About the 12 Jyotirlinga Tour
Somnath Jyotirlinga
Located In : Gujarat
Somnath, located on the western coast in Gujarat, is revered as the first Jyotirlinga. The temple stands at the very place where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested himself in a blazing column of light. This historic temple, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed in invasions — a testament to the undying faith of devotees.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Located In : Andhra Pradesh
Located in the scenic Nallamala Hills of Srisailam, Mallikarjuna is not only a Jyotirlinga but also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, making it a double-blessed shrine. It is the only place where both Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together, symbolizing divine union and balance. According to legend, Lord Shiva manifested here to console his son Kartikeya.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Located In : Madhya Pradesh
Situated in the ancient city of Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar is one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas and is known for the Bhasma Aarti, a unique pre-dawn ritual where the deity is bathed in sacred ash. The idol of Mahakal here is dakshinamukhi (south-facing), which is a rarity in Shiva temples and signifies his role as the destroyer of time and ego.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Located In : Madhya Pradesh
Located on an island shaped like the sacred symbol ‘Om’ in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is a place where divinity meets nature in perfect harmony. This island shrine draws thousands of pilgrims who walk the Om Parikrama, a spiritual circuit around the island believed to cleanse sins and fulfill wishes.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Located In : Uttarakhand
Nestled amidst the snow-clad Himalayan ranges, Kedarnath is not just a Jyotirlinga but also one of the Chota Char Dham sites. It is believed that Lord Shiva granted darshan here to the Pandavas to absolve them of their sins after the Kurukshetra war. Reaching Kedarnath involves a trek through pristine valleys or a helicopter ride, adding an adventurous edge to spiritual fulfillment.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Located In : Maharashtra
Located in the dense Sahyadri forest, Bhimashankar is a serene shrine surrounded by nature’s bounty. This temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva defeating the demon Tripurasura. It’s a blend of myth and ecological importance — as it also houses a wildlife sanctuary nearby.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Located In : Uttar Pradesh
Located in the holy city of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas and is said to grant moksha (liberation) to all who die within the city. The temple sits beside the Ganges and reflects the timeless essence of Sanatan Dharma. Lord Shiva is believed to personally reside here, making Kashi the “City of Light.”
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Located In : Mumbai
Situated near Nashik, Trimbakeshwar is the origin point of the Godavari River, one of India’s most sacred rivers. The temple is unique as the linga here has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, symbolizing the trinity. It’s a powerful site for performing Narayan-Nagbali rituals to free ancestors from curses.
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
Located In : Jharkhand
Located in Deoghar, Vaidyanath is also known as Baidyanath and is believed to be the place where Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva with his ten heads as an offering. Moved by his devotion, Shiva appeared and healed him, earning the title “Vaidhya” or the divine physician.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Located In : Gujarat
Located near Dwarka, Nageshwar is believed to be the protector from all poisons — both physical and spiritual. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here to save his devotee Supriya from a demon, and hence the name Nageshwar (Lord of Serpents). The massive Shiva statue at the temple entrance is a sight to behold.
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
Located In : Tamil Nadu
Located on the southern tip of India, Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama worshipped Shiva before his journey to Lanka. The temple is famous for its massive corridors and the 22 sacred wells — each believed to hold unique spiritual properties. It’s also one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Located In : Maharashtra
Located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, Grishneshwar is the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is built in beautiful red stone and showcases traditional South Indian architecture. According to legend, Shiva appeared here to bless a devout woman named Grishna, after whom the temple is named.
