Lord Shiva, the biggest Hindu goddess, is worshipped at 12 self-manifested Jyotirlingas throughout India, each with deep spiritual significance.
What is Jyotirlinga?
- A Jyotirlinga is a sacred representation of Lord Shiva that is thought to be the self-manifested (Swayambhu) form of his divine energy. The term "Jyotirlinga" originates from Sanskrit. According to Hindu mythology, there are 12 Jyotirlingas spread across India, each of which is thought to be a powerful and spiritually charged location where Lord Shiva manifested himself through divine light.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)-
Somnath, which means "The Protector of the Moon," is considered the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is situated in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, representing resilience and faith.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)-
This Jyotirlinga, located on Srisailam hill, represents both Shiva and Shakti. Devotees believe that visiting this temple will result in liberation from all sins. It is also a Shakti Peetha.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)-
Mahakaleshwar, located in Ujjain, is unique in that it is a self-manifested lingam. The only Jyotirlinga facing south represents Lord Shiva, the God of Time (Mahakal).
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)-
This temple, located on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, is known as the "Lord of Om". The island itself is shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol 'Om'.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)-
Kedarnath, located in the Himalayas, is one of the most difficult Jyotirlingas to get to. It's also part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Due to harsh weather conditions, the temple is only open for six months.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)-
This temple in the Sahyadri hills is associated with the legend of Shiva slaying the demon Bhima. It is also a large wildlife sanctuary.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)-
Kashi Vishwanath, located in the holy city of Varanasi, is one of Shiva's most revered temples. It is believed that visiting here provides liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)-
This temple is located near Nashik and is where the holy Godavari River originates. The lingam here is unique in that it has three faces, representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha (Shiva).
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkhand)-
This temple, also known as Baidyanath Dham, is where Ravana is said to have worshipped Shiva to gain immense power. Devotees believe that praying here cures all ailments.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)-
Nageshwar, located near Dwarka, translates as "The Lord of Serpents". It is believed that worshipping here shields devotees from poison and evil forces.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)-
This temple, located on Rameshwaram Island, is closely associated with Lord Rama. Before crossing to Lanka, Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva in this location to seek victory blessings.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)-
The smallest Jyotirlinga is located near the Ellora Caves. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Shiva devotees.
- The 12 Jyotirlingas are not just temples, but powerful spiritual centres that attract millions of devotees each year. Each has a unique story and significance, reflecting the various aspects of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that visiting these holy shrines will bring them peace, prosperity, and divine grace.
