Lord Shiva is referred to as the Almighty God in Hinduism. Shiva—also called Shankara, Mahadev, or Shivalingam—is primarily worshipped in the form of the great union of Shiva and Shakti, also known as the Jyotirlingas of Shiva Lingam. Blessed with an abundant cultural legacy and an endless number of temples, India is the home of the Sanatana. It is believed in India that the twelve Jyotirlingas are the most ancient and highly respected of all of them. Millions of followers flock to these temples annually in hopes of obtaining the almighty deity’s favor. Would you like all of the details regarding this? Then, book affordable flight tickets from Canada to India and follow this comprehensive traveler’s guide to India’s 12 Jyotirlinga Temples.
1. Somnath, Gir Somnath, Gujarat
The Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat serves as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country of India, every single one which pays homage to Lord Shiva. This Jyotirlinga has been believed to be the very first on Earth. This temple, which is well-known for its exquisite construction, is highly respected by pilgrims and has significant religious significance. After being destroyed multiple times, it is rebuilt and represents the unwavering faith and dedication of its followers. Pilgrims and guests can enjoy a serene experience in this serene location against the backdrop of the enormous Arabian Sea, which is extremely spiritually uplifting. The temple was allegedly constructed in opulent gold and silver at one point in its history, but Aurangzeb and other conquerors severely ruined it. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, this temple is without a doubt the most significant, and it is a popular tourist attraction in Gujarat.
2. Nageshwar, Daarukavanam In Gujarat
Nageshwar, one of the most famous Jyotirlinga temples in India, is located on the Gujarati coast between Gomati Dwarka and Bait Dwarka. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Nagnath temple every year in pursuit of blessings from the hallowed sanctuary of Nageshwar Mahadev, which is located in an underground chamber. The wide garden, unhindered views of the azure Arabian Sea, and the 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva captivate the visitors. This is one of India’s most potent Jyotirlingas, signifying protection from all toxins.
3. Bhimashankar, Pune In Maharashtra
Standing majestically on the banks of the River Bhima, the Bhimashankar Temple is a black granite structure of Nagara architectural style. It is said that Bheema, the son of Kumbhakarna, built this Maharashtra jyotirlinga, which is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary of the same name. This sanctuary receives a large influx of pilgrims all year long, but particularly during Maha Shivratri. Devotees of Bhimashankar temple can also see the Kamalaja temple, which is Parvati’s incarnation, conveniently located close by. In India, this is among the most well-known jyotirlingas.
4. Trimbakeshwar, Nashik In Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located near the base of the Godavari River, which is sometimes referred to as the Gautami Ganga. According to the Shiv Purana, Lord Shiva emerged as Trimbakeshwar after the Godavari River and Gautami Rishi urged him to reside here. What distinguishes this jyotirlinga the most is its form. Here, instead of a shrine, there is a void with three pillars placed inside of it. The three pillars stand in for the three most potent and omnipotent Gods, Maheshwar, Vishnu, and Brahma. Also, you can visit Flyopedia to book cheap flight tickets from Toronto to Mumbai.
5. Grishneshwar, Aurangabad In Maharashtra
Situated near the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva Purana. It boasts an incredible five-story red-rock structure in the Shikhara style, embellished with carvings of Gods and Goddesses, as well as a giant Nandi Bull in the main court hall. Ahilyabai Holkar built these temples, also known as Gru Someswara and Kusum Eswarar. The enormous sculpture of Vishnu’s Dashavatar carved out of the red rock captivates every visitor. This is among the top attractions in Aurangabad as well.
6. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, encircled by the verdant Mahakal forest, is another Jyotirling that holds immense spiritual importance in India. The shrine at Mahakaleshwar, one of the well-known jyotirlingas of central India, is thought to have been established by five-year-old Srikar, who was moved by the fervor of Ujjain’s King Chandrasena. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, situated by the banks of the Kshipra River, is one of India’s seven mukti-sthal, or locations that have the power to release a person for all eternity.
7. Vaidyanath, Deoghar In Jharkhand
Among the 12 Jyotirlinga names in the country, Vaidyanath, sometimes called Baidyanath or Vaijinath, is one of the 52 Shakti pethas shrines of Sati in the Hindu faith and is considered a highly valued Jyotirlinga. According to mythology, Ravana invited Shiva to Lanka and worshipped him for a long time. When Shiva took the form of Shivalinga, he instructed Ravana to travel nonstop till he arrived in Lanka. It is a popular Jyotirling in India.
Ravana was interrupted by Vishnu, who advised him to put the shivalinga to rest for a while. As a result, Ravana disobeyed Shiva and subsequently established himself as Vaidyanath in Deoghar. The month of Shravana sees the highest traffic here because people think that by worshiping Shiva at this shrine, they can achieve moksha and salvation and be freed from all forms of suffering.
8. Omkareshwar, Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar, which refers to “Lord of the Om Sound,” serves as one of India’s sacred places. This temple is also very important mythologically. It is situated on the Shivapuri island in the Narmada River. It’s a common misconception that the Devas sought the help of Lord Shiva to defeat the Danavas in battle. Omkareshwar embodies Lord Shiva and is one of the most well-known of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. After finding their appeal pleasing, he helped the devas defeat the evils. Also, don’t forget to check out Flyopedia.com to grab the best last minute flight deals to India from USA.
9. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
The Golden Temple in Varanasi, known as Kashi Vishwanath, holds popularity among the Jyotirlinga temples. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha monarch, built it in 1780. Hindus revere this sacred location as a Jyotirlinga. According to worshippers, Lord Shiva inhabited this place and granted freedom and happiness to all. Because of its capacity to subjugate other gods, transcend the Earth, and travel to heaven, people regard it as one of the country’s first Jyotirlingas. That’s the most sought-after of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas.
10. Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
One of the four dhams of Hinduism, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is located in the Rudra Himalayan Range at an elevation of 1,200 feet. The temple closes for six months throughout the winter because of the severe cold and precipitation, opening for business only in May and June. Pilgrims going to Kedarnath initially stopped at Gangotri and Yamunotri to collect holy water to offer to the Kedarnath shivalinga.
A lot of people think that bathing in the Jyotirlinga at the Kedarnath temple will make you happy, lucky, and strong enough to face any challenge. People use walking sticks on the relatively taxing trek to Kedarnath, which involves riding on mules or dolis. The Samadhi of Shankaracharya, the venerated Hindu saint, is located not far behind the main Kedarnath shrine.
11. Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu
Lord Rama honors Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga as a reminder of his amazing win against Ravana. This temple, located by the sea, boasts 36 theerthams and excellent architecture, making it the nation’s southernmost jyotirlinga.
One can access Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, one of the most visited sacred sites in India, through Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is known as the “Varanasi of the south.” Aside from Dhanushkodi Beach, pilgrims visiting this jyotirlinga also travel to Ram Setu, which Lord Rama built-in Lanka to save his wife. This is also one of the char dhams of India.
12. Mallikarjuna, the Kailash of the South
Situated in the picturesque Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh lies Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, popularly known as the Srisailam Temple. Situated on sacred grounds shared with the temple of Goddess Bhramaramba, this temple is even more significant spiritually. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India dedicates itself to Lord Shiva. Mallikarjuna is a symbol of the magnificence of ancient Indian temple buildings as well as a site of great religious and historical significance for devotees of Shiva. Both devotees and visitors seeking peace find this peaceful location ideal, surrounded by lovely trees and the picturesque Krishna River.
Bottom Line
Sanatana Dharma’s charisma blesses India, sometimes known as the land of God. India’s rich past and culture deeply embed a belief in a supernatural encounter, from the Shaktipeeths to the Jyotirlingas, ancient sites, and tall temples. Visit every Jyotirlinga in India to discover the way to Moksha, or salvation, and to cleanse your heart and spirit. Don’t hesitate any longer, grab Canada to India business class flight deals with Flyopedia, and embark on a spiritual journey.
Also read: 6 Ancient Cities in India That’ll Take You Back in Time
