Thinking of spiritual tour in India, the first thing that comes to mind is the spiritual heritage of twelve Jyotirlingas. These Jyotirlingas, spread across various parts of the country, are considered as the top tourist destinations.
Tourists from all over the world come to these holy temples to seek blessings and be in Shiva’s heavenly presence. But what makes these twelve Jyotirlingas so profoundly special in the hearts of millions of devotees?
This article explores the names and places of these worshiped Jyotirlingas, each holding its unique story and spiritual significance. You will also get to know about the historical significance, timings, location, and cultural heritage linked with these Jyotirlingas.
Names and Locations of 12 Jyotirlingas in India:
The following list includes revered places like Somnath, Kashi, and Dwarka, each holding profound spiritual significance. Explore their names and locations from North India to South India for an enriching pilgrimage experience.
| S.No. | Name of Jyotirlinga | State | Location |
| 1 | Kedarnath Jyotirlinga | Uttarakhand | Kedarnath |
| 2 | Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga | Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi |
| 3 | Vaidhyanath Jyotirlinga | Jharkhand | Deoghar |
| 4 | Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga | Madhya Pradesh | Ujjain |
| 5 | Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga | Madhya Pradesh | Omkareshwar |
| 6 | Nageshwar Jyotirlinga | Gujarat | Dwarka |
| 7 | Somnath Jyotirlinga | Gujarat | Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra |
| 8 | Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga | Maharashtra | Aurangabad |
| 9 | Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga | Maharashtra | Nashik |
| 10 | Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga | Maharashtra | Bhimashankar |
| 11 | Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga | Andhra Pradesh | Srisailam |
| 12 | Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga | Tamil Nadu | Rameswaram |
12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India:
Below is the list of 12 Jyotirlingas with their names, places, locations, timings, and other essential details.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat:
This is the biggest Jyotirlinga in India. This Jyotirlinga has a rich history getting back to ancient times. It is believed to have been originally built by the moon god Chandra and later reconstructed by various rulers. The temple is historically significant and has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times by Muslim and Hindu rulers respectively. It is one of Gujarat’s most famous temples. Somnath is a Shiva word that means “Lord of the Soma”.
Timings: It opens from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aarti Timings are 7 a.m., 12 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Location: Somnath Mandir Road., Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat 362268
How to Reach: The closest railway station to Somnath is Veraval Railway Station, just 5 km away. It has good connectivity with major cities in India. You can easily cover the distance in a taxi or cab.
Also Read: My Somnath Temple Experience With Friends
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh:
This Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga holds a significant place in Hindu mythology. According to legends, it is believed that after a heated disagreement, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reunited at this very spot. Devotees visit this ancient shrine to seek marital bliss and spiritual jpy making it a prominent destination for those seeking divine harmony.
Timings: The temple is open from 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. Darshan is between 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m and 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 528101
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.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh):
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It has a rich historical heritage. Ujjain, an ancient center of learning and devotion, houses this revered temple of Lord Shiva. The ancient temple’s unique feature stays in the devotion of five various forms of the divine. This spiritual temple attracts devotees who wish to witness divine energy and achieve spiritual awareness.
Timings: Temple opens from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. Darshan timings are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.,10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: Mahankal Mandir, Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456001
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.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh:
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the Omkar mountain in the middle of the Narmada River. This shiv temple is situated in Mandhata in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. This temple is uniquely set on an island shaped like the Devanagari symbol “Om”. Devotees visiting this divine location are not only attracted by its spiritual significance but also by the natural beauty and quiet environment that covers this sacred island.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 5 a.m. in the morning to 10 p.m. in the night. Darshan timings are 5:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sri Omkareshwar Temple Trust, Omkareshwar, District-Khandwa (M.P.) 450554
How to Reach: The closest airports to Omkareshwar are Indore (77 km) and Ujjain (133 km). The nearest major railway station is 77 km away in Indore. Buses from Indore, Ujjain, and Khandwa also travel to Omkareshwar.
Must Read: 11 Best Places To Celebrate Maha Shivratri Festival In India
5. Vaidhyanath (Baidyanath Dham) Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand:
The Vaidhyanath Jyotirlinga (also known as Baidyanath Dham) is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It holds a historical significance where Lord Vishnu is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva to seek blessings for a sin. The spiritual significance of this Jyotirlinga lies in its association with healing and well-being. Devotees throng this holy site to seek relief from from illnesses and achieve physical and mental wellness.
Timings: The temple is open on all seven days from 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. During special religious occasions like Maha Shivaratri, darshan timings may vary.
Location: Shivganga Muhalla, Deoghar, Jharkhand, 814112
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 by auto or cab.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra:
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga holds a special place in Hindu mythology. This temple is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva killed the demon Bhima. Devotees visit this holy temple seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for strength, courage, and protection against evil forces.
Timings: All days of the week from 4:30 a.m. to 12 p.m and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 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.
Location: Bhimashankar Bhimashankar wadi, Maharashtra 410509
How to Reach: The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar is Karjat station (168 Km). The remaining distance can be covered in a bus or a rickshaw
7. Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu:
This Jyotirlinga is located on the sacred island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. This place is steeped in ancient mythology and epic tales. It is believed that Lord Rama established this shrine and sought blessings here before starting his mission to save Goddess Sita. Devotees visit this divine temple to seek purification of their sins and attain spiritual enlightenment.
Timings: Openings timings are 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Darshan is permitted till 8 p.m.
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
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.
8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat:
The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the famous spiritual destinations in the state of Gujarat. It is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga and holds a unique significance in the mythology of Lord Shiva. Devotees visit this holy shrine to seek protection and liberation from all forms of negativity.
Timings: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on all days of the week. Darshan timings are 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Dwarka, Daarukavanam, Gujarat 361335
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
Must Read: 11 Best Places To Celebrate Maha Shivratri Festival In India
9. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh:
The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is famous as one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. This temple is believed to be the center of the universe, where Lord Shiva is present in his full glory. Devotees come here to seek spiritual awakening, salvation, and blessings from the presiding deity.
Timings: The temple opens every day from 2:30 a.m. for 11 p.m. Read below for the daily puja rituals and darshan timings.
Mangala Aarti: 3 a.m. to 4 p.m
Sarva Darshan: 4 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Bhog Aarti: 11:15 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Sarva Darshan: 12:20 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sandhya Aarti: 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Shringara Aarti: 9 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Shayana Aarti: 10:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh, 221001
How to Reach: Varanasi Junction is the nearest railway station, and there are several other stations in the city.
10. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra:
The Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga holds great spiritual significance. The unique aspect of this Jyotirlinga is that it represents Lord Shiva in his three-eyed form. Devotees visit this sacred site to seek absolution from their sins and fulfill their desires through sincere worship and devotion.
Timings: Opening hours from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Trimbak, Maharashtra, 422212
How to Reach: The nearest airport to Trimbakeshwar is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The nearest railway station is Igatpuri Railway station.
11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand:
The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is considered one of the holiest shrines in India. Legends associate this sacred site with the Pandavas, who sought Lord Shiva’s blessings here after the Mahabharata war. Devotees undertake arduous journeys to this divine abode seeking blessings and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Timings: Opening hours are 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445
How to Reach: Jolly Grant is the nearest aiport and Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath. The nearest road connectivity is till Gaurkund from where you can trek to Kedarnath.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra:
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. This Jyotirlinga is closely associated with the devotion and miracles of a devoted woman named Grusha. Pilgrims visit this sacred shrine seeking fulfillment of their wishes and spiritual enlightenment.
Timings: Visit the temple for darshan and puja between 5:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m.. During shravan, darshan timings are from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Darshan usually takes a couple of hours, but during shravan, it can take 6 to 8 hours due to high footfalls.
Location: Ghrishneshwar Temple Rd, Ellora, Verul, Maharashtra 431102
How to Reach: To reach Aurangabad from other parts of India, you can take a train or a flight. Delhi has direct trains and flights to Aurangabad. It is 30 km away from Grishneshwar, and you can cover this distance by road in a taxi.
Map of 12 Jyotirlinga:
The following map of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India serves as a valuable guide for pilgrims, offering a clear overview of their locations across the country. With the help of 12 Jyotirlinga maps, devotees can efficiently organize their tour to the holy places, ensuring they arrive at each holy site and feel the intense spiritual energy that comes from these famous locations.
The bottom line,
The 12 Jyotirlingas in India encompass a sacred journey of spiritual significance and devotion. These ancient temples scattered across the country offer a unique experience of divinity and history. Embarking on a pilgrimage to these revered sites will undoubtedly lead one to a profound spiritual awakening, a deeper connection with the divine, and blessings from Lord Shiva.
FAQs:
A Jyotirlinga is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The term “Jyotirlinga” translates to “linga of light.” It symbolizes a radiant column of light, signifying the limitless and formless nature of Lord Shiva’s divine energy.
There are twelve Jyotirlingas in India, each believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva in a specific location with unique spiritual significance.
The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is the biggest Jyotirlinga in India.
There are 2 Jyotirlingas in Gujarat. They are Somnath Jyotirlinga located in Saurashtra region and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga situated in Dwarka, on the coast of Saurashtra.
