When the word “Jyotirlinga” is broken down, the words “Jyothi,” which means “radiance,” and “linga,” which means “phallus,” result. India is home to twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, revered as the most divine abodes of Lord Shiva. These renowned pilgrimage sites hold great significance for devotees seeking spiritual solace and blessings. From the majestic Somnath Temple in Gujarat to the revered Mallikarjuna Temple in Andhra Pradesh, each Jyotirlinga has its unique legend and sacred ambiance.

Booking bus tickets to these sacred destinations ensures a convenient and comfortable journey for devotees. Whether it’s the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the ancient Rameshwaram Temple in Tamil Nadu, or the mystical Grishneshwar Temple in Maharashtra, these Jyotirlingas attract millions of devotees annually.

Embarking on a pilgrimage to these holy sites not only provides an opportunity to offer prayers to Lord Shiva but also allows one to witness the rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and spiritual fervor of India. Plan your spiritual journey, book your bus tickets, and embark on a sacred quest to experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva at these famous Jyotirlingas across the country.

There are, in total, 12 Famous Jyothirlings In India. 

The famous jyotirlingas in India are listed below—

1. Somnath Temple, Gujarat

First among the 12 holy Jyotirlingas is the Somnath Temple. The first of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas is the Somnath Temple. Lord Shiva is the focus of this revered shrine. The name Somnath, which means “The Lord of the Moon,” is a form of Lord Shiva. This location, one of the revered Hindu temples of Lord Shiva, attracts tourists from all over the world due to its ethereal air. It has previously endured numerous destructions and has maintained its beauty. Emperors, including Mahmud Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb, are reported to have stolen and destroyed the shrine up to seventeen times. The proximity of this temple to the Arabian Sea only enhances its overall liveliness. The temple has earned its reputation as an eternal shrine by withstanding the test of time. The current temple is built in the Chaulukya or Solanki architectural style.

Book online bus tickets to and from Somnath with redBus, to enjoy hassle free bus journey.

2. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

The holy Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of goddess Parvati is located in Srisailam. It was said to manifest as a fiery column of light. In addition, the Linga is swayambhu. Another popular theory among devotees is that when Sati’s corpse was cut, her neck fell here. One of the finest examples of Vijayanagara architecture is an old temple constructed in the Dravidian style with tall towers and expansive courtyards. The Satavahanas of the second century AD made mention of the temple, even if its precise origins are unknown. Many endowments were made here by the Vijayanagara and Kakatiya rulers. The Satavahanas, the earliest empire builders in South India, are shown to have played a significant role at the beginning of Srisailam’s history, according to epigraphical evidence.

Book online bus tickets to and from Srisailam with redBus, to enjoy hassle free bus journey.

3. Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar is one of India’s 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. It is situated in India’s Madhya Pradesh state, in the historic city of Ujjain. The shrine is situated alongside the revered Shipra River. Mahakaleshwar’s idol is said to be Dakshina Mukhi, which indicates that it is facing south. This special quality, perpetuated by the tantric shivers tradition, is exclusive to Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. In the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine, the Omkareshwar Mahadev idol is dedicated.

Mahashivratri is a wonderful time to visit this gorgeous temple because it simply comes to life. Many devotees participate in singing, light lights, bring flowers, and spend a quite and joyous time watching the Aarti, listening to bhajans, and praying endlessly. The present grand temple was established in the 18th century close to Rudra Sagar lake and had a five-level building built in Bhumija, Chalukya, and Maratha styles of architecture. It is stretched across a large courtyard. So what are you waiting for, book your bus tickets to Ujjain to enjoy the spiritual experience.

4. Omkareshwar in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar is a well-known pilgrimage site located on the island of Mandhata, close to the Narmada River’s banks. The name Omkareshwar, which refers to one of the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga shrines—the 12 shrines devoted to Lord Shiva in the form of a Jyotirlingam—means “Lord of Omkara”. About 60 enormous, intricately carved stone pillars support the temple’s spacious prayer chamber. A separate deity is located on each floor of the five-story building. The Mahakal Temple is located on the first floor, followed by the Omkareshwar Temple on the second floor, the Siddhnatha Temple on the third floor, the Gupteswar Temple on the fourth floor, and the Rajeshwar Mahadev Temple on the fifth floor. The convergence of the Narmada and Kaveri rivers further adds to Omkareshwar’s reverence and peace. A tranquil pool that the river Narmada created between the hills resembles the Hindu symbol, Om. The hills surround it.

Embarking on a journey to Khandawa to visit the Omkareshwar Temple is not just a spiritual experience, but a journey filled with scenic beauty and cultural richness. Easily book your bus tickets to Khandawa on our platform and enjoy a hassle-free journey. Step into a world of divinity and tranquility at Omkareshwar Temple, and let the serene ambiance engulf you. So don’t wait, book your bus tickets to Omkareshwar now and experience a journey of a lifetime.

5. Baidyanath in Deoghar, Jharkhand

One of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas and the most revered residence of Lord Shiva, the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple located in Deoghar Jharkhand, also known as the Baidyanath Dham, is a Hindu temple. 72 feet tall and designed like a lotus, the Baidyanath Dham temple. The temple has both historic and contemporary architecture. Baidyanath is looking east in the photo. Vishwakarma allegedly constructed this temple. 22 shrines to different gods are located within the same compound as the temple that houses Baidyanath.

Hindu mythology holds that Ravana, the demon king, worshipped Shiva at the location of the present temple to obtain the blessings he later exploited to cause havoc in the world. As a sacrifice to Shiva, Ravana presented his ten heads one after another. Shiva was thrilled by this and came to treat hurt Ravana. He is known as “Vaidhya” because he pretended to be a doctor. The temple’s name is derived from this feature of Shiva.

6. Bhimashankar in Maharashtra

It is believed that the original temple of Bhimashankar was built in the 12th century CE.  The architecture of Bhimashankar is in the Nagara style, which is popular in northern India. The Hemadpanthi architectural style of the Deccan is present in it. Little and built in the 13th century, the main temple is small. Because of the jyotirlinga, it is regarded as one of India’s holiest locations. Trekkers frequently travel to Bhimashankar as well. Many Shiva devotees travel to Bhimashankar to honour the nation’s most revered pilgrimage temple during the auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri. An even better time to visit this beautiful hill area in Maharashtra is right before the monsoon season, when the Fireflies Festival, one of India’s characteristic celebrations, is held.

7. Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu

When the 12th century arrived, the Pandya Dynasty oversaw the evolution of the Rameshwaram Temple, now cherished by Vaishnavites, Shaivites, and Smarthas as sacred locations. This temple is connected to the Hindu epic Ramayana since it was there that Lord Rama worshipped the lingam of Lord Shiva to make amends for his wrongdoings during his battle with Ravana, the king of Lanka. To save his wife Sita from Ravana, King Rama is said to have constructed a bridge across the sea from Rameswaram. The temple features 12 ponds and about 22 wells with water that is thought to have healing effects. The holy water of Agnitheertham, one of the holy baths on the beach side of the temple, is thought to cleanse people of their sins. Book Rameshwaram Bus tickets now on redBus and embark on the spiritual journey.

8. Nageshwara in Daruka Vana, Dwarka in Gujarat

Nageshvara is thought to be the first Jyotirlinga on earth. In this location, Lord Shiva is revered as Nagnath, Hindu worship for the figure of a god with a snake around his neck. Another unique feature of this Shivalinga is that, in contrast to other Shivalingas made of black stone and resembling a neat pillar with a rounded top, it is made of a stone known as Dwaraka Shila, which has tiny chakras on it. The linga resembles an oval 3-mukhi Rudraksha more or less in shape. It is thought that worshipping Nageshwar Linga will lead to a life free from toxicity and that Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple offers protection from all poisons. Nagnath (Lord Shiva), the primary deity of this temple, has no consort. The mango tree is this temple’s holier tree. This temple’s holy water comes from a spring.

9. Visweshwara in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

On the west side of the Ganges, there is a temple called Kashi Vishwanath. It is devoted to Shiva, who has long been revered in this location under the name Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara, the “Ruler of the World.” The temple was supposedly mentioned in the Puranas, particularly the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Kashi Vishwanath is a must-visit location for all pilgrims in India and around the world because of the massive crowds, constant mantra chanting, and synchronised bell ringing. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Complex comprises numerous minor shrines dedicated to various gods. The temples in this area are built in the Nagara architectural style, with spires that converge at the summit. The temple’s building is divided into three sections.

10. Trimbakeshwar in Trimbak near Nasik, Maharashtra

The temple was built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style, popular in Maharashtra around the 13th century. Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao also referred to as Nana Saheb, constructed the existing temple while in office from July 1740 to June 1761. Basalt was used to construct the current temple. Another legend is that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata erected the gold and priceless jewels crown over the Linga. Many myths all refer to a single episode involving an exceptionally protracted famine, the effects of which Sage Gautama, one of the Saptrishi, and his wife escaped due to Sage Gautama’s high virtues. On the grounds of the temple, there is a pond called Kushavarta that is thought to be the Godavari River’s starting site. 

11. Kedar in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

In the Rudraprayag area of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Dham is one of the most important shrines for Shiva believers. The area around the temple is peaceful, making it a perfect place to meditate. After the Mahabharata, the Pandavas are said to have constructed the Kedarnath temple. After killing their brother Kaurav to atone for their transgressions, the Pandavas allegedly desired to seek Lord Shiva’s pardon. The temple is only open from May to June because it is closed for six months throughout the winter because of the harsh cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. It is widely believed that by going to the Kedarnath temple and washing the jyotirlinga, one can banish all misery, bad fortune, and disasters. Using walking sticks, mules, or dolis is common during the somewhat challenging ascent to Kedarnath.

12. Grishneshwar Temple near Aurangabad, Maharashtra

The Linga faces east in this almost three-thousand-year-old temple. Both Lord Grishneshwar and Grishneshwari are present in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is one of the most sacred locations to visit in Aurangabad and has an architecture that is influenced by South Indian architecture. A five-tiered spire, or shikara, tops the temple made of red rocks. Red stone has been cut to reveal Lord Vishnu’s ten avatars, Dashavatars. You can find sculptures of different Lord Shiva legends and myths on the 24 pillars that support a courtroom.

The Grishneshwar Temple Drop Ritual is a peculiar and unusual rite that some worshippers and residents perform. A young infant is held on the edge of a tower that is 50 feet tall during this ritual, and it is rolled down safely while passing through a fabric or blanket. The ceremony is carried out because followers of the religion think that by doing it, the unborn child will live a long and prosperous life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which famous ritual is performed at Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain?

The most well-known ceremony, Bhasmarti, is carried out at four in the morning. In the past, the ash (bhasma) used for the Arti was taken from a human cremation, but nowadays, cow dung is utilised instead.

2. What is Jyotirlinga’s purpose?

The Jyotirlingas represent Shiva’s boundless form, whose magnificence has drawn followers for an unspecified period. Devotees travel from all over the world to visit Lord Shiva’s holy sites and find spiritual calm.

3. What do the three lingams at the Trimbakeshwar temple represent? 

The three faces of the temple stand for Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, the three Gods.

4. What architectural style can you find in Kedarnath?

Stones of a grey colour make up Kedarnath Temple. Iron clamps allow the stone slabs to connect. The building of the temple didn’t involve the use of mortar.

On the eve of the Aridra Nakshatra, Lord Shiva first appeared as a Jyotirlinga, which explains the Jyotirlinga’s special status. People believe that these lingas seem indistinguishable in appearance, but they suggest that if a person attains a more elevated state of spirituality, they can perceive these lingas as pillars of fire breaking through the earth. Other significant Shiva temples, not Jyotirlingas, include Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir, India, Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, Nepal, and others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the twelve Jyotirlingas scattered across India are not just religious landmarks, but they also hold significant cultural and historical importance. These revered sites, from the snow-clad mountains of Kedarnath to the coastal plains of Rameshwaram, offer a spiritual journey filled with awe-inspiring vistas, architectural marvels, and deeply-rooted traditions. Indeed, each visit to a Jyotirlinga is a unique experience, illuminating the rich tapestry of Indian heritage and spirituality. However, to truly immerse yourself in this mystical journey, a well-planned travel itinerary is vital. Conveniently, with bus services covering almost all of these locations, planning your pilgrimage is now easier than ever. Simply book your bus tickets through a trusted portal and embark on a soul-stirring expedition to these spiritual havens. So, don’t wait! Experience the divine charm of the Jyotirlingas and get ready to bask in their spiritual radiance.