The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva in all of India. Each one marks a place where Shiva appeared not as an idol installed by human hands - but as a blazing pillar of divine light. Our ancient Shiva Purana says that visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas destroys the sins of countless past lives and opens the path to Moksha.
On this page you will find our complete guide to all 12 Jyotirlingas - their stories, their Purana references, visiting tips and a special guide for senior citizens. Read each post at your own pace. There is no rush. The Lord is waiting.
START HERE - WHAT IS A JYOTIRLINGA?
New to the 12 Jyotirlingas? Begin with this post. It explains what a Jyotirlinga is, the story of how Shiva first appeared as a pillar of fire, and why these 12 places are different from all other Shiva temples.
What is a Jyotirlinga? The Sacred Story Every Hindu Should Know
THE 12 JYOTIRLINGAS - READ EACH STORY
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 - The Jyotirlinga Lord Rama Himself Established
12. Grishneshwar - The Twelfth and Final Jyotirlinga
HAVE QUESTIONS? READ OUR FAQ
We have answered 50 of the most commonly asked questions about the 12 Jyotirlingas - what they mean, how to visit, what our Puranas say, and how to plan the complete yatra.
Frequently Asked Questions - The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
We hope this guide helps you on your journey to the 12 Jyotirlingas. If you have a question, a story or a tradition about any of these sacred places - please share it in the comments on any of our posts. Your knowledge is welcome here.
Har Har Mahadev.