12 Jyotirlingas in India: Locations, Significance, and Religious Importance
Discover the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, their locations, significance, and religious importance. Learn about these sacred Shiva temples and their role in Hindu mythology and spirituality.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga | Prabhas Patan, Gujarat: This is the first Jyotirlinga, believed to have appeared when Chandradev (the Moon God) prayed to Bhagwan Shiva to be freed from a curse. Bhagwan Shiva blessed him and restored his brilliance. Devotees visit Somnath to seek prosperity and relief from suffering. (Image: Canva)
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2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh: Bhagwan Shiva and Devi Parvati came here to stay close to their son, Kartikeya, who chose to live alone on Mount Krauncha. Shiva took the form of Arjuna, and Parvati became Mallika, thus the name Mallikarjuna. It is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shaktipeeth, symbolizing parental love and care. (Image: Canva)
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3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Bhagwan Shiva appeared as Mahakal to defeat the demon Dusana, who was terrorizing his devotees. Devotees worship the Mahakal form of Shiva for protection and liberation. The famous Bhasma Aarti (offering of sacred ash) is performed here. (Image: Canva)
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4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga | Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh: Vindhya, the mountain deity, worshipped Bhagwan Shiva by creating a mud Shivling. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar. Another legend says that Shiva helped the Devas (gods) defeat the Asuras (demons) here. Worship at this shrine is believed to help devotees overcome difficulties in life. (Image: Canva)
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga | Kedarnath, Uttarakhand: The Pandavas sought forgiveness from Bhagwan Shiva after the Mahabharata war. Shiva disguised himself as a bull, but when the Pandavas recognized him, he vanished, leaving his hump behind, which is now worshipped as the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. Devotees visit this shrine for wisdom, good health, and redemption. (Image: Canva)
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6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga | Pune, Maharashtra: The demon Bhima, empowered by a boon, became invincible. Bhagwan Shiva took the form of Bhimashankar to destroy him and protect his devotees. This Jyotirlinga represents the triumph of good over evil and grants strength and protection. (Image: Canva)
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7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Kashi is considered a divine creation of Bhagwan Shiva and Devi Shakti. It is said that Shiva himself resides in Kashi, blessing his devotees. This Jyotirlinga represents the path to wisdom and spiritual liberation. (Image: Canva)
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8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga | Nashik, Maharashtra: Bhagwan Shiva appeared to bless Sage Gautama and free him from the sin of killing a cow. The sage prayed for the holy river Godavari to flow on Earth to relieve his people from drought. Devotees visit this shrine for wish fulfillment and forgiveness of sins. (Image: Canva)
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga | Deoghar, Jharkhand: Ravana, a great devotee of Bhagwan Shiva, attempted to take the Shivling to Lanka. Shiva agreed but warned that it should not touch the ground. Vishnu, disguised as a Brahmin, tricked Ravana, and the lingam got established in Deoghar. A hunter named Baiju began worshipping it, and it became known as Vaidyanath or Baijnath Jyotirlinga. Worship here is believed to bring good health and prosperity. (Image: navrangindia)
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10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga | Dwarka, Gujarat: Bhagwan Shiva protected his devotee Supriya from the demon Daruka, who had imprisoned him. Shiva appeared as Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and freed Supriya. Worship at this shrine is believed to remove fear and instill courage. (Image: Canva)
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11. Rameswaram Jyotirlinga | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu: Before battling Ravana, Shri Ram worshipped Bhagwan Shiva by making a Shivling at Rameswaram. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva blessed him with victory. Devotees pray here for success in their endeavors. (Image: Canva)
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12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga | Ellora, Maharashtra: Gushmesha, a devoted Shiva worshipper, made 108 Shivlings daily. Impressed by her devotion, Bhagwan Shiva appeared and manifested as Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. Devotees visit this temple to strengthen relationships and family bonds. (Image: Canva)
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