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The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are considered the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. Spread across different states, these temples form an important pilgrimage circuit for devotees seeking spiritual fulfilment. From the dense forests of Maharashtra to the icy heights of Kedarnath, each Jyotirlinga has its own legend, landscape, and travel significance.
1. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga - Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Location: Srisailam, Nallamala Forest, Andhra Pradesh
- Distance: Around 215 km from Hyderabad
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of the few shrines where both Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together. Situated on the banks of the Krishna River, the temple is surrounded by forested hills, making it both a spiritual and scenic destination. It is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, adding to its religious importance.
2. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga - Pune District, Maharashtra
- Location: Sahyadri Hills, near Pune
- Distance: Around 125 km from Pune
Nestled deep inside the Western Ghats, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is known for its lush greenery and wildlife sanctuary surroundings. According to legend, Lord Shiva took the form of Bhima here to defeat the demon Tripurasura. The temple is especially popular during the monsoon season for its misty landscapes.
3. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga - Nashik, Maharashtra
- Location: Trimbak, near Nashik
- Distance: About 30 km from Nashik city
Trimbakeshwar is unique as the Shivling represents the Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. It is also the origin point of the sacred Godavari River. The temple is a major centre for rituals such as Narayan Nagbali and Kalsarpa Shanti.
4. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga - Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Location: Verul village, near Ellora Caves
- Distance: Around 30 km from Aurangabad
Grishneshwar is the 12th and last Jyotirlinga and is located close to the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves. Built in traditional Maratha architectural style, the temple allows devotees to perform abhishekam, making the experience deeply personal and devotional.
5. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga - Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
- Location: Mandhata Island, Narmada River
- Distance: About 80 km from Indore
Omkareshwar is situated on an island shaped like the sacred 'Om' symbol. The temple lies on the banks of the Narmada River and is often visited along with Mahakaleshwar. The calm river setting adds to the spiritual ambience of the shrine.
6. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Location: Ujjain city
- Distance: About 55 km from Indore
Mahakaleshwar is one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas and the only one facing south, symbolising Lord Shiva as the Lord of Time. The temple is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, performed in the early hours of the morning, drawing devotees from across the country.
7. Somnath Jyotirlinga - Veraval, Gujarat
- Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval
- Distance: About 85 km from Junagadh
Somnath is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga and has been rebuilt several times after historical invasions. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the temple stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. The evening aarti with the sea breeze is a memorable experience.
8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga - Dwarka, Gujarat
- Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat
- Distance: Around 17 km from Dwarka city
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga represents protection from poison and negative forces. The temple complex features a towering Shiva statue and is often included in Dwarka pilgrimage itineraries. It is believed to safeguard devotees from fear and harm.
9. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Location: Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganga
- Distance: Well-connected by road, rail, and air
Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most revered Shiva temples and is believed to grant moksha to devotees. Located near the ghats of the Ganga, the temple is central to the spiritual life of Varanasi and sees lakhs of pilgrims every year.
10. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga - Uttarakhand
- Location: Garhwal Himalayas
- Distance: Trek of around 16 km from Gaurikund
Kedarnath is the highest Jyotirlinga, located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks, the temple is accessible only for a few months each year. It holds immense significance as part of the Char Dham Yatra.
11. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga - Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Location: Deoghar district
- Distance: About 250 km from Ranchi
Also known as Baidyanath Dham, this Jyotirlinga is associated with healing and devotion. During the Shravan month, lakhs of devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra to offer holy water from the Ganga to Lord Shiva here.
12. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga - Tamil Nadu
- Location: Rameshwaram Island
- Distance: About 170 km from Madurai
Rameshwaram connects Shaivism and Vaishnavism, as it is linked to Lord Rama's worship of Shiva. The temple is famous for its long corridors and sacred water tanks, where pilgrims perform ritual baths before darshan.
