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
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
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.
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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/ |