Section 1 - What Is a Jyotirlinga?
These questions cover the meaning, origin and scriptural basis
of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Ideal for devotees who are visiting for the first time
or want to understand the deeper significance before they travel.
Q: What does the word
Jyotirlinga mean?
A: The word Jyotirlinga is made of two Sanskrit words - Jyoti
and Linga. Jyoti means radiance or divine light. Linga means sign or symbol of
Lord Shiva. So Jyotirlinga means the radiant sign of Lord Shiva - a place where
Shiva manifested Himself as a pillar of infinite light.
Q: Why are there exactly 12
Jyotirlingas?
A: Our scriptures say that Lord Shiva manifested as a blazing
pillar of light at 12 specific places on earth. The Shiva Purana names all 12
and gives the story behind each one. The number 12 is sacred in Hindu tradition
- there are 12 Adityas (sun gods), 12 months in a year, and 12 is considered
the number of completeness. Visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas is said to give the
merit of a lifetime of worship.
Q: What is the story behind the
first Jyotirlinga?
A: According to the Shiva Purana, there was once a dispute
between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu about who was the supreme deity. To settle
this, Lord Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of fire - a Jyotirlingam -
piercing through all the three worlds from top to bottom. Neither Brahma nor
Vishnu could find its end. Realising Shiva was beyond their comprehension, both
bowed before Him. From that moment, the pillar of light became the symbol of
Shiva's infinite and formless nature.
Q: Is a Jyotirlinga different
from an ordinary Shivalingam?
A: Yes. An ordinary Shivalingam is installed by human beings,
sages or gods as an object of worship. A Jyotirlinga is a place where Lord
Shiva Himself appeared - without being installed by anyone. Our scriptures call
these Swayambhu - self-manifested. This is why the 12 Jyotirlingas hold a
uniquely high place among all Shiva shrines in India.
Q: Which scripture mentions all
12 Jyotirlingas?
A: The Shiva Purana - specifically the Kotirudra Samhita
section - names and describes all 12 Jyotirlingas. There is also a famous sloka
called the Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram (also known as the Jyotirlinga Stotra)
which lists all 12 names in verse form. Reciting this sloka every morning and
evening is said to destroy the sins of seven past lives.
Q: What does the Dvadasha
Jyotirlinga Stotram say?
A: The Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram is a 12-line Sanskrit
sloka that names all 12 Jyotirlingas in order - beginning with Somnath in
Gujarat and ending with Grishneshwar in Maharashtra. It says: one who recites
the names of these 12 Jyotirlingas every morning and evening is freed from the
sins of seven past births. This sloka is recited by millions of Shiva devotees
every day.
Q: Were there originally more
than 12 Jyotirlingas?
A: Yes. The Shiva Purana mentions that there were originally
64 Jyotirlingas across the world. However, 12 among these are considered the
most powerful and most sacred. These 12 are the ones that are universally
accepted, well-documented in our scriptures, and have been places of continuous
worship for thousands of years. The other 52 are acknowledged but less
universally agreed upon.
Section 2 - The 12 Jyotirlingas - Names,
Places and Stories
These questions cover each of the 12 Jyotirlingas individually
- where they are, what makes each unique and the story behind each one.
Q: What are the names of all 12
Jyotirlingas and where are they located?
A: The 12 Jyotirlingas and their locations are: 1. Somnath -
Gujarat. 2. Mallikarjuna - Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. 3. Mahakaleshwar -
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. 4. Omkareshwar - Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. 5. Kedarnath
- Uttarakhand (Himalayas). 6. Bhimashankar - Pune district, Maharashtra. 7.
Kashi Vishwanath - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 8. Trimbakeshwar - Nashik,
Maharashtra. 9. Vaidyanath - Deoghar, Jharkhand. 10. Nageshwar - Dwarka,
Gujarat. 11. Rameshwaram - Tamil Nadu. 12. Grishneshwar - Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is
considered the first?
A: Somnath in Gujarat is considered the first Jyotirlinga.
According to the Shiva Purana, the Moon God (Chandra) performed intense penance
at this spot to seek Shiva's blessings and was cured of a curse placed on him
by his father-in-law Daksha. In gratitude, Chandra built the first temple at
Somnath. The Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram also begins with Somnath.
Q: Which state has the most
Jyotirlingas?
A: Maharashtra has the most Jyotirlingas among all Indian
states - three in total. They are Bhimashankar (Pune district), Trimbakeshwar
(Nashik) and Grishneshwar (Aurangabad near Ellora Caves). Gujarat comes second
with two - Somnath and Nageshwar. Madhya Pradesh also has two - Mahakaleshwar
(Ujjain) and Omkareshwar.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is in the
Himalayas?
A: Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is the only Jyotirlinga located in
the Himalayas, at an altitude of about 3,583 metres above sea level. It is also
one of the Panch Kedar - the five sacred Shiva shrines of the Garhwal
Himalayas. The temple is open only from May to October-November each year and
closes in winter due to heavy snowfall.
Q: Which is the only
Jyotirlinga that faces south?
A: Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain is the only Jyotirlinga where the
Shivalingam faces south. In Hindu tradition, the south direction is associated
with Yama - the god of death. Mahakaleshwar facing south means Shiva as
Mahakala - the Lord of Time and the conqueror of death - is standing guard
against death itself, protecting His devotees.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is also a
Shakti Peetha?
A: Vaidyanath in Deoghar, Jharkhand holds the rare distinction
of being both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha - one of the 51 sacred spots
where parts of Goddess Sati's body are said to have fallen. According to
tradition, Sati's heart fell at this spot. This makes Vaidyanath a doubly
sacred place for both Shiva and Shakti worship.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is
connected to the Ramayana?
A: Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is the Jyotirlinga directly
connected to the Ramayana. After defeating Ravana in Lanka, Lord Rama came to
Rameshwaram to worship Lord Shiva and seek purification from the sin of killing
Ravana - who was a learned Brahmin. Sita made the Shivalingam here with her own
hands from sand. This lingam, called the Ramalingam, is the main deity of the
Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is
associated with Lord Krishna?
A: Nageshwar near Dwarka in Gujarat is located very close to
Dwarka - the kingdom of Lord Krishna. Many pilgrims visit Nageshwar and Dwarka
together on the same trip. The combination of a Jyotirlinga (Nageshwar) and a
Char Dham (Dwarka) in the same region makes this area one of the most
spiritually rich destinations in Gujarat.
Q: What is the story of
Grishneshwar - the final Jyotirlinga?
A: Grishneshwar near Ellora Caves in Maharashtra is the
twelfth and final Jyotirlinga. The story involves a devoted woman named
Kusumavati (also called Ghushma or Kusuma) who worshipped Shiva with great
devotion. Her jealous co-wife killed Kusumavati's son and threw his body into
the lake. But through Kusumavati's unbroken devotion, Shiva restored her son to
life. Moved by her unwavering faith, Shiva agreed to remain at that spot
forever as Grishneshwar.
Section 3 - Visiting the Jyotirlingas -
Practical Questions
These questions cover the practical aspects of visiting - when
to go, what to wear, what rituals to follow, and what to expect.
Q: Is there a specific order to
visit the 12 Jyotirlingas?
A: There is no single universally prescribed order that every
pilgrim must follow. However, many traditional lineages suggest beginning with
Somnath - the first Jyotirlinga - and ending with Grishneshwar - the twelfth.
The Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram also lists them in this traditional order.
Most pilgrims plan their route based on geography and convenience rather than a
strict traditional sequence.
Q: Do I have to visit all 12
Jyotirlingas to receive blessings?
A: No. Each Jyotirlinga gives its own complete blessings
independently. You do not have to visit all 12 in one trip or even in one
lifetime to receive spiritual benefit. Our scriptures say that even visiting
one Jyotirlinga with full faith and devotion gives immense merit. Many devotees
visit one or two Jyotirlingas each year, completing the full circuit over
several years.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is most
difficult to visit?
A: Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is the most physically challenging
Jyotirlinga to visit. It requires a trek of about 18 km from Gaurikund, at high
altitude. There is a helicopter service available from Phata and Sirsi for
those who cannot trek. The temple is also only open for about 6 months a year.
For senior citizens, Kedarnath requires careful physical preparation and
ideally the helicopter option.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is easiest
for senior citizens to visit?
A: Somnath, Nageshwar (both in Gujarat), Kashi Vishwanath
(Varanasi), Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), Omkareshwar, Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar
are all relatively accessible for senior citizens as they are at sea level or
low elevation with good road and rail connectivity. Rameshwaram is also easily
accessible and flat. Kedarnath is the most challenging and should be attempted
by senior citizens only with helicopter access and good health.
Q: What is the best time of
year to do the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra?
A: October to March is the best time for most Jyotirlingas -
the weather is pleasant across India during these months. Kedarnath is only
accessible from May to October-November. So if you plan to include Kedarnath,
the best window is either May-June or September-October. Avoid Shravan month
(July-August) for most Jyotirlingas as they get extremely crowded. Somnath and
Nageshwar can be visited all year.
Q: What should I wear when
visiting a Jyotirlinga?
A: Traditional and modest clothing is recommended at all
Jyotirlinga temples. For men - dhoti or clean trousers and a kurta. For women -
saree, salwar kameez or any modest traditional dress. Avoid tight or short
clothing. At some temples like Mahakaleshwar and Kashi Vishwanath, men are
expected to remove their shirt or upper garment when entering the sanctum.
Always check the specific temple's dress code before visiting.
Q: What puja should I do at a
Jyotirlinga?
A: The most important ritual at any Jyotirlinga is
Jalabhishekam - pouring sacred water (ideally Ganga Jal) over the Shivalingam
while chanting Om Namah Shivaya. You can also offer Bilva leaves (Bel patra),
white flowers, Vibhuti (sacred ash) and Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd,
honey, ghee and sugar). Most Jyotirlinga temples also offer paid Abhishekam
services where the priests perform a full ritual on your behalf.
Q: Is it free to visit the 12
Jyotirlingas?
A: General darshan - simply entering the temple and standing
before the Shivalingam - is free at all 12 Jyotirlingas. God does not charge an
entry fee. However, paid services are available at most temples - special
darshan queues that are shorter, paid Abhishekam sevas, and in the case of
Kedarnath, helicopter rides and VIP darshan. These are optional. A simple free
darshan with full devotion is completely valid and equally sacred.
Q: Can women visit all 12
Jyotirlingas?
A: Yes. Women can visit all 12 Jyotirlingas without any
restriction. Some temples have rules about women entering the innermost sanctum
during certain times, but darshan is available to all. At most Jyotirlinga
temples, women can participate fully in all rituals including Abhishekam. If
you are unsure about specific rules at a particular temple, it is best to ask
at the temple entrance.
Section 4 - Jyotirlingas in Our Scriptures
These questions cover what our Vedas, Puranas and other
scriptures say about the Jyotirlingas.
Q: Which Purana talks about the
Jyotirlingas the most?
A: The Shiva Purana - specifically its Kotirudra Samhita
section - is the most detailed scripture on the 12 Jyotirlingas. It gives the
full story behind each Jyotirlinga, the name of the devotee whose prayers
brought Shiva to that spot, and the spiritual benefits of visiting each one.
The Skanda Purana also has dedicated sections on several Jyotirlingas,
especially Rameshwaram (Rameswara Khanda) and Somnath (Prabhasa Khanda).
Q: What does the Shiva Purana
say about the benefit of visiting all 12?
A: The Shiva Purana says that one who completes the darshan of
all 12 Jyotirlingas is freed from the cycle of birth and death - they attain
Moksha. Even reading or hearing the stories of the 12 Jyotirlingas gives great
merit. The Kotirudra Samhita section specifically says that each Jyotirlinga
has the power to destroy the sins of many past lives in a single moment of
sincere worship.
Q: Is there a mantra
specifically for the 12 Jyotirlingas?
A: Yes. The Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram is a sacred sloka
that names all 12 Jyotirlingas. It begins: Saurashtre Somnath cha, Shraishaile
Mallikarjunam... and lists all 12 names. Reciting this sloka every morning and
evening is considered equivalent to visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas in spirit. The
Panchakshara Mantra - Om Namah Shivaya - from the Sri Rudram of the Yajurveda
is the universal mantra chanted at all 12 Jyotirlingas.
Q: Why do all Jyotirlinga
stories involve a devotee in distress?
A: This is one of the most beautiful patterns in all the
Jyotirlinga stories. In every case - whether it is the Moon God, Sage Gautama,
Ravana, the devotee Supriya, or the woman Kusumavati - Shiva manifests because
someone called on Him in their most difficult moment. Our scriptures teach this
same truth in many ways: Shiva is especially close to those who are in pain. He
does not wait to be invited by the powerful and successful. He rushes to those
who need Him most.
Q: What is the Maha Mrityunjaya
Mantra and which Jyotirlinga is it connected to?
A: The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra - Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim
Pushtivardhanam - is one of the most powerful mantras in the Rigveda (7.59.12).
The word Tryambaka in this mantra means the three-eyed one - which is the exact
description of the Trimbakeshwar form of Shiva with three faces. This mantra is
associated with Trimbakeshwar and is widely chanted for healing, protection
from death and the removal of fear.
Section 5 - Planning Your 12 Jyotirlinga
Yatra
These questions help pilgrims plan the complete 12 Jyotirlinga
circuit.
Q: How many days does it take
to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas?
A: A minimum of 20 to 25 days is needed if you are doing all
12 in one continuous trip - and that is travelling at a fast pace. A more
comfortable and spiritually meaningful journey takes 30 to 35 days. This allows
2 to 3 days at each Jyotirlinga, time for rest and proper darshan, and buffer
days for travel delays. Most elderly pilgrims and families prefer to spread the
yatra over 2 to 3 years, visiting 3 to 4 Jyotirlingas each time.
Q: What is the most logical
travel route for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra?
A: A geographically logical route starting from Gujarat and
moving clockwise: Somnath - Nageshwar (both in Gujarat, same trip) - then
Mahakaleshwar - Omkareshwar (both in Madhya Pradesh, nearby) - then
Trimbakeshwar - Bhimashankar - Grishneshwar (all in Maharashtra) - then
Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh) - Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) - then Vaidyanath
(Jharkhand) - Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, UP) - then finally Kedarnath
(Uttarakhand, only May to October).
Q: Which two Jyotirlingas can
be visited in one day?
A: Somnath and Nageshwar are the easiest pair - both are in
Gujarat and about 150 km apart, doable in one day by car. Mahakaleshwar
(Ujjain) and Omkareshwar (Khandwa) are about 130 km apart in Madhya Pradesh -
also doable in a long day trip, though staying overnight at each is recommended
for a calmer experience.
Q: How much does the complete
12 Jyotirlinga Yatra cost?
A: For a family of two travelling by train and staying in
budget or mid-range accommodation, the complete 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra costs
approximately Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,20,000 for the entire circuit including
travel, stay, food and puja expenses. A comfortable mid-range yatra with good
hotels and some flights is typically Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 for two
people. Organised tour packages range from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 80,000 per person.
Q: Are there organised tour
packages for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra?
A: Yes. IRCTC (Indian Railways), several state tourism boards
and private tour operators offer organised 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra packages. These
typically include train or bus travel, accommodation, meals and guided darshan
assistance. They are particularly convenient for senior citizens as all
logistics are handled. IRCTC's religious tour packages are especially popular
as they use reserved train coaches with dedicated attendants.
Q: What documents should I
carry for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra?
A: Carry your Aadhaar card or any government photo ID -
essential for hotel check-ins and for claiming the senior citizen railway
discount. Also carry any relevant medical documents, prescription medicines,
and a list of emergency contacts. For Kedarnath, a medical fitness certificate
may be required. Some temples require advance online registration for specific
sevas - check each temple's website before visiting.
Section 6 - Special Topics
These questions cover deeper spiritual questions, unusual
facts and things most people do not know about the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Q: Why is Kedarnath called a
Jyotirlinga when it has the shape of a rock?
A: This is a very thoughtful question. The Shiva Purana
explains that when the Pandavas sought Shiva after the Kurukshetra war, Shiva
fled from them in the form of a bull and hid in the earth at Kedarnath. The
part that remained above the earth - the hump of the bull - became the
Shivalingam at Kedarnath. It is a naturally shaped rock, not a carved stone.
Our tradition says Shiva can take any form He chooses - the rock hump IS the
Jyotirlinga, not a representation of it.
Q: What is the significance of
the Kanwar Yatra connected to Vaidyanath?
A: The Kanwar Yatra is one of India's largest annual
pilgrimages. During the holy month of Shravan (July-August), lakhs of devotees
called Kanwariyas walk barefoot from Sultanganj in Bihar - about 105 km away -
carrying pots of sacred Ganga water on decorated shoulder poles to offer to the
Shivalingam at Vaidyanath in Deoghar. The Kanwariyas deliberately avoid setting
their water pots down during the entire journey, believing this would break the
purity of the offering. This mirrors the story of Ravana, who was told never to
set the lingam down.
Q: Is Rameshwaram a Jyotirlinga
or a Char Dham?
A: Rameshwaram holds both distinctions - it is one of the 12
Jyotirlingas AND one of the four Bada Char Dhams of India. This makes it one of
the most significant pilgrimage destinations in all of Bharat. Very few places
hold both titles. As a Char Dham it represents the southern corner of Bharat
established by Adi Shankaracharya. As a Jyotirlinga it is the Shivalingam
installed by Lord Rama himself.
Q: What is special about the
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary near the Jyotirlinga?
A: The Bhimashankar temple in Maharashtra's Western Ghats is
surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary - one of Maharashtra's most
important protected forests. The Indian Giant Squirrel - a large colourful
squirrel unique to India - is found here and is the state animal of
Maharashtra. Pilgrims visiting Bhimashankar often spot this beautiful creature
in the trees. The forest itself is ancient and the walk through it to the
temple has its own spiritual quality.
Q: Can the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra
be done by senior citizens above 70?
A: Yes, most of them can be visited by senior citizens above
70 with some planning. Eleven of the 12 Jyotirlingas are fully accessible by
road and rail with no significant physical demands. The only exception is
Kedarnath which requires either a 16 to 18 km trek or a helicopter ride. For
healthy seniors above 70, the helicopter option makes Kedarnath accessible. For
those with heart conditions, breathing problems or limited mobility, consulting
a doctor before Kedarnath is essential. All other 11 Jyotirlingas can be
visited with normal care.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is closest
to a World Heritage Site?
A: Grishneshwar is the closest - it is located just 1 km from
the Ellora Caves, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ellora Caves
include 34 rock-cut temples spanning Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions.
Pilgrims visiting Grishneshwar almost always also visit the Ellora Caves on the
same trip. The nearby Ajanta Caves - also a UNESCO World Heritage Site - are
about 100 km away.
Section 7 - Stories and Miracles at the 12
Jyotirlingas
These questions cover the beautiful stories, traditions and
unexplained phenomena associated with the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Q: How many times has the
Somnath temple been destroyed and rebuilt?
A: The Somnath temple has been attacked and partially or fully
destroyed at least 6 to 7 times in history - most notably by Mahmud of Ghazni
in 1025 AD who plundered its treasures. Each time it was destroyed, it was
rebuilt - by local kings, by devoted rulers and finally by the government of
independent India. The current temple was rebuilt in 1951 and inaugurated by
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This extraordinary resilience is itself seen as a
miracle - the Jyotirlinga that cannot be permanently destroyed.
Q: What is the famous miracle
associated with Mahakaleshwar?
A: At Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, the most famous ritual is the
Bhasma Aarti - performed every morning at 4 AM. In this ritual, the Shivalingam
is anointed with sacred ash (Bhasma). According to tradition, the ash used was
historically from cremation grounds - symbolising Shiva as the Lord who
transcends life and death. The current Bhasma Aarti uses Vibhuti. Witnessing
this aarti in the early hours of the morning, with the chanting of the Shiva
Rudra mantra filling the ancient temple - is described by devotees as one of
the most powerful spiritual experiences in India.
Q: What is the unexplained
phenomenon at the Kashi Vishwanath temple?
A: Kashi - Varanasi - is considered the most sacred city in
the world in our tradition. The famous belief about Kashi Vishwanath is that
Lord Shiva Himself whispers the Taraka Mantra (liberation mantra) into the ear
of every person who dies in Kashi - ensuring their liberation regardless of
their karma. This belief has made Kashi a place where Hindu families bring
their dying elders. The ancient city has never been abandoned in recorded
history - it is possibly the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth.
Q: Is there any scientific
evidence for the Jyotirlinga locations?
A: Our ancient sages were not only spiritual masters - they
were also geographers and scientists of their time. Modern research has found
that many Jyotirlinga locations have unique geological properties. Somnath
stands at the shore of the Arabian Sea where no land exists between it and
Antarctica - a fact noted in the temple itself. Omkareshwar sits on an island
naturally shaped like the syllable Om. These are not coincidences that our
ancestors chose these spots - they chose locations with unique natural significance.
Section 8 - Our 12 Jyotirlinga Blog Series
on DekhoDham.com
We have published individual detailed posts for all 12
Jyotirlingas on DekhoDham.com. Each post covers the story, the Scripture
references, visiting information, cost estimates and a senior citizen guide.
Use the links below to read each one.
Intro. What is a Jyotirlinga? The Sacred Story Every
Hindu Should Know
1. Somnath - First Jyotirlinga - Where Lord
Shiva First Appeared as Light
2. Mallikarjuna - The Jyotirlinga Where Shiva
and Parvati Both Reside
3. Mahakaleshwar - Jyotirlinga Ujjain - Lord of
Time, Master of Death
4. Omkareshwar - The Jyotirlinga Shaped Like Om
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga - Where Shiva Hid from
the Pandavas
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga - Born from a
Demon's Destruction
7. Kashi Vishwanath - Lord of the Universe at
the City of Light
8. Trimbakeshwar - Where the Godavari River Was
Born
9. Vaidyanath - The Jyotirlinga Ravana Could Not
Carry Home
10. Nageshwar - The Jyotirlinga That Protects
Devotees
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga - Lord Rama Himself
Established
We hope this FAQ answered your questions about the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Do you have a question we have not covered here? Or a story,
fact or myth about any Jyotirlinga that you have heard from your elders? We
would love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below - your
knowledge may help a fellow devotee on their yatra.
Har Har Mahadev.