12 Jyotirlinga
Embark on a Soulful Pilgrimage to India's 12 Jyotirlingas: A Journey Beyond Compare
Pink Visa Tours India invites you on a divine journey to explore the 12 Jyotirlingas, sacred abodes of Lord Shiva spread across the country. We offer customized packages for devotees to visit these holy shrines, ensuring a seamless, spiritual, and enlightening experience.
Shrines known as Jyotirlingas, Jyotirlings, or Jyotirlingams hold immense significance as places of worship where Lord Shiva is venerated in the form of a Jyotirlingam. The term “Jyotirlingam” combines the words Jyoti (light or radiance) and Lingam (the mark or sign of the divine), symbolizing the radiant manifestation of the Almighty. The Shiva Lingam itself is often interpreted as the symbolic representation of Lord Shiva’s infinite presence and creative energy.
According to tradition, there are twelve Jyotirlinga shrines spread across India, each holding a unique spiritual and historical significance. These shrines are especially revered because, as per legend, Lord Shiva first appeared as a Jyotirlinga on the night of the Aridra Nakshatra. While these shrines may not look outwardly different from other Shiva temples, spiritual seekers believe that with heightened spiritual awareness, one can perceive the Jyotirlingas as divine columns of fire piercing through the earth.
The twelve Jyotirlingas are spread across the country, attracting millions of devotees who seek blessings and enlightenment through their pilgrimage. Each Jyotirlinga is associated with a particular legend and represents a specific aspect of Lord Shiva’s divine attributes, making them integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of India.
Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat.
History: Known as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Somnath has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in history. It is believed that the moon god, Chandra, built the temple to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva. The temple is a symbol of resilience and divinity.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.
History: Situated on the Nallamala hills, this Jyotirlinga is associated with Lord Shiva and Parvati. The temple signifies their eternal love and the blessings of familial harmony. It’s one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in South India.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
History: Located in the ancient city of Ujjain, this Jyotirlinga represents Lord Shiva as the “Lord of Time”. The temple’s Bhasma Aarti is a unique ritual that draws thousands of devotees every day.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh.
History: Shaped like the sacred “Om” symbol, Omkareshwar is located on an island in the Narmada River. The temple symbolizes the unison of Shiva and Shakti.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand.
History: Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Kedarnath is believed to be established by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war. It is accessible only during specific months due to extreme weather.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Location: Pune District, Maharashtra.
History: Nestled in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura. The temple’s serene surroundings make it a sought-after destination for spiritual seekers.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
History: Situated on the banks of the Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath is considered the holiest of all Jyotirlingas. Devotees believe that a visit to this temple liberates them from the cycle of rebirth.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Location: Nashik, Maharashtra.
History: Located near the origin of the Godavari River, this Jyotirlinga is known for its unique three-faced linga symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkhand)
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand.
History: Also called Baidyanath, this Jyotirlinga is where Ravana is said to have offered his ten heads to Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with healing and liberation.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat.
History: This Jyotirlinga is considered a protector against all poisons and evils. The temple is known for its towering Shiva statue and serene location.
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)
Location: Rameshwaram Island, Tamil Nadu.
History: Believed to be established by Lord Rama before crossing to Lanka, Rameshwaram is a significant pilgrimage site and part of the Char Dham Yatra.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
History: Located near the Ellora Caves, this Jyotirlinga is known for its simplicity and tranquility. It is the smallest of the 12 Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual value.