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There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. Given this, do you know where these Jyotirlingas are located? Where exactly are they situated, and what are the beliefs associated with them? Let's find out here.
Which are the 12 Jyotirlingas of India?

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – This is the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Veraval (Gujarat). This Jyotirlinga holds immense significance. It was destroyed several times throughout history, yet it was reconstructed after every destruction. For millions of devotees, it stands as a symbol of faith. It is also known by other names such as *Amrit Jyotirlinga* and *Anant Jyotirlinga*. It is believed that visiting this shrine grants *Moksha* (salvation). According to religious legends, Lord Chandra (the Moon God) performed penance here to seek liberation from a curse cast by Daksha Prajapati. This temple has been constructed in the Chalukya architectural style.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – This Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. In this temple, Goddess Parvati is worshipped alongside Lord Shiva. Situated amidst the Nallamala Hills, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees every year. Here, Lord Shiva resides in the form of Mallikarjuna, and Goddess Parvati resides as Bhramaramba. This site is also home to one of the 18 *Shakti Peethas*. It is located approximately 213 km from Hyderabad. The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style. Here, devotees are permitted to directly touch the Jyotirlinga while performing their worship.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – This Jyotirlinga is situated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is a *Dakshinmukhi* (south-facing) Jyotirlinga, a feature that makes it unique and special. The *Bhasma Aarti* (ritualistic worship involving sacred ash) performed here is renowned across the globe.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – This Jyotirlinga is located in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. Its unique feature is that it is situated on an island shaped like the sacred syllable 'Om', located amidst the Narmada River.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Located in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, this Jyotirlinga is one of the most renowned Shiva shrines situated in the Himalayas. Millions of devotees visit this site annually to offer their prayers. The best time to visit is between May and November.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Situated in the Sahyadri Hills near Pune, Maharashtra, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is distinguished by its location amidst a dense forest and wildlife sanctuary. The temple stands at an altitude of approximately 3,250 feet, close to the source of the Bhima River. According to legend, Lord Shiva took up residence here after slaying the demon Tripurasura. The temple is renowned for its depiction of the *Ardhanarishvara* form (the union of Shiva and Parvati). The ideal time to visit is between October and March.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Millions of devotees flock to this site every year to seek blessings. Located in Varanasi, this temple holds special significance as it is situated within the holy city of Kashi—a place believed to grant *Moksha* (salvation). It ranks among the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Hindu faith.

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Located in Nashik, Maharashtra, the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is revered as the source of the Godavari River. It is situated near the Brahmagiri Mountain, along the banks of the Godavari. This is a truly unique temple; its *Trimukhi* (three-faced) Shiva Lingam—representing the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—remains submerged in water. The site is particularly renowned as a place for performing rituals to alleviate *Pitra Dosha* (ancestral afflictions). According to mythological lore, Lord Shiva manifested here in the form of a Jyotirlinga to bless Sage Gautama, who was performing penance at this very spot.

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, this Jyotirlinga is widely known as "Baba Baidyanath Dham." It is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites. A unique feature of this complex is the presence of a *Shakti Peeth* (known as *Hridaya Peeth*), marking the spot where the heart of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen—one of the 51 such sacred sites across the subcontinent. Furthermore, a distinctive architectural feature of this temple is the *Panchshul* (a five-pronged trident) adorning its spire, rather than the customary *Trishul* (three-pronged trident). During the month of Sawan, hundreds of thousands of devotees arrive here on foot—undertaking the *Kanwar Yatra*—carrying holy water from the Ganges River at Sultanganj, which they then offer at the shrine. Here, visitors are permitted to touch the *Shivling*.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga—Located in Dwarka, Gujarat, the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is renowned for the colossal statue of Lord Shiva situated on its premises.

11. Rameswaram Jyotirlinga—Situated in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, the Rameswaram Jyotirlinga is associated with a mythological legend: it is believed that Lord Rama himself installed the *Shivling* at this very site. The corridors of this temple are exceptionally long, captivating, and beautiful.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga—This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the village of Verul in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the twelfth and final Jyotirlinga, situated in proximity to the Ellora Caves. It is also known by the name Grishneshwar.

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