The 12 Jyotirlingas: Revered Shrines of Lord Shiva
Somnath Temple Gujarat
Somnath is Known as the “Protector of the Moon God,” this temple is the first and most revered of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Mallikarjuna(Srisailam) Andhra Pradesh
Located in Srisailam, it is associated with Lord Shiva and Parvati and is significant for its architectural splendor.
Mahakaleshwar(ujjain) Madhya Pradesh
Situated in Ujjain, this temple is famous for its unique south-facing idol and the Bhasma Aarti. It is located on the banks of the holy river Shipra
Omkareshwar Madhya pradesh
Omkareshwar also called Mandhata or Shivapuri. This temple is on an island shaped like the Hindu symbol ‘Om’ in the Narmada River.
Kedharnath Uttarakhand
Nestled in the Himalayas, this Jyotirlinga is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and is open only for six months a year due to extreme weather.
Bhimashanker Maharastra
Located in the Sahyadri hills, it is surrounded by dense forests and is a popular trekking destination.
Vishweshwar Uttar Pradesh
Also known as Vishwanath, situated in Varanasi, it is one of the most revered and visited temples dedicated to Lord Shiva
Trimbakeshwar Maharashtra
Located near Nashik, this temple is unique for its three-faced linga representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Baidyanath Temple, Jharkhand
Also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, it is believed to be the place where Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva.
Nageshvara Uttarakhand
Situated near Dwarka, it is known for its immense statue of Lord Shiva and peaceful surroundings, attracting many visitors daily
Rameshwar Tamil Nadu
Located on Rameswaram Island, it is one of the Char Dham temples and is famous for its longest temple corridor.
Grishneshwar Maharashtra
Close to the Ellora Caves, it is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple and is revered for its architectural simplicity.
These twelve Jyotirlingas are revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, spread across India. Each Jyotirlinga represents a unique manifestation of Shiva and holds immense spiritual significance. They are considered to be self-manifested forms of Shiva, symbolizing his boundless and infinite nature.
According to legend, these shrines are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light, hence the name “Jyotirlinga,” which means “linga of light.” Devotees believe that visiting these sacred sites can absolve sins and bring about spiritual enlightenment.
Each Jyotirlinga temple has its own unique story and history, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. The locations of these temples span various states in India, from the southernmost tip to the northern Himalayas, and from the western coast to the eastern part of the country.
The pilgrimage to the twelve Jyotirlingas is considered a highly auspicious journey, undertaken by those seeking divine blessings, spiritual growth, and inner peace. The temples are not just religious landmarks but also architectural marvels, reflecting the rich cultural and historical heritage of India.
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