12 Jyotirlingas in India Map
India is a land of diverse cultures and rich spiritual heritage. Among its many facets, the presence of numerous temples and shrines holds a special place in the hearts of its people. In the realm of Hinduism, the “Jyotirlingas” are some of the most revered and significant religious sites. These 12 jyotirlingas in India’s map of Lord Shiva are scattered across the country, and they are believed to radiate divine light or “Jyoti.” This article takes you on a spiritual journey through these sacred Jyotirlingas, each with its unique legend and significance.
Somnath, Gujarat
Somnath, the first Jyotirlinga, is located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It is also known as the “Pranalinga” or the “eternal symbol.” The temple has been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries due to various invasions, yet it remains a symbol of resilience and unwavering devotion. The Somnath Jyotirlinga symbolizes the infinite cycle of creation and destruction, making it a powerful symbol of the divine.
Temple opening hours: Every day from 6 AM to 9 PM. Aarti takes place at 7 AM, 12 noon and 7 PM. The famous light and sound show; ‘Joy Somnath’ takes place every day between 8 to 9 in the evening.
Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna, the second Jyotirlinga, is situated on the Shri Shaila Mountain, on the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. According to legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati settled here after a divine dispute, symbolizing the importance of balance in relationships. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is also associated with the story of a great devotee named Kannappa, who offered his eyes to Lord Shiva.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open from 4:30 AM to 10 p.m. every day. Darshan is between 6:30 am to 1 pm and 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
How to reach: You can reach Mallikarjuna by road from the nearby towns including Doranala, Markarpur, and Kurichedu. The nearest railway station is Markapur railway station.
Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh
The third Jyotirlinga, Mahakaleshwar, resides in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This shrine is unique as it is one of the few Jyotirlingas that is considered both “Swayambhu” (self-manifested) and “Dakshinamurti” (facing south). The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with the concept of time, representing the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Temple opening hours: 4 AM to 11 PM. Devotees can experience darshan from 8 AM to 10 AM,10:30 AM to 5 PM, 6 PM to 7 PM, and 8 PM to 11 PM.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Mahakaleshwar is Indore (51 Km). Ujjain Junction, Chintaman, Vikram Nagar, and Pingleshwa are the four nearest railway stations to Mahakaleshwar.
Temple opening hours: Open on all days of the week from 5 in the morning to 10 in the night. Darshan is between 5:30 AM to 12:20 PM and 4 pm to 8:30 PM.
How to reach: Indore (77km) and Ujjain (133km) are the nearest airports to Omkareshwar. The nearest major railway station is 77 Km away, in Indore. There are also buses running from Indore, Ujjain, and Khandwa to Omkareshwar.
Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar, the fourth Jyotirlinga, is located on an island in the Narmada River, also in Madhya Pradesh. The island’s shape resembles the sacred “Om” symbol, signifying the unity and connection between Lord Shiva and Lord Parvati. The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga represents the harmony and balance between the spiritual and material worlds.
Temple opening hours: Open on all days of the week from 5 in the morning to 10 in the night. Darshan is between 5:30 AM to 12:20 PM and 4 pm to 8:30 PM.
How to reach: Indore (77km) and Ujjain (133km) are the nearest airports to Omkareshwar. The nearest major railway station is 77 Km away, in Indore. There are also buses running from Indore, Ujjain, and Khandwa to Omkareshwar.
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath, the fifth Jyotirlinga, is nestled in the serene Kedarnath Valley, amidst the stunning Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand. This sacred shrine is associated with the story of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata and is a symbol of salvation and liberation. It is also one of the Char Dham Yatras, marking its importance in Hindu pilgrimage.
Temple opening hours: 4 AM to 12 Noon and 3 PM to 9 PM
How to reach: Jolly Grant is the nearest airport and Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath. The nearest road connectivity is to Gaurkund from where you can trek to Kedarnath.
Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
Bhimashankar, the sixth Jyotirlinga, is situated in the Sahyadri hills of Pune district, Maharashtra. It is associated with the story of Lord Shiva defeating the demon Tripurasura, showcasing the triumph of good over evil. The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga represents the Lord’s role as the destroyer of negative forces.
Temple opening hours: All days of the week from 4:30 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 9:30 PM. Darshan starts at 5 in the morning and continues till 9:30 in the night. In the afternoon, during Madhyan Aarti, darshan is closed for 45 minutes.
How to reach: The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar is the Karjat station (168 Km). The remaining distance can be covered in a bus or a rickshaw
Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath, the seventh Jyotirlinga, is located in the sacred city of Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most revered temples in India and is believed to grant salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga symbolizes the infinite power and presence of Lord Shiva.
Temple opening hours: The temple opens every day from 2:30 AM to 11 PM. Read below for the daily puja rituals and darshan timings.
Mangala Aarti: 3 AM to 4 PM
Sarva Darshan: 4 AM to 11 AM
Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM
Sarva Darshan: 12:20 PM to 7 PM
Sandhya Aarti: 7 PM to 8:15 PM
Shringara Aarti: 9 PM to 10:15 PM
Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM
How to reach: Varanasi Junction is the nearest railway station and there are several other stations in the city.
Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
The eighth Jyotirlinga, Trimbakeshwar, is located in the town of Trimbak, near Nashik in Maharashtra. This temple is famous for the origin of the Godavari River, and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga represents the unity of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. It holds immense spiritual significance for devotees.
Temple opening hours: 5:30 AM to 9 PM, all days of the week.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Trimbakeshwar is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The nearest railway station is Igatpuri Railway Station. Located in Nashik, Trimbakeshwar can be reached by road too.
Vaidyanath (Vaijnath), Jharkhand
Vaidyanath, also known as Vaijnath, is the ninth Jyotirlinga, situated in the Deoghar district of Jharkhand. This shrine is believed to have healing powers, and it symbolizes Lord Shiva as the divine healer. The Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, who sought to obtain immortality through Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Temple opening hours: The temple is open on all seven days from 4 AM to 3:30 PM and from 6 PM to 9 PM. During special religious occasions like Maha Shivaratri, darshan timings are stretched.
How to reach: The nearest railway station to Vaidyanath is Jasidih Junction. This station can be reached from Ranchi. The temple is just 15 Km away from the station and can be reached in an auto or cab.
Nageshwar (Aundha Nagnath), Gujarat
Nageshwar, the tenth Jyotirlinga, is located near Dwarka in Gujarat. It is known for the Aundha Nagnath Temple and is associated with the legend of the demon Daaruka, who was defeated by Lord Shiva. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga represents the Lord’s ability to protect his devotees from evil forces.
Temple opening hours: 5 AM to 9 PM, on all days of the week. Devotees can go for darshan between 6 AM to 12:30 PM and 5 PM to 9 pm.
How to reach: The nearest railway stations for Nageshwar are Dwarka station and Veraval station. Jamnagar Airport (45 Km) is the nearest airport to Dwarka
Rameshwar (Ramanathaswamy), Tamil Nadu
Rameshwar, the eleventh Jyotirlinga, is situated on the island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. This temple is famous for its majestic corridors and the belief that Lord Rama built a bridge from here to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita. The Rameshwar Jyotirlinga represents the divine journey of Lord Rama and the unbreakable bond of devotion.
Temple opening hours: 5 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM. Darshan is permitted till 8 PM.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is in Madurai (163 Km). It is also connected by railway from several major South Indian cities including Chennai.
Grishneshwar, Maharashtra
Grishneshwar, the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga, is located near Ellora in Maharashtra. This shrine is associated with the legend of a devout woman named Kusuma, who helped rebuild the temple in honor of Lord Shiva. The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga signifies the importance of devotion and selfless service to the divine.
Temple opening hours: For darshan and puja, visit the temple between 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. During Shravan, darshan is between 3 PM to 11 PM. Usually, darshan takes about a couple of hours. During the month of Shravan, there are huge footfalls and it takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete the darshan.
How to reach: You can reach Aurangabad by train or flight from other parts of India. Delhi has direct trains and flights to this city. Aurangabad is 30 Km away from Grishneshwar and this distance can be covered by road, or in a taxi.
Conclusion
12 Jyotirlingas in India Map are not only revered religious sites but also embodiments of deep spiritual significance and legends that reflect the multifaceted aspects of Lord Shiva’s divinity. Pilgrimage to these sacred abodes is a profound journey for devotees seeking solace, blessings, and spiritual enlightenment. Each Jyotirlinga holds a unique place in Hindu mythology, and together they form an essential part of India’s rich cultural and spiritual tapestry. The pilgrimage to these holy shrines is a transformative experience that connects devotees with their faith and the divine presence of Lord Shiva, reminding us of the enduring power of spirituality in the Indian subcontinent.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1 What are the 12 Jyotirlingas?
A: The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, each representing a manifestation of his divine and cosmic form. Pilgrims believe that visiting and worshiping these Jyotirlingas can bring spiritual blessings.
2 Where are the 12 Jyotirlingas located?
A: The 12 Jyotirlingas are situated across different parts of India. They are:
Somnath in Gujarat
Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar in Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh
Kedarnath in Uttarakhand
Bhimashankar in Maharashtra
Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh
Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra
Vaidyanath (Vaijnath) in Jharkhand
Nageshwar (Aundha Nagnath) in Gujarat
Rameshwar (Ramanathaswamy) in Tamil Nadu
Grishneshwar in Maharashtra
3 What is the significance of the Jyotirlingas?
A: The Jyotirlingas are considered highly sacred in Hinduism and are believed to be self-manifested forms of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims undertake yatras (spiritual journeys) to these shrines to seek blessings, spiritual enlightenment, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
4 Can devotees visit all 12 Jyotirlingas in one pilgrimage?
A: While it’s possible to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas in a single pilgrimage, the journey requires significant time and planning due to the geographical spread of these sacred shrines. Many devotees opt for yantras that cover specific routes or circuits to visit multiple Jyotirlingas.
5 Is there a specific order to visit the Jyotirlingas?
A: There is no mandated order for visiting the Jyotirlingas. Devotees can plan their pilgrimage according to their convenience and travel preferences. Some pilgrims follow established circuits, while others choose a personalized itinerary.
6 Are there any rituals associated with visiting the Jyotirlingas?
A: Devotees usually follow a set of rituals during their visits, including offering prayers, performing abhishekam (ritual bathing of the lingam), and circumambulating the sanctum. Each Jyotirlinga has its unique traditions and rituals.
7 What is the best time to visit the Jyotirlingas?
A: The timing for visiting the Jyotirlingas may vary, and it’s advisable to check specific temple schedules. However, auspicious occasions like Maha Shivaratri witness a significant influx of devotees at these shrines.
8 Can non-Hindus visit the Jyotirlingas?
A: In general, the Jyotirlingas are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. However, visitors are expected to adhere to the religious and cultural practices of the temples, such as dressing modestly and showing respect during prayers.
9 Are there facilities for pilgrims at the Jyotirlinga temples?
A: Most Jyotirlinga temples provide facilities for accommodation, food, and other amenities to cater to the needs of pilgrims. Devotees are advised to check in advance and make necessary arrangements for a comfortable pilgrimage.
10 Are there organized yatras for visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas?
A: Yes, several travel agencies and religious organizations offer organized yatra packages that cover the 12 Jyotirlingas. These yatras provide a structured itinerary, transportation, and guidance for pilgrims undertaking this sacred journey.