The 12 Sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva: Origins & Yatra Guide

A Jyotirlinga (ज्योतिर्लिंग) represents the radiant, infinite pillar of light of Lord Shiva. As described in the Shiva Purana, reciting the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Stotram (द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्रम्) destroys sins of past births.

The 12 Sacred Shrines

1. Somnath (सौराष्ट्र - गुजरात): The first of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
2. Mallikarjuna (श्रीशैलम - आंध्र प्रदेश): Located on Srisailam mountain.
3. Mahakaleshwar (उज्जैन - मध्य प्रदेश): The south-facing Dakshinmukhi Linga.
4. Omkareshwar (नर्मदा तट - मध्य प्रदेश): Situated on the Om-shaped island in the Narmada.
5. Kedarnath (हिमालय - उत्तराखंड): High in the Himalayas.
6. Bhimashankar (डाकिनी - महाराष्ट्र): Source of the Bhima river.
7. Kashi Vishwanath (वाराणसी - उत्तर प्रदेश): The holiest shrine on the banks of Ganga.
8. Trimbakeshwar (नासिक - महाराष्ट्र): Origin of the sacred Godavari river.
9. Baidyanath (देवघर - झारखंड): Lord Shiva as the divine healer.
10. Nageshwar (द्वारका - गुजरात): Protector against all negative energies.
11. Ramanathaswamy (रामेश्वरम - तमिलनाडु): Established by Lord Rama.
12. Grishneshwar (वेरुल - महाराष्ट्र): Located near Ellora caves.