12 Jyotirlingas in India

The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are the most sacred shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to the Supreme God of destruction and creation. The word Jyotirlinga means “Lingam of Light”, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a divine, self-manifested pillar of light.

According to Shiva Purana, worshipping these 12 Jyotirlingas frees devotees from sins, fulfills wishes, and grants moksha (liberation). Each temple has its own unique history, legend, and significance, making them powerful centers of devotion.

List of 12 Jyotirlingas in India

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga - Gujarat

Somnath, the first Jyotirlinga in Gujarat, is a powerful symbol of faith where praying to Lord Shiva is believed to free you from the cycle of life and death.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga - Andhra Pradesh

Located in Srisailam by the Krishna River, this Jyotirlinga is known as the Kailash of the South, with a visit believed to equal the blessings of both Kailash and Varanasi.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Located in Ujjain, on the banks of River Shipra. The only Dakshinamukhi Jyotirlinga (facing south). Famous for the Bhasma Aarti, performed every morning.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Located on the island of Mandhata in River Narmada. The island is shaped like ‘Om’, symbol of spirituality. Believed to fulfill all desires of devotees.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

Situated in the Himalayas near River Mandakini. Part of Chota Char Dham Yatra. Accessible only during summer (May to October).

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Located in the Sahyadri Hills near Pune. Source of the Bhima River. Surrounded by dense forest, also a wildlife sanctuary.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

Located in Varanasi (Kashi), one of the oldest living cities in the world. Known as the City of Lord Shiva. Worship here grants liberation (moksha).

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Situated in Nashik, near River Godavari. Famous for Narayan Nagbali Pooja (rituals for ancestors). The lingam represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva together.

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Also called Baidyanath Dham. Located in Deoghar. Worship here cures diseases and brings health & happiness.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Located near Dwarka. Known as protector from poison and negativity. Features an 80-feet tall Shiva statue.

11. Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

Situated in Rameswaram, part of Char Dham. Associated with Lord Rama worshipping Shiva after defeating Ravana. Famous for 22 holy wells inside the temple.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Located near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad. The 12th and last Jyotirlinga. Women can enter the sanctum and perform rituals.