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Maha Shivratri 2025: Take a look at the 12 Jyotirlingas and read on to find out more about their significance.
Maha Shivratri 2025: List of 12 Jyotirlingas & Their Importance
Maha Shivratri 2025, Jyotirlingas: The Jyotirlingas, revered as the abodes of Lord Shiva, are scattered across India and serve as powerful spiritual centres. The twelve Jyotirlingas (Dwadash Jyotirling) transcend mere rituals, embodying India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual evolution. A Jyotirlinga, derived from ‘Jyoti’ (light) and ‘lingam’ (symbol of Shiva), represents the ultimate divine force. Hindu devotees undertake pilgrimages to these sacred temples, believing that visiting them washes away sins and brings enlightenment. Each of the Jyotirlingas holds its own mythological significance, as described in the Puranas.
While there are 64 Jyotirlingas, some of them are considered the holiest. Here are the 12 Jyotirlingas standing as the most sacred sites for Shiva devotees.
Somnath Jyotirlinga
Somnath in Gujarat is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga on Earth. The temple, mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Shiva Purana and Rig Veda, has been rebuilt multiple times and stands as a testament to unwavering devotion. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, offers mesmerising views and the ‘Joy Somnath’ light and sound show enchants visitors every evening.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Andhra Pradesh, also known as ‘The Kailash of the South,’ sits amidst the Nallamala Hills by the Krishna River. This temple, an architectural marvel, shares its sacred grounds with the Goddess Bhramaramba shrine. Legends tell of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appearing here to console their son, Kartikeya. The temple is unique, as it allows devotees to touch the Jyotirlinga, enhancing their spiritual connection.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, stands on the banks of Rudra Sagar Lake. Known for its exquisite carvings and self-manifested Shiva Lingam, the temple dates back to the fourth century BC. Pilgrims flock here, especially for the revered Bhasma Aarti, where the Lingam is bathed in sacred ashes at dawn.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, located on Mandhata Island in Madhya Pradesh, is surrounded by the Narmada River. Mythological texts claim the island’s shape resembles the sacred ‘Om’ symbol. The temple, restored after invasions, is deeply entwined with Shiva’s cosmic presence, drawing thousands of devotees, particularly during Maha Shivratri.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand is the highest of the twelve and a vital part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. Nestled in the Himalayas, near the Mandakini River, it is accessible only by a challenging trek, making the journey a true test of devotion. The temple, believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya, stands as a beacon of faith amidst snow-clad peaks.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra is set in the lush Sahyadri Hills, offering both spiritual and natural beauty. According to legend, Shiva manifested here in his ‘Rudra’ form to defeat the demon Tripurasura. The temple, featuring Nagara-style architecture, lies near the Bhima River and is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, attracting nature lovers as well as pilgrims.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, stands near the sacred Ganga River and draws millions of devotees seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings. Also known as the ‘Golden Temple of Varanasi’ due to its gold-plated dome, it symbolises the cycle of life and death. The temple’s history traces back 2500 years to King Vikramaditya, with mentions in Hindu scriptures. A legend speaks of Lord Shiva manifesting as a massive pillar of light to settle a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, where a small portion of the pillar remained, forming the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Maharashtra is nestled in the Brahmagiri mountains of Nashik, near the sacred Godavari River. It is unique for its three-faced lingam representing Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. Built-in the 18th century by Nana Saheb Peshwa, the temple is tied to the legend of Sage Gautam, who sought purification after unintentionally causing a cow’s death. Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion, manifested as the Jyotirlinga here. The Kushavarta holy pond within the temple complex is considered the origin of the Godavari River.
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is a revered site believed to bring health and prosperity. The temple dates back to the 8th century and remained significant even in the Mughal era. According to legend, Ravana, seeking Lord Shiva’s favour, sacrificed his ten heads, prompting Shiva to restore them and earn the name ‘Baidyanath’ (healer). Another tale recounts Ravana’s attempt to take a lingam to Lanka, which was ultimately anchored to the ground by divine intervention, creating the present Jyotirlinga.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Gujarat, meaning ‘Lord of Snakes,’ signifies Shiva’s victory over the demon Daruka. The temple is believed to protect devotees from poisons, as referenced in the Rudra Samhita. A large Shiva statue welcomes visitors, while the inner sanctum radiates peace. The temple’s legend speaks of Daruka imprisoning Shiva’s devotee Supriya, whose prayers led to Shiva’s appearance as a Jyotirlinga to rescue them. The original temple is believed to be submerged, with the current structure standing on the same sacred site.
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Temple in Tamil Nadu, part of the Bada Char Dham pilgrimage, is located on Pamban Island, accessible via the Pamban Bridge. The temple, built over several centuries, reflects faith, mythology and architectural splendour. It houses the Ramalingam and Vishvalingam, with the latter worshipped first. The legend tells of Lord Rama worshipping Shiva here after defeating Ravana, seeking penance for his actions. As Hanuman delayed bringing a lingam from the Himalayas, Goddess Sita crafted one from sand, which remains at the site.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Maharashtra, near Aurangabad, is also called Ghushmeshwar Temple. Its five-story structure, built with red and black stone in the Shikara style, features intricate carvings, including Vishnu’s Dasavatar. The temple’s origin dates back to the 13th century, with its current structure attributed to Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. A legend tells of Ghushma, a devoted Shiva worshipper, whose son was killed by her sister. Shiva, moved by her unwavering devotion, restored her son and manifested as the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga at her request.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India