Lord Shiva is worshipped in many temples in India, but there are 12 Jyotirlingas in total. In Sanskrit, Jyotirlinga means ‘Pillar of Light’. It is the infinite energy of Lord Shiva. Several religious books claim that the holy shrines were built where Shiva appeared in front of his followers in the form of a column of fire.
For Lord Shiva’s worshippers, these holy places hold much significance and visiting them is considered very auspicious. There is a pilgrimage undertaken to these sacred shrines in India known as the ’12 Jyotirlinga Yatra’.
List of 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India
Twelve Jyotirlingas are spread throughout India. They are steeped in history, mythologies, and spiritual significance.
Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Somnath is regarded as the first Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated near the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. The temple has been restored several times due to damage caused during invasions. It signifies devotion.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)
This Jyotirlinga is located at Srisailam on the bank of the Krishna river. It is located amidst dense forests. It is a Jyotirlinga as well as Shakti Peetha.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
Mahakaleshwar is located in the city of Ujjain. It is renowned for performing Bhasma Aarti. Shiva is worshipped here as Mahakal – God of time.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
This Jyotirlinga is located in an island in the Narmada river. The island resembles the shape of the Om symbol giving the place its name.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)
Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is a famous shrine in India and is part of Char Dham yatra. It is renowned for its architectural beauty.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
This temple is located in the Sahyadri hills and surrounded by forests and wildlife sanctuaries..
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)
The temple is located at Varanasi beside the holy Ganges river. The temple promises salvation to all its visitors.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
The Trimbakeshwar is near the city of Nashik. It is one of the most significant Jyotirlingas as it represents the Hindu Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkhand)
This Jyotirlinga in Jharkhand is regarded as a holy healing centre for Lord Shiva’s devotees.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Located near Dwarka in Gujarat, this temple protects the devotees from evils. It ensures that its devotees stay fearless.
Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)
Located at Rameshwaram, the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga is associated with Lord Rama. He paid a visit to this place before conquering Ravana.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Although it is a small Jyotirlinga, it holds great spiritual significance and is located near the renowned Ellora caves in Maharashtra.
Jyotirlinga Yatra
Devotees undertake an exclusive and sacred pilgrimage called Jyotirlinga Yatra.
Benefit of undertaking this yatra include:
– Spiritual strength
– Knowledge of various rituals performed in the temples
– Knowing about Indian culture
Jyotirlinga Yatra makes you eligible for many blessings of God.
Conclusion
As evident from the above, Lord Shiva is worshiped throughout India in different forms. These sacred Jyotirlingas are not just holy shrines. Rather they are filled with myths, legendries, and spirituality. Visiting them gives spiritual strength and enriches your knowledge about Indian culture.
