How many jyotirlinga in india? 5 Divine Shrines Every Shiva Devotee Must Experience Once in a Lifetime
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How many jyotirlinga in india?
How many jyotirlinga in india? : India is a land steeped in spirituality and mythology. At the heart of its sacred geography lie the Jyotirlingas—divine shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his most radiant form as a pillar of light (Jyoti meaning light, Linga meaning sign). These sites are considered the most revered pilgrimage destinations for devotees of Shiva.
🔱 How Many Jyotirlingas Are There in Total?
There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, spread across various states from the Himalayas to the southern shores. Each Jyotirlinga represents a different manifestation of Lord Shiva, and visiting all 12 is believed to liberate a soul from the cycle of life and death (moksha).
These temples were mentioned in the ancient Shiva Purana, and each is associated with a powerful legend or divine story that enhances its spiritual aura.
📍 Full List of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India
Jyotirlinga
Location
State
Somnath
Prabhas Patan
Gujarat
Mallikarjuna
Srisailam
Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar
Ujjain
Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar
Mandhata Island
Madhya Pradesh
Kedarnath
Rudraprayag
Uttarakhand
Bhimashankar
Pune
Maharashtra
Kashi Vishwanath
Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh
Trimbakeshwar
Nashik
Maharashtra
Vaidyanath (Baidyanath)
Deoghar
Jharkhand
Nageshwar
Dwarka
Gujarat
Ramanathaswamy
Rameswaram
Tamil Nadu
Grishneshwar
Aurangabad
Maharashtra
🌟 Importance of Visiting Jyotirlingas
Each Jyotirlinga is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu) and radiates spiritual energy.
Visiting Jyotirlingas is believed to cleanse sins, grant divine blessings, and help attain moksha.
These temples are centers of Shaivism, and have been worshipped for thousands of years.
The journey to these sacred shrines is often filled with natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and inner transformation.
🙏 5 Jyotirlingas Every Shiva Devotee Must Visit Once in Life
While all 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred, the following 5 hold special spiritual, historical, and geographical significance. Every devotee should try to visit these at least once in life.
Significance: Known as the “King of Jyotirlingas,” this temple is located in the holy city of Kashi (Varanasi), considered the oldest inhabited city in the world.
It is believed that Kashi will remain intact even during the cosmic dissolution (Pralay), and Lord Shiva grants moksha to those who die here.
The current temple was rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century.
It is part of the Sapta Puri pilgrimage.
Must Experience: Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and the divine ambience in the narrow lanes around the temple.
2. 🛕 Somnath Jyotirlinga – Veraval, Gujarat
Significance: This is considered the first and most ancient Jyotirlinga, mentioned in the Rigveda. Somnath is said to have been built by the Moon God (Chandra) himself.
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt 17 times, symbolizing the immortal spirit of devotion.
It is located by the Arabian Sea, offering a beautiful coastal setting.
Must Experience: The Light and Sound show depicting the history of the temple, and standing where the zero longitude of India starts.
Significance: The only Jyotirlinga that is Dakshinamukhi (south-facing), which holds special Tantric significance and is believed to protect from untimely death.
Located on the banks of the Kshipra River, in the ancient city of Ujjain, an important city of learning and astrology.
The temple is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas as well.
Must Experience: The famous Bhasma Aarti, performed at 4 AM with fresh ash from a cremation ground.
Significance: One of the most remote and high-altitude Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath is accessible only during six months of the year due to heavy snowfall.
Believed to be built by the Pandavas, Kedarnath is also one of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand.
It is nestled amid the snow-clad Himalayas, making it one of the most visually stunning temples.
Must Experience: The trek to Kedarnath, offering stunning mountain views and spiritual serenity.
5. 🛕 Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Significance: Closely linked to the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here to absolve the sin of killing Ravana.
The temple is located on an island and is architecturally magnificent, featuring the longest temple corridor in the world.
Pilgrims perform ritual bathing in 22 wells inside the temple before darshan.
Must Experience: The unique rituals of Rameswaram, and a trip to Dhanushkodi, the ghost town near Sri Lanka.
🧭 Travel Tips for Jyotirlinga Yatra
Best Time to Visit: Avoid monsoon for most shrines. Ideal months: October to March.
Senior Citizens: Special assistance is available at most temples.
Dress Code: Modest and traditional Indian attire is recommended.
Registration: Some temples like Kedarnath and Somnath may require online passes for crowd management.
🧘 Why Every Devotee Should Undertake a Jyotirlinga Yatra
Spiritual Renewal: It fosters self-realization and inner peace.
Cultural Immersion: Discover India’s deep-rooted history, traditions, and temple architecture.
Pilgrim Bonding: The journey is as important as the destination. You meet fellow devotees and form unforgettable bonds.
✨ Conclusion
Visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas is not just a pilgrimage—it’s a spiritual calling. If time or resources don’t permit you to visit all, these 5 Jyotirlingas offer a divine and transformative experience every Shiva devotee should seek. Whether you stand on the banks of the Ganga in Kashi or trek the snow-laden paths to Kedarnath, every step brings you closer to divinity.
There are 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. Discover their names, spiritual significance, and 5 Jyotirlingas every devotee must visit for blessings, peace, and moksha.
