12 Jyotirlingas In India – List of Jyotirlinga with Location & Timing

Jyotirlingas in India are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva in Hinduism.  Jyotirlinga or Jyotirling or Jyotirlingam is a Sanskrit word where Lord Shiva is worshipped, in the form of Jyotirlingam. The term “Jyotirlinga” is derived from two words: “Jyoti,” meaning “radiance” or “light,” and “Linga,” representing the iconic symbol of Lord Shiva in the form of a cylindrical structure or phallus.

As per Hindu mythology these twelve Jyotirlingas are spread across India, each with its unique significance and divine energy. It’s believed that these Jyotirlingas are self manifested & emerged naturally. They are considered very holy & pilgrims from all over the world visit these sites to seek blessings and experience spiritual solace.

In this blog, we will explore the twelve Jyotirlingas, their locations, temple timings, and the divine tales associated with each one.

12 Jyotirlingas Name & Place With Opening Time

Jyotirlinga Name	State	Location	Opening Time
Somnath	Gujarat	Prabhas Patan	6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Mallikarjuna	Andhra Pradesh	Srisailam	4:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Mahakaleshwar	Madhya Pradesh	Ujjain	4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Omkareshwar	Madhya Pradesh	Mandhata Island	5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Kedarnath	Uttarakhand	Kedarnath	4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bhimashankar	Maharashtra	Pune	4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Kashi Vishwanath	Uttar Pradesh	Varanasi	3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Trimbakeshwar	Maharashtra	Nashik	5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Vaidyanath	Jharkhand	Deoghar	4:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Nageshwar	Gujarat	Dwarka	6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Rameshwar	Tamil Nadu	Rameswaram	5:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Grishneshwar	Maharashtra	Aurangabad	5:30 AM – 9:30 PM

12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India

1. Somnath (Gujarat)

The Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is a significant pilgrimage and tourist spot. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in history. The present temple was reconstructed in the Chalukya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951. The temple is famed for its architectural grandeur and spiritual significance.

2. Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh)

Situated on the banks of River Krishna in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Temple at Srisailam is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Parvati. The presiding deities are Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Parvati). The temple’s architecture and the natural beauty of its surroundings make it a significant place of worship.

3. Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh)

The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, located in the ancient city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, is considered one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on the banks of the Rudra Sagar Lake and is unique due to the dakshinamurti shivling, which means the idol of Shiva faces south. This temple is one of the seven Mukti-Sthal (places that can liberate a human) in India.

4. Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)

Omkareshwar, located on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The island is shaped like the holy Hindu symbol ‘Om’. The temple’s architecture is a blend of old and new, with the sacred Narmada River adding to its serene atmosphere. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site and is revered for its divine sanctity.

5. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)

Kedarnath, located in the state of Uttarakhand, is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas. Nestled amidst the majestic snow-clad Himalayas, it is also one of the Char Dhams. The temple is open only for six months due to extreme weather conditions. According to legend, it is the site where Shiva absolved Pandavas of their sins after the Kurukshetra War.

6. Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)

Bhimashankar Temple is located in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra. This temple is not only a Jyotirlinga but also a wildlife sanctuary. The temple’s origin is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura. The serene environment of the temple surrounded by lush greenery adds to its spiritual ambiance.

7. Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh)

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is a central part of worship in Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history.

8. Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)

Located in the town of Trimbak, near Nashik in Maharashtra, the Trimbakeshwar Temple is another Jyotirlinga. The temple is situated at the source of the Godavari River, which is considered sacred within Hinduism. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga here is that it has three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.

9. Vaidyanath (Jharkhand)

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, also known as Baba Dham and Baidyanath Dham, is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas. Located in Deoghar in Jharkhand, it is believed that the demon king Ravana worshipped Shiva at this site to gain immense power. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Shravan Mela.

10. Nageshwar (Gujarat)

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Dwarka, Gujarat. The temple is situated on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island. According to Shiva Purana, those who pray at Nageshwar become free of poison. The temple architecture is grand, and it attracts a large number of devotees.

11. Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu)

Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas as well as one of the Char Dhams. According to legend, this is the place where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to Lanka to rescue Sita. The temple’s corridor is the longest among all Hindu temples in India.

12. Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, near the famous Ellora Caves. The temple is the smallest Jyotirlinga shrine in India and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. The legend states that this is the place where Lord Shiva appeared in response to the devout prayers of a woman named Kusuma.

FAQ’s About Jyotirlinga in India