Maha Shivaratri 2024 – Visit the 12 Jyotirlingas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kedarnath Dhaam in Uttarakhand on October 20, 2017. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office via Wikimedia Commons)

Shivaratri is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married, and it is meant to be a day that celebrates their union. It is also believed to be the night when Shiva swallowed the poison churned out from the ocean during Samudra Manthan to protect the world. It is also said this is the night when Shiva performs his heavenly dance, ‘tandav’. The 12 Jyotirlingas are considered manifestations of Shiva and here are where they are located.

1. Somnath, Gir Gujarat

Believed to be the first Jyotirlinga on the earth, it is said to have been established by the moon, Chandra. Built and rebuilt several times, this is an architectural marvel.

2. Mallikarjuna, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

Located in the Nallamala hills on the banks of the river Krishna, this ornate temple also has the idol of Bhramaramba or Parvati and is a shakti peetha as well.

3. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

The only south facing Jyotirlinga, this temple is known for the Bhasma aarti or sacred ash. The temple is revered for its deep rooted spiritual practices.

4. Omkareshwar, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh

This temple is unique as it is located along the river Narmada and is in the shape of Om. This is believed to be the site where the Kaveri and Narmada rivers meet.

5. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Believed to have been established by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war, this is part of the Char Dham yatra. It has been revived by Adi Shankaracharya.

6. Bhimashankar, Pune, Maharashtra

Built in the Nagara style of architecture on the banks of the river Bhima, this is the place that is linked to Shiva’s battle with demon Bhima. The serene environs of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary add to the charm of this place.

7. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Said to symbolise wisdom and awakening, this is one of the most sought after jyotirlingas and has been built by Ahilyabai Holkar.

8. Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra

Located on the foothills of the Brahmagiri mountains, legend has it that this temple was established on the request of Gautam Rishi and Godavari River. The rare linga has three faces – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

9. Nageshwar, Dwarka, Gujarat

The large statue of Lord Shiva visible from a distance is a key feature here. Said to be the place where Shiva killed demon Daruka, he is called the ‘Lord of Snakes’ and the same is seen as an ornament around his neck.

10. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

This temple has an idol that is believed to have been worshipped by Lord Rama after his victory over Ravana. The decorated pillars are a must see.

11. Grishneshwar, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

The red rock five stories structure, adorned with intricate carvings is located near Ellora caves. Legend has it that Lord Shiva appeared here as a fiery column.

12. Baidyanath, Deoghar, Jharkhand

A venerated jyotirlinga, this is also one of the 52 shakti peetha shrines. The holy month of Shravana sees heavy footfalls as it is believed that praying here helps people attain salvation.