12 Jyotirlingas In India That Every Shiv Devotee Must Visit
Posted on Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 by Pawanpreet Kaur Leave a Comment
The Jyotirlingas in India is said to be incredibly powerful and offer pilgrims the opportunity to connect with Shiva in a very spiritual way. A Shiva Jyotirlinga is a divine light that is said to represent the supreme God Shiva. This natural phenomenon is said to be found at various sacred sites across the country and devotees often travel to these holy sites during specific times in order to receive blessings from the deity.
The Jyotirlingas in India are also known as the Lingams of Light, which represent the cosmic energy of Lord Shiva. It is believed that worshipping at these temples can help one to attain salvation and can invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and get enlightened.
So, let’s amplify the 12 utmost important Jyotirlinga temples in India, which are said to represent the twelve forms of Lord Shiva. These temples are located in different parts of India, from Uttarkhand in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, having their own unique history and legendary connection with Lord Shiva.
Table Of Content
| 1. Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple | Gujarat |
| 2. Shree Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple | Andhra Pradesh |
| 3. Shree Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling Temple | Madhya Pradesh |
| 4. Shree Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple | Madhya Pradesh |
| 5. Shree Kedarnath Jyotirling Temple | Uttarakhand |
| 6. Shree Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple | Maharashtra |
| 7. Shree Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirling Temple | Varanasi |
| 8. Shree Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling Temple | Maharashtra |
| 9. Shree Nageshwar Jyotirling Temple | Gujarat |
| 10. Shree Baidyanath Jyotirling Temple | Jharkhand |
| 11. Shree Ramanathaswamy Jyotirling Temple | Tamil Nadu |
| 12. Shree Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple | Maharashtra |
1. Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple – Gujarat
The first and the oldest Jyotirlinga in India, Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple was first built by Lord Soma out of sandalwood, the Moon-god. It is believed that this Shiva Jyotirlinga was destroyed and rebuilt several times. After several reconstructions, the final building was built by Mahipala Deva, the Solanki king of Gujarat in 1308 and the lingam was later placed by his son Khengara between 1331-1351. Today, it is one of the holiest Jyotirlingas in India and also one of the richest temples in India where Shiva devotees are said to have an enthralling spiritual experience that connects mind, soul, and body together.
3 Facts About Somnath Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: 6:00 am – 9:30 pm (Aarti Timings 7:00 am, 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm)
Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (84 km away)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Somnath Beach, Paanch Pandav Gufa, Laxminarayan Temple, Suraj Mandir, Triveni Sangam Temple, and Chorwad Beach
Popular Hotels Nearby: Sarovar Portico, The Bliss Hotel, Hotel Bansidhar, The Fern Residency
2. Shree Mallikarjuna Jyotirling Temple – Andhra Pradesh
The history of this Shiva Jyotirlinga dates back to ancient times, and there are many legends associated with it. One legend says that the sage Agastya came to Srisailam to perform a yajna (fire sacrifice), and during the course of the yajna, he invoked Lord Shiva. Shiva was pleased with Agastya’s devotion and appeared to him in the form of Mallikarjuna. Another legend says that Parvati, the consort of Shiva, once came to Srisailam in order to perform penance to achieve Shiva as her husband. While she was performing her penance, a demon named Bhandasura tried to disturb her, but she defeated him with the help of Mallikarjuna.
3 Facts About Mallikarjuna Jyotirnlinga In India
Timings: 5:30 am – 9:30 pm
Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (43.5 km away)
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Akka Mahadevi Caves, Mallela Theertham, Bhramaramba Devi Temple, Shikaresvara Temple, Sakshi Ganapathi Temple
Popular Hotels Nearby: AP Tourism Hotel, Vasavi Satram, Hotel Srisaila’s Nest, Siddeswara Cottage, Eswaramma Cottage, Soma Enterprises
3. Shree Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling Temple – Madhya Pradesh
One of the mighty and holy Jyotirlingas in India, Shree Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling Temple is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is situated on the banks of the Shipra river and was built in the 6th century AD by King Vikramaditya. However, the present structure of this Shiva Jyotirlinga was built in the 17th century by Ranoji Shinde. Every year devotees from all over the country visit this Shiva Jyotirlinga and offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple complex also includes a museum, which houses a collection of artefacts from various periods of the temple’s history.
3 Facts About Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: 3:00 am – 11:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Indore Airport (57.2 km away)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Sarafa Bazar, Rajwada Indore, Treasure Island Mall, Pipliyapala Regional Park, Patalpani Waterfalls, Mystery Rooms, Indore
Popular Hotels Nearby: Hotel Mahakal Ashray, Hotel Satyam Inn, Hotel Milan Holidays, Hotel Nandi, Hotel T.A Paradise, Hotel Satyug and Restaurant
4. Shree Omkareshwar Jyotirling Temple – Madhya Pradesh
One of the spectacular and majestic Jyotirlingas in India, Shree Omkareshwar Temple is located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh that lies on an island called Mandhata. This Shiva Jyotirlinga has been mentioned in many ancient scriptures like the Puranas and the Epics and it is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva appeared to Sage Durvasa. The temple is built in the North Indian architectural style, with a Sanctum sanctorum that houses the main deity, and several other smaller shrines and halls.
3 Facts About Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: 5:00 am – 9:30 pm
Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (84.1 km away)
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Ahilya Ghat, 24 Avatar Group Of Temples, Gauri Somnath Temple, Kajal Rani Cave, Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Omkareshwar Parikrama
Popular Hotels Nearby: MPT Temple View, Hotel Shri Radhe Krishna, Hotel Manyavar Palace, Hotel Panchavati Palace
5. Shree Kedarnath Jyotirling Temple – Uttarakhand
Found by Pandavas and built by Adi Shankara in the 8th century CE, Shree Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most important Jyotirlingas in India. This Shiva Jyotirlinga is located in the Himalayan Mountains, on the banks of the Mandakini River, at an altitude of around 3,583 m (11,755 ft). The temple is located in the Himalayan Mountains, on the banks of the Mandakini River, at an altitude of 3,583 m (11,755 ft). The temple is believed to have been constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, who is also said to have installed a lingam at the temple.
3 Facts About Kedarnath Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: 4:00 am – 9:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant International Airport Dehradun (222.4 km away)
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Vasuki Tal Lake, Triyuginarayan Temple, Guptkashi, Kalimat Almora, Ukhimath, Deoria Tal, Chopta, Tungnath, Rudraprayag
Popular Hotels Nearby: GMVN Cottages, Bahuguna Residency, Hotel Jaypur House, Hotel New Basera, Hotel SPT Palace, Agrabhawan Kedarnath
6. Shree Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple – Maharashtra
One of the sacred and Shiva-dedicated Jyotirlingas in India, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple has been worshipped by saints and sages such as Adi Shankaracharya, Ramana Maharshi, and Swami Vivekananda. The temple complex includes a number of smaller temples and shrines, as well as the main shrine dedicated to Bhimashankar. The main deity of the temple is a lingam which is said to have emerged from the sweat of Lord Shiva. The history of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple dates back several centuries and is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of a lingam to the sage Bhrigu.
3 Facts About Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: 5:00 am – 8:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (43 km away)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Shaniwar Wada, Aamby Valley, Matheran, Kamshet, Ahupe Waterfalls, Igatpuri, Rajmachi Fort, Khadakwasla Dam
Popular Hotels Nearby: Ratwa Resort, Hotel Shivamrut, Hi City Inn, Hotel Nezone, Fab Hotel Parashuram. Collection O50122 GS Residency
7. Shree Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirling Temple – Varanasi
Lies in the beautiful city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Shree Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is another important Jyotirlinga in India. The present temple was built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780. Previously, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times by different rulers. The first temple was believed to be built by Shankaracharya. The current structure of the temple is a combination of the styles of Chalukya, Vijayanagara, Maratha and Bundela architecture, lying on the western bank of the holy river Ganges.
3 Facts About Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: 4:00 am – 11:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Varanasi Airport (21.7 km away)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Yoga Training Centre, Bhole Silk Handicraft, Banaras Toy Museum, Yoga Asharam Academy, Manikarnika Ghat, Nepali Temple
Popular Hotels Nearby: Hotel Ganges Grand, Alka Hotel, Hotel Four Seasons, Hotel Kashi Varanasi, Hotel Aadesh Palace, Hotel Saffron, Saffarnama Varanasi
8. Shree Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling Temple – Maharashtra
Amongst the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, Shree Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India which lies in the town of Trimbak, Maharashtra. This Shiv Jyotirlinga is situated at the source of the River Godavari, which is one of the most sacred rivers in India. The river originates from a spring near the temple, and it is believed that the water of this spring is holy and has the power to cleanse sins. The temple houses three other shrines as well, which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Goddess Parvati.
3 Facts About Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: 5:00 am – 8:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (176.6 km away)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Brahmagiri Temple, Shiv Jata Mandir, Vallone Vineyards, Soma Vine Village, Anjaneri Fort, Harihar Fort, Coin Museum, JenJone Lake
Popular Hotels Nearby: Hotel Four Seasons, Rajmahal Hotel, Hotel Ganges Grand, Hotel Surya Kaiser Palace, The Hideaway Bedz, Hotel Bachchan palace
9. Shree Nageshwar Jyotirling Temple – Gujarat
One of the most powerful Jyotirlingas in India, Shree Nageshwar Jyotirling Temple is believed to be found by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and theologian, in the 8th century CE. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old and has been a site of pilgrimage for devotees from all over India. The main shrine of the temple is situated inside a cave which can be accessed through a narrow opening. The cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, who appeared here in the form of a Jyotirlinga.
3 Facts About Nageshwar Jyotirnlinga In India
Timings: 6:00 am – 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Nearest Airport: Jamnagar Airport (60 km away)
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Beyt Dwarika, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Gomti Ghat, Bet Dwarka, Sivrajpur Beach, Dunny Point, Siddheshwar Mahadev Mandir
Popular Hotels Nearby: The Dwarika Hotel, Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham Dwarka, Hotel Fortune Palace, Hotel Shree Dhara, Devbhoomi Residency
10. Shree Baidyanath Jyotirling Temple – Jharkhand
This Jyotirlinga in India has a special place in the heart of Shiva devotees as the temple is mostly referred to as the ‘home of gods’. It is also said to be the place where Ravana prayed to Lord Shiva to make him immortal and offered his 10 heads. This gesture impressed Lord Shiva and he came down to this place to help the injured Ravana. At that time, Lord Shiva acted as Doctor (Vaidya in Sanskrit) from where the name “Baidyanath” came up. It is a place where people from all walks of life can come to worship and receive the blessings of the almighty lord.
3 Facts About Baidyanath Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: Open 24 hours
Nearest Airport: Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (111.6 km away)
Best Time To Visit: July and August
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Naulakha Temple, Basukinath Mandir, Hotel Rudra Plaza, Nandan Pahar Theme Park, Rikhiyapeeth Ashram, Tapovan Hills & Caves
Popular Hotels Nearby: Geetanjali International, Hotel Shree Hari, Hotel Baidyanath, Girija Sunrise, Hotel Imperial Heights, Vaishnavi Clarks Inn, Hotel Mahadev Palace
11. Shree Ramanathaswamy Jyotirling Temple – Tamil Nadu
Situated in the town of Rameswaram, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, this Shiva Jyotirlinga has been revered by Shaivites and Vaishnavites alike and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Lord Ramachandra, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, built this temple after he defeated Ravana and rescued his wife Sita from captivity. Consequently, the temple is also known as the Ramalingeswaram temple. The temple is a classic example of Dravidian architecture and is one of the largest temples in Tamil Nadu. It is said that Lord Rama himself installed the lingam at this temple, which makes it one of the most important lingams in India.
3 Facts About Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (147 km away)
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Lakshmana Tirtham, The Five-Faced Hanuman Temple, Seaworld Aquarium, Adam’s Bridge, Water World Sanctuary, Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge
Popular Hotels Nearby: Hotel Rameswaram Grand, Hotel Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Saara, JKR Resort & SPA, Hotel Ashoka
12. Shree Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple – Maharashtra
The Shiva Jyotirlinga is referred to as a “Lord of Compassion”, the Shree Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple is located just 1 km near Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. The temple is believed to be built in the 8th century but was later destroyed by Delhi Sutanate in 13th and 14th century nd has been renovated several times since then. The present-day temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen of Indore in 1760. However, the temple has a long and rich history. It is believed to be one of the most ancient temples in India. The original temple was destroyed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb when he demolished all Hindu temples during his reign.
3 Facts About Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga In India
Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (29 km away)
Best Time To Visit: March
Other Places To Visit Nearby: Ellora Digamber Jain Temple, Ellora Caves, Tomb of Malik Ambar, Bhadra Maruti Temple, Tomb of Aurangzeb, Mughal Silk Bazaar, Daulatabad Fort
Popular Hotels Nearby: Shivam Residency Ellora, Hotel Kailas, Hotel Vrindavan, VITS Aurangabad, Click Hotel Aurangabad, Hotel Great Annapurna
“He is all and Everything. He is the Universe.” Visiting the above Jyotirlingas in India is an experience that will lead you to a peaceful life. The energy of Shiva Jyotirlinga can only be seen from the eyes of devotees who are in utmost love with Shiva and want to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Each of these 12 Jyotirlingas is considered to be equally powerful. So make up your plan with your friends and family and book flight tickets to the nearest airports to these Shiva Jyotirlingas. We at Travanya is an IATA-certified tour and travel portal that can help you find low airfares on domestic flight tickets. All you need to do is, get in touch with our team of travel experts at +91-800-023-5865 and save yourself the cheapest flight ever.
About Pawanpreet View All Posts
Pawanpreet is a versatile content writer and editor who enjoys experimenting with various niches of writing. Her keen eye for detail and love for thorough research helps her create high-quality content to outweigh clickbait. She extensively works for digital marketing and manages clients that range from travel to luxury goods. Her creativity is fueled by her love for learning new things, travelling, and the environment. Also, she is a free soul and an avid animal lover who believes in doing everything with a smile :)
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