12 Jyotirlingas: A Devotional Pilgrimage Guide Across India

The 12 Jyotirlingas are revered as the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva, each radiating immense spiritual power and attracting millions of devotees throughout the year.

Visiting these shrines is considered a transformative pilgrimage, granting blessings and fulfilling wishes.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to each Jyotirlinga, with travel tips and reasons to visit beyond the religious significance:

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat:

Location: Veraval, Gujarat

How to reach: Somnath has its own railway station and airport, easily accessible from major cities.
Reasons to visit: Besides the Jyotirlinga, Somnath boasts a stunning beachfront temple complex, rich in history and architectural marvels. Witness the breathtaking “Aarti” ceremony and enjoy the vibrant coastal town.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh:

Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

How to reach: Hire a cab from Hyderabad or Vijayawada to reach Srisailam.
Reasons to visit: Nestled amidst scenic hills, the Mallikarjuna temple exudes tranquility. Explore the scenic Belum Caves, embark on a boat ride on the Krishna River, or trek to the captivating Nallamala Hills.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh:

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

How to reach: Ujjain is well-connected by rail and air.
Reasons to visit: Witness the unique “Bhasma Aarti” ritual, where ashes are offered to the lingam. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, or visit the historic Mahakaleshwar Temple with its awe-inspiring architecture.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh:

Location: Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

How to reach: Take a train to Omkareshwar or hire a cab from Indore.
Reasons to visit: Admire the twin Jyotirlingas of Mamaleshwar and Omkareshwar, representing the “Om” symbol. Sail on the holy Narmada River, explore the scenic Satpura hills, or witness the mesmerizing sound and light show at the temple complex.

5. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Jharkhand:

Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand

How to reach: Deoghar has its own railway station and airport.
Reasons to visit: Seek blessings at the Vaidyanath temple, renowned for its healing powers. Explore the fascinating Baidyanath Dham complex, including the Satsang Ashram and Ramakrishna Mission.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra:

Location: Pune, Maharashtra

How to reach: Take a train to Pune and then hire a cab to Bhimashankar.
Reasons to visit: Hike through the lush Sahyadri hills to reach the Bhimashankar temple, nestled amidst waterfalls and verdant landscapes. Go for a refreshing dip in the Kundalini River or visit the nearby Gupt Bhimashankar caves.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Uttar Pradesh:

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

How to reach: Varanasi has its own airport and railway station.
Reasons to visit: Take a holy dip in the Ganges River at the iconic Assi Ghat, witness the mesmerizing evening “Aarti” ceremony, and explore the labyrinthine alleys of Varanasi, steeped in spirituality and history.

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra:

Location: Nashik, Maharashtra

How to reach: Take a train to Nashik and then hire a cab to Trimbakeshwar.
Reasons to visit: Marvel at the three-faced lingam representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Embark on a scenic boat ride on the Godavari River, explore the Kushavart Ghat with its natural hot springs, or visit the Pandava Caves,

9. Gautamaeshwar Jyotirlinga, Goa:

Location: Parli, Goa

How to reach: Take a train to Madgaon or Karmala and then hire a cab to Parli.

Reasons to visit: Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the Gautamaeshwar temple, nestled amidst a dense forest. Explore the charming beaches of Goa, delve into the Portuguese colonial heritage of Panaji, or embark on a wildlife safari in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

10. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand:

Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

How to reach: Take a helicopter from Dehradun or Rishikesh, or embark on a challenging pilgrim trek from Gaurikund.
Reasons to visit: Witness the breathtaking Himalayan scenery as you journey towards Kedarnath. Participate in the Char Dham Yatra, a holy pilgrimage circuit encompassing four prominent Himalayan shrines. Explore the scenic Gangotri Valley or visit the Badrinath temple, another Jyotirlinga located nearby.

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu:

Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

How to reach: Take a train to Rameswaram or fly to Madurai or Tiruchirappalli.
Reasons to visit: Walk barefoot through the 22 holy wells known as “Chakratirthas,” each believed to possess unique healing powers. Explore the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple complex, adorned with intricate carvings and corridors. Relax on the pristine beaches of Rameshwaram or take a boat trip to Dhanushkodi, the mythical bridge believed to have been built by Lord Rama.

12. Dwarkadhish Jyotirlinga, Gujarat:

Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
How to reach: Take a train to Dwarka or fly to Jamnagar.
Reasons to visit: Seek blessings at the Dwarkadhish temple, believed to be the only Jyotirlinga established by Lord Krishna himself. Explore the ancient city of Dwarka, with its majestic Gomti River and historic Bet Dwarka Island. Go birdwatching in the Marine National Park or enjoy the vibrant festivities of Janmashtami, celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth.