Om Nama Shivaya. The belief is that there are 64 Jyotirlinga temples in India. Out of that, the 12 temples are deemed very divine. The lingams in these 12 temples are believed to have sprung into existence on their own and that Lord Shiva resides in a radiant form. Various Hindu scholars and sages have worshipped these lingams; one to mainly note is Great Hindu Sage Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

Jyotirlinga List

The split of the 12 temples across India are: Maharashtra - 3, Gujarat - 2, Madhya Pradesh - 2 and one each in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu.

Maharastra

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Gujarat

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Somnath Jyotirlinga

Madhya Pradesh

Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Uttar Pradesh

Shri Kasi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Jharkhand

Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga

Andhra Pradesh

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Tamilnadu

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga

12 Jyotirlinga Map

12 Jyotirlinga Map
Jyotirlinga Temples Map

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple is situated in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. This temple was built by the “Pancha Paandava” brothers from the Mahabharata epic. The design of the lingam in this temple is quite unique that it resembles the hump in the “Nandi” cow god. The face of the lingam is believed to be in Nepal and hence the famous Pashupathinath Temple drives its name from this. History states that at the age of 32, Sage Sri Adi Shankaracharya fulfilled the duties of “Sanathana Dharma” (eternalor absolute set of duties or religiously ordained practices incumbent upon all Hindus, regardless of class, caste, or sect) and attained salvation in Kedarnath Temple.

The Kedarnath temple is opened only for 6 months in a year during the period of May to October. As May and June are regarded as the rainiest months, the period between July and August are considered ideal to visit. It is the busiest months too. September and October are off season months and usually less busy. Important to note that the nature of the dynamic climate.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple

It takes approx 3-4 days to visit this temple. The preferred route is to first travel to Dehradun from New Delhi, then to Guptkashi. Stay overnight at Guptakashi and then travel to Gaurikundh the following morning one would then proceed to Kedarnath from there. To do that the options are via Helicopter (15 mins), walk (8 hours) or Horse ride (7 hours).

There are various options to stay in Kedarnath. We can book online or through a travel agent. For people who don’t understand Hindi, English speaking guides can be booked and taken along.

Kedarnath jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Delhi to Dehradun Flight or Bus
Dehradun to Guptkasi 8 hrs journey by Car
Overnight stay at Guptkasi
Guptkasi to Gaurikundh 30 mins by Car
Gaurikundh to Kedarnath Chopper – 15 mins; Walk – 8 hrs; Horse – 7 hrs
Overnight stay at Kedarnath Same day return is possible if your mode of transport is Helicopter
Dharsan Puja tickets can be booked via https://www.sacredyatra.com/kedarnath-puja-rates.html

Shri Kasi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Shri Kasi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple is situated along the banks of River Ganges in Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. There are total of 64 water tanks along the shore of this holy river. One to specially mention is “Adhigangai”. There is a small sacred well named “Nyanavaapi”. Others ones to highlight are “Manikarnika”, “Chakrathirtham”. Amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the one of Kasi is the oldest. The Shiva deity in this temple is believed to have formed out of a Emerald.

The “Saptharishi” puja held at 7:30 PM IST in this temple is very special and powerful. There are many more wonders that are associated with this temple. The key highlights not to miss here are - 6:00 PM Ganga Aarthi, Shri Kasi Vishalakshi temple and Kala Bhairava temple.

Kasi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple
Shri Kasi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple

Shri Kasi Vishwanath jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Delhi to Varanasi Flight or Train
Nearest Airport Varanasi Airport
Nearest Railway Station Varanasi Junction
Accommodation at Varanasi Book online or through Travel agent
Dharsan tickets Book online or at the counter
Website https://shrikashivishwanath.org/

Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple, Deoghar, Jharkhand

The Baba Baidyanath jyotirlinga temple is located in Deoghar in Jharkhand state of India. King Ravana is believed to carry a Shiva Lingam with him wherever he used to go. Once while returning from Mount Kailash after performing a pooja to Lord Shiva, he was apparently injured in Deoghar. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself appeared to heal Ravana’s wound. The Lingam that he carried submerged into the ground due to the fall and it couldn’t be taken out even after repeated attempts. Hence the Lingam had to be left behind.

Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple
Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple

As Lord Shiva himself appeared as the doctor to heal, the temple became to called Vaidya which means doctor in Sanskrit. The Shiva and Parvathi temples are tied to each other with sacred red threads which is unique and worthy of reverence showing the unity of Shiva and Shakthi (Godess Parvathi).

Baba Baidyanath jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Patna to Jasidih Train or Car - approximately 6 hrs
Nearest Airport Patna Airport
Nearest Railway Station Jasidih Station, Jarkhand
Accommodation at Jasidih Book online or through Travel agent
Jasidih to Deoghar 15 mins by Car

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh state of India. This temple has been structured with 3 levels of sanctum. In the first sanctum, you can witness Mahakal shrine. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated in the sanctum one level above the Mahakal shrine. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nag Panchami.

It's also regarded as one of the top 10 Tantra temples of India, and has the only bhasm aarti. The bhasm aarti begins at 4 a.m. dharsan tickets can be purchased online.

Mahakaleswar Jyotirlinga Temple
Mahakaleswar Jyotirlinga Temple

Mahakaleswar temple is located in the north direction of Indore. Approximately it will take 1 hour to reach Ujjain by car from Indore.

Mahakaleshwar jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Indore Airport
Nearest Railway Station Indore Junction or Ujjain Junction
Accommodation at Indore or Ujjain Book online or through Travel agent
Indore to Ujjain 1 hour by Car
Dharsan tickets Book online or at the counter
Website http://dic.mp.nic.in/ujjain/mahakal/default.aspx

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is situated along the banks of the Narmada river in the Mandhata island, Madhya Pradesh. The shape of this island is believed to resemble the Sanskrit symbol "Om" ॐ.

As per Hindu legend, Vindya, the deity controlling the Vindyachal mountain range was worshipping Shiva to propitiate himself from the sins committed. He created a sacred geometrical diagram and a Lingam made of sand and clay. Shiva was pleased with the worship and believed to have appeared in two forms, namely Omkareshwar and Amaleswara. Since the mud mound appeared in the form of Om, the island came to be known as Omkareswar.

Omkareshwar is said to be the place where Sri Adi Shankaracharya met his guru Govinda Bhagavadpadar in a cave. One can still see Adi Shankarar's idol beneath the cave. For people who do not have an idol of Shiva Lingam at home, the stones found along the banks of the Narmada river can be used as a substitute.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Omkareshwar Temple is situated to the south of Indore. It takes roughly 2 hours by car to reach the temple from Indore.

Omkareshwar jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Indore Airport
Nearest Railway Station Indore Junction
Accommodation at Indore or Omkareshwar Book online or through Travel agent
Indore to Omkareshwar temple 2 hours by Car
Website http://omkareshwar.org/

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Nashik, Maharashtra

The 6th temple is the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple situated in Maharashtra. This temple is located 28 kms from Nashik and is built at the source of India's longest rivers, Godavari.

This temple boasts of a miraculous phenomenon that still baffles many for thousands of years. The swayambu (to come into existence on its own) lingam in this temple seems to have continuous water flow over it. All Jyotirlinga temples host Lord Shiva except Trimbakeshwar which has three lingams representing the face of Rudran, Vishnu and Brahma.

Astrologically, once every 12 years, when the Lord Guru passes through the "Simmam" star, a "Kumbhamela" festival is celebrated.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

The temple can be reached by car from Mumbai in 3 hours. The nearest airports are Mumbai and Nashik and the nearest railway station is Nashik Junction.

Trimbakeshwar jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Nashik / Mumbai
Nearest Railway Station Nashik Junction
Accommodation at Nashik Book online or through Travel agent
Mumbai to Trimbakeshwar temple 3 hours by Car
Dharsan tickets Purchase at the counter
Website https://www.trimbakeshwartrust.com/

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ellora, Maharashtra

The 7th temple is the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple situated in Ellora, Maharashtra.

The Grishneswar temple is an illustration of south Indian temple architectural style and structure. This is the smallest temple of all 12 Jyotirlinga temples.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

This temple is located 30 kms from Aurangabad. The famous Shridi Sai Baba temple is located between Nashik and Aurangabad. UNESCO World Heritage site Ellora Caves is located within 1 KM from this temple.

Grishneshwar jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Aurangabad
Nearest Railway Station Aurangabad Railway Station
Accommodation at Aurangabad or Ellora Book online or through Travel agent
Trimbakeshwar to Grishneshwar 4.30 hours by Car

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, Sahyadri Mountains, Maharashtra

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Sahyadri Mountains, Pune District in Maharashtra.

This temple is surrounded by a dense forest, 3000 ft above the sea level. Bhimashankar is the source of the Bhima River, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River at Raichur.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple

Accommodation can be booked in Bhimashankar or any nearby villages or at Pune. The nearest airport and railway station are in Pune. This temple can be reached by car from Pune in 3 hours.

Bhimashankar jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Pune
Nearest Railway Station Pune Junction
Accommodation at Bhimashankar or Pune Book online or through Travel agent
Pune to Bhimshankar 3 hours by Car

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is situated near Dwarka, Gujarat. The temple is approximately 20 kms from Dwarka city.

The temple has been designed in accordance with the principles of "Vaastu Shastra". The temple design vastly resembles the form of a sleeping human body. Just like how the shape of a person sleeping rises from the feet to the head. One enters the temple with their feet and step-by-step moves towards the main "sanctum sanctorum" to bow down the head in front of sacred deity.

The pillars in the temple are beautifully sculpted in the shape of "kumbam" and at the exterior one can find a large statue of Lord Shiva in a yogic pose. The holy night of Shivaratri is celebrated in a big way.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

The nearest airport is Rajkot and the nearest railway station is Dwaraka Junction. From Rajkot, one can travel by rail or bus to reach Dwaraka. Rooms are available to rent in Dwaraka. From Dwaraka, people generally take a bus or car to reach Nageshwar.

The Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is also located in Dwarka. This temple is dedicated to the god Krishna.

Nageshwar jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Rajkot Airport
Nearest Railway Station Dwarka Junction
Accommodation at Dwarka Book online or through Travel agent
Rajkot to Nageshwar 4 hours by Car

Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat

The 10th temple is Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple situated in Prabhas Patan, Gurajat.

Reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by several Muslim invaders and rulers, the present temple was reconstructed in Chaulukya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951.

Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

The nearest airport is Rajkot and the nearest railway station is Somnath. The temple can be reached by car from Dwaraka in 5 hours.

Somnath jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Rajkot Airport
Nearest Railway Station Somnath Railway Station
Accommodation at Somnath Book online or through Travel agent
Dwarka to Somnath 5 hours by Car
Website https://www.somnath.org/

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Srisailam of Andhra Pradesh. This Mallikarjuna temple is situated along the banks of the Krishna river.

Legend has it that Nandi performed penance here to be blessed to carry Lord Shiva on its back. The town of Srisailam has been referenced in Mahabharata and a chapter named after Srisailam occurs in the “Kanda Puranam” which makes the town date to pre historic times.

The 7th-9th century BC Nayanmaars (group of 63 saints who lived in Tamil Nadu) have sung several poems in praise of Lord shiva in this temple. Shri Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have written the Shivanandha Lahari hym at this temple.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple

The nearest airport is Hyderabad and the nearest railway station is Cumbum. The temple can be reached by car from Hyderabad in 4.30 hours

Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Hyderabad Airport
Nearest Railway Station Cumbum
Accommodation at Somnath Book online or through Travel agent
Hyderabad to Srisailam 4.30 hours by Car
Website http://www.srisailamonline.com/

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

The 12th and final temple is the Ramanathaswsmy Jyotirlinga Temple located in Rameswaram, Tamilnadu.

It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple. This temple follows traditions of both Shivisim and Vaishnavism. Lord Rama waged a war to rescue his wife Lord Sita from King Ravana. In order to ward off the sins of killing Ravana, Lord Rama performed an offering to Lord Shiva using a lingam made out of sand. hence the name Rameswaram.

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga Temple
Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga Temple

It is believed if people take bath with the water from the 22 wells in Rameswaram, it wards off all the sins.

Ramanathaswamy jyotirlinga temple journey planner and distance:

Nearest Airport Madurai Airport
Nearest Railway Station Rameswaram
Accommodation at Rameswaram Book online or through Travel agent
Madurai to Rameswaram 3 hours by Car
Website http://www.rameswaramtemple.tnhrce.in/