Shiva is revered as the supreme father, and Shiva temples in India are profound symbols of faith and spirituality. Devotees visit these temples not only for material benefits but also for spiritual advancement. These temples are thought to possess energy that can profoundly change people’s lives. Visiting these sacred sites is considered not just a destiny, but a blessing from Lord Shiva.
12 Jyotirlingas in India: Names and Locations of Lord Shiva’s Sacred Sites
Overview Table:
| Rank | Shiva Temple | Location |
| 1 | Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh |
| 2 | Kedarnath | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand |
| 3 | Somnath | Veraval, Gujarat |
| 4 | Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | Amarnath | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir |
| 6 | Lingaraj | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| 7 | Vaidyanathdham | Deoghar, Jharkhand |
| 8 | Trimbakeswar | Nasik, Maharashtra |
| 9 | Ramanathaswamy | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu |
| 10 | Bhimashankar | Bhavagiri, Pune |
1. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh:
Situated on the edge of Rudrasagar Lake and near the sacred Shipra River, Mahakaleshwar is a five-tiered temple adorned with intricate sculptures. This Jyotirlinga, believed to be self-manifested and facing south (Dakshinamukhi), is revered as the lord of time. Unique to this temple is the daily Bhasma Aarti offered to Lord Shiva.
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2. Kedarnath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand:
Located near the Mandakini River at an altitude of approximately 3583 meters, Kedarnath is a significant destination of the Chardham Yatra and the highest of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The original temple was built by the Pandavas and later reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. During winter, the temple is beautifully enveloped in snow.
3. Somnath, Veraval, Gujarat:
One of the most revered Shiva temples and a Jyotirlinga, Somnath is situated on the Arabian Sea coast. It showcases Chalukya-style architecture with intricate carvings and silver doors. According to legend, Lord Shiva freed the deity moon (Som) from Prajapati Daksha’s curse here.
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4. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:
This Jyotirlinga temple stands on the banks of the holy Ganga River. Lord Shiva here is regarded as the father of the Universe. A visit to Kashi Vishwanath, followed by a bath in the Ganga, is believed to lead to liberation.
5. Amarnath, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir:
One of India’s most visited Shiva temples, Amarnath is located in a mountain cave at an altitude of 3888 meters. In winter, a large ice linga forms inside the cave. According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati here.
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6. Lingaraj, Bhubaneswar, Odisha:
Famed for its Kalinga-style architecture, Lingaraj Temple houses a self-manifested Linga. Entry is restricted to Hindus. The temple complex includes a small sanctum dedicated to a goddess in the northwest corner of the courtyard.
7. Vaidyanathdham, Deoghar, Jharkhand:
Named Vaidyanath because Lord Shiva healed Ravana’s wounds here, this Jyotirlinga is among the most famous Shiva temples in India. The temple complex also features 22 other temples dedicated to various deities.
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8. Trimbakeshwar, Nasik, Maharashtra:
Nestled among three hills and featuring several water bodies, Trimbakeshwar’s Jyotirlinga is three-faced, representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The current temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. Only males are permitted in the core area.
9. Ramanathaswamy, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu:
Known for having the longest corridor among Hindu temples, this Jyotirlinga is a majestic structure with grand exteriors and exquisite interior designs. Lord Rama is said to have established this temple before his battle with Ravana. It is also a vital stop on the Chardham Yatra.
10. Bhimashankar, Bhavagiri, Pune:
Located 127 km from Shivaji Nagar in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar combines old and new Nagar-style architecture. It symbolizes the Bhima River, which flows southeast to merge with the Krishna River. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Conclusion:
India is often regarded as a spiritual haven, with its temples standing as testaments to this reputation. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are particularly distinctive, known for their unique locations and powerful vibrations. The energy surrounding these sacred sites is infectious, offering immense peace and rejuvenation to all who visit, including those who may not be devotees.
F&Q
Which Shiva temple is revered as the lord of time and conducts Bhasm aarti daily?
The Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is recognized for this honor.
Where is the highest of the 12 jyotirlingas located, famous for its enchanting snowfall in winter?
Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, is the highest among the jyotirlingas.
Which Shiva temple sits on the Arabian Sea’s shore and is said to free the moon deity from a curse?
The Somnath temple in Veraval, Gujarat, is known for its coastal setting and exquisite carvings.
Where is the Kashi Vishwanath temple, believed to pave the way for liberation after a bath in the Ganga?
Kashi Vishwanath is found in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, along the banks of the Ganga.
Which temple in Jammu and Kashmir features a large ice linga that forms inside a mountain cave during winter?
Amarnath, located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is famous for the ice linga that develops inside the cave.
Which temple in Bhubaneswar showcases Kalinga-style architecture and permits entry only to Hindus?
The Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, exemplifies Kalinga-style architecture and restricts entry to Hindus.
Where is the Vaidyanathdham temple located, associated with Lord Shiva healing Ravana’s severed heads?
Vaidyanathdham is situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand, and is linked to the story of Ravana and Lord Shiva.
Where can the Trimbakeswar temple be found, featuring a three-faced linga symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva?
Trimbakeswar temple is located in Nasik, Maharashtra, amidst a backdrop of three hills.
Which temple in Rameswaram boasts the largest corridor among all Hindu temples in India and is connected to Lord Rama?
The Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, has the largest corridor and is associated with Lord Rama.
Which temple in Pune represents the river Bhima and is known for its combination of old and new Nagar-style architecture?
The Bhimashankar temple in Bhavagiri, Pune, is celebrated for its distinctive architecture and representation of the river Bhima.