12 Jyotirlinga in India: Name, History, Locations & Divine Destinations

What Is the story behind 12 Jyotirlinga?

The twelve Jyotirlingas are the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, where He is revered in the form of a strong, self-manifest linga (pillar of light). These places are not only spiritually charged but rich in mythology and architectural beauty as well. From Kedarnath's snow-capped peaks to Kashi's Ganga banks, each Jyotirlinga represents a distinct facet of Mahadev's force.

Devotees trust that traveling to each of the 12 Jyotirlinga can cleanse karmic debt and guide you toward spiritual liberation. If you're organizing a pilgrimage or viewing from a distance, this guide gives you their mythological history, surrounding attractions, and how you can remain connected through offerings by Diviniti.com.                                    

List of 12 Jyotirlinga

Here are the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of India, each with a short overview:

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat

History & Significance:

Somnath is the oldest among the 12 Jyotirlinga. The Moon God (Chandra) is said to have constructed this temple in gold to worship Lord Shiva as a token of gratitude for curing him of a curse levied by his father-in-law, Daksha. Somnath has been ravaged and reconstructed multiple times—by invaders as well as rulers—yet it remains an emblem of strength, faith, and everlasting Shiva bhakti.

Attractions in close proximity:

• Triveni Sangam (meeting place of Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati rivers)
• Bhalka Tirth (wherein Krishna departed from this world)
• Somnath Beach

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

History & Significance:

Legend has it that when Lord Kartikeya in rage proceeded to Krauncha Mountain, Lord Shiva and Parvati pursued him and stayed there in the form of Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Parvati). This is the sole temple of the 12 Jyotirlinga where both the deities are revered together.

Nearby Attractions:

• Srisailam Dam on Krishna River
• Akkamahadevi Caves (natural rock caves)
• Pathala Ganga (sacred bathing ghat)

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

History & Significance:

Mahakaleshwar is one of the most distinctive of the 12 Jyotirlinga as its lingam is oriented south—a direction linked to death, representative of Shiva's character of Mahakaal, destroyer of time. The temple is renowned for its morning Bhasma Aarti, in which ashes are offered to the lingam.

Attractions around:

• Harsiddhi Temple (Shaktipeeth)
• Ram Ghat (Shipra River)
• Kal Bhairav Temple (offering liquor as prasad)

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Location: Mandhata Island, Narmada River

History & Sign ificance:

In the form of the sacred symbol 'ॐ', Omkareshwar occupies a central position among the 12 Jyotirlinga. According to legends, Shiva manifested himself here to bless the Devas during a battle with demons. The temple is situated on a river island, which makes the experience extremely peaceful and mystical.

Attractions around:

• Mamleshwar Temple (included in the jyotirlinga)
• Ahilya Ghat
• Narmada Parikrama beginning point

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand

Historical and Spiritual Context:

Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at a height of around 3,583 meters, Kedarnath is one of the most auspicious among The Chota Char Dham Yatra also includes the 12 Jyotirlinga.According to the Mahabharata, after the battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas prayed Lord Shiva for forgiveness. He escaped from them by taking on the form of a bull and eventually disappeared into the earth at Kedarnath, leaving behind his hump. This location is therefore said to symbolize his boundless power and mercy.

Nearby Places of Interest:

• Bhairavnath Temple
• Vasuki Tal (glacial lake)
• Gandhi Sarovar

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Sahyadri Hills, Pune District, Maharashtra

Historical and Spiritual Context:

Located deep in the Bhorgiri forest region, Bhimashankar ranks as one of the most spiritually located of the 12 Jyotirlinga. The temple has a legend surrounding it about Lord Shiva killing the demon Tripurasura. Its location at the source of the Bhima River—a tributary of Krishna River—makes its geographical sanctity reinforce its spiritual significance.

Places of Interest Around It:

• Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Hanuman Lake
• Gupt Bhimashankar (secret shrine)

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

Place: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Background Historical and Spiritual:

Sited on the west banks of the holy Ganga River, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most historically important of the 12 Jyotirlinga. Varanasi, also known as the "Spiritual Capital of India," It is considered to be the city where time comes to a stop in the presence of Lord Shiva. It is said that a person dying at Kashi becomes liberated instantly (moksha).

Places of Interest nearby:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Sarnath (Buddhist pilgrimage)
• Tulsi Manas Mandir

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra

Historical and Spiritual Context:

Nestled at the source of the Godavari River, Trimbakeshwar is distinct among the 12 Jyotirlingas because its linga symbolizes the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Through continuous ritual ablutions (abhisheka), the central linga has gradually eroded, embodying the philosophical concept of impermanence.. The place is also considered important for conducting Narayan-Nagbali rituals to counteract ancestral curses.

Places of Interest in the vicinity:

• Brahmagiri Hills
• Anjaneri Fort (said to be the birthplace of Hanuman)
• Kushavarta Kund (Godavari origin point)

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand (also disputed in Parli, Maharashtra)

History & Significance:

Vaidyanath which is also known as baba dham, is referred to as the healing temple. Based on mythology, In treta yuga Ravana attempted to carry this Jyotirlinga to Lanka, but was deceived by Shiva into putting it on the floor in Deoghar. Lord Shiva, according to legend, appeared as a "Vaidya" or doctor to cure Ravana and thus got the name Vaidyanath.

Nearby attractions:

• Basukinath Temple
• Trikuta Hills
• Naulakha Mandir

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat

History & Significance:

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga represents security from evil. It is said a devotee named Supriya was imprisoned by a demon, but with the chanting of Shiva's name, the Lord appeared and killed the demon. Near the Arabian Sea The temple is one of the few temples in which Lord Shiva is present as a giant seated idol.

Attractions nearby:

• Dwarkadhish Temple
• Rukmini Temple
• Gomti Ghat

11. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

Location: Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu

History & Significance:

Rameshwar is among the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlinga and is highly valued in both Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Lord Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva here in order to purify himself for having killed Ravana. The temple contains the longest corridor in any Hindu temple and is included in the Char Dham pilgrimage.

Attractions nearby:

• Dhanushkodi (mythical bridge to Lanka)
• Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple
• Agni Tirtham

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Ellora, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra

History & Significance:

Grishneshwar, the 12th and last among the 12 Jyotirlinga, is the name of "Lord of Compassion." It is said that a devoted woman, Kusuma, worshipped Shiva here. Her devotion brought her son back to life after he was murdered by her co-wives. The temple, built in the South Indian fashion, is situated near the iconic Ellora Caves—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attractions nearby:

• Ellora Caves
• Daulatabad Fort
• Bibi Ka Maqbara

Conclusion: Walk the Sacred Path of Shiva

Each of the 12 Jyotirlinga is steeped in spiritual energy, cultural heritage and divine mythology. Whether you physically go to these temples or connect with them spiritually from home, their presence gives you inner peace, courage, and freedom.

At Diviniti.com, we bring the divine to you. Our selection of exclusive Jyotirlinga frames, Shiva idols, spiritual gifts, and ritual kits enables you to remain spiritually grounded, wherever you are.

Also Read:- Lord Shiva's Father || 10 Avatars of lord vishnu || Masik Shivratri || Mahashivratri || Significance of Adiyogi Idol

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Where are the 12 Jyotirlinga in India?

A. They are holy temples of Lord Shiva distributed all over India, each embodying a distinct form of divine power.

Q2. Are all 12 Jyotirlinga accessible in a single pilgrimage?

A. Yes, it is referred to as the "Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra", but it will take several weeks since they are geographically separated.

Q3. When should I travel to Jyotirlingas?

A. Most of them are open round the year, but Maha Shivratri and Shravan month are particularly sacred.

Q4. Is it possible to obtain Jyotirlinga idols or souvenirs over the web?

A. Yes, Diviniti.com provides lovely Jyotirlinga-related items for personal devotion and gifting.

Q5. What is the religious advantage of chanting "Om Namah Shivaya"?

A. Chanting cleanses the mind, dispels fear, and takes devotees closer to the Lord's ever-existing grace.