A devotional representation of “SHIVA“. A compound of JYOTIS (‘radiance’) and LINGA (‘sign’). The Śiva Mahapuranam mentions 64 original jyotirlinga shrines
“Shiva Purana” Says once, Brahma (the god of creation) and Vishnu (the god of preservation) had an argument over their supremacy. To settle the debate, SHIVA pierced the three worlds, appearing as a huge, infinite pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Brahma and Vishnu decided to ascend and descend across a pillar of light respectively, to find the end of the light in either direction. Vishnu assumed his Varaha avatar to achieve this task, while Brahma rode a hamsa (swan).
Brahma lied that he had discovered the end of the light, producing a ketakī flower as proof, while Vishnu admitted that he could not find the end of the light from his journey. The dishonesty of Brahma angered Shiva, causing him to curse the creator deity that he would not be worshipped; he also declared that Vishnu would be eternally worshipped for his honesty. The jyotirlinga shrines are regarded to be the temples where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.
Original 64 , there were believed to have been 64 jyotirlingas of which twelve are considered to be very auspicious and holy. The twelve jyotirlinga sites take the names of their respective presiding deity, and each is considered a different manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is lingam, representing the beginning less and endless stambha (pillar), symbolising the infinite nature of Shiva.
SOMNATH
Somnath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and holds the distinction of being the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Shiva. Traditionally regarded as the starting point for the Dwadash Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, the Somnath Temple is steeped in legend, tradition, and history. This revered site, which has been destroyed and rebuilt sixteen times, is located at Prabhas Patan, Veraval in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, western India.
Mallikarjuna
Mallikārjuna, also known as Śrīśaila, is situated on a mountain in Kurnool District in Rayalaseema. This ancient temple is renowned for its rich architectural and sculptural heritage, housing the revered deity Mallikarjuna. It uniquely combines both Shakti Peetha and jyotirlingam in one location. Additionally, it was here that Adi Shankara composed his famous work, the Shivananda Lahari.
Mahakaleshwar
Mahakal, located in Ujjain (or Avanti) in Madhya Pradesh, is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The Lingam here is believed to be Swayambhu, making it the only one of the twelve jyotirlingams with this distinction. Additionally, it is unique for facing south and features a Shree Rudra Yantra positioned upside down on the ceiling of the Garbhagriha, where the Shiv Lingam resides. This sacred site also represents a harmonious blend of both Shakti Peetha and jyotirlingam.
Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is located on an island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. It is home to a revered jyotirlinga shrine as well as the Mamaleshwar temple, making it a significant pilgrimage destination.
Baidyanath
Baidyanath Temple, also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Deoghar within the Santhal Parganas division of Jharkhand, India. The temple complex features the main shrine of Baba Baidyanath alongside 21 other temples. It holds great significance for followers of Shaivism, as it is recognized as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Bhimashankar
The Bhimashankar temple is located in Bhimashankar village in Maharashtra, where the Bhima River originates. The surrounding Bhimashankar forest, known as Dakini Vana, is renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity.
Rameshwaram
Rameswaram, located in Tamil Nadu, is home to the grand Ramalingeswarar Jyotirlinga temple, recognized as the southernmost of the twelve jyotirlinga shrines in India. The temple enshrines the Rameśvara (God of Rama) pillar and is also one of the Padal Petra Stalams of Pandya Naadu, as mentioned in the Tevaram.
Nageshwar
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana and the Dvādaśa Jyotirlinga Stotram. It is said to be located in Daruka-Vana, likely in the present-day Dwarka region. Additionally, there are claims to the Nagesh Jyotirlinga status from other sites, including Aundha Naganath in Hingoli District, Maharashtra, and Jageshwar in Almora District, Uttarakhand.
KASHI Vishwanath
The Kashi Vishwanath (Vishweshwar) Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, houses the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga shrine, regarded as one of the most sacred Hindu shrines. It is also one of the Padal Petra Stalams of Vada Naadu, as mentioned in the Tevaram. Located in Varanasi, the holiest city for Hindus, it is a pilgrimage destination where many seek to visit at least once in their lifetime and often pour the remains of their ancestors into the River Ganges. The temple stands on the western bank of the Ganges and is one of the twelve jyotirlingas, uniquely serving as a site where both Shakti Peetha and jyotirlingam coexist. The main deity is worshiped as Vishwanath or Vishweshwara, meaning “Ruler of the Universe.” Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is celebrated as the oldest living city in the world, with a rich history spanning over 3,500 years.
Trimbakeshwar
The Trimbakeshwar Temple, located near Nashik in Maharashtra, is a revered jyotirlinga shrine linked to the origin of the Godavari River. This sacred site is significant in Hindu tradition and attracts many pilgrims throughout the year.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath, located in Uttarakhand, is revered as the northernmost jyotirlinga and the closest to Lord Shiva’s eternal abode, Mount Kailash. It is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Hinduism. Nestled in the snow-capped Himalayas, Kedarnath is an ancient shrine rich in legend and tradition, accessible only for six months each year. It is also recognized as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams of Vada Naadu, as mentioned in the Tevaram. According to legend, Shiva took the form of a wild boar and dived into the earth at Kedarnath, reemerging at Doleshwor in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Devotees apply pure ghee to the Kedarnath Lingam, commemorating the injury the boar sustained.
Grishneshwar
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, mentioned in the Shiva Purana, is one of the twelve jyotirlinga shrines. According to the text, Grishneshwar is located near Ellora village, less than a kilometer from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora Caves in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar District, Maharashtra. This temple holds great significance for devotees and is known for its rich history and architectural beauty.
