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12 Jyotirlinga in India to Visit With Friends/Family
India, known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance, is home to the divine abodes known as Jyotirlinga temples. These twelve sacred sites are revered by millions of devotees for their association with Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
Journeying to these sacred sites offers spiritual solace and an opportunity to explore India's diverse landscapes and architectural marvels.
How Many Jyotirlinga Are There in India?
India possesses 12 jyotirlingas, revered shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism. These jyotirlingas are spread throughout the nation, from the western shoreline to the Himalayan peaks.
Each jyotirlinga is perceived as an embodiment of Shiva, symbolising the 12 rashis and 9 forms of Shakti. Devotees and pilgrims alike revere these sacred sites for their historical significance and spiritual aura.
List of Jyotirlinga in India
The following are some of the prominent temples in Kanchipuram that you can access easily through Kanchipuram railway station, Chennai International Airport, and Kanchipuram bus stand:
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12 Jyotirlinga Temples to Visit in India
The 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India offer a profound spiritual experience coupled with architectural grandeur and natural beauty; here’s the list of 12 Jyotirlinga temples:
1. Somnath | Gir Somnath, Gujarat
Somnath Temple in Gujarat is revered as the first among Lord Shiva's twelve Jyotirlingas. It is a symbol of resilience, having been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by invaders.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 6 am to 9 pm.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Dwarka and nearby cities.
- Nearby Railway Station: Veraval railway station and Dwarka railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Jamnagar airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Somnath bus station.
2. Nageshwar | Daarukavanam, Gujarat
Situated in Gujarat, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to be one of the most ancient shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's sanctity is accentuated by a sacred pond and a towering statue of Lord Shiva.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 6 am to 12:30 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Dwarka and nearby cities.
- Nearby Railway Station: Dwarka railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Jamnagar airport and Porbandar airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Om Nageshwar bus station.
3. Bhimashankar | Pune, Maharashtra
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is revered for its picturesque surroundings, and it is believed to be where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Bhima.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 4:30 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9:30 pm.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible from the express highway and nearby cities.
- Nearby Railway Station: Karjat railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Pune airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Bhimashankar bus station.
4. Trimbakeshwar | Nashik, Maharashtra
Located in Nashik, Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is renowned for its distinct architectural style and spiritual significance. It is situated at the source of the sacred Godavari River, which is believed to be its origin.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 5:30 am to 9 pm.
- How to Reach: Located in Nashik, Trimbakeshwar can be reached by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Igatpuri railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Trimbakeshwar bus station.
5. Grishneshwar | Aurangabad, Maharashtra
In Aurangabad, Maharashtra, the Grishneshwar Temple is the epitome of architectural grandeur and spiritual fervour. It holds a special place in the hearts of devotees for its divine presence.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm (During Shravan - 3 pm to 11 pm).
- How to Reach: Can be reached by road in a taxi or car.
- Nearby Railway Station: Aurangabad railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Aurangabad airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Aurangabad central bus station.
6. Baidyanath | Deoghar, Jharkhand
Found in Deoghar, Jharkhand, Baidyanath Temple, often known as Vaijinath Temple, is revered as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have the power to heal ailments and grant divine blessings to all the devotees.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 4 am to 3:30 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm.
- How to Reach: Can be reached by road in a taxi or car.
- Nearby Railway Station: Jasidih junction.
- Nearby Airport: Deoghar airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Deoghar bus station.
7. Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Situated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is revered for its unique lingam, which is said to have emerged naturally. The temple is known for its grand architecture and religious fervour.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 4 am to 11 pm.
- How to Reach: Located in Ujjain, this temple can be reached by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Vikram Nagar railway station and Pingleshwa railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Indore airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Shilgaon bus station.
8. Omkareshwar | Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Located on the serene island of Mandhata in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Narmada River. It is a popular pilgrimage destination known for its spiritual aura.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 5:30 am to 12:20 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm.
- How to Reach: This temple can be reached by road from Indore, Ujjain, and Khandwa.
- Nearby Railway Station: Omkareshwar Road railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Indore airport and Devi Ahilyabai Holkar airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Omkareshwar bus station.
9. Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Situated in the ancient city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is revered as one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees flock here to seek blessings and spiritual solace.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 3 am to 11 pm.
- How to Reach: This temple can be reached by road in cab, car or autorickshaw.
- Nearby Railway Station: Varanasi Junction and Kashi railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Varanasi airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Cantt bus station and Kashi Depot.
10. Kedarnath | Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Perched amidst the majestic Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. The temple is accessible only by a trek through breathtaking mountain landscapes.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 4 am to 8 pm.
- How to Reach: Trek from Gaurikund or helicopter service from Phata.
- Nearby Railway Station: Haridwar and Rishikesh railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Sonprayag bus station.
11. Rameshwaram | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, is steeped in mythology and revered for its architectural beauty. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 5 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm.
- How to Reach: Rameshwaram temple is well connected by roads to all the cities of Tamil Nadu.
- Nearby Railway Station: Rameshwaram railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Madurai airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Rameshwaram bus station.
12. Mallikarjuna | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Situated atop the Srisailam hill in Andhra Pradesh, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is revered as one of the most ancient shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: Every day from 4:30 am to 10 pm.
- How to Reach: You can reach Mallikarjuna temple by road from the nearby towns, including Doranala and Markarpur.
- Nearby Railway Station: Markapur railway station.
- Nearby Airport: Vijayawada Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Srisailam bus station.
Embarking on a pilgrimage to the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India offers a spiritual awakening and an opportunity to explore the country's diverse cultural heritage and architectural marvels. Scattered across different regions, these sacred sites testify to the timeless devotion and faith of millions of devotees towards Lord Shiva.
FAQs about Jyotirlinga in India
Which Jyotirlinga is most powerful?
Kashi Vishwanath, situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is considered the most powerful Jyotirlinga due to its immense spiritual significance and the belief that it grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Which is the smallest Jyotirlinga in India?
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is considered the smallest in India, renowned for its compact yet spiritually potent presence.
Can we visit Jyotirlinga in any order?
Yes, pilgrims can visit the Jyotirlinga temples in any order, as there is no prescribed sequence for their visitation. This allows flexibility based on individual preferences and travel arrangements.
Are there any festivals celebrated at Jyotirlingas?
Yes, festivals such as Mahashivratri and Shravan Maas (the month of Shravan) witness special celebrations at Jyotirlingas.
What is the significance of offering Bilva leaves to Jyotirlingas?
Offering Bilva leaves is considered exceedingly auspicious. It is thought to appease Lord Shiva, bring blessings, and fulfill devotees' requests.
Are there any specific mantras associated with Jyotirlingas?
Yes, various mantras, such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Rudram are chanted during worship at Jyotirlingas.
Can devotees perform abhishekam at Jyotirlingas?
Yes, devotees can perform abhishekam by offering the lingam water, milk, honey, or other sacred substances.
What is the spiritual significance of performing pradakshina at Jyotirlingas?
Pradakshina is considered a form of reverence and devotion, symbolising life's cyclic nature and the divine's eternal presence.
Are there any pilgrimage festivals dedicated to the Jyotirlingas?
Yes, devotees participate in pilgrimage events like the Pancha Jyotirlinga Yatra and the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra to visit several Jyotirlingas.
Which is the oldest jyotirlinga?
Somnath Temple in Gujarat is the first and oldest of Shiva's twelve jyotirlinga shrines.
Which jyotirlinga is difficult to reach?
The Kedarnath Temple, located around 3583 metres in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, is the most difficult to reach.
What happens if we visit all 12 Jyotirlingas?
Visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to bring spiritual merit, blessings, fulfilment of desires, spiritual growth, and enlightenment to devotees.
Which Jyotirlinga is for health?
The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is associated with health and healing, believed to offer relief from ailments and promote well-being.
What is the difference between Shivling and Jyotirlinga?
A Shivling represents Lord Shiva's cosmic energy, while a Jyotirlinga is a specific manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with divine light and spiritual significance.