12 jyotirlinga with the name: Every Devotee Must Visit!

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Mar 03,2023

Do you know about the well-known jyotirlinga shrines in India? These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is revered here in a Lingam, which symbolizes sacred power. According to Shiva Purana, there are 64 original Jyotirlinga shrines in Nepal and India. But only 12 shrines are referred to as the Maha Jyotirlingam due to their extreme sacredness. These places are located in India, stretching from North to South.

"Jyoti" translates to radiance or light, while "linga" is a symbol. According to Hindu mythology, there are twelve important temples, known as the Dwadash Jyotirlinga, which are revered throughout India by devotees of Shiva.

This article looks into the twelve iconic jyotirlinga temples in India, their locations, and what makes them important to India's spiritual heritage. It also examines how these incredibly impressive structures have endured for centuries and why devotees still travel great distances to visit them.

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga- The Temple with a Rich History

The Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve revered temples of Lord Shiva in India. It is believed to have been visited by the Lord himself, making it a special pilgrimage site for the devotees. 'Jyotirlinga' means 'column or pillar of light', and 'stambha' symbolically stands for its everlasting presence.

This story symbolized the origin of Lord Shiva as the supreme god when an argument began between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva then showed himself as a column of light and asked them to find either end, but neither could do it, thus proving that Shiva was indeed superior.

The Somnath Temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Saurashtra on Gujarat's western coast. It is said to be one of India's oldest temples and has been repeatedly ravaged by attackers. Yet, these devoted devotees have continuously reinstalled it with great reverence.

This sacred shrine to Lord Shiva still stands tall and strong, garnering attention from thousands of pilgrims who flock to it from all over India annually to pay their respects.

Interesting Facts

The Somnath Jyotirlinga is also known for its unique location. It is built in such a way that there is no land in a straight line to its south till Antarctica. It makes it a sea-protected site and gives it an extra layer of protection from invaders. Additionally, inscriptions on one of its pillars date back to 7 AD, making it one of the oldest temples in India. All these facts make this temple an interesting place to visit and learn about its rich history and culture.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Known as Srisailam Temple

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the twelve revered shrines of Lord Shiva in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, and is considered one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas. The word 'Jyotirlinga' means 'column or pillar of light', and it symbolizes no beginning or end to Lord Shiva's power.

According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued about who was the supreme god, Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light and asked each one to find the end. Neither could do it, thus proving that he was the supreme god.

Devotees have revered the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga for centuries due to its spiritual significance. People from all over India come here to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and offer their prayers at this sacred shrine. The temple complex also houses several other shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses, such as Goddess Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Nandi etc., making it a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Devotees often perform special pujas from here on.

Interesting Facts

The legend of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga also has an interesting story associated with it. It is said that Goddess Parvati fought the demon Mahishasura by transforming herself into a bee, which eventually led to his defeat. It makes the temple even more special for devotees who come here to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People from all over India come here to offer their prayers and seek divine intervention.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga- The Destroyer of All Elements

The Mahakaleshwar temple is a magnificent structure located in Ujjain, India. It has been built in Maratha, Bhumija and Chalukya architectural styles, with five levels, one of which is underground. The temple houses several statues of Lord Shiva and his family members. On the second floor above the Mahakaleshwar linga is the Omkareshwara linga. On the third floor is an image of Nagchandreshwar – with Lord Shiva and Parvati seated on a ten-hooded snake and surrounded by other statues. The temple also features a tall spire (shikhara) with intricate and beautiful carvings.

It is believed that a five-year-old boy, Srikar set up Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga after inspiring by the devotion of King Chandrasena of Ujjain.

Interesting Facts

This Jyotirlinga is even more special because it does not require mantra shakti for power like the other lingas and moorthies (statues). Since it is a self-originated linga, it derives power on its own. It makes Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga one of the most powerful shrines in India, with devotees from all over the country flocking to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga- Perched on an Enticing Island

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of India's most revered and sacred shrines. It is located on the enchanting island of Mandhata, which lies at the confluence of the Kaveri and Narmada rivers. The shape of this island resembles the sacred symbol 'OM’, making it even more divine. The temple has Nagara-style architecture with intricate carvings and beautiful balconies and columns of various shapes. The Jyotirlinga installed on the base floor remains immersed in water, adding to its spiritual significance.

Visiting this temple is an experience like no other, as devotees can feel a sense of peace and serenity here. People come from all over India to seek blessings from Lord Shiva, who is believed to be present in this form of Jyotirlinga. This temple also reminds us that we should always strive for harmony between our inner self and nature, just like how the two rivers meet here peacefully.

Interesting Facts

During the 11th century, Mohd Ghazni attacked the Omkareshwar temple. Aurangzeb was held responsible for destroying the Jyotirlingas in India. Aungha Nath, Kashi Vishwanath and Tribakeshwar are some of the destroyed temples during that period.

5. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga- Renowned for the Shrawan's Mela

The Vaidhyanath Jyotirlinga Temple (Baba Baidyanath Temple) in Deoghar is one of the most revered temples in India. It is a part of the 22 temples devoted to different Gods and Goddesses, with Lord Shiva being the supreme one. The main temple of Vaidhyanath faces east and stands tall at 72ft.

According to religious notes, it was built by Vishwakarma, the Gods' architect. There isn't much history that indicates any king or person who built this temple, but it has been visited since the age of Rama, the then-king of Ayodhya.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga- Spirituality amidst Nature

Bhimashankar Temple is a popular tourist destination located in Khed Taluka. It is situated at an elevation of 3500 feet above sea level and is home to one of the prominent Jyotirlingas in India. The strategic location and stunning landscape, including rolling hills, verdant rainforests, and lush greenery, make it an ideal spot for trekkers, hikers, mountain climbers, pilgrims, photographers, and holidaymakers.

7. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga- The Southernmost Jyotirlinga of India

The Jyotirlinga is a sacred shrine of Lord Shiva, believed to have been visited by the Lord himself. There are twelve such shrines in India, each symbolizing the power and glory of Lord Shiva. The word ‘Jyotirlinga’ literally means ‘column or pillar of light’, representing that there is no beginning or end to the divine power of Lord Shiva.

The story behind these shrines dates back to when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued about who was the supreme god. Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light to settle this dispute and asked them to find its ends. Neither could do so, thus proving that no one can measure the greatness of God. These shrines are so revered by devotees all over India, especially Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, which is located in Tamil Nadu.

8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga- Known for the Huge Statue of Shiva

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve revered shrines of Lord Shiva in India. It is located in Dwarka, Gujarat and is also known as 'Nagnath' or 'Nageshwar Mahadev'. The temple is believed to have been built by Ravana, the demon king from Hindu mythology. According to legend, Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here and was blessed with immense power.

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga symbolizes the formless aspect of Lord Shiva and is said to be a manifestation of his divine energy. It represents no beginning or end to his power and glory. Devotees believe that worshipping at this shrine will bring them closer to Lord Shiva and help them attain spiritual liberation.

9. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga- Also Known as Shri Vishweshwar Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered temples in India, located on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Vishwanath, Ruler of the Universe and has a documented history of over 3500 years. Every year during the month of Shravan, grand celebrations are held in this holy town of Varanasi. On each Monday of this month, different decorations are done for Lord Shiva and other deities associated with him. Starting with the decorations of Lord Shiva on the first Monday, it culminates with the decorations of Shri Rudrakshay on the fourth Monday.

10. Trimbakeshwar- Jyotirlinga with Three Faces

Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra, is a religious shrine that many Hindus revere. It is believed to embody Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra in its three faces. The temple is celebrated with great fervour during the Shravan festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Special ornamentation of the deity takes place on Naag Panchami and full moon day or Narali Poonam. Furthermore, the procession of oxen is carried out on the no moon day.'

The temple complex also houses several other temples, such as the Kalaram Temple, Ganga Mai Temple, Vithoba Temple and more. There are also various ghats along the Godavari River, where devotees take a holy dip before offering their prayers at Trimbakeshwar. The temple complex also has an ancient Jyotirlinga, considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. People from all over India come here to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and experience spiritual bliss.

11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – The Northernmost Jyotirlinga of India

The Kedarnath Shivling is an important symbol of Lord Shiva, located in the Kedar Khand region of India. This temple has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and is known for its spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. It is one of four pilgrimage sites that form the Char Dham Yatra, which includes Chota Char Dam, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath.

Kedarnath Yatra is a significant part of the Chardham Yatra by helicopter and covered after Yamunotri and Gangotri.

12. Grishneshwar – The Last as per Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located at Verul, near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile period. The temple has a unique architecture with a four-storeyed structure and a shikhara (dome) on top.

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga symbolizes Lord Shiva's presence in the form of an infinite pillar of light, which neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find the end of. This pillar of light represents that there is no beginning or end to Lord Shiva's power and glory. Devotees from all over India come here to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and experience his divine grace.

Conclusion

Jyotirlingas are in India have always been the center of attraction for the Lord Shiva devotees. These twelve Jyotirlingas are located in different parts of India and each one has its own unique history and significance. From the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Grishneshwar, these temples have been revered by Hindus for centuries. People from all over India come here to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and experience spiritual bliss.