites.
It is believed that worshipping at these 12 Jyotirlinga temples brings special blessings and spiritual rewards (punya). Many faithful Hindus undertake journeys to visit all 12 sites during their lifetime, believing it will lead to moksha (freedom from the cycle of rebirth).
The Kashi Vishwanath temple stands on the western bank of the holy River Ganges in Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world. Often called the “Golden Temple” due to its gold-plated dome, this Jyotirlinga is considered very sacred as Varanasi is believed to be Lord Shiva’s favorite place.
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, with the current structure dating mainly to the 18th century. Believers feel that a visit to Kashi and worship at the Vishwanath temple can break the cycle of rebirth.
Kedarnath is one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas in Uttarakhand and is often called the most powerful Jyotirlinga in India. Sitting high in the Himalayas at 3,583 meters, it’s not easy to reach—but that’s part of what makes the journey so special.
The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Because of heavy snow and harsh weather, it’s only open for six months each year. To get there, pilgrims must take a 16 km trek from Gaurikund, which tests both your strength and your devotion.
Surrounded by stunning mountain views and peaceful silence, Kedarnath offers a deep sense of spiritual connection.
If you’re visiting kedarnath this summer, register online with our Kedarnath yatra registration guide.
Located on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada River, the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga gets its name from ‘Om,’ the sacred sound. What makes this site special is that the island is shaped like the Hindu symbol Om (ॐ) when seen from above.
The temple complex houses two ancient shrines – Omkareshwar (dedicated to Shiva) and Amareshwar. According to local stories, when Lord Vindhya prayed to Shiva to gain height equal to Mount Meru, Shiva appeared here as a Jyotirlinga.
The Mahakaleshwar temple in the ancient city of Ujjain houses one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas. This temple is unique because its Shiva Lingam faces south (Dakshinamukhi), unlike most Shiva temples where the deity faces east.
This temple is also one of the most famous jyotirlinga for its Bhasma Aarti ritual which attracts thousands of devotees to the temple. Mahakaleshwar is linked with the Tantric traditions of Shiva worship and is believed to be especially powerful for spiritual growth.
Located near Dwarka in Gujarat, the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to have been established by Naga (serpent) followers of Lord Shiva. The temple houses one of the largest Shiva lingams in India.
According to the Shiva Purana, this is the site where Lord Shiva saved a follower named Supriya from a demon called Daruka. The location offers a peaceful environment for meditation and spiritual thinking.
Standing proudly on the western coast of Gujarat, the Somnath temple has perhaps the most dramatic history among all Jyotirlingas. It has been destroyed and rebuilt sixteen times throughout history, showing the strength of Hindu faith.
The current temple, rebuilt in the Chalukya style of architecture, features impressive detailed carvings and a 50-meter-high spire. The temple is positioned such that there is no land between Somnath and Antarctica in a straight line, earning it the name “Eternal Shrine.”
Situated on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, the Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameshwaram holds special importance in Hindu mythology as the place where Lord Rama worshipped Shiva before his victory over Ravana.
This temple is famous for its magnificent corridors, which are among the longest in the world, stretching over 1,200 meters with 4,000 carved pillars. The temple also features 22 sacred wells where the water in each well tastes different from the others.
Located near the famous Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, the Grishneshwar temple is the smallest of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines but holds immense spiritual importance. Built in the 18th century, the temple showcases beautiful carvings and Hemadpanthi architecture.
According to local legends, a faithful woman named Kusuma established this Jyotirlinga after Lord Shiva blessed her for her unwavering faith despite tragic personal circumstances.
Nestled in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is surrounded by lush forests and wildlife. The temple, built in the Nagara style of architecture, dates back to the 13th century.
The temple gets its name after Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura and then lived here as Bhimashankar. The area surrounding the temple is now a wildlife sanctuary, home to the giant squirrel species.
The Trimbakeshwar temple near Nashik, Maharashtra, is special for its unique three-faced (Tri-mukha) lingam representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple is also the source of the sacred Godavari River, known as the Ganga of the South.
Built from black stone in the Hemadpanti style, the temple features intricate carvings and a jeweled crown that is displayed on special occasions. The town of Trimbak also hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, making it an important pilgrimage spot.
There is some debate about the exact location of this Jyotirlinga, with claims from temples in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. However, the Parli Vaijnath temple in Maharashtra’s Beed district is widely recognized as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
The temple’s name “Vaidyanath” means “Lord of Physicians,” and it is believed that prayers here can cure illnesses. According to mythology, this is where Ravana offered his ten heads to Lord Shiva as a sacrifice to gain immense power.
Located on the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the most important Jyotirlingas in South India. The temple sits on the banks of the Krishna River and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, who are worshipped here as Mallikarjuna and Brahmaramba.
According to old stories, this is where Lord Shiva made peace with his son Kartikeya, who was upset when his parents favored Ganesha in a competition. The name Mallikarjuna means “Shiva (Arjuna) wearing garlands of jasmine (Mallika) flowers.”
The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, making it very sacred for visitors.
For people who want to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas, the sequence of visiting these sacred sites is often a matter of personal choice. So anybody can start from anywhere and cover all twelve jyotirlingas. However, below is a recommended sequence based on travel convenience:
Start with Maharashtra Circuit:
Then, Andhra Pradesh Circuit:
Mallikarjuna: Visit the Srisailam temple, located on the Nallamala Hills, along the banks of the Krishna River.
Third one is Central India Circuit:
After that, Cover Western India Circuit:
Next is, North India Circuit:
Conclude in South India:
The 12 Jyotirlingas represent the highest form of Shaivite pilgrimage in India, attracting millions of visitors annually. Each shrine has its unique stories and spiritual importance, yet together they show the divine presence of Lord Shiva across the Indian subcontinent.
Whether you’re a religious pilgrim seeking blessing or someone interested in getting freedom of their miseries, visiting these sacred temples make sure you’ll get your wishes fulfilled. The journey to all 12 Jyotirlingas is not merely a religious trip but a life-changing experience that connects you with yourselves
There are exactly 12 Jyotirlingas in India as mentioned in the Shiva Purana. These sacred shrines are spread across different states of India, with the highest number (4 Jyotirlingas) being in Maharashtra. Each represents a unique form of Lord Shiva and holds specific spiritual importance.
While all 12 Jyotirlingas are considered equally sacred, five that is most visited are:
Kedarnath is considered the most challenging Jyotirlinga to visit due to several factors:
According to traditional Hindu texts like the Shiva Purana, there are only 12 Jyotirlingas. However, some hindu follower beliefs suggests additional sites:
These claims show the living nature of Hindu traditions rather than scriptural authority.
Generally, visitors are not allowed to directly touch the original Jyotirlingas in most temples. This is because:
However, practices vary by temple:
The restrictions on touching the Jyotirlingas are meant to preserve their sacredness and spiritual power.
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