12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India and Their Importance in Hindu Religion

Lord Shiva is considered a supreme God, and he is the creator of the Universe. Tridev, Shiva, Mahadev all words relate to Lord Shiva. Shiva is one of India’s most worshipped God and has so many temples dedicated to them. Most important among these temples are the 12 Jyotirlingas. 

There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India. All temples have established the identity of that particular location. Because of architecture, legends, history, and spirituality, these all temples are famous in India. The 12 Jyotirlingas with names and place list will enhance your religious as well as travel experiences. Visiting these temples once in your lifetime is every once travels goal.

List of Jyotirlinga in India 

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirrlinga

3. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

4. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

5. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

6. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga

7. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

8. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga

9. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

10. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

12. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujrat  

Somnath is the first and most famous jyotirlingas in India. It is located near Veraval, Gujrat. As per Shiv Purana, Soma married the 27 daughters of Daksh but neglected them. Daksh thus cursed the Moon that he will lose his lustre and beauty. Moon worshipped Lord Shiva to get rid of this curse put on him. Because of Shiva’s blessings, Moon retrieved his light, and that's why the town is known as Somnath, which means the “ Lord of the Moon”.

Firstly, Somnath temple was built by Moon in pure gold and later by Ravana in Silver, by Krishna in sandalwood and finally by Bhimadev in stone. After that, this temple was many times broken down in the medieval centuries. The latest temple is made with reddish-yellow stones and was inaugurated by the first Indian President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951.

Although, Devotees are not allowed to go inside the temple and touch the linga, Through a mechanical device, one is still allowed to offer Ganga water on linga.

Temple Opening Hours:  Everyday from 6 AM to 9 PM. Arti is done trice a day at 7 AM, 12 PM and 7 PM. You can also enjoy the Light and Sound show “Joy Somnath” daily in the evening from 8 PM to 9 PM.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Lord Shivas second Jyotirlinga Mallikarjuna is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh and also known as Kashi of the south. As per Shiv Purana, Mallikarjuna is the united form Lord Shiva and Parvati. Mallika indicates Goddess Paravati, and Arjun indicates to God Shiva. This temple is located in the Nallamala hills along with the banks of the river Krishna.

Temple Opening Hours: Every day from 4:30 AM to 10 PM.

3. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the famous ancient Hindu temple located on the banks of the River Godavari near Nasik, Maharashtra. This place is the origin of the Ganga River, also known as Gautami Ganga. Trimbakeshwar is among the four Hindu cities where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. As Shiv Purana Said, Gautami Rishi and Godavari River requested Lord Shiva to live here, and hence the God emerged in the form of Trimbakeshwar. The temple has a unique shape and is famous all over the world. The three pillars inside the temple represent three supreme and powerful Gods, i.e. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh. 

Narayan Nagbali, Tripindi Shradh, kaal Sarp Dosh Puja, Maha Mrityunjay Mantra, Kumbh Vivah, Rudra Abhishek all these puja are performed by Tamrapatradhari Purohit Sangh. “Tamrapatradhari Purohits” means only and only these purohits have a birthright to perform these pujas. Worshipping Lord Shiva and performing puja at Trimbakeshwar temple is more important than performing to any other place. 

Temple Opening Hours: Every day from 5.30 AM to 9 PM.

4. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the banks of the kshipra, in the dense Mahakal forest in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. There are many stories about this jyotirlinga, How this linga came into existence. There was five years old boy Shrikar who was impressed by the dedication of king Chandrasena towards Lord Shiva. Shrikar took one stone and started worshipping that stone as Lord Shiva. Many people tried to disturb him in different ways, but his devotion kept growing. Because of Shrikar devotion, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirlinga in the Mahakal forest.  

Temple Opening Hours: From 4 AM to 11 PM. Devotees can take darshan from 8 AM to 10 AM, 10.30 to 5 PM, 6 PM to 7 PM and 8 PM to 11 PM.

5. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga 

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in an Om-shaped island called Mandhata on Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh which is 80 km from Indore. Omkareshwar means “ Lord of Omkara”, or the lord of the om sound. One more jyotirlinga called Mahakaleshwar is situated on the mainland. Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar both these temples are near to each other. At the same time, devotes can visit both temples. 

Once upon a time, there was a great war between the Devas and Danavas, in which Danavas won. This was the biggest setback to Devas, and then he prayed to Lord Shiva for victory. Pleased with their prayer, Lord Shiva emerged in the form of Omkareshwar and defeated Danavas.  

Temple Opening Hours:  Every day from 5 AM to 10 PM, Darshan timing morning 5.30 AM to 12.20 PM and evening 4 PM to 8.30 PM. 

6. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga 

Baidyanath jyotirlinga is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India. It is also known as Baba Dham. According to Shiva Purana, Once Ravana praised Lord Shiva and asked him to visit Lanka. Lord Shiva emerged in the form of Shivling and told Ravana not to put Shivling down anywhere until he reached Lanka. Ravana agreed with the condition and started his journey to Lanka. En route, Lord Vishnu disturbed him in the form of Jaldevta. Ravana got influenced and kept Shivling down. That Shivlinga dwells as a Baidyanath Jyotirlinga. 

Temple Opening Hours:  Everyday from 4 AM to 3:30 PM and from 6 PM to 9 PM.

7. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga 

Bhimashankar is located on the banks of River Bhima near Pune, Maharashtra and very popular jyotirlingas in India. Among the Hindus, this is a black rock structure, with Nagara architecture pattern temple holds a major religious significance. It is believed that Bheema, kumbhakarna’s son, builds this jyotirlinga. According to Hindu Purana, Lord Shiva became so angry and destroyed devil Bhima and resided here as a Bhimashankar jyotirlinga. 

While visiting Bhimashankar, you can also visit the Kamalaja temple, which is near Bhimashankar.  

Temple Opening Hours: Every day 4.30 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 9.30 PM. and Darshan timing, 5 AM to 9.30 PM.

8. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga

Because of its brilliant Dravidian architecture style, this temple is famous all over India and the jyotirlinga, of course. Rameshwar is located on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. The unique thing about this temple is there are 22 water bodies inside the temple. To show respect about Lord Shiva, before darshan, devotees take a holy bath at these water bodies. 

You know, There are two jyotirlingas, one made by Lord Rama and another brought by Lord Hanuman from Kashi. It is believed that the jyotirlinga, which Hanuman brings, is the replica of the Kashi Vishwanath. 

Temple Opening Hours: Every day from 5 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM.

9. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga 

Nageshwar temple is also known as Nagnath temple. It is situated on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. This jyotirlinga has a special significance as it protects from all types of poison. It is believed that those who worshipped this jyotirlinga become free from all poison. Around the year, thousands of devotees have visited the temple of Nagnath. 

Beautiful view of the azure Arabian Sea, the 25-m tall statue of Lord Shiva and a large garden attracts tourist to visit this jyotirlinga.  

Temple Opening Hours: every day, 5 AM to 9 PM, on all days of the week. Darshan timing from 6 AM to 12:30 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM.

10. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga 

Kashi Viswanath is one of the most important temples in the jyotirlinga temples list located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is the religious places to visit in India, and Kashi Vishwanath is the biggest attraction among all the jyotirlinga. 

It is believed that Lord Shiva lived here and offered happiness and liberation to all devotees. Kasha Vishwanath is the first jyotirlingas in the country, which showcased the power over the other gods, broke through the other surface and moved towards heaven. 

Temple Opening Hours: Every day from 5 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM.

11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

The most awaited destination for everyone is the Kedarnath jyotirlinga. It is located in the Rudra Himalayan range at the height of 12000feet on the mountain named Kedar. It is also one of the four dhams of the Hindu religion and is visited by a huge number of people every year. There was no confirmation about the temple when it was built; It is believed 3000 years back, five Pandava brothers made it. Due to severe climatic condition, the temple remains closed for six months.

Temple Opening Hours: Every day from 4 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM.

Temple opening hours depend on the climatic condition.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Grishneshwar temple is the last jyotirlinga among the 12 jyotirlingas in India. It is located in a small village Verul near Devagiri fort in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Grishneshwar is the most famous jyotirlinga because of the huge Nandi Bullin in the central court hall, red rock Shikhara style architecture and carvings of Gods and Goddesses. This is also one of the best jyotirlingas in India.

Temple Opening Hours: Every day, 5.30 AM to 9.30 PM.

I hope this blog will help you to understand information about 12 Jyotirlingas and their locations.