India, a land steeped in spirituality and mysticism, is home to the 12 Jyotirlingas, sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. These shrines are spiritual powerhouses and architectural marvels, attracting millions of devotees and tourists alike. In 2024, a visit to these 12 Jyotirlingas promises an enriching experience, blending spirituality, history, and culture. Here’s a guide to each of these holy sites, detailing their significance, location, and practical information such as how to reach them and their opening and closing times.
The 12 Jyotirlingas For Your Spiritual Awakening
1. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Saurashtra
Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is in Diu, about 80 km from the temple. Veraval Railway Station, 7 km away, is the nearest railhead. Regular buses and taxis are available from major cities in Gujarat.
Somnath, meaning “Lord of the Moon,” is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple, with its intricate carvings and imposing architecture, overlooks the Arabian Sea. According to legends, the Moon God himself built the original temple in gold.
History and Legend
The Somnath temple is said to have been originally built in gold by the moon god Soma, in silver by the sun god Ravi, in wood by Lord Krishna, and in stone by the Solanki Rajputs in the 11th century. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.
Architectural Style
The present temple, rebuilt in 1951, is a stunning example of the Chalukya style of architecture, characterized by intricate carvings and a majestic Shikhara.
2. Mallikarjuna Swamy, Andhra Pradesh
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is Hyderabad, about 213 km away. Markapur Road is the closest railway station, 85 km from Srisailam. Buses and taxis are easily accessible.
Situated on the Nallamala Hills, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is revered for its rich Dravidian architecture. It represents the union of Shiva and Parvati. The temple complex houses several ancient inscriptions and sculptures.
History and Legend
This temple is associated with a tale of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s eldest son, Kartikeya, leaving Kailash and settling here. In addition to being one of the 12 Jyothirlingas, it is said to be where Shiva and Parvati visited Kartikeya.
Architectural Style
The temple is known for its Dravidian architecture, with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards adorned with numerous sculptures and carvings.
Also read my post on 7-day Andhra Pradesh itinerary.
3. Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is in Indore, 55 km away. Ujjain is well-connected by train to major cities. Buses and taxis are readily available.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple, situated on the banks of the River Kshipra, is known for its Bhasma Aarti ritual. This Jyotirlinga is considered to be swayambhu (self-manifested) and holds a unique south-facing position.
History and Legend
The temple is associated with the story of a five-year-old boy, Shrikar, who was inspired by the devotion of King Chandrasena of Ujjain and took it upon himself to worship Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirlinga. So, it is one of the 12 Jyothirlingas in India.
Architectural Style
The temple exhibits Bhumija, Chalukya, and Maratha architectural influences. The sanctum is below ground level, which is a unique feature.
Also, check out my post on 7-day Madhya Pradesh itinerary.
4. Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is in Indore, about 77 km away. Omkareshwar Road Railway Station is 12 km from the temple. Buses and boats are also available.
Omkareshwar Temple, situated on an island shaped like the holy Om symbol, is a serene pilgrimage site. The sacred Narmada River flows by, adding to its spiritual aura. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India with a great spiritual ambiance.
History and Legend
The island’s shape, resembling the Hindu Om symbol, gives the temple its name. According to the legend, the Vindhya Mountain prayed to Shiva here, and the Lord appeared in the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.
Architectural Style
This temple combines the Nagara and Maratha styles of architecture, featuring intricate carvings and a beautifully sculpted facade.
5. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, 238 km away. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, 216 km away. From these points, one must undertake a trek or helicopter ride to reach the temple. This is one of the 7 places to visit near Delhi to experience snowfall.
Nestled amidst the snow-clad Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the most revered and challenging pilgrimages in Hinduism. The journey to the temple is as breathtaking as it is spiritual and its ambiance honors it as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
History and Legend
Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas. It is said that after the battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas came here to seek forgiveness from Shiva for killing their kin.
Architectural Style
The temple is an impressive stone edifice of ancient architecture built on a rectangular platform and is over a thousand years old. It is one of the oldest 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
6. Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
Location: Bhimashankar, Pune district, Maharashtra
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is Pune, about 125 km away. The nearest major railway station is also in Pune. Regular buses and taxis ply to Bhimashankar.
Bhimashankar, surrounded by dense forests and rich wildlife, is a perfect blend of spirituality and nature. The temple showcases Nagara-style architecture and is a conservation reserve for the Indian Giant Squirrel besides being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
History and Legend
The temple legend relates to the demon Tripurasura being killed by Shiva, after which the Bhima River originated. It is also a source of the River Bhima.
Architectural Style
The temple is a modest yet graceful structure made in the Nagara style of architecture, featuring old carvings on its walls.
7. Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
How to Reach?
Varanasi is well-connected by air and rail to major cities. The temple is easily accessible from any part of the city as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Situated on the shores of the sanctified Ganges, this temple of Kashi Vishwanath is a renowned Hindu temple in India. The city of Varanasi itself is a spiritual hub, often referred to as the spiritual capital of India.
History and Legend
The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. It is mentioned in the Puranas that when the Earth was submerged under water (Pralaya), Lord Shiva held its weight on his trident.
Architectural Style
The present temple has a series of smaller shrines located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The gold plating on the temple tower was provided by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore.
8. Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
Location: Trimbak, near Nashik, Maharashtra
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is in Nashik, about 30 km away. Nashik Railway Station is the nearest railhead. Regular buses and taxis are available from Nashik.
Trimbakeshwar, located at the origin of the Godavari River, is known for its unique three-faced linga representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple’s architecture is a blend of old and new styles, making it one of the best 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Check out my post on 7-day Maharashtra itinerary.
History and Legend
According to the Shiv Purana, the unique aspect of the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is its three faces symbolizing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Rudra.
Architectural Style
The temple is built in the classic Nagara style and is renowned for its magnificent architecture and sculpture.
9. Baidyanath, Jharkhand
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is in Ranchi, about 274 km away. Jasidih Junction, 7 km from Deoghar, is the nearest railway station. Regular buses and taxis are available.
Vaidyanath Temple, also known as Baidyanath Dham, is a significant site for Shiva devotees. The temple complex is an architectural marvel, comprising 22 temples with intricate carvings and sculptures.
History and Legend
As per Hindu viewpoints, the monster ruler Ravana prayed to Shiva at the present site of the place of worship to get the fortunes that he used afterward to destroy the world. Ravana offered his ten heads one after another to Shiva as a sacrifice. Its incredible history makes it one of the best 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Architectural Style
This temple, with its tall and curvilinear tower, is built in the North Indian style of temple architecture.
10. Nageshwar, Gujarat
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is in Jamnagar, about 137 km away. Dwarka Railway Station is the nearest railhead. Buses and taxis are readily available.
Nageshwar Temple, near Dwarka, is known for its large Shivalinga and a massive statue of Lord Shiva. It is a serene temple surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
History and Legend
The Nageshwar Temple is believed to be the place where Shiva defeated a demon named Daruka.
Architectural Style
The temple is a simple structure with the typical Hindu temple architecture of northern India, featuring a spacious courtyard and a towering Shikhara. Its significance in the spiritual world makes it one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
11. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is in Madurai, about 163 km away. Rameswaram is well-connected by rail. Regular buses and taxis ply to Rameswaram. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, this temple located in South India is visited by North Indians in large numbers.
Rameshwaram Temple, located on an island, is a significant pilgrimage for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. The temple is renowned for its sprawling corridors, intricate carvings, and sacred water tanks.
History and Legend
The temple is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, to worship Shiva. It is here that Rama built a bridge across the sea to Lanka.
Architectural Style
The temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars lining them. The architecture is a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture. As Rameshwaram is one of the best places to visit near Chennai, people from this city visit in large numbers.
12. Grishneshwar, Maharashtra
Location: Ellora, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
How to Reach?
The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, 30 km away. Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest railhead. Regular buses and taxis are available.
Grishneshwar Temple, located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora Caves, is adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures. It is the last among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is revered for its architectural splendor and religious significance.
History and Legend
According to Shiva Purana, a devout woman named Kusuma worshipped Shiva by immersing a Shivalinga in a tank, leading to the manifestation of Grishneshwar.
Architectural Style
The temple is an example of Bhoomija architecture, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses on its red rocks.
Each of these 12 Jyotirlingas not only represents a unique story and architectural style but also offers a spiritual journey into the heart of India’s religious culture. A visit to these sacred sites is more than just a pilgrimage; it’s an exploration of history, legend, and spiritual belief.
Visiting these 12 Jyotirlingas in 2024 offers a unique opportunity to explore the spiritual essence of India. Each site, with its distinct character and legend, provides a profound experience of faith, history, and culture. Plan your journey well in advance to embrace the serene and transformative experience these holy shrines offer.