What are 12 Jyotirlingas with Name and Place List? The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, considered to be the holiest of Shiva temples. Each Jyotirlinga is a representation of Shiva and is believed to have manifested in a radiant, self-revealing form called ‘Jyotirlinga.’ Here’s a detailed explanation of each of the 12 Jyotirlingas:
What are 12 Jyotirlingas with Name and Place List?
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga
Location: Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra, Gujarat
Significance: Somnath is considered the first Jyotirlinga and is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites. It is believed that the moon god, Soma, built this temple to worship Lord Shiva.
Key Features:
- The temple has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by invaders.
- The current structure was reconstructed in 1951 in the Chalukya style.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Significance: Situated on the Shri Shaila Mountain, this Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati coming here to pacify their son Kartikeya.
Key Features:
- It is located on the banks of the Krishna River.
- The temple architecture is a blend of Dravidian and Chalukyan styles.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Significance: Mahakaleshwar is one of the seven ‘Mukti-Sthal’ (places of liberation) in India. The temple is unique as it faces south, symbolizing the direction of death, which is unusual for Hindu temples.
Key Features:
- The lingam is known as ‘Dakshinamurti.’
- Bhasma Aarti is a unique ritual performed with sacred ash.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Significance: Located on an island shaped like the Hindu symbol ‘Om,’ Omkareshwar is considered very sacred. The island is formed by the Narmada River.
Key Features:
- Two main temples: Omkareshwar and Amareshwar.
- The island is a natural formation.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Significance: Situated in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is accessible only during summer. It is one of the holiest shrines for Hindus and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Key Features:
- The temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Significance: Bhimashankar is located in the Sahyadri hills and is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura.
Key Features:
- It is also the source of the Bhima River.
- The temple showcases Nagara style architecture.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Significance: Located in the ancient city of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas. It is believed that Lord Shiva resides here and grants liberation to those who die in Varanasi.
Key Features:
- The temple is situated on the banks of the Ganges.
- It has been a site of cultural and religious significance for centuries.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Trimbak, Nashik, Maharashtra
Significance: This Jyotirlinga is associated with the origin of the Godavari River. It is believed that Lord Shiva resided here to fulfill the wish of Gautama Rishi.
Key Features:
- The temple has a unique feature of having three lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- It is located near the source of the Godavari River.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Significance: Vaidyanath is known as the temple where Ravana offered his ten heads to Lord Shiva as a sacrifice. It is also called Baidyanath, indicating Shiva as the ‘Lord of Physicians.’
Key Features:
- The temple is a major pilgrimage site.
- It is known for its annual Shravani Mela.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
Significance: Nageshwar is believed to protect devotees from poison and evil. The lingam is unique as it is facing south.
Key Features:
- The temple is located on the Saurashtra coast.
- It has a giant statue of Lord Shiva.
11. Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Significance: Located on Pamban Island, Ramanathaswamy is associated with Lord Rama, who worshipped Shiva here to absolve his sins after the battle with Ravana.
Key Features:
- The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples.
- It is a major pilgrimage site, part of the Char Dham.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
Significance: Grishneshwar is the smallest of the Jyotirlingas and is located near the Ellora caves. It is also called Ghushmeshwar.
Key Features:
- The temple has beautiful carvings and is built in the Maratha style.
- It is near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora.
Summary Table
| Jyotirlinga | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Somnath | Prabhas Patan, Gujarat | First Jyotirlinga, Chalukya style architecture |
| Mallikarjuna | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh | Blend of Dravidian and Chalukyan styles |
| Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | South-facing lingam, Bhasma Aarti |
| Omkareshwar | Mandhata Island, Madhya Pradesh | Island shaped like ‘Om’, Narmada River |
| Kedarnath | Kedarnath, Uttarakhand | Located in the Himalayas, Char Dham pilgrimage |
| Bhimashankar | Pune, Maharashtra | Source of Bhima River, Nagara style architecture |
| Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Located on the Ganges, cultural significance |
| Trimbakeshwar | Trimbak, Maharashtra | Three lingas, source of Godavari River |
| Vaidyanath | Deoghar, Jharkhand | Associated with Ravana, annual Shravani Mela |
| Nageshwar | Dwarka, Gujarat | South-facing lingam, giant Shiva statue |
| Ramanathaswamy | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu | Longest corridor among Hindu temples, Char Dham |
| Grishneshwar | Ellora, Maharashtra | Near Ellora caves, Maratha style architecture |
Conclusion
The 12 Jyotirlingas are among the most sacred and revered sites in Hinduism, each with its own unique history, legends, and significance. Pilgrims from all over the world visit these temples to seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
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