List Of Jyotirlingas

Jyotirlingas: Sacred Symbols of Lord Shiva

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is regarded as one of the principal deities and part of the Holy Trinity, along with Brahma and Vishnu. He is worshiped in various forms, but one of the most revered symbols of his divine presence is the Jyotirlinga. The term “Jyotirlinga” is derived from two Sanskrit words: Jyoti (meaning light) and Linga (meaning symbol or mark). Therefore, Jyotirlinga refers to the radiant or luminous symbol of Shiva, and there are twelve such Jyotirlingas in India, each holding immense spiritual significance.

The legend behind the Jyotirlingas is deeply rooted in ancient scriptures, particularly in the Shiva Purana and Linga Purana. According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of light (Jyotirlinga) to settle an argument between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, about who among them was superior. Shiva’s appearance in this radiant form signified his eternal and omnipresent nature. It is believed that the Jyotirlingas are places where Shiva manifested himself as this infinite light.

Worshipers across India and the world visit these twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, which are believed to represent different manifestations of Shiva. Each of these Jyotirlingas has a unique history and mythology attached to it, and pilgrims believe that visiting these sacred sites can lead to salvation and spiritual enlightenment.

The Twelve Jyotirlingas

Below are the twelve Jyotirlingas, listed along with their historical significance, location, and myths associated with them:

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)

  • Location: Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Gujarat
  • Significance: Somnath is regarded as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple’s history is intertwined with many legends, and it is said that it was originally built by the Moon God, Soma, after being freed from a curse by Lord Shiva. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to foreign invasions, but it remains a central place of pilgrimage.
  • Mythology: Soma, the Moon God, was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha, to lose his radiance. After worshipping Shiva here, Soma was freed from the curse, and hence, the temple came to be known as Somnath.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)

  • Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
  • Significance: Mallikarjuna is considered to be one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas. It is located on the sacred hills of Srisailam, and the temple is a significant pilgrimage center for Shaivites. This shrine is also associated with the story of Shiva and Parvati following their son Kartikeya to Srisailam after he chose to live there.
  • Mythology: The temple is a symbol of the eternal union of Shiva and Parvati, as both of them are worshipped together here.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)

  • Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
  • Significance: The Mahakaleshwar temple is one of the most sacred Shiva temples, located in the city of Ujjain. It is the only Jyotirlinga that is south-facing, making it unique among the twelve. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mahakala, the Lord of Time and Death, emphasizing his role as the destroyer in the cosmic cycle.
  • Mythology: It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested here as Mahakala to protect Ujjain from an enemy invasion.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)

  • Location: Mandhata Island, Madhya Pradesh
  • Significance: The Omkareshwar temple is located on the Mandhata island in the Narmada River, shaped like the sacred symbol “Om.” This site is considered one of the holiest for Shaivites, and the temple draws devotees seeking spiritual solace and liberation.
  • Mythology: According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here to fulfill the penance of the Vindhya mountain.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)

  • Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
  • Significance: Situated in the Himalayas, the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple remains inaccessible for several months due to heavy snowfall, yet thousands of devotees brave the trek each year. Kedarnath is also one of the Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
  • Mythology: After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Shiva’s blessings at Kedarnath to absolve their sins from the war.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)

  • Location: Pune, Maharashtra
  • Significance: Bhimashankar is located in the Sahyadri hills, surrounded by dense forests. This Jyotirlinga is considered to represent Shiva as the destroyer of evil. The temple architecture and its surroundings make it a spiritual haven for devotees.
  • Mythology: Bhimashankar is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)

  • Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Significance: The Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi is among the most revered temples in Hinduism. Varanasi, known as Kashi in ancient times, is considered the holiest of cities. Pilgrims believe that dying in Kashi grants liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
  • Mythology: Kashi is known as Shiva’s favorite city, and he resides here as Vishwanath, the Lord of the Universe.

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)

  • Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
  • Significance: Trimbakeshwar is situated near the source of the sacred Godavari River. The temple is known for its unique Jyotirlinga, which features three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
  • Mythology: The temple is associated with the story of the sage Gautama and his penance to bring the Ganga to the region.

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkhand)

  • Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
  • Significance: Also known as Baidyanath, this temple is associated with the healing powers of Shiva. Devotees believe that Shiva as Vaidyanath can cure diseases and ailments.
  • Mythology: According to legend, Ravana worshiped Lord Shiva here to gain his powerful boons.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)

  • Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
  • Significance: Nageshwar is believed to protect devotees from all poisons and worldly dangers. The temple is located near the holy city of Dwarka, which is also associated with Lord Krishna.
  • Mythology: The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is linked to the legend of a demon named Daruka, whom Shiva vanquished to protect his devotee.

11. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)

  • Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
  • Significance: Rameshwaram is a key pilgrimage site for Shaivites and Vaishnavites alike. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here after the battle with Ravana to seek his blessings.
  • Mythology: The temple’s origin is tied to Lord Rama’s offering to Shiva for absolution after killing Ravana.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)

  • Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
  • Significance: Located near the famous Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar is the smallest of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple has been reconstructed several times over the centuries.
  • Mythology: According to legend, Shiva blessed a devout woman named Kusuma, who prayed for her husband’s revival, and the Jyotirlinga appeared here as a symbol of his grace.

Conclusion

The twelve Jyotirlingas stand as beacons of Lord Shiva’s presence across the subcontinent. They are not just places of worship but also embody the cultural and spiritual heritage of India. For devotees, visiting these Jyotirlingas is a journey of faith, devotion, and self-realization, with each temple offering a unique story of Shiva’s divine grace and protection.

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