🌸 Dwadash Jyotirling: Amazing journey to 12 sacred Shiva Dhams of India complete trevel guide 🌸
Destination daring (the fast trevel blog)
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| Have darshan of 12 Jyotirlingas along with the Ardhanarishwar form of Lord Shiva |
l Introduction
Hello friends, welcome to Destination Daring Yatra Blog. In today's post, I want to show you 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Friends, Lord Shiva is called the God of Death. Apart from this, Shiva also gives protection to his devotees. Lord Shiva is also called by the names "Mahadev, Sadashiv, Bhole Nath, Shankar etc. Shiva is also called the destroyer as well as the giver of compassion and salvation. Jyotirlinga is considered to be the soul form of Shiva. There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Dwadash Jyotirling) established in different parts of India, which are considered to be the most sacred and revered pilgrimage for Shiva devotees. Jyotirlinga means - "Pillar of Light", that is, the place where Shiva himself appeared in the form of infinite light. It is believed that by visiting these 12 Dhams, the devotee gets freedom from the bondage of birth and death. Every Shiva devotee considers himself blessed by visiting these places. Every year lakhs of devotees visit the twelve Jyotirlingas with the desire to get the blessings of Lord Shiva and to be free from the cycle of birth and death. Not only Indians but thousands of foreign tourists also come here to visit.
Som Nath Jyotirling
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| Som Nath Temple, the first Jyotirling among 12 Jyotirling, dedicated to Shiva |
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
🕉️ History of Somnath Temple, Gujarat
📌 Ancient Significance
Somnath is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The word Somnath means "Lord of the Moon." According to legends, Chandra Dev (Moon God) was cursed by Daksha Prajapati to lose his luster. To get rid of the curse, Chandra worshipped Lord Shiva here. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva relieved him, and thus the place was named Prabhas Patan – Somnath.
📌 Historical Timeline
Vedic Mentions: References to Somnath are found in Rigveda and ancient Puranas, proving its antiquity.
First Temple: Believed to be built in gold by the Moon God (Chandra), then rebuilt in silver by Ravana, later in wood by Krishna, and finally in stone by the Pandavas.
Repeated Destruction:
1024 AD: Mahmud of Ghazni invaded, looted immense wealth, and destroyed the temple.
Later, it was rebuilt multiple times but faced destruction during Alauddin Khilji’s and Aurangzeb’s invasions.
Reconstruction in Modern Era: After independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated the reconstruction of Somnath Temple. The work was completed in 1951, and President Dr. Rajendra Prasad performed the Pran Pratishtha.
📌 Present-Day Temple
Built in Chalukya style of architecture with intricate carvings.
Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Prabhas Patan near Veraval.
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, symbolizing faith against destruction.
Belief: Chandradev got freedom from his curse by doing penance of Lord Shiva here.
Today's form: The modern temple was built with the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Travel suggestion: About 7 km from Veraval railway station, about 80 km from Junagadh.
✈️ How to Reach the 12 Jyotirlingas of India
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (65 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Veraval (7 km)
Well connected by road from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Dwarka.
Mallikarjun Jyotirling
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| Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga dedicated to Lord Shiva |
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)
🕉️ History of Mallikarjun Temple, Andhra Pradesh
📌 Mythological Significance
Mallikarjun Jyotirling, located at Srisailam on the banks of River Krishna, is also called the “Kailash of the South.”
The legend says that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came here to pacify their son Kartikeya, who was upset when his brother Ganesha was married before him. Here, Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna (symbolizing Shiva as "Arjuna, worshipped with jasmine flowers") and Parvati as Bhramaramba.
📌 Historical Timeline
Satavahana Dynasty (2nd century AD): The earliest inscriptions about this temple are traced back to this period.
Vijayanagara Empire : The temple gained prominence under the rule of the Vijayanagara kings, who added grand structures and gopurams.
Religious Importance: It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, making it extremely sacred for both Shaivites and Shaktas.
📌 Present-Day Temple
Built in Dravidian style architecture, with huge gopurams (gateway towers).
Situated amidst the Nallamala Hills, surrounded by dense forests and the Krishna River.
Famous for the Maha Shivaratri festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
Trevel tip: Around 230 km from Hyderabad, it is easily accessible by road and rail.
✈️ How to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (230 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Markapur Road (85 km)
Buses available from Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Tirupati.
Mahakaleshwer Jyotirling
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| The heartbeat of millions of Shiva devotees Maha Kaleshwer Temple |
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
🕉️ History of Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
📌 Mythological Significance
Mahakaleshwar, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas. The name Mahakal means "the Lord of Time and Death." According to legend, a demon named Dushan terrorized Ujjain. The people prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared as Mahakal and destroyed the demon. After this, Shiva decided to stay in Ujjain in the form of a Jyotirlinga.
📌 Unique Feature
It is the only south-facing Jyotirlinga in India, symbolizing victory over death.
The temple is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, where the lingam is offered sacred ash (bhasma) every morning.
📌 Historical Timeline
Ancient Period: References of Mahakaleshwar are found in the Puranas and Mahabharata.
Paramara Dynasty (9th century): The temple flourished under King Udayaditya and King Bhoja.
Invasions: During the Delhi Sultanate rule (13th century), the original structure was destroyed by Iltutmish.
Maratha Era: The Scindias of Gwalior rebuilt the temple in the 18th century, giving it much of its present-day look.
📌 Present-Day Temple
Constructed in Bhumija, Maratha, and Chalukya styles.
A five-storied structure with the Jyotirlinga in the underground sanctum.
Today, it is not just a spiritual center but also a cultural hub of Ujjain.
Travel Tip: Around 2 km from Ujjain Railway Station.
✈️ How to reach Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Indore Airport (55 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Ujjain Junction (2 km)
Ujjain is well connected by road from Bhopal, Indore.
Omkareshwer Jyotirling
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| Divine and powerful Jyotirlinga in the shape of Om situated on the island of river Narmada |
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
🕉️ History of Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
📌 Mythological Significance
Omkareshwar, located on the Narmada River island shaped like the sacred syllable "ॐ", is a powerful Jyotirlinga. According to legend, once a great war broke out between the Devas and the Danavas. The Devas prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared here in the form of Omkareshwar to protect them.
Another legend says Lord Shiva appeared as a radiant column of light to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu – similar to the origin story of Jyotirlingas.
📌 Unique Feature
The island itself is naturally shaped like “ॐ” (Om), which makes it extremely sacred.
There are two temples here: Omkareshwar and Amaleshwar (Mamleshwar), both considered sacred.
📌 Historical Timeline
The temple finds mention in ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana.
Many dynasties, including the Paramaras and Marathas, contributed to its construction and upkeep.
The temple architecture shows influences of both North Indian Nagara style and Maratha craftsmanship.
📌 Present-Day Temple
The main shrine houses the Jyotirlinga of Omkareshwar.
Pilgrims perform parikrama of the island, which is considered highly auspicious.
The temple is surrounded by ghats and scenic views of the Narmada River.
Travel Tip: Around 80 km from Indore.
✈️ How to reach Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Indore (77 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Omkareshwar Road (12 km)
Buses and taxis available from Indore, Ujjain.
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| Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, surrounded by snow-clad mountains near the Mandakini river, is the center of faith for millions of Shiva devotees |
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)
🕉️ History of Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
📌 Mythological Significance
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the most revered temples of Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters.
Legend says that after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to absolve their sins. Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground. His hump appeared at Kedarnath, while other body parts emerged at different places (forming the Panch Kedar temples).
Thus, Kedarnath became a sacred Jyotirlinga site.
📌 Historical Timeline
Ancient References: Mentioned in the Skanda Purana and Mahabharata.
Adi Shankaracharya (8th century AD): The great philosopher is credited with reviving and renovating the Kedarnath temple, establishing it as a prominent pilgrimage center.
Natural Calamities:
The temple has withstood several natural disasters, including avalanches and earthquakes.
Most recently, in 2013, devastating floods hit Kedarnath, destroying the town, but the temple remained miraculously intact.
📌 Present-Day Temple
Constructed from massive stone slabs using interlocking technology (without mortar).
Surrounded by snow-clad mountains and the Mandakini River.
Accessible only during summer (April to November), as it remains snowbound in winter.
Travel suggestion: Open in summer, 16 km trek from Sonprayag/Gaurikund.
✈️ How to reach Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (239 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (221 km)
Trekking route from Gaurikund (16 km); helicopter services also available.
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| Bhima Shankar Jyotirlinga, where Shiva killed Tripurasura and came to be known as Bhima Shankar |
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
🕉️ History of Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra
📌 Mythological Significance
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune.
According to legend, a demon named Tripurasura became extremely powerful after receiving a boon from Lord Shiva. When he started troubling the Devas, Shiva took the form of Bhimashankar and destroyed him.
After the battle, the sweat from Shiva’s body is said to have formed the Bhimarathi River.
📌 Historical Timeline
Ancient References: Mentioned in the Shiva Purana.
Medieval Period: The temple construction is believed to have started in the 13th century under the Yadava dynasty.
Maratha Era: The temple gained importance during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva.
Later Developments: The Holkar dynasty and other Maratha rulers contributed to the temple’s renovation.
📌 Present-Day Temple
Built in Nagarkhana style of Nagara architecture, using black basalt stone.
Located amidst dense forests, the site is now part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Famous for its scenic beauty and spiritual atmosphere.
Travel suggestion: 110 km from Pune, 220 km from Mumbai.
✈️ How to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Nearest Airport: Pune Airport (110 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Pune (111 km)
Well connected by road from Mumbai and Pune.
Shri Kashi Vishvanath Temple
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| Shri Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirling is the gateway for devotees to attain salvation |
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)
🕉️ History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
📌 Mythological Significance
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is located in Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh – the spiritual capital of India. The belief is that whoever dies in Kashi attains moksha (liberation), as Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of the dying soul. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vishwanath (Lord of the Universe).
📌 Historical Timeline
Ancient Times: Ancient Times: Mentioned in the Skanda Purana and Mahabharata as one of the holiest shrines.
Medieval Period: The temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt during Islamic invasions. Destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1194.
Rebuilt by Hindu kings and again demolished by Aurangzeb in 1669, who built the Gyanvapi Mosque on the site.
18th Century: The present temple was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
Modern Era: In 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project was inaugurated, connecting the temple to the Ganga ghats.
📌 Present-Day Temple
Constructed in Nagara style architecture, with golden domes donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab.
One of the most visited temples in India, attracting millions of devotees and international pilgrims every year.
Belief: Lord Shiva himself lives here and liberates the soul after death.
Specialty: It is called Moksha Dham.
Travel suggestion: About 5 km from Varanasi Junction.
✈️ How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Uttar Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi (26 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction (6 km)
Easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
Triambkeshwer Jyotirling
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| Triambkeshwer Jyotirlinga is because of the three faces of Shiva that is why the Jyotirlinga is named Triambkeshwer |
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
🕉️ History of Trimbakeshwar Temple, Maharashtra
📌 Mythological Significance
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Nashik, Maharashtra, at the foothills of the Brahmagiri mountain.
The Godavari River, one of the holiest rivers in India, originates here.
Legend says that Lord Shiva appeared here to fulfill the prayer of sage Gautama, who sought liberation from a curse.
📌 Unique Feature
The lingam here has three faces, representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), making it unique among Jyotirlingas.
📌 Historical Timeline
Puranic References: Mentioned in the Skanda Purana as a highly sacred place.
Medieval Period: The temple gained significance under Yadava and Maratha rulers.
Peshwa Era (18th century): The present temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb Peshwa).
📌 Present-Day Temple
Built entirely of black basalt stone in classic Nagara architectural style.
Famous for Narayan Nagbali rituals, performed for removing ancestral curses (Pitru Dosha).
A major pilgrimage center, especially during Kumbh Mela at Nashik.
Travel suggestion: About 28 km from Nashik.
✈️How to reach Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Nearest Airport: Nashik Airport (52 km), Mumbai Airport (178 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Nashik Road (39 km)
Good road connectivity from Mumbai, Pune, Shirdi.
Vaidyanath Jyotirling
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| Vaidyanath Jyotirling firstly worshipped by Ravana |
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkhand)
🕉️ History of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Deoghar (Jharkhand)
📌 Mythological Significance
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, and is also called Baidyanath Dham.
According to legend, According to legend, once the King of Lanka Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here to gain invincible powers. Then Lord Shiva was pleased with his worship and gave his Atma Linga to Ravana. Ravana wanted to take this Atma Linga of Lord Shiva to Lanka. The Gods felt that if Ravana took the Atma Linga to Lanka, he would become invincible. Then they prayed to Lord Hari to stop Ravana. The Lord helped him by saying Tathastu and the Shivling was established there. Since then Shiva resides here in the form of Vaidyanath Jyotirling.
📌 Historical Timeline
Ancient references in the Shiva Purana and Padma Purana.
The temple complex was developed during the rule of local kings of Bengal and Bihar. Renovated by various Hindu rulers, including the Pala dynasty.
📌 Present-Day Temple
The main temple is 72 feet tall with a conical tower. Surrounded by 21 other shrines in the temple complex.
It is one of the most visited temples in Eastern India, especially during the Shravana month (July–August) when millions of Kanwariyas visit.
Travel suggestion: 7 km from Jasidih railway station.
✈️How to reach Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Jharkhand
Nearest Airport: Patna Airport (270 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Jasidih Junction (7 km)
Autos/taxis available from Jasidih to Deoghar.
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| Nageshwer Jyotirling Gujarat |
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
🕉️ History of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Dwarka (Gujarat)
📌 Mythological Significance
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near Dwarka, Gujarat, on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
Legend has it that a demon named Daruk captured Shiva devotee Supriya. When the devotee prayed to Shiva, Shiva appeared and killed the demon Daruk to protect his devotee. Since then Lord Shiva started residing there in the form of Nageshwar and this place is famous as Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.
The Jyotirlinga here symbolizes protection from poison and negativity.
📌 Historical Timeline
Mentioned in the Shiva Purana as “Darukavana.”
The temple has been rebuilt many times, with references dating back to the Maurya and Gupta periods.
The present structure is relatively modern, constructed with strong stone architecture.
📌 Present-Day Temple
A large temple complex with a 25-meter tall Shiva statue near it.The Jyotirlinga is unique as it faces south.
Located just 17 km from Dwarka city, making it an important stop for pilgrims visiting Dwarkadhish temple.
Travel Tip: 20 minutes away from Dwarka Railway Station.
✈️ How to reach Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Nearest Airport: Jamnagar Airport (137 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Dwarka (17 km)
Well connected by road from Dwarka city.
Rameshwaram Jyotirling
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| Lord Shri Ram worshipped and establised Shiva linga-before going to Lanka |
11. Rameswaram Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)
🕉️ History of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu
📌 Mythological Significance
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is located on Rameshwaram Island, Tamil Nadu.
Belief: Therefore, before attacking Lanka with his monkey army, Lord Rama established a Shivalinga on the seashore and worshiped it and received blessings from Lord Shiva for victory over Lanka.
Hence, this place is considered a powerful site for atonement and liberation.
📌 Historical Timeline
Mentioned in the Ramayana.
The temple construction began in the 12th century under Pandya rulers and was later expanded by Vijayanagara and Sethupathi kings.It is one of the most important Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.
📌 Present-Day Temple
Famous for having the longest temple corridor in India (over 1,200 pillars). Located near the seashore, with sacred water tanks (Theerthams) for ritual baths.
Devotees consider it essential to visit both Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh) and Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) for completion of pilgrimage.
Travel Tip: About 170 km from Madurai.
✈️ How to reach Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (174 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Rameshwaram Railway Station (2 km)
Connected by road and Pamban Bridge.
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Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga a last one of 12 Jyotirlingas |
12. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
🕉️ History of Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
📌 Mythological Significance
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
According to legend, a pious woman named Ghushma (or Kusuma) worshipped Lord Shiva by making 101 lingams daily and immersing them in a lake. Her devotion was tested when her envious sister killed her son, but she continued her prayers with unshaken faith. Lord Shiva appeared, revived her son, and granted her the boon of staying there as Grishneshwar.
📌 Historical Timeline
Ancient references found in Shiva Purana.
Destroyed during Islamic invasions but rebuilt by Hindu rulers.
The present temple was reconstructed in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, who also restored Kashi Vishwanath.
📌 Present-Day Temple
Built in red basalt stone in South Indian style of architecture.
Smaller compared to other Jyotirlingas, but highly revered.
Situated very close to the UNESCO World Heritage site Ellora Caves, making it a spiritual and historical attraction.
Travel suggestion: About 30 km from Aurangabad.
✈️ How to reach Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (29 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad (29 km)
Close to Ellora Caves, easily accessible by road.
FAQ's
✨ Conclusion
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