Jyotirlinga is a pilgrimage site for Hindu worshippers and is considered one of India's most sacred places. According to Shiv Puran, Lord Shiva formed these Jyotirlinga pillars. Some even believe that these pillars of light contain the Atma of Lord Shiva. There are 12 Jyotirlinga in total, spread across India. Each Jyotirlinga is believed to house a form of Lord Shiva, who blesses all visitors to the site.
How Jyotirlinga was formed?
As per the Shiv Puran, there is a fascinating tale of an argument between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, both claiming to be superior to the other. Lord Shiva, known for his wisdom, decided to intervene and resolve the dispute. To settle the argument, Lord Shiva created an infinite pillar of light that passed through all three worlds. He challenged both Vishnu and Brahma to find the end of the pillar and return to him. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, both set out on their respective journeys to find the end of the pillar. After searching for what seemed like an eternity, Lord Vishnu returned to Lord Shiva and humbly admitted that he could not find the end of the pillar. In contrast, Lord Brahma lied and claimed that he had found the end of the pillar. Lord Shiva saw through Brahma's deceit and cursed him that he would not be worshipped by anyone, even though he was the creator of the universe. In anger, Lord Shiva caused 64 infinite pillars to emerge from the earth. Among these pillars, 12 are the most significant and are known as the 12 Jyotirlingas. Each of these Jyotirlingas houses a different form of Lord Shiva, and visiting them is believed to bless people with good fortune.
The 12 Jyotirlingas are
1. Somnath Temple-
The Somnath Temple, the first jyotirlinga among the twelve jyotirlingas, is located at Prabhas Patan, Veraval in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat state, on the bank of the Arabian Sea, which adds to its elegance. The Somnath Temple has been destroyed and rebuilt six times, yet it has managed to maintain its culture and tradition. Somnath temple's darshan timing is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Aarti Timings Morning = 7:00 am Afternoon =12noon and Evening = 7:00 pm.
2. Mallikarjuna Temple-
The Mallikarjuna temple which is the second jyotirlingas of the twelve jyotirlingas is located at Srisailam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh..This temple is of great significance from a Hindu perspective because it is not only the jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva but also one of the eighteen Shakti Pithas representing Goddess Parvati ( wife of Lord Shiva). Mallikarjuna Temple is also one of the five Pancharama temples in Andhra Pradesh. Mallikarjuna Temple is also named Kailash of the south because of its high altitude. Mallikarjuna Temple darshan timings is from 4:30 AM to 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
3. Mahakaleshwar Temple
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is located in the ancient city of Ujjain, on the bank of the holy river Shipra in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered one of the most sacred places in Hinduism, as it is the third jyotirlingas of the twelve jyotirlingas and one of the 18 Shakti Pithas. Lord Shiva's idol, known as Dakshinamurthi, sits facing south, which is a unique feature among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is known for celebrating two main festivals: Nag Panchmi and Maha Shivratri, which attract pilgrims from all over the country. Mahakaleshwar Temple darshan timing in the morning = 4:00 AM TO 7:00 AM , Afternoon = 10:30 PM TO 1:00 PM , Evening = 6:00 PM TO 7:00 PM
4. Omkareshwar Temple
The Omkareshwar Temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas and is located in Mandhata, near the city of Khandwa in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on an island that is surrounded by the Narmada River and is shaped like the sacred symbol "ॐ" (OM). There are two temples of Lord Shiva on the island - the Omkareshwar Temple and the Mamleshwar Temple. Omkareshwar Temple darshan timing in the morning = 5:00 AM to 3:50 PM , Evening = 4:15 PM to 9:30 PM.
5. Bhimashankar Temple
The Bhimashankar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is situated in a mountain 110 km from Pune, Maharashtra on the bank of the river Bhima. It is the shrine of Lord Shiva, who resides here in the form of Bhimashankar. The temple was built by Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna. Festivals such as Maha Shivrati and Nag Panchmi are celebrated with enthusiasm here. Additionally, there is a Parvati Temple nearby, so pilgrims can receive the blessings of both Adi Shakti. Bhimashankar Temple Opens every day from 4:30 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM.
6. Baidyanath temple
The Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is the ninth of the twelve jyotirlingas and is located in Deoghar, in the Santhal Parganas division of the Indian state of Jharkhand. The temple has an interesting story behind it. Once, the most knowledgeable pandit, Ravana, worshipped Lord Shiva for his entire life and asked him to come to Lanka with him. Lord Shiva agreed but with the condition that Ravana must carry the Shiva-Linga to Lanka and make sure he doesn't drop it. Only then would Lord Shiva come with him. However, Lord Vishnu played dirty tricks with Ravana and caused him to drop the Linga in Jharkhand. This is where the temple of Baidyanath was built. Baidyanath temple door opens at 4:00 AM Morning till 09:00 PM.
7. Rameshwaram Temple
The Rameshwaram temple, located on the Rameswaram island in Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the most visited temples in India and has produced many scholars and saints. According to legends, Lord Rama established and worshipped the Lingam of the Rameshwaram Temple before going to Lanka to fight Ravana. The temple is also one of the pilgrimage sites of the Char Dham yatra, bringing it closer to the hearts of all worshippers. Rameshwaram Temple opens daily from 5 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM.
8. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the seventh among the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is located in Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishwanath, also known as the "Lord of the Universe". Unfortunately, Aurangzeb destroyed the original temple and constructed the Gyan Vapi mosque in its place. However, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is still known as the Golden Temple of Varanasi. It is believed that those who visit the temple attain peace and are rid of all their problems. Kashi Vishwanath Temple darshan timing in the morning = 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM , Evening = 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
9. Grishneshwar Temple
The Grishneshwar Temple, located in Aurangabad, is one of the twelve jyotirlingas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated close to the UNESCO Heritage site of Ellora Caves. The temple's architecture is a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and architectural excellence. Visitors to the temple are believed to attain peace of mind by worshipping Lord Shiva. Grishneshwar Temple opens every day from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
10. Trimbakeshar Temple
The Trimbakeshwar Temple is the eighth jyotirlinga among the twelve jyotirlingas. It is located in the town of Trimbak, in the Trimbakeshwar tehsil in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India. The temple is situated at the place where the river Godavari originates. The special thing about the Trimbakeshwar temple is the way it is built, both from inside and outside. It has three pillars that are devoted to three deities, namely Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. Trimbakeshwar Temple Opens every day from 5:30 AM to 9 PM.
11. Nageshwar Temple
The Nageswar Temple is located in the ancient city of Dwarka, which is also known as the city of Lord Krishna. The temple is famous for an interesting legend that tells the story of a Shiva devotee, Supriya, who was imprisoned by an Asura named Daaruka. While imprisoned, she started chanting 'OM NAMAH SHIVAYA', and Lord Shiva himself came to her rescue. The Nageswar Temple is also known for its 25m tall statue of Lord Shiva. Every year, thousands of people visit the temple to witness its beauty. Nageswar Temple darshan timing in the morning = 6:00 AM TO 12:30 PM , Evening = 5:00 PM TO 9:30 PM
12. Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is the fifth Jyotirlinga out of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is situated on the Garhwal Himalayan Range, near the Mandakini River, in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is open for pilgrimage from April to November, as it receives heavy snowfall during the winter months. To reach the temple, one has to cross two holy rivers - the Ganga and the Krishna. It is believed that visiting the temple brings inner peace and helps to get rid of one's problems. Kedarnath Temple Opens At 4:00 AM & Closes Around 8:00 PM.
