12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

Shiva or we can call Mahadev, is one of the dearest gods in Hinduism. In the trimurti with Brahma and Vishnu, he is the one who controls the things to begin new. People worship him in many forms like Nataraja showing the dance cycle of life, Bhole Baba shows how he is simple, kind, and close to his devotees and Ardhanarishwar, he shares his half body with Parvati, showing balance between man and woman.

His symbols too carry deep meaning like the Trishul stands for creation and protection from the world. The damru plays a role to beat the rhythm of life and His third eye gives wisdom. The goddess Ganga flowing from his hair, which brings purity, the half moon on his head reminds us of time, and Neelkanth tells of the poison he drank to save the world. For people, Shiva is not just a god. A friend, a guide, and a source of peace and strength are provided by him, and the deepest devotion is seen in the 12 Jyotirlinga temples across India.

12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

What Are Jyotirlingas

There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India. These are the most loved temples of Lord Shiva. In each temple, Shiva is worshipped in the form of a shining lingam. People see it as his light and power.

It is believed that these lingams appeared by themselves, not made by people. That is why they are very holy. Every temple has its own story linked with faith. People say that visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas brings peace and washes away mistakes. It also gives strength to face hard times. Visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas is dreamed of by many people, but even one visit is felt as bringing them close to Shiva. For them, the 12 Jyotirlinga list is not seen as just about temples.. It is about the living presence of Shiva across the land.

Here is the list of 12 Jyotirlingas with their places:

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga

Somnath is spoken of as an old temple of Lord Shiva. It is counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. The temple is located in Gujarat, near the vast sea. The place is made calm and pure by the sound of waves.People believe Shiva saved the moon here. Many old stories of faith are linked with Somnath. The temple was broken many times, but people kept building it again with love. When you go there, you see the temple, hear the sea, and feel close to Shiva.

  • Location – Prabhas Kshetra, near Veraval, Gujarat.
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: 82 km from Junagadh, 400 km from Ahmedabad.
    – By Train: Somnath station. Very near, 2–3 km. Easy to walk.
    – By Air: Porbandar Airport 120 km, Rajkot Airport 200 km.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to February
  • Nearby Attractions – Gita Mandir, Triveni Sangam, Gir National Park, Diu Island. 

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. It on a hill covered with forest, soft wind, and birds singing all around. People believe Lord Shiva blessed King Bhrigu here, and Goddess Bhramaramba is also worshipped. Devotees say praying here removes worries and brings peace. The temple feels calm, like faith living in nature.
  • Location – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
  • How to Reach – By Road: From Hyderabad, good roads. Buses, taxis. – By Train: Nallamala station is nearest. Taxi from there. – By Air: Hyderabad airport is closest. About 220 km. Taxi or bus needed.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March is good. 
  • Nearby Attractions – Srisailam Dam, Akka Mahadevi Caves, viewpoints in hills. 
Mahakaleshwar

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar is in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. The temple is in the city, where full of people, ringing bells, and the smell of incense is there. People say praying here removes fear and sins. The Bhasma Aarti in the morning is very special. Standing in the temple, you can feel hundreds of years of faith and the presence of Lord Shiva.

  • Location – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Ujjain is connected to major cities. Buses and taxis easy.
    – By Train: Ujjain station is very near. Short walk or rickshaw.
    – By Air: Indore airport is nearest. About 55 km. Taxi or bus needed.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March is comfortable. 
  • Nearby Attractions – Kal Bhairav Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, Ram Ghat.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Omkareshwar, counted among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, is in Madhya Pradesh on an island in the Narmada River. The island looks like ‘Om’, which makes it special. People come to pray, chant, and light lamps. The old temple feels alive, and the river, incense, and chants together make you feel Shiva close.

  • Location – Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Connected from Indore, good buses and taxis.
    – By Train: Khandwa station is nearest, then taxi.
    – By Air: Indore airport is nearest, about 77 km. Taxi or bus needed.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March is comfortable. 
  • Nearby Attractions – Siddhanath Temple, Narmada River ghats. 

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples as it is High in the Himalayas, surrounded by snow and mountains, the small temple feels very strong. People say praying here removes sins. Devotees climb steps or trek for hours, but the peace and energy make it worth it.

  • Location – Uttarakhand. 
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Roads to Gaurikund from Rishikesh or Dehradun. Bus or taxi.
    – By Trek: 16 km trek from Gaurikund. You can walk or ride pony.
    – By Air: Nearest airport is Dehradun. Then bus or taxi to Gaurikund.
  • Best Time to Visit – May to June and September to October. 
  • Nearby Attractions – Bhairavnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, Gandhi Sarovar, Chorabari Glacier.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Bhimashankar, counted among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, is in Maharashtra. Surrounded by hills and thick forests, the temple is full of nature and calm. Devotees come to pray, chant, or light lamps. The place feels strong with faith and energy. You can truly feel Shiva here.

  • Location – Pune district, Maharashtra. 
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: From Pune, good roads. Bus or taxi.
    – By Train: Pune station is nearest big station, then road trip.
    – By Air: Pune airport is nearest. Taxi or bus needed.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March is comfortable. 
  • Nearby Attractions – Sinhagad Fort, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Kashi Vishwanath, counted among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, is in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The city is alive, but the temple here feels different like calm and sacred. Devotees believe praying here brings peace and clears sins. Faith and centuries of devotion can be felt in every corner.

  • Location –  Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Varanasi roads easy. Buses, taxis.
    – By Train: Varanasi Junction close. Walk or rickshaw.
    – By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport 20 km. Taxi or bus needed.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March. 
  • Nearby Attractions – Ganga ghats, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Trimbakeshwar is counted among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. It is in Nashik, close to the Godavari River. The hills and fresh air make it peaceful. Devotees pray, chant, or quietly enjoy the calm. The temple is ancient, full of faith, and Lord Shiva’s presence can be felt strongly.

  • Location – Nashik, Maharashtra.
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Connected from Nashik city. Bus or taxi easy.
    – By Train: Nashik Road station is nearest. Taxi to temple.
    – By Air: Nashik Airport small. Pune or Mumbai airports also nearby.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March 
  • Nearby Attractions – Brahmagiri hills, Anjaneri hills

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga

Vaidyanath in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. The temple is full of people, bells, and incense. Devotees come to pray for health and strength. You can see them offering flowers, lighting lamps, and chanting. The energy is strong, yet the place feels calm. Lord Shiva’s presence can be felt by everyone visiting here.Lord Shiva’s presence and devotion in every corner.

  • Location – Deoghar, Jharkhand. 
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Good roads from nearby cities. Bus and taxis available.
    – By Train: Deoghar station is nearest. Short taxi ride to temple.
    – By Air: Deoghar Airport is small. Ranchi and Patna airports are nearby.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March 
  • Nearby Attractions – Trikut hills, Satsang Ashram, Basukinath Temple

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

By the sea in Dwarka, Nageshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is old and peaceful. Visitors come for protection and strength. The sound of waves, the calm air, and prayers make you feel Lord Shiva near you.

  • Location – Dwarka, Gujarat
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Connected from Dwarka city. Bus or taxi easy.
    – By Train: Dwarka station is nearest. Short taxi ride.
    – By Air: Jamnagar airport is nearest. Then taxi or bus to temple.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March 
  • Nearby Attractions – Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Devi Temple, Bet Dwarka island. 

11. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga

Rameshwar, a 12 Jyotirlinga temple in Tamil Nadu, is by the sea. The temple feels peaceful yet strong. Devotees pray for guidance and blessings. The chants, lamps, and sea around make Lord Shiva’s presence easy to feel.

  • Location – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. 
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Bus or taxi from nearby towns. Roads okay.
    – By Train: Rameswaram station very close. Walk or rickshaw.
    – By Air: Madurai airport nearest. 170 km away. Taxi or bus to temple.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March. 
  • Nearby Attractions – Dhanushkodi Beach, Agni Theertham, Annai Bridge.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Grishneshwar is a 12 Jyotirlinga temple near Ellora caves. Small but full of peace, it welcomes devotees to pray or sit quietly. The temple walls tell stories of faith. Being here makes you feel connected to Lord Shiva and his blessings.

  • Location – Ellora, Maharashtra.
  • How to Reach
    – By Road: Connected from Aurangabad. Bus or taxi easy.
    – By Train: Aurangabad station nearest, then taxi.
    – By Air: Aurangabad airport nearby. Taxi or bus needed.
  • Best Time to Visit – October to March.
  • Nearby Attractions – Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort, Ajanta Caves. 

Festivals and Special Rituals at Jyotirlingas

Visiting 12 Jyotirlingas is always nice, but during festivals it feels something else. You know, the energy is different.

  • Maha Shivratri:
    – Biggest day for Lord Shiva.
    – Temples full of lamps and flowers.
    – People chant all night, sing bhajans, clap hands.
    – You feel alive, like everyone is connected.
  • Shravan Month (July–August):
    – Many people fast, carry water from holy rivers.
    – They offer it at the Jyotirlinga.
    – Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” everywhere. Feels peaceful.
  • Daily Rituals:
    – Morning aarti is calm, quiet, and very soothing.
    – Evening aarti has lamps, flowers, and chants.
    – Some temples near rivers. People take holy dips. Makes it more spiritual.
  • Family and Devotee Feeling:
    – Kids, elders, everyone comes together.
    – You see smiles, prayers, simple happiness.
    – Lighting lamps or offering flowers feels personal, like your heart joins in.
  • Why It Feels Special:
    – The energy of chanting, bells, and lamps makes it unforgettable.
    – Every 12 Jyotirlinga has its own little style.
    – You leave with calm, joy, and devotion in your heart.

Even if you go on a normal day, it’s peaceful. Festivals just make it magical. You feel closer to Lord Shiva. You remember it forever.

Conclusion

Visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas is a special experience. Each temple has its own story and energy. You see people praying, children playing, elders chanting. The bells, lamps, and chants make you feel calm and part of something bigger. Some temples sit by rivers, some on hills, some among trees. Every visit leaves a memory of peace, devotion, and Lord Shiva’s presence.