Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comThe Twelve Jyotirlingas
The Jyotirlingas are twelve sacred sites where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as a column of light, spread across India and regarded as the most important pilgrimage sites for Shiva's devotees.
Significance of The Twelve Jyotirlingas
'Jyotirlinga' refers to Lord Shiva's form as a column of light. According to the Shiva Purana, a dispute once arose between Brahma and Vishnu over supremacy, and to settle it, Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar of light with neither beginning nor end. In remembrance of this event, twelve sites across the country are believed to hold and worship a Jyotirlinga.
The twelve Jyotirlingas are spread across the whole of India, from Somnath in Gujarat to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, each with its own legend, architecture, and distinctive ritual tradition. Some of these are also counted in other sacred lists, Kedarnath is also part of the Panch Kedar, Rameswaram is also one of the Char Dham, and Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is also regarded as one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths.
The Twelve Jyotirlingas
First among the 12 Jyotirlingas; known for its daily light and sound show and grand aarti.
Andhra Pradesh's only Jyotirlinga, popularly known as the Srisailam temple.
On the banks of the Shipra river; the only south-facing (Dakshinamukhi) linga, famed for its Bhasma Aarti.
On an Om-shaped island in the Narmada river; the only temple where Shiva's Shayan Aarti is performed.
Uttarakhand's only Jyotirlinga, the highest in the Himalayas; also the first of the Panch Kedar.
Maharashtra's second Jyotirlinga, reached after descending roughly 200 steps to the sanctum.
Uttar Pradesh's only Jyotirlinga, on the banks of the Ganga; renewed with the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
Maharashtra's first Jyotirlinga, with three small lingas for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; a key site for Kaal Sarp Shanti puja.
Jharkhand's only Jyotirlinga, also called Baidyanath Dham; also counted among the 51 Shakti Peeths.
Gujarat's second Jyotirlinga, about 17 km from Dwarka, known for its giant meditating Shiva statue.
Home to the Ramanathaswamy temple; also one of the Char Dham.
The twelfth and final Jyotirlinga, near the Ellora Caves; mentioned in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana.
Visiting The Twelve Jyotirlingas
Each Jyotirlinga has its own distinctive ritual, such as the world-famous Bhasma Aarti at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar, the Shayan Aarti at Omkareshwar, or the Kaal Sarp Shanti puja performed at Trimbakeshwar. Pilgrims often plan their visit around these special rites, though exact timings vary by location and season, so it's worth confirming with the temple administration before travelling.
About The Twelve Jyotirlingas
This page presents the list of Lord Shiva's twelve Jyotirlingas, their locations, and what makes each one distinctive. Where a Jyotirlinga has its own detailed page, a link is provided.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the twelve Jyotirlingas?
Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwaram, and Grishneshwar are the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Where are the Jyotirlingas first mentioned?
The most authoritative list of the twelve Jyotirlingas and their legend is found in the Shiva Purana.
Is any Jyotirlinga also part of other sacred lists?
Yes, Kedarnath is also part of the Panch Kedar, Rameswaram is also counted among the Char Dham, and Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is also regarded as one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths.