Twelve Jyotirlingas In India with Names and Places List
If we split the word jyotirlinga, the word jyoti will mean radiance and the word linga means phallus. Lord Mahadeva is the destroyer, Brahma is the creator and Vishnu is the preserver.
As it is extremely evident Shiva’s jyotirlinga holds an important place in human hearts. It is a shrine where the Lord is worshipped in the form of Jyotirlingam. In other words, Jyotirlingam is a representation of the Lord Shiva and it means the light of Lord Shiva.
Jyotirlingas In India Legend
As the legend goes, once upon a time Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were debating regarding the power they possessed. Lord Shiva then produced a huge light beam and asked Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find the end. Lord Brahma lied that he had already found the end. Lord Vishnu conceded defeat. Lord Shiva was angry with Lord Brahma for lying so he cursed him that despite being a God, his puja would never be accepted on earth. He will never be worshipped by devotees. The Jyotirlingas are the pillars of light that have been totally transformed and are now worshipped as Shivlingas.
How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?
The number of jyotirlingas present in India is twelve. Lord Shiva had first manifested on earth on the date of Aridra Nakshatra which holds a special significance for Jyotirlingas. People believe that on attaining spiritual liberation these lingas appear like columns of fire. There is a total of 64 jyotirlingas out of which 12 Jyotirlingas In India are considered sacred. The 12 Jyotirlingas In India take their name after the presiding deities. Each of these jyotirlingas is considered to be a different manifestation of the Lord Shiva. The lingam represents the beginning and stambh represents the end, which once more shows the infinite nature of the Lord God Shiva
List of all 12 Jyotirlingas in India
1 Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujrat
The Somnath temple is the most prominent Jyotirlingas In India located at Gujrat. The temple has been adorned with visitors from all corners of the world and is still considered an architectural marvel revered for its religious significance. It has stood as a testimony to the undying faith and devotion of the devotees. It had been reduced to fragments several times and once again has been reconstructed. This temple situated beside the Arabian Sea offers a tranquil and divine experience to travelers.
Open Timings: The temple timings are from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM. However, the temple can remain open on some auspicious occasions hence it is advisable to contact the temple authorities before visiting the temple.
How to Reach: The road network allows people to hire a taxi easily from Rajkot or Ahmedabad. Bus service is also easily available. Somnath is well connected to other cities of Ahmedabad and has its railway station.
Address: Somnath Mandir Rd, Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gujrat 362268
Famous for: Tirtha on the coastline of Saurashtra
Built-in: 1169
Built by: Unknown
2 Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh
This temple is situated in the beautiful landscape of the Nailamala Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple stands beside the temple of Bhramaramba, making the site the pilgrim’s destination. Mallikarjuna not only attracts Shiva devotees but is also an architectural masterpiece. The temple is situated on the bank of the Krishna river Jyotirlingas In India.
Open Timings: The temple opens its gates from 5:30 am to 3:30 pm and 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. The temple has an official website which should be checked before visiting it.
How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Markapur, which is located 85 km from Srisailam. Buses and taxis are also available from Srisailum.
Address: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Famous for: It is a Shakti Peeth
Built-in: 2nd century
Built by: Satvahana dynasty
3 Mahakaleswar Jyotirlinga, Madya Pradesh
This temple situated on the banks of the Rudrasagar River in Madhya Pradesh is a most revered sight. The Bhasma Aarati performed in this temple of Ujjain is extremely renowned. The spiritual aura of the place combined with its rich history attracts devotees and scholars alike. Reading ancient scriptures and singing hymns, is a part of the regular rituals of the temple.
Open Timings: The temple remains open from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. The most up-to-date timings can be found on the temple website.
How to Reach: Ujjain has a good road network reachable from all the major cities.
The station is a few kilometers away from the temple and can be reached by cab or auto-rickshaw. Both private and state-run buses operate from Ujjaini.
Address: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Famous for: Mahakaleshwar is known to be Dakshinamurti facing the South
Built-in: 6th century AD
Built by: King Kumarasena
4 Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
This jyotirlinga is located on the serene Omkareshwar island formed by the Yamuna River and is a place where spirituality and serenity are perfectly blended. The temple is stylized like the letter ‘Om’ and alongside its spiritual environment, it offers a share of vibrant scenic beauty.
Open Timings: The temple remains open from 5 am to 10 pm. It’s always wiser to check with the temple website.
How to Reach: The most reachable railway station is Omkareshwar Road which is twelve kilometers away. Autos and taxis can always be availed. The bus route is convenient to take and the roads are also in good condition. The 12 jyotirlinga list with states is gradually being discussed.
Address: Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh
Famous for: Its two jyotirlingas
Built-in: mythological past
Built by: King Mandhata
5 Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, Jharkhand
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is also intricately carved and famous for Shravani mela. This is also the time when devotees from all over India make an arduous journey to pour water into Shri Baidyanath’s head. This temple also serves as a spiritual retreat for both devotees and tourists.
Open Timings- The Baidyanath Temple which opens at 4:00 pm with the ritualistic Mangal Aarati closes around 9:00 pm with Shringer Aarati. The most accurate timings can be found on the temple website.
How to reach: Deoghar is well connected by road with the rest of the cities of Jharkhand. Its railway station is just a few kilometers away from the temple. Both auto rickshaw and cab services are available and public as well as private bus service operates in the city.
Address: Deoghar, Santhal Parganas, Jharkhand
Famous for: Shravani Mela held during Mahashivratri
Built-in: 1596
Built by: Puran Mal an ancestor of Maharajah of Giddhour
6 Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
This jyotirlinga located in the Western Ghats is a fusion of nature’s beauty and spirituality. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and hails the Nagara-style architecture. In addition to it, the region around Bhimshankar has a wildlife sanctuary making it a paradise for nature lovers. The serene environment along with the chirpings of the birds and the temple’s spiritual aura provides a pleasant experience.
Open Timings: The temple opens at 4:30 am and closes at 9:30 pm. There might be slight variations due to the temple festivities so it’s best to consult the local authorities.
How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Pune Railway Station from where you can catch buses to Bhimashankar. It is a place well connected by roads. If you travel by bus, it will offer picturesque views of the Western Ghats.
Address: Bhimashankar village, Pune district
Famous for: Maharah Chatrapati Shivaji’s worship of the God
Built-in: 13th century
Built by: Nana Phadnavis
7 Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu
This jyotirlinga is often referred to as Ramanthaswamy Temple. It is situated on the sacred island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. For Hindus, it is a sacred pilgrimage site known as Char Dham. The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples. Mythologies connect this temple with Ramayana and it stands upright as a confluence of devotion, architecture, and mythology.
Open Timings: The temple opens at 5:00 am and closes by 9:00 pm after the evening ceremonies are over. During festivals, the timings can change so it is best to check the official website.
How to Reach: This temple has its railway station situated some distance from it. There are also private and public buses and the roads are in good condition.
Address: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Famous for: One of the temples comprising Char Dham
Built-in: 11th or 12th century
Built by: King Kizhavan Sethupathi
8 Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujrat:
This jyotirlinga situated in Dwarka in Gujrat is one of the most prominent jyotirlingas. A giant statue of Lord Shiva is situated in the temple and visible from a distance. This is also the place where Lord Shiva killed the demon Daruka, who is also known as Nageshwar the Lord of Snakes.
Open Timings: The temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm. It is a good idea to confirm with the temple authorities before you reach the temple.
How to reach: The Dwarka railway station is a 17km drive. There are autorickshaws and cabs available at the station. This jyotirlinga is well connected by road. You can take public or private buses to arrive at the stop.
Address: Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra
Famous for: Carvings on the temple and Pakhi festival
Built-in: 15th century
Built by: Peswa Balaji Bhaj Rao
9 Kashi Viswanath, Varanasi
Kashi Viswanath Temple is located in the religious capital of India, Varanasi. It is one of the most revered temples of Lord Shiva. Its gold-plated dome also urges people to call it the Golden Temple. It is located just beside the Ganges river and it is believed that here life and death truly converge. As the temple bell resonates and the ghats stream with people, the sacred art enchants more people, they become representations of the holy abode.
Open Timings: The temple opens at 3:00 am with the mangala arti and closes at 11:00 pm with the Shringer arti. However, during the time of festivals, the timings change so it is best to consult the temple website.
How to reach: The Varanasi Junction station is the most important railway station and autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws are always available. This place has an excellent road network and is connected to the major towns and cities of Uttar Pradesh.
Address: Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh
Famous for: The presiding deity of Viswanath
Built-in: 17th Century
Built by: Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore
10 Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Nasik:
This temple is located in the Brahmagiri Jyotirlingas In India at Nasik. The ancient temple stands out for its architecture and rare linga that includes the faces of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. The temple is situated just beside the river Godavari and its serene aura draws a large number of pilgrims each day. This temple marks a confluence of stretches of natural beauty and divine energy.
Open Timings: The temple opens at 5:30 am and closes at 9:00 pm. Timings change during puja and rituals; so it is always advisable to consult the official website.
How to reach: The Nasik railway station is situated at a distance of 29 km from the temple. There are taxis and buses which you can always avail. There are buses connecting this place with the major cities of Maharashtra Jyotirlingas In India.
The journey by road means taking a trip to the verdant green and discovering the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. The 12 Jyotirlinga places are simply awesome.
Address: Trimbak, Maharashtra
Famous for: The Jyotirlinga shrines
Built-in: 1780
Built by: Ahiyabai Holkar of Indore
11 Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand
Located in the majestic peaks of the snow-cladded Himalayas in Uttarakhand it is considered the holiest shrine by travellers. This place is also part of the Char Dham and draws tourists from all over the world. It is believed that this temple was established by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya and offers not only spirituality but also breathtaking views of the Himalayas Jyotirlingas In India.
Open Timings: The temple opens at 4:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm in the night with evening rituals. However, due to the extreme weather conditions, this temple is open from April /May to November. Pilgrims should verify the temple’s opening time if they want to make a journey.
How to reach: The closest railway station is Rishikesh which is about 210 km from the temple. Buses and taxis are available from Hrishikesh, Haridwar, and Gaurikund. Helicopter services are available for those who wish to avoid the trek Jyotirlingas In India.
Address: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Famous for: One of the temples of Char Dham
Built-in: Not known
Built by: Not known
12 Grishneswar Jyotirlinga Aurangabad
The last in the jyotirlinga name list this jyotirlinga is situated in Maharashtra and is situated close to the Ellora cave. It is exquisitely carved and is considered a gem of medieval architecture. As the legend goes this temple was constructed by a devotee of Lord Shiva called Kusuma. Today this temple attracts tourists and pilgrims from all parts of Jyotirlingas In India.
Open Timings: The temple opens at 5:30 am and closes at 9:30 pm. These timings vary on certain special occasions. It is always better to go through the temple website before deciding the time of your visit.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Aurangabad which is 30 km away from the temple. There are public as well as private buses which are readily available. Considering its proximity to the Ellora caves, most tourists choose to visit the two destinations at once Jyotirlingas In India.
Address:Verul, Sambhajinagar, Maharastra
Famous for: The linga is built from black stone, exquisitely carved
Built-in: 18th Century
Built by: Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore
These Jyotirlingas are considered the abode of the Almighty Shiva. They not only lodge the divine deity but are also places of great scenic beauty. They have attracted pilgrims and tourists alike over the years. The 12 jyotirlingas with the location have been dealt with.
