Where are The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva Located?
Shiv Shankar Bhagwan, also known as Lord Shiva, is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, representing the Supreme Being who creates, protects, and transforms the universe. Known as the "Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the holy trinity of Hindu gods, Shiva is revered for his powers of destruction and regeneration. Depicted with a third eye, a serpent around his neck, and the crescent moon on his head, he is often seen meditating on Mount Kailash. His consort is Parvati, and their children are Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shiva's followers celebrate him through festivals like Maha Shivaratri, symbolizing his role in maintaining cosmic balance.
A Jyotirlinga is a devotional representation of Shiva, the Hindu God. The word is a Sanskrit compound of jyotis and linga. Shiv Mahapuran has confirmed 64 original Jyotirlinga shrines in India. The 12 jyotirlingas are considered as holiest among 64 jyotirlingas.
A jyotirlinga is a representation of Lord Shiva. It represents a Sanskrit word which means radiance.
As per Shiv Purana, there was a tiff between Vishnu and Brahma over supremacy. At this moment, Shiva pierced all three worlds, with bright light in the shape of a pillar which is referred to as Jyotirlinga. It is later said to have cooled down into Annamalai. Sri Brahma and Sri Vishnu tried to find the end of jyotirlinga that looks for both above and below but failed to find its end. This means that Shiva was considered a supreme power. Brahma at that time led to Vishnu finding the end of Jyotirlinga. Then Shiva curse him for not being worshiped even though he is the creator of the earth.
Here are 12 Mahajyotirlinga
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Somnath Jyotirlinga
Somnath Jyotirlinga is located within the vibrant state of Gujarat and is one of the twelve prominent Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva in India. The temple has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and connects with beautiful architecture. It is with undying faith and devotion for its devotees. It has been rebuilt several times after it was destroyed by the beautiful Arabian Sea. It has a serene and peaceful ambiance with Somnath offering divine and tranquil experiences to pilgrims and tourists.
Opening timings: it is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Although, rituals and aarti timings may vary.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh:
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is known as Srisailam temple. It is located in the picturesque landscapes of Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh. It comes as one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is alongside the temple of Goddess Bahmrambha which makes the site doubly auspicious. The temple has beautiful architecture and reflects the grandeur of ancient Indian temple art. It adds with spiritual ambiance and the temple location offers a serene escape amidst dense forests with the Krishna river flowing near it.
Temple Time to open: the temple is open from 5:00 am to 3:30 pm. In the evening it is open from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain. Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most revered Jyotirlinga and has the auspicious Bhashma arti done here. It is on the banks of Rudra Sagar lake. The temple adds beautiful architectural design and unique Brahma art.
The temple generally opens at 4:00 am and closes at 11:00 pm.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh:
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located on serene Omkareshwar Island which is formed by the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. It adds with beautiful blend of nature and spirituality. The temple is a unique shape like the sacred Hindu symbol Om. It adds beautiful spiritual significance. Jyotirlinga adds with captivating, scenic beauty. It has the Narmada river flowing near it which adds to peace and tranquil mood.
Opening time: The temple opens at 5:00 am and closes by 10:00 pm. It has beautiful art and ritual timing that may vary.
Biadyanath Jyotirlinga, Deoghar, Jharkhand
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is with location in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It is one of the most sacred temples as it has been said that Sri Ravana placed this linga on the lad while he was going towards Sri Lanka. It was asked the Shiv ji not to place the ling on land but he did and then here sacred temple was formed. Every year, during Shravan month huge number of devotees reach the Shivlinga. The city is peaceful and makes a great place with spiritual developments.
Open Timings: The Baidyanath temple is open at 4:00 am and closes around 9:00 pm.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra: It is a beautiful Jyotirlinga amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. It is with fusion of spirituality and tranquillity with nature’s beauty. It is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The temple has immense religious significance and it stands as an architectural marvel that adds intricate Nagara-style structures. The region around Bhimashankara is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary that makes it a great visit for nature enthusiasts. It gets the beautiful chirping of birds with the temple’s spiritual aura and provides a divine experience.
Time to open: The temple opens around 4:30 am with morning arti and close by 9:30 pm.
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu:
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu refers to the Ramanathaswamy temple on the sacred island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. It is a significant temple and is said that Sri Ram before going to Lanka made a sand shivlinga. The temple is one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces and is part of Char Dham. It makes the largest pillared corridor among Hindu temples and devotees. It adds spiritual essence and is combined with legends of Ramayana. It adds devotional mythology and architectural splendor.
Time to open: the temple opens at 5:00 Am with morning rituals and closes at 9:00 pm.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in Dwarka, Gujarat. It adds as one of the most sacred Jyotirlinga and holds prominent position among twelve jyotirlinga dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is unique with a giant statue of Lord Shiva that is visible from a far distance. According to legendary stories, it is a place where Lord Shiva vanquished the demon Daruka. It is symbolized by the name Nageshwar or Snake Lord. The temple complex has a beautiful ambiance and a giant statue of lord shiva. It has a beautiful temple of the local Goddess who gets due importance by devotion.
Open timing: The temple is open at 6:00 am and closes by 9:00 am.
Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath temple is located near Dasaswamedh Ghat. It is with the spiritual heart of India. It stands as one of the most revered religious destinations with utmost dedication to Lord Shiva. It is referred to as the Golden Temple with its resplendent gold-plated dome. It is near the Holy bank of the River Ganga. The temple is with site of religious importance but is a place where life and death coalesce in existence.
Open time: The temple is open at 3:00 am in Mangala Arti and closes around 11:00 pm after Shringar Arti.
Triambakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Nasik
Triambakeshwar Jyotirlinga is in a serene and peaceful location on the picturesque foothills of Brahmagiri mountain in Nasik, Maharashtra. It is an ancient temple that is with its unique architecture. It has a rare linga with three faces that symbolize Tri Dev as Lord, Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. It is situated at the origin of the holy River Godavari.
Timings: It opens at 5:30 am and closes around 9:00 pm.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is majestically located within the snow-clad Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is one of the holiest shrines and a pivotal part of Char Dham Yatra. The ancient temple of Kedarnath is a symbol of devotion, faith, and peace. It is believed to have originated by Pandavas from Mahabharat.
Open time: it is open at 4:00 am and closes by 9:00 pm.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Aurangabad
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It is the last of twelve Jyotirlinga that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is nestled close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora Caves. It adds a brilliant example of medieval Indian architecture. It has beautiful carved designs and sculptures.
Open timing: It opens around 5:30 am and closes by 9:30 pm.
