India is a land of religion and rich culture. Many gods were born in this holy land of India and enlightened the world through their journeys. They inspire millions of people worldwide and teach us the importance of compassion, harmony, and selflessness. People who believe in God learn to live better lives and increase their faith in humanity. For spiritual enlightenment, people visit temples and hermitages in the Indian religion. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India that are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
These divine sites are believed to be potent channels for spiritual enlightenment. Every Jyotirlinga has its own profound spiritual significance. Jyotirlingas represents cosmic pillars, ‘lingams’, which signify generative power, creation, and fertility. They are geographically and astronomically located in significant places. They were believed to be the self-manifested forms of Shiva. When you visit the Jyotirlingas, you will witness the architectural nobility of the temple and experience the divine energy of Lord Shiva. You must visit the Jyotirlingas if you are on a journey of faith and spiritual growth. You can commute to the Jyotirlingas by bus or train. Also, you can buy travel packages through MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and others.
These holy pilgrimages are located in eight states in India. Let’s explore:
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is 124 km from Pune, on the banks of the Bhima River. The temple is a black-rock Nagara (an Indo-Aryan) structure. This is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary. You can witness Hindu mythology scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Krishna Leela, and Shiv Leela carved into the huge walls of this temple. You can also visit other religious places, like Hanuman Lake and Gupt Bhimashankar Temple.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra.
Darshan Timing: Every day, 4.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
It is situated near the source of the Godavari River and symbolizes the cosmic energy of Shiva. This is the eighth jyotirlinga that manifests the divine and the universe. It is believed that in his place, Lord Shiva released the holy river Godavari from his hair. In this temple, the Jyotirlinga is ornate, with a crown representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). This temple is surrounded by greenery that creates a serene and peaceful environment to visit. In India, people believe Trimbakeshwara Jyotirlinga bestows them spiritual growth.
Location: Nasik, Maharashtra.
Darshan Timing: Every day, 4.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India that is popular in the Shiva Purana. It is located near the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad. The temple was constructed in Maratha architecture by Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar. The structure has intricate carvings and patterns on red and black stones. This temple is also known as Grusomeswara Temple.
Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Darshan Timing: Every day, 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Jyotirlingas in Gujrat
Somnath Jyotirlinga
Somnath Jyotirlinga is located in Gir, Gujarat. This is the first and most popular Jyotirlinga, situated on the seacoast of India. It is believed that Lord Shiva appears in this jyotirlinga as a single column of light. The temple has Chalkukya-style architecture. According to Shiv Purana, Moon worshipped Lord Shiva to regain his gleam and beauty, as he was cursed by Dakhsin Prajapati for neglecting his wives, except Rohini. Somnath Jyotirlinga temple was destroyed and rebuilt more than 15 times as it was invaded and killed by the Mughals. You can also enjoy “Joy Somnath,” the famous sound and light show, in the evening.
Location: Gir, Gujrat
Darshan Timing: Every day, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the Saurashtra coastal town of Dwarka in Gujrat. According to the Shiv Purana, Supriya, a devoted follower of Shiva, was attacked by the evil spirit Daaruka. Due to her immense belief in Lord Shiva, he came and rescued her and continued to be there as Nageshwar Jyotirlinga. This Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all problems. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is distinguished for its conspicuous architecture. An enormous 25-meter-tall statue of Shiva, a huge garden, and the unobstructed Arabian Sea are a real treat to our eyes.
Location: Daarukavanam, Gujarat.
Darshan Timing: Every day, 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jyotirlingas in Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Kashi Vishwanath is known as one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. People are believed to come here to seek liberation from the materialistic world. This Jyotirlinga is located on the western bank of the Holy Ganga in Varanasi. It is referred to as the Golden Temple because it is gold-plated. The Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh live here, and people believe that every sin on earth can be washed away by diving in the river Ganges in Varanasi.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Darshan Timing: Every day, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located at the junction of the Kaveri and Narmada rivers in Khandwa City. It is the fourth Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva appeared to defeat the evil spirits. If you are a spiritual seeker, you must visit the island of Omkareshwar. It has six pilgrimages and 33 deities. You can witness the symbolic ‘Om’ formed by the curves of the river, which looks ethereal. It epitomizes Hindu tradition, as Lord Shiva appeared here in the Omkara form. It is truly believed that Lord Shiva protects his followers from all the evils present in their lives. This is the fourth Jyotirlinga among 12 Jyotirlingas in India
Location: Khandwa City, Madhya Pradesh
Darshan Timing: Every day, 4.30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
The sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the bank of Rudra Sagar. According to mythology, Ujjain was ruled by Chandrasena, a big devotee of Lord Shiva. This is one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas. Here the linga is facing south (Dakshin Mukhi), the epicenter of spiritual power. Once, King Ripudamana and King Singhaditya from neighboring countries attacked Ujjain to seize their wealth. Lord Shiva heard his worshipers and appeared in Mahakal form to save them. This Jyotirlinga Darshan lets you attain liberation from the death-life cycle.
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Darshan Timing: Every day, 4.00 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Jyotirlingas in Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is located in the beautiful Garhwal Himalaya range near the Mandakini River, 1200 feet above sea level. It is one of the four dhamas in Hinduism. This jyotirlinga is open only from May to June and closed for 6 months due to extreme cold weather. People believe one can get rid of illness, misfortune, and sins by bathing in the ‘Kund’ present here. This is the most difficult jyotirlinga to visit, as you need to trek to reach here. But no worries; there are many other ways to get here. Consider MakeMyTrip to book hotels in Kedarnath at affordable prices.
Location: Garhwal Himalayan Range, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Darshan Timing: Every day, 4 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jyotirlingas in Jharkhand
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
According to the Shiv Purana, Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva to protect Lanka from evil powers. Lord Shiva got overwhelmed by his unshakeable devotion and agreed to give him lingam. But he cautioned Ravana not to put lingam on land; otherwise, it would get fixed there itself. In transit, Ravana was unable to carry the linga; hence, put it down there. That holy place is Vaijnath Jyotirlinga. It has the utmost significance for good health, prosperity, and power for his devotees. Devotees carry ‘Kaawar’, called the “Kaawar yatra”. In this yatra, devotees fetch water from the Ganges River to offer to Shiva Linga and get his blessings. You can reach Deoghar by train and start your yatra from there. Book train tickets from redRail and take advantage of exclusive offers on tickets.
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Darshan Timing: Every day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jyotirlingas in Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is the second Jyotirlinga, situated in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. This is also one of 51 Shakti peethas. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva and Parvati visited their son, Kartikeya, who was living there out of shame when he failed a test by his parents. You can witness the beautiful carvings and sculptures on the walls. This jyotirlinga is dedicated to attaining spiritual enlightenment and a blissful married life.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Darshan Timing: Every day: 6.00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Jyotirlingas in Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is the eleventh Jyotirlinga among 12 Jyotirlingas in India, located on the island of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the char dham. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman retrieved one linga, while Sita fetched another. This is where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva after he defeated Ravana. The temple’s architecture was built by King Muthuramalinga Sethupathy.
Location: Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu
Darshan Timing: Every day, 5:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In conclusion
Booking the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra with MakeMyTrip offers a calm and serene journey without hassle. These temples are located in eight states in India and require substantial time to cover all of them. Whether you prefer a road trip or a train trip to visit the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, mark comfort and peacefulness. You can book offers on hotels from Goibibo, buses from Abhibus, trains from RailYatri, and other booking services at your convenience. Take advantage of exclusive offers by using discount vouchers and coupon codes to save a ton. Happy Journey!