With the Shravan Maas, also known as the month of Sawan, around the corner, the devotees come together and worship Lord Shiva with utmost devotion and faith. The month is highly auspicious among Hindus worldwide. Falling during the monsoon season, usually between July and August, Shravan month is marked by various rituals, fasting, and prayers. Sawan Somwars 2024 will begin on July 22 and end on August 19. Devotees across India throng the major Jyotirlinga Shiva temples to take blessings of Lord Shiva. Jyotirlinga can be split into ‘jyothi’, meaning radiance, and ‘linga’, meaning phallus. There are a total of 12 Jyotirlinga in India, and each of them is considered a different manifestation of Shiva. These Jyotirlingas are revered by millions of devotees and hold immense religious significance. If you plan to embark on a spiritual journey to one of these Jyotirlinga during the Shravan month, learn about them in detail prior to your journey. 12 Jyotirlinga in India List for Mahashivratri 2023: From Somnath Temple in Gujarat to Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand; Jyotirlinga Temples That You Should Know.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gir Somnath in Gujarat
Located in the Kathiawad region of Saurashtra in Gujarat, the Somnath temple is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas. Known as the “Protector of the Moon God,” this temple has a history of being destroyed and rebuilt almost 16 times due to invasions. The temple architecture resembles Chalukya style, and it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the shrine.
Somnath Mandir (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
2. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, set on the banks of the Shipra River in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its unique ritual of Bhasma Aarti, where the deity is worshipped with sacred ash. The shrine at Mahakaleshwar is believed to be set up by a five-year-old boy Srikar, who was inspired by the devotion of King Chandrasena of Ujjain. The temple complex blends spirituality and ancient architectural brilliance, drawing devotees from across the globe. This Jyotirlinga is among the seven mukti-sthal in India.
Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
3. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar, translating to ‘Lord of the Om Sound’, located on an island called Shivapuri on the Narmada River, is a remarkable confluence of spirituality and natural beauty. According to the religious beliefs, there was a war between Devas and Danavas, and the Devas prayed to Lord Shiva for victory. Pleased by the prayer, Lord Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar and helped the devas to achieve triumph. The temple is a significant site for rituals and meditative practices, attracting spiritual seekers and pilgrims alike.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
4. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh
Also known as the Kailash of the South, Mallikarjuna in Srisailam town of Andhra Pradesh is among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Located atop Shri Saila Mountain, on the banks of River Krishna, the temple is adorned with beautiful architecture and sculptures, decorated pillars known as gopurams, and a mukha mandapa hall. The temple worships the deities of Shiva and Bhramaramba or Parvati and is one among the 52 shakti peeths of Sati.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
Situated in the Rudra Himalayan Range, at an altitude of 1200 feet, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is also considered one of the char dhams of the Hindu religion. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and breathtaking landscapes, this temple is accessible only for a few months each year due to extreme weather conditions. Pilgrims first visit Gangotri and Yamunotri to take holy water, which they offer to Kedarnath Shivalinga. People believe visiting the Kedarnath temple and bathing in the Jyotirlinga can help them eliminate all unhappiness, ill luck, and misfortunes. The journey to Kedarnath is a physical and spiritual quest, making it a profound pilgrimage experience.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Pune In Maharashtra
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri range of Pune, Maharashtra. The temple is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, Bhimashankar, and is believed to have been built by Bheema, Kumbhakarna’s son. The Jyotirlinga Temple mostly witnesses pilgrims during Maha Shivratri.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
Situated in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most famous Jyotirlinga. It was constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar- a Maratha Monarch. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva resided here and offered liberation and happiness to all. The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is a symbol of wisdom and spiritual awakening. This is regarded as one of the first Jyotirlingas in the country, which showcased its power over other gods, breaking through the Earth’s surface and moving towards heaven.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Nashik In Maharashtra
Located near Brahmagiri mountain, the place of origin of the Godavari River, also known as Gautami Ganga, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga has a unique shape. According to Shiv Purana, Godavari River and Gautami Rishi requested Lord Shiva to reside here, and hence, God emerged in the form of Trimbakeshwar. The place does not have any shrine, instead there is a void with three pillars placed inside. These three pillars represent the three most powerful and authoritative Gods, namely, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. The ancient architecture and spiritual ambience make it a significant site for pilgrims seeking blessings and purification.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Deoghar In Jharkhand
Vaidyanath, Baidyanath, or Vaijinath is also one of the 52 shakti pethas shrines of Sati in the Hindu religion. The shrine receives maximum footfall in the month of Shravan, when millions of devotees undertake the arduous Kanwar Yatra to offer holy water from the Ganges to the deity. Devotees believe that deep worship of the shrine would relieve all worries and miseries.
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Daarukavanam In Gujarat
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple is one of the most popular, located on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat, between Gomati Dwarka and Bait Dwarka. It symbolises protection from all poisons and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva manifested to protect his devotees. The towering statue of Lord Shiva outside the temple is a significant landmark, and the serene environment makes it a peaceful retreat for worshippers.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Rameswaram In Tamil Nadu
The Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is closely associated with the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva after his phenomenal victory over Ravana. Known to be the southernmost Jyotirlinga, the temple has long corridors, intricate carvings, and 36 theerthams that offer a unique spiritual experience, making it a vital part of any pilgrimage. Also known as ‘Varanasi of the south,’ the Jyotirlinga is one of the most visit holy places in India.
Ramanathaswamy Temple (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Aurangabad In Maharashtra
Located near the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, Grishneshwar temple is an impressive five-rock-storied Shikhara-style structure with carvings of Gods and Goddesses and a huge Nandi Bull in the main court hall. Built by Ahilyabai Holkar, this temple is also known as Gru Someswara and Kusum Eswarar.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
The 12 Jyotirlingas of India are not just religious destinations but are embodiments of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Each temple has its unique charm and significance, making the pilgrimage to these sacred sites a profoundly enriching experience. Whether it’s the architectural splendour, the mystical legends, or the serene environments, the Jyotirlingas offer a profound connection to the divine and an insight into the spiritual soul of India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2024 04:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).