Among all the sacred places of Lord Shiva, none are held in higher reverence than the 12 Jyotirlingas. The word Jyotirlinga means "linga of light," and according to the Shiva Purana, these are the twelve places where Lord Shiva revealed himself as an infinite column of divine light. For millions of devotees, completing the darshan of all twelve Jyotirlingas is one of the most meaningful pilgrimages of a lifetime.
Spread across India, from the Himalayas of Uttarakhand to the seashore of Tamil Nadu, each Jyotirlinga has its own legend, its own form of Shiva, and its own spiritual atmosphere. In this complete guide, we cover the story and significance of all 12 Jyotirlingas, where each one is located, how to plan your yatra, and how to prepare yourself spiritually for the journey.
The 12 Jyotirlingas at a Glance
| No. | Jyotirlinga | Location | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somnath | Prabhas Patan, Veraval | Gujarat |
| 2 | Mallikarjuna | Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh |
| 3 | Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain | Madhya Pradesh |
| 4 | Omkareshwar | Mandhata Island, Narmada River | Madhya Pradesh |
| 5 | Kedarnath | Rudraprayag district | Uttarakhand |
| 6 | Bhimashankar | Sahyadri Hills, near Pune | Maharashtra |
| 7 | Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
| 8 | Trimbakeshwar | Near Nashik | Maharashtra |
| 9 | Vaidyanath (Baidyanath) | Deoghar | Jharkhand |
| 10 | Nageshwar | Near Dwarka | Gujarat |
| 11 | Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy) | Rameswaram Island | Tamil Nadu |
| 12 | Grishneshwar | Near Ellora Caves | Maharashtra |
What Is a Jyotirlinga?
According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once debated who was the greater of the two. To settle the argument, Lord Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of light, piercing through all three worlds. Brahma flew upward and Vishnu dug downward to find its end, but neither could. This infinite pillar of light is the Jyotirlinga, and the twelve places where Shiva is believed to have manifested in this form became the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines.
While every Shivling is sacred, a Jyotirlinga is considered a swayambhu (self-manifested) presence of Shiva himself. That is why devotees believe that sincere darshan at a Jyotirlinga carries special spiritual merit.
The Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotram
The twelve Jyotirlingas are named in this well-known Sanskrit hymn, which devotees recite every morning and evening:
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् ।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोङ्कारममलेश्वरम् ॥
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम् ।
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने ॥
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे ।
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये ॥
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः ।
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति ॥
Meaning: Whoever recites the names of these twelve Jyotirlingas in the morning and evening is believed to be freed from the sins of seven lifetimes simply by remembering them.
The 12 Jyotirlingas: Stories and Significance
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Somnath, on the Arabian Sea coast at Prabhas Patan, is traditionally regarded as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Legend says the Moon God (Chandra) was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to lose his radiance. Chandra worshipped Lord Shiva here, and Shiva freed him from the curse, which is why the deity is called Somnath, the Lord of the Moon.
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries, and the present temple was rebuilt after India's independence. Today, Somnath stands as a powerful symbol of faith and resilience. The evening aarti, with the sea crashing behind the temple, is an unforgettable experience.
How to reach: Veraval railway station is about 7 km away. The nearest airports are at Diu and Rajkot.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh
Set in the forested Nallamala Hills at Srisailam, Mallikarjuna is unique because it is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth, where Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Bhramaramba Devi. According to legend, when Lord Kartikeya left Mount Kailash upset, Shiva and Parvati came to this place to be near him. Shiva here is worshipped as Mallikarjuna, a name that unites Mallika (Parvati) and Arjuna (Shiva).
How to reach: Srisailam is reachable by road. The nearest major city and airport is Hyderabad.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
In the ancient city of Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar is the only Jyotirlinga that faces south (Dakshinamukhi). Since the south is the direction of death, Shiva here is worshipped as Mahakal, the Lord of Time and the conqueror of death. The temple is world-famous for its early-morning Bhasma Aarti, for which devotees book in advance.
How to reach: Ujjain is well connected by rail. The nearest airport is Indore, about 55 km away.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar sits on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, an island that is said to be shaped like the sacred symbol ॐ (Om). Devotees also visit the nearby Mamleshwar (Amareshwar) temple, and many traditions consider darshan of both as essential to complete the Omkareshwar pilgrimage.
How to reach: Omkareshwar is about 80 km from Indore by road. Devotees often visit it together with Mahakaleshwar.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand
High in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is the highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas. According to legend, after the Mahabharata war the Pandavas sought Shiva's forgiveness, and Shiva, taking the form of a bull, appeared here. Kedarnath is part of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra and the first of the Panch Kedar, along with Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar.
The temple opens only for about six months each year, traditionally around Akshaya Tritiya in spring, and closes around Bhai Dooj after Diwali, when heavy snowfall begins.
How to reach: The temple is reached by a trek of roughly 16 km from Gaurikund. Many pilgrims also visit Gauri Kund Temple and Triyuginarayan Temple, where Shiva and Parvati are believed to have married, on the same journey.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Bhimashankar lies deep in the forests of the Sahyadri Hills, at the source of the Bhima River. Legend says Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna, terrorised the gods and sages, and Lord Shiva destroyed him here. Surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, Bhimashankar is especially beautiful during the monsoon, though the roads can be slippery.
How to reach: Bhimashankar is about 110 km from Pune, which is the nearest major city and airport.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Uttar Pradesh
On the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is the temple of the "Lord of the Universe." Kashi is believed to rest on Shiva's trident, and it is said that those who leave their body in Kashi receive liberation (moksha). The modern Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor now connects the temple directly to the Ganga ghats.
While in Varanasi, devotees traditionally also visit Kal Bhairav Temple, the guardian of Kashi, and Annapurna Temple, and attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
How to reach: Varanasi has its own airport and major railway stations.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Near Nashik, at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hills where the Godavari River begins, Trimbakeshwar is special because its linga has three small faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Legend says Sage Gautam brought the Godavari (also called Gautami Ganga) down to earth here. Trimbakeshwar is also known for rituals such as Narayan Nagbali and Kaal Sarp puja, and it is one of the sites of the Kumbh Mela.
How to reach: Trimbakeshwar is about 30 km from Nashik.
9. Vaidyanath (Baidyanath) Jyotirlinga, Jharkhand
Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar is closely linked with Ravana. Legend says Ravana was carrying a Shivling to Lanka with the condition that it must not be placed on the ground. When he set it down, it remained here forever. Shiva is worshipped here as Vaidyanath, the divine healer. Baidyanath Dham is also counted among the Shakti Peethas.
During the holy month of Shravan, lakhs of kanwariyas collect Ganga water at Sultanganj, home of the Ajgaibinath Temple, and walk over 100 km barefoot to offer it to Baba Baidyanath.
Note: Some traditions identify Parli Vaijnath in Maharashtra as this Jyotirlinga, based on the word "Paralyam" in the stotram. Deoghar is the most widely followed tradition.
How to reach: Jasidih Junction is about 7 km from Deoghar, and Deoghar also has its own airport.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Nageshwar, near Dwarka, is worshipped as the protector from all poisons, both physical and spiritual. Legend tells of the devotee Supriya, who was imprisoned by the demon Daruka in the forest of Darukavana. Supriya kept chanting Shiva's name, and Shiva appeared to destroy the demon and protect his devotee. The temple is known for its large seated statue of Lord Shiva.
Note: Some traditions identify Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra or Jageshwar Dham in Uttarakhand as Nageshwar. The Dwarka temple is the most widely visited.
How to reach: Nageshwar is about 17 km from Dwarka, and pilgrims usually combine it with Dwarkadhish darshan.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu
The Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameshwaram was, according to the Ramayana, established by Lord Rama himself, who worshipped Shiva here before crossing to Lanka. It is the only site that is both one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the four Char Dham. The temple is famous for its magnificent pillared corridors, among the longest in any Indian temple, and its 22 sacred wells (theerthams) where pilgrims bathe before darshan.
How to reach: Rameswaram is an island connected to the mainland by the Pamban bridge. The nearest major airport is Madurai.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Grishneshwar, also called Ghushmeshwar, is the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas and lies close to the famous Ellora Caves. Legend tells of Ghushma, a devoted woman who made and worshipped 101 Shivlings every day. When her jealous sister killed her son, Ghushma continued her worship with complete faith, and Shiva appeared to bring her son back to life.
How to reach: Grishneshwar is about 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), which has an airport and railway station.
How to Plan Your 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra
Visiting all twelve Jyotirlingas in one trip is possible but demanding. Most devotees complete the yatra over several trips, grouping temples that lie close to each other:
| Circuit | Jyotirlingas | Good Base City |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Somnath, Nageshwar | Dwarka / Somnath |
| Madhya Pradesh | Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar | Indore / Ujjain |
| Maharashtra | Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Bhimashankar | Nashik / Pune |
| South India | Mallikarjuna, Rameshwaram | Hyderabad / Madurai |
| North & East | Kashi Vishwanath, Vaidyanath, Kedarnath | Varanasi / Deoghar / Haridwar |
Best Time to Visit
- Most Jyotirlingas: October to March, when the weather is pleasant for travel.
- Kedarnath: Only between roughly May and October, when the temple is open. Avoid the peak monsoon weeks if possible.
- Shravan month and Mahashivratri: The most auspicious times for darshan, but also the most crowded. Plan stays and darshan bookings well in advance.
Practical Tips
- Check each temple's official website for current darshan timings, dress codes, and online booking, as these change from time to time.
- Book special rituals like the Mahakal Bhasma Aarti in advance.
- For Kedarnath, register for the yatra in advance and prepare physically for the trek.
- Carry light, modest clothing, and keep a small bag for offerings like Bel Patra and Gangajal.
Preparing Spiritually: Rudraksha and the Jyotirlinga Yatra
According to the Shiva Purana, Rudraksha beads were born from the tears of Lord Shiva, which is why devotees consider them the most natural companion on a Shiva pilgrimage. Many pilgrims wear a Rudraksha throughout their Jyotirlinga yatra and chant Shiva's name on a Rudraksha mala at each temple.
- 5 Mukhi Rudraksha: The form of Kalagni Rudra and the most widely worn Rudraksha, considered suitable for everyone.
- 5 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala: For chanting Om Namah Shivaya or the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times at each Jyotirlinga.
- 1 Mukhi Rudraksha: Revered as the direct form of Lord Shiva himself.
- 11 Mukhi Rudraksha: Associated with the Ekadash (eleven) Rudras, forms of Shiva.
Not sure which Rudraksha suits you? Read our mukhi-wise Rudraksha benefits guide, and before buying, learn how to identify authentic Rudraksha.
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Explore Certified RudrakshaFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which is the first Jyotirlinga?
Somnath in Gujarat is traditionally regarded as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, as it is the first named in the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotram.
Q2: Which state has the most Jyotirlingas?
Maharashtra, with three: Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, and Grishneshwar. Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have two each.
Q3: Which Jyotirlinga faces south?
Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain is the only Dakshinamukhi (south-facing) Jyotirlinga, which is why Shiva is worshipped there as Mahakal, the Lord of Time.
Q4: Which Jyotirlinga is also one of the Char Dham?
Rameshwaram is both one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the four Char Dham. Kedarnath is part of the Uttarakhand Chota Char Dham Yatra.
Q5: Is there a fixed order to visit the Jyotirlingas?
No. There is no compulsory order. Most devotees plan by region for convenience. Some traditions suggest beginning with Somnath and ending with Grishneshwar, following the stotram.
Q6: How many days does the complete 12 Jyotirlinga yatra take?
Covering all twelve in a single trip usually takes around three to four weeks by train and road. Most devotees complete them across several shorter trips.
Q7: Can I wear Rudraksha during the Jyotirlinga yatra?
Yes. Rudraksha is considered the sacred bead of Lord Shiva, and many pilgrims wear it throughout the yatra. The 5 Mukhi Rudraksha is the most common choice, as it is traditionally considered suitable for everyone.
Conclusion
The twelve Jyotirlingas are more than temples. Together they form a spiritual map of India, connecting the Himalayas to the southern seas, and each one carries a story of devotion, forgiveness, and Shiva's grace. Whether you visit all twelve or begin with the one closest to you, every step of this yatra is an offering to Mahadev.
Har Har Mahadev! 🙏
Disclaimer: The legends and spiritual beliefs in this article are based on the Shiva Purana and traditional accounts. Temple timings, routes, and booking rules change from time to time, so please check the official temple websites before you travel.