India, a land of rich spiritual heritage, is home to the 12 Jyotirlingas—sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he is believed to have appeared as a radiant column of light. These divine sites are spread across the country, attracting millions of devotees and travelers annually. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, including the best time to visit, temple timings, how to reach them, and nearby attractions to enhance your pilgrimage.
The 12 Jyotirlingas of India – Shiva Temples
Let us take a spiritual journey to the 12 Jyotirlingas of India, and learn about their significance and history.
| Jyotirlinga | Location | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Somnath | Gujarat | October to March |
| Mallikarjuna | Andhra Pradesh | October to March |
| Mahakaleshwar | Madhya Pradesh | November to February |
| Omkareshwar | Madhya Pradesh | October to March |
| Kedarnath | Uttarakhand | May to June and September to November |
| Bhimashankar | Maharashtra | October to February |
| Kashi Vishwanath | Uttar Pradesh | October to March |
| Trimbakeshwar | Maharashtra | October to February |
| Vaidyanath | Jharkhand | October to February |
| Nageshwar | Gujarat | October to March |
| Rameshwaram | Tamil Nadu | October to April |
| Grishneshwar | Maharashtra | October to February |
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
Significance: One of the oldest Jyotirlingas, rebuilt multiple times, symbolizing resilience.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather).
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Aarti at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Diu (90 km).
- By Train: Veraval Railway Station (7 km).
- By Road: Well-connected via NH 8E to Ahmedabad (400 km).
- Also Visit: Somnath Beach, Triveni Sangam, and Bhalka Tirth.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Significance: Combines devotion with nature; also a Shakti Peeth.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February (cool climate).
- Temple Timings: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM; Darshan from 6:00 AM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Hyderabad Airport (200 km).
- By Train: Markapur Road Station (85 km).
- By Road: Buses from Hyderabad and Vijayawada.
- Also Visit: Srisailam Dam, Patala Ganga, and Akkamahadevi Caves–
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Significance: Known for its unique south-facing lingam and Bhasma Aarti.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March; especially during Maha Shivratri.
- Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Bhasma Aarti at 4:00 AM (booking required).
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Indore Airport (55 km).
- By Train: Ujjain Junction (1 km).
- By Road: Connected via NH 52.
- Also Visit: Harsiddhi Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, and Ram Ghat.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Location: Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Significance: Located on an Om-shaped island in the Narmada River.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April (mild weather).
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Indore Airport (80 km).
- By Train: Omkareshwar Road Station (12 km).
- By Road: Buses from Indore and Khandwa.
- Also Visit: Mamleshwar Temple, Narmada Ghat, and 24 Avatars Temple.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Significance: A Himalayan shrine at 3,583 meters, part of Char Dham.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October (closed November to April).
- Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM (seasonal).
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (230 km).
- By Train: Rishikesh Station (215 km).
- By Road/Trek: Drive to Gaurikund (16 km trek).
- Also Visit: Shankaracharya Samadhi, Bhairavnath Temple, and Vasuki Tal.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
Significance: Set in the Sahyadri Hills, linked to Shiva’s victory over demon Bhima.
- Best Time to Visit: August to February (monsoon for lush greenery).
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Pune Airport (110 km).
- By Train: Pune Railway Station (120 km).
- By Road: Buses from Pune and Mumbai.
- Also Visit: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and Hanuman Lake.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Significance: Located in the spiritual capital, a Moksha-granting site.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool weather).
- Temple Timings: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Mangla Aarti at 3:00 AM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Varanasi Airport (22 km).
- By Train: Varanasi Junction (3 km).
- By Road: Connected via NH 19.
- Also Visit: Ganga Ghats, Sarnath, and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Trimbak, Maharashtra
Significance: Features a three-faced lingam; origin of Godavari River.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March; Shravan month for festivals.
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nashik Airport (40 km).
- By Train: Nashik Road Station (40 km).
- By Road: Buses from Mumbai (180 km).
- Also Visit: Brahmagiri Hill, Kushavarta Tirtha, and Anjaneri Fort.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Significance: Known for healing powers; a key Shravan pilgrimage site.
- Best Time to Visit: July to August (Shravan) and October to March.
- Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Deoghar Airport (10 km).
- By Train: Jasidih Junction (8 km).
- By Road: Buses from Ranchi (250 km).
- Also Visit: Naulakha Temple, Basukinath Temple, and Trikut Hill.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
Significance: Protects from poison; features a giant Shiva statue.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February (mild weather).
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Jamnagar Airport (130 km).
- By Train: Dwarka Station (15 km).
- By Road: Buses from Ahmedabad (450 km).
- Also Visit: Dwarkadhish Temple, Gomti Ghat, and Beyt Dwarka.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Significance: Linked to Ramayana; installed by Lord Rama.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April (pleasant climate).
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Madurai Airport (170 km).
- By Train: Rameshwaram Station (1 km).
- By Road: Connected via NH 87.
- Also Visit: Dhanushkodi, Agni Theertham, and Pamban Bridge.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
Significance: Smallest Jyotirlinga with stunning red-stone architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool weather).
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Aurangabad Airport (30 km).
- By Train: Aurangabad Station (30 km).
- By Road: Buses from Mumbai (350 km).
- Also Visit: Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, and Daulatabad Fort.
Why Visit the 12 Jyotirlingas?
The 12 Jyotirlingas are more than just temples—they are spiritual powerhouses offering peace, blessings, and a deep connection to Lord Shiva. Visiting all 12 is considered a sacred yatra in Hinduism, believed to cleanse sins and lead to salvation.
Tips for Your Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage
- Plan Ahead: Check temple-specific darshan timings and weather conditions.
- Book Early: For remote sites like Kedarnath, secure transport and accommodation in advance.
- Respect Traditions: Follow dress codes and rituals at each temple.
Embark on this divine journey to the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and experience a blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a devotee or a traveler, these sacred sites promise an unforgettable adventure!