Literally meaning the ‘radiant sign of almighty’, a jyotirlinga is a devotional representation or an image of Lord Shiva. While it is believed that originally there were 64 jyotirlingas in the country, 12 of them are considered extremely important as they are very holy and auspicious.
In the vast tapestry of Hinduism, Jyotirlingas hold profound significance. These sacred shrines represent manifestations of Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in the Hindu Trinity. Pilgrimage to these Jyotirlingas is believed to confer spiritual merit and blessings upon devotees. However, not everyone can undertake physical journeys to these distant sites. In recognition of this, efforts have been made to facilitate virtual Darshana (viewing) of Jyotirlingas through online platforms. These digital initiatives aim to bridge the gap between devotees and these revered sites, offering a glimpse into their sanctity and fostering a deeper connection with the divine. Each of the twelve jyotirlinga sites take the name of a deity presiding over it and each one is considered a different manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginning less and endless Stambha pillar which symbolizes the infinite nature of Lord Shiva. Shiva’s Jyotirlinga is highly revered among the Hindus.
Here’s an overview of all the Jyotirlingas along with their official websites, brief descriptions of their significance, information about the associated legends (katha), details about darshan (viewing), and temple timings where available:
- Somnath jyotirlinga:(The Aadi Jyotirlinga)
- The famous jyotirlinga of Somnath is considered to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Situated near Veraval in (Prabhas Kshetra) in the Kathiawad district of Gujarat, Somanth Temple is a much-loved pilgrimage site among Hindus. As a result, This jyotirling in Gujrat is visited throughout the year by millions of devotees who come from far and wide. This Jyotirlinga has been destroyed and rebuilt many times in history.
- Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
- Significance: One of the oldest and most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Mythology: According to legend, Somnath Temple was originally built by Lord Soma (Chandra), the moon god, out of gold. However, it was reconstructed in silver by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Later, Lord Krishna’s grandson, Bhagadatta, rebuilt it in wood. Finally, it was reconstructed in stone by King Vikramaditya. The temple symbolizes the eternal cycle of creation, destruction, and reconstruction.
- Official Site :– Somnath Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :-Click Here
- Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga:
- Situated on the Shri Shaila Mountain, the Mallikarjuna Temple on the banks of the Krishna River in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh is an important pilgrimage destination. This jyotirlinga is also known as ‘Kailash of the South’ and is one of the greatest Shaivite shrines in India. The presiding deities of this temple include Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi).
- Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Significance: Situated atop the Shri Shaila Mountain, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Mythology: The Jyotirlinga at Srisailam is associated with the story of Parvati’s penance to reunite with Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Parvati performed severe penance on the mountains of Srisailam. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva agreed to marry her again. Hence, the Jyotirlinga here is also known as Mallikarjuna, signifying the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Official Site :- Srisailam Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Temple timings vary. Check the official website for details.
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga:
- Mahakaleshwar Temple is located on the banks of the Kshipra River that flows in the dense Mahakal forest in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This Jyotirlinga situated in Madhya Pradesh is an important pilgrimage site in Central India. There are a number of legends and folklore on how this Jyotirlinga came into existence. The Mahakaleshwar Temple is considered significant by the Hindus for one more reason. Hindus believe it to be a part of the seven ‘Mukti-Sthal’, the places that can liberate a human being.
- Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: One of the most revered temples in Ujjain and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Mythology: According to the Puranas, Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is associated with the story of a demon named Dushana who tormented the residents of Avanti (modern-day Ujjain). The demon was eventually vanquished by Lord Shiva, who manifested as Mahakaleshwar. The temple is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva appeared in his fierce form to defeat the demon and protect his devotees.
- Official Site :- Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Click Here
- Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga:
- Omkareshwar Temple is one of the highly revered Jyotirlinga in the country and it is located on an island called Shivapuri in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. According to the Hindu scriptures, once upon a time, a great war ensued between the Devas and Danavas (Gods and Demons) in which the Danavas won. This was not a good thing for the ‘devas’ who then prayed to Lord Shiva and were considered to be under his protection. Impressed by their devotion and sincerity, Lord Shiva emerged in the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in order to defeat the ‘danavas’ and pacify his true followers.
- Location: Mandhata Island, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: It is believed to be the holiest place on earth and is considered the ‘Om’ shaped island.
- Mythology: The origin of Omkareshwar is associated with a great cosmic battle between the Devas (celestial beings) and the Asuras (demons). The Devas, overwhelmed by the Asuras, sought refuge with Lord Shiva. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar and vanquished the Asuras. The island where the Linga appeared is shaped like the Om symbol, symbolizing the cosmic balance.
- Official Site :- Omkareshwar Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Click Here
- Baidyanath Jyotirlinga:
- Vaidyanath Temple is also famously known as Vaijnath or Baidyanath. It is situated at Deogarh which is in the Santal Parganas region of Jharkhand. Many people believe that one can attain moksha or salvation by worshipping this Jyotirlinga.
- Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Significance: Also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, it is one of the twelve Shiva Jyotirlingas.
- Mythology: The mythology of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is associated with the demon king Ravana’s attempt to take the Jyotirlinga to Lanka to attain immortality. However, Lord Shiva thwarted his plan, and in the process, Ravana left the mark of his ten fingers on the Linga. These marks are still visible on the Linga, symbolizing Ravana’s failed attempt and Lord Shiva’s supremacy.
- Official Site :- Baidyanath Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Click Here
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga:
- The Nageshwar Temple is also known as Nagnath Temple and it is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. This Jyotirlinga holds a special significance as it symbolises protection from all types of poison. It is believed that those who worship at this temple attain liberation from all poisons.
- Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
- Significance: Associated with various legends, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas mentioned in the Shiva Purana.
- Mythology: According to mythology, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with a demon named Daruka who terrorized the region. Lord Shiva, in the form of Nageshwar, vanquished the demon, freeing the land from tyranny. The temple stands as a symbol of Lord Shiva’s victory over evil and his role as the protector of his devotees.
- Official Site :- Not Available
- Contact::
- Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka : 361 335, Dist.: Jamnagar ,Gujarat- India. Phone: +91- 2892, Office : 234080 Res: 234090
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Not Available so contact above details or check/search for more information
- Kedareshwar Jyotirlinga:
- One of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, the Kedarnath Temple is located on the Rudra Himalaya Range at the height of 12000 feet on a mountain that is named Kedar. It is at an approximate distance of 150 miles from Haridwar. The temple enshrining the Jyotirlinga opens for only six months in a year. According to tradition, while embarking on a pilgrimage to Kedarnath people first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and then bring the holy water to offer at Kedarnath.
- Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Significance: Nestled amidst the Himalayas, it is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Mythology: The mythology of Kedarnath is closely intertwined with the Mahabharata epic. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for the sin of fratricide. However, Lord Shiva evaded them and transformed into a bull, hiding in Kedarnath. Upon being pursued, he dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump, which became the revered Linga at Kedarnath.
- Official Site :-Kedarnath Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :– Click Here
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga:
- The Trimbakeshwar Temple is situated at a distance of 30 kms from Nasik in Maharashtra near a mountain named Brahmagiri from which the river Godavari flows. This temple is considered to be a source of the river Godavari, a river which is known as ‘Gautami Ganga’, the most sacred river in South India. Hindus believe that this Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra is the one which fulfils everyone’s desires and hence visit it to make their dreams come true.
- Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
- Significance: The source of the Godavari River, this temple is associated with various mythological legends.
- Mythology: Trimbakeshwar Temple’s mythology revolves around the story of Gautama Rishi and the origin of the Godavari River. Due to a curse, the region faced a severe drought. Gautama Rishi performed intense penance to appease Lord Shiva, who released the sacred Ganga River from his matted hair, blessing the land with abundance. The place where Godavari originates is known as Trimbak.
- Official Site :- Trimbakeshwar Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Click Here
- Rameshwar Jyotirlinga:
- Rameshwar Temple is the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is located on the island of Rameshwaram, off the Sethu coast of Tamil Nadu. This temple is well-known for its architecture, more prominently the long ornate corridors, towers and 36 theerthams. This has been a time-honoured pilgrimage centre considered by many at par with Banaras, the holy city of Hindus. This Jyotirlinga is well-known due to its close association with Ramayana and Ram’s victorious return from Sri Lanka.
- Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
- Significance: A major pilgrimage site for Hindus, it is associated with the Ramayana and Lord Rama’s journey to Lanka.
- Mythology: The mythology of Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is intricately linked with the Ramayana epic. Lord Rama, accompanied by his army of Vanaras (monkeys), built a bridge (Rama Setu) from Rameswaram to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Before commencing the battle, Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva for victory. Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion, manifested as Rameshwar Jyotirlinga.
- Official Site :- Ramanathaswamy Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Temple timings vary. Check the official website for details.
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga:
- The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located in a quaint little village called Verul, which lies at a distance of 20 km from Daulatabad, near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Quite close to this temple is the famous tourist site i.e. Ajanta and Ellora caves. This temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar who is famous for rebuilding the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The Ghrishneshwar temple is also known by other names across India such as Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeshwar, Grisham Swara and Grishneshwar.
- Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Significance: Associated with the legend of Shiva defeating the demon Tripurasura.
- Mythology: Grishneshwar Temple’s mythology revolves around the story of a devout woman named Kusuma who was falsely accused of infidelity by her husband. Kusuma prayed fervently to Lord Shiva for justice. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva restored her honor and manifested as Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. The temple stands as a symbol of justice and divine intervention in the face of adversity.
- Official Site :- Grishneshwar Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Explore the official website of Grishneshwar Temple or YouTube for live darshan streams.
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga:
- The Bhimashankar Temple is located in the Sahyadri region of Pune, Maharashtra. gLyin on the banks of Bhima River, it is considered to be a source of this river. According to a famous legend, the sweat which poured from Shiva’s body after a difficult battle is what formed the Bhima River.
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Significance: Associated with the legend of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.
- Mythology: Bhimashankar Temple is associated with the legend of the demon Tripurasura who terrorized the world. To defeat him, Lord Shiva manifested in his fierce form as Bhimashankar. A great battle ensued, and eventually, Lord Shiva vanquished the demon, bringing peace to the world. The temple stands as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.
- Official Site :- Bhimashankar Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Not Available. Darshan timings vary. Check the official website for details.
- Visweswara Jyotirlinga:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in one of the most revered sites in the world, Kashi or Varanasi as it is popularly known. It is situated amidst the crowded lanes of the holy city of Banaras (Varanasi). More than the Ghats and Ganga of Varanasi, the Shivalinga remains the devotional focus of the pilgrims. It is said that the divine evening aarti on the Ganga Ghat in Varanasi is one of the most remarkable experiences of one’s life.
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: One of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the holy city of Varanasi.
- Mythology: The mythology of Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is linked to the cosmic pillar of light that emerged to settle a dispute between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of light, and to prove the omnipresence of Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma sought to find its ends. This divine pillar later became the revered Jyotirlinga at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Official Site :- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Live Darshan/Youtube Channel link :- Click Here
Embark on a journey of divine discovery as you explore the mystical realm of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where devotion intertwines with legend, and the soul finds solace in the eternal embrace of Lord Shiva. Experience the transcendental grace of these sacred sites and immerse yourself in the timeless tales of devotion and faith. Let the celestial aura of the Jyotirlingas awaken the divine spark within you, guiding you on the path of spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
NOTE::
- For the most accurate and up-to-date information on live darshan options, it’s recommended to visit the official websites or social media channels of each temple. Additionally, searching on YouTube with the name of the temple followed by “live darshan” might yield relevant results.
- Certainly! When delving into the mythology and legends surrounding the Jyotirlingas, it’s essential to approach them with an understanding of their cultural and spiritual significance rather than focusing solely on authenticity or copyright. These narratives have been passed down through generations, evolving and adapting within the rich tapestry of religious beliefs and cultural practices.
- In researching the mythology of the Jyotirlingas, scholars and enthusiasts often explore various versions of the same story, considering regional variations, oral traditions, and historical accounts. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and interpretations surrounding these sacred sites.
- Furthermore, the discourse on Jyotirlinga mythology can serve as a lens through which to study broader themes such as religious syncretism, the intersection of mythology and history, and the socio-cultural dynamics of pilgrimage traditions. By critically examining these narratives, researchers can uncover layers of symbolism, allegory, and metaphor that reflect the complex tapestry of human experience and belief systems.
- Moreover, it’s crucial to acknowledge the fluid nature of mythology and the dynamic interplay between myth and reality. While historical accuracy is valuable, the primary focus of mythological discourse is often on the symbolic and spiritual significance of these narratives rather than their factual authenticity.
- In conclusion, approaching the discourse on Jyotirlinga mythology with a nuanced understanding of its cultural context, symbolic significance, and diverse interpretations allows for a more comprehensive exploration of these sacred narratives. By embracing the richness and complexity of these mythological traditions, researchers can uncover profound insights into the human quest for meaning, transcendence, and spiritual enlightenment.
🙏 Har Har Mahadev 🕉️