12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva

Jyotirlingas are a revered manifestation of Lord Shiva. Every year, millions of devotees travel to the 12 Jyotirlingas, offer their prayers, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva — the Destroyer and Restorer. If you are on a quest for spiritual awakening, you must embark on this transcended journey across India’s most sacred Shiva pilgrimage sites.

Here, we have explained the 12 Jyotirlingas that can be found in the Indian subcontinent, where they are located, and a little bit of info about them. So, before you book your travels, read on..

All 12 Jyotirlingas – Quick Reference

1. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

We start with the northernmost Jyotirlinga of all, located in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. This temple is one of the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. It was built by the Pandava brothers and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is also noteworthy that Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is also part of the Char Dham Yatra.

Located in the Rudra Himalayan Range at an altitude of 3,583 metres (11,755 feet) above sea level, Kedarnath is only open for a few months every year, typically between late April/May and November. Every year, millions of devotees undertake this trek to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Near the Kedarnath Dham is the Samadhi of Shankaracharya — a must-visit for every pilgrim.

• Location: Rudraprayag district, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. Elevation: 3,583 m (11,755 ft). Approximately 223 km from Rishikesh.
• Timing: 4 am to 12 pm (Morning) & 3 pm to 9 pm (Evening)
• How to Reach:
  • By air: Dehradun (Jolly Grant) Airport, ~238 km.
  • By rail: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station (~203 km to Gaurikund).
  • By road: Last motorable point is Sonprayag; from there Gaurikund is 5 km, and Kedarnath is a 16 km trek from Gaurikund (route extended after 2013 floods; earlier route of 14 km is no longer in use).

2. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath is a world-renowned temple located in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Also known as the Golden Temple, this temple was first built by Raja Hiranyagarbha. However, the current structure was constructed by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Empire in 1780. The temple complex has three domes — two of which are gold-plated, using one tonne of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835 — and a towering golden spire (shikhara) that gleams under sunlight. The sacred Jyotirlinga is enshrined in a silver altar inside the sanctum.

Varanasi is a city that is close to Lord Shiva. It is believed by devotees that Lord Shiva resides in this city and offers liberation and happiness to all those who travel here. The Kashi Vishwanath temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. It was razed and reconstructed several times throughout history — its enduring presence stands as a testament to the unwavering faith of devotees.

• • Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Timing: 2.30 am to 11 pm
  • How to Reach: Varanasi is home to an airport, which is just 22 km away from the temple premises. The Varanasi Railway Station is also conveniently located just on the other side of the Ganges River, right next to the temple. Finally, Varanasi is well-connected by road to all major cities in Northern and Central India.

3. Somnath, Gujarat

From the north of the country, we move westward to the beautiful land of Gujarat, where the iconic Somnath Temple stands on the Arabian Sea coast at Veraval. Somnath is arguably the most famous of all the Jyotirlingas — one of the most worshipped pilgrimage sites worldwide.

The history of the construction is not entirely clear, but legends credit the Moon God (Chandra Dev) for constructing the first structure. Over the centuries, Somnath has been attacked and rebuilt multiple times. According to historical records, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt at least six times; traditional accounts cite a higher number. The present structure was rebuilt after Independence under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s initiative and inaugurated in 1995 in the Chaulukya style.

• Location: Veraval, Gujarat
• Timing: 6 am to 9 pm
• How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Veraval Railway Station, located around 5 km away from Somnath. The distance can be covered by taxi or cab. For air travelers, Surat is the nearest airport, around 100 km. The city is also well-connected through roadways.

4. Nageshwar, Gujarat

The next Jyotirlinga on our list is Nageshwar Jyotirlinga. This temple is situated near Dwarka and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the devotees of Lord Shiva. According to legends, Lord Shiva defeated the demon Daruka here and freed his devotees.

The shrine of Nageshwar Mahadev is located in an underground sanctum. The complex also boasts a 25-metre tall statue of Lord Shiva, visible from several kilometres away.

• Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat
• Timing: 6 am to 12.30 pm (Morning) & 5 pm to 9 pm (Evening)
• How to Reach: The nearest railway stations are Dwarka and Veraval. Jamnagar is the nearest airport to Nageshwar, about 45 km away. From there, buses and private taxis can be booked.

5. Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh

The next Jyotirlinga is the one located in the ancient city of Ujjain – Mahakaleshwar. The Mahakaleshwar temple is situated near the sacred Shipra River. The temple, with its roots dating back to the 6th century, is one of the oldest on this list. In this temple, one can see the architectural imprint of successive dynasties that have ruled this land.

The Mahakaleshwar Lingam is believed to be Swayambhu — self-manifested, deriving Shakti from within itself. The temple practices the famous ‘Bhasma Aarti,’ where sacred ash (bhasma) is offered to the Lingam in the pre-dawn hours. This aarti is one of the most unique rituals among all the Jyotirlingas.

• Location: Madhya Pradesh
• Timing: 4 am to 11 pm
• How to Reach: Indore Airport (~51 km). Nearest railway station: Ujjain Junction (in city). Well-connected by road. Buses available from Indore, Bhopal, and other cities.

6. Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Another Jyotirlinga located in Madhya Pradesh is the Omkareshwar Temple. Omkareshwar, which literally translates to ‘Lord of the Om Sound,’ is one of the most significant religious places on the Indian mainland. The temple is situated on Mandhata Island on the Narmada River — an island naturally shaped like the sacred symbol ‘Om.’

According to legend, during one of the wars between Devas and Asuras, the Devas led by Indra prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared in the form of Omkareshwar and helped them to victory. In the exact place of that divine appearance now stands the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.

• Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
• Timing: 5.30 am to 12.20 pm (Morning) & 4 pm to 8.30 pm (Evening)
• How to Reach: Nearest airport: Indore Airport (~77 km). Nearest railway station: Omkareshwar Road Railway Station (station code: OM), located at Mortakka village, approximately 12 km from the temple. Note: This station is undergoing gauge conversion (Indore–Khandwa broad gauge project); verify current train service before travel. You can also travel by road via NH-52 from Indore.

7. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Who has not heard of Rameswaram – a beautiful city at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent? Rameswaram also hosts one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Located on the sacred island of Rameswaram — the same island from where Lord Rama took rocks to build a bridge to rescue Sita from Ravana.

The Rameswaram Temple is also popularly known as the Varanasi of the South. With its sprawling corridors and towering gopurams showcasing the influence of Dravidian architecture, this temple stands as a testament to unwavering devotion. Visitors can also explore the 22 holy wells (theerthams) located within the complex and view the Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge) visible from the island.

• Location: Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu
• Timing: 5 am to 1 pm (Morning) & 3 pm to 9 pm (Evening)
• How to Reach: Rameswaram Railway Station is on the island with connections to major South Indian cities. The Pamban Bridge connects Rameswaram to mainland India. Buses and taxis available from Tamil Nadu cities. Nearest airport: Madurai Airport (~160 km).

8. Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh

The second entry from South India is the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, located atop the majestic Nallamala Hills in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. This temple is renowned for its beautiful Dravidian architecture — towering Gopurams and an intricately carved Mukha Mandapa hall.

What sets this temple apart is the presence of both Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and the Bhramaramba Devi temple within the same complex. Bhramaramba Devi is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas (and also among the broader 51 Shakti Peethas) — making Srisailam one of only three locations in India where a Jyotirlinga and a Maha Shakti Peetha coexist. Pilgrims can take a dip in the sacred Krishna River and offer prayers to both deities.

• Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
• Timing: 4 am to 10 pm
• How to Reach: Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (~210 km). Nearest railway station: Markapuram (~90 km). Well-connected by road via NH 716 from Vijayawada, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

9. Baidyanath (Vaidyanath), Jharkhand

Next on our list is the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand. This Jyotirlinga is located in a massive complex consisting of five courtyards adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

According to legend, Ravana — a devoted follower of Lord Shiva — prayed intensely and requested Lord Shiva to move to Lanka. Lord Shiva agreed but ordered Ravana not to set down the Shivalinga anywhere until he reached Lanka. However, Lord Vishnu intervened with a ruse, and Ravana was compelled to place the Shivalinga here — it became permanently fixed at this spot.

• Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
• Timing: 4 am to 3.30 pm (Morning) & 6 pm to 9 pm (Evening)
• How to Reach: Deoghar Airport is the local airport. Deoghar Railway Station is in the city. NH 2 connects Deoghar well by road to major cities in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

10. Bhimashankar, Maharashtra

Bhimashankar lies on the banks of the Bhima River in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. It is a majestic temple with intricately carved sculptures depicting scenes from various mythologies. According to legend, Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Tripurasura here, and his perspiration formed the sacred Bhima River.

This temple attracts huge crowds during the months of February and March for the celebrations of Maha Shivratri. The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary surrounding the temple is home to the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel.

• Location: Bhimashankar, Pune district, Maharashtra
• Timing: 30 am to 12 pm (Morning) & 4 pm to 9.30 pm (Evening)
• How to Reach: Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (~105 km). Nearest railway station: Khed Railway Station (~33 km). Accessible via NH 4.

11. Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Temple near Nashik boasts three lingams in the complex representing Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The temple complex dates back to ancient times; the current structure was rebuilt in the 18th century by Peshwa Balaji Bajirao. The earlier structure had been built and renovated by the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas.

This place is located near the origin of the sacred Godavari River. The legend of Trimbakeshwar is associated with Sage Gautama Rishi (Maharishi Gautama), who performed intense penance on Brahmagiri Hill and pleaded with Lord Shiva to reside at this location. Answering his prayer, Lord Shiva appeared here as the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, and the Ganga (Godavari) was also released to flow here.

• Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
• Timing: 5.30 am to 9 pm
• How to Reach: Nearest airport: Nashik Airport (~35 km). Trimbakeshwar has its own railway station with connections to Nashik, Pune, and Mumbai. Accessible by road via NH 16.

12. Grishneshwar, Maharashtra

The final entry on this list is the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located in the village of Verul, near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (officially renamed from Aurangabad in 2023), Maharashtra. The temple is approximately 1.5 km from the famous Ellora Caves — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temple is an impressive five-storey structure built in the Hemadpanthi (Maratha) style — the influence of Dravidian architecture is clearly visible on the outer walls, which bear carvings of gods and goddesses. The sanctum houses a reddish-black Lingam, unique among all 12 Jyotirlingas. Grishneshwar is also the smallest of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and devotees have the rare privilege of directly touching the Shiva Lingam here.

• Location: Verul village, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra
• Timing: 30 am to 9.30 pm
• How to Reach: Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport (IXU), ~35 km. Nearest railway station: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Railway Station, ~30 km. Accessible via NH-52. Local buses and taxis available from the city.

Suggested Tour: 

• Grishneshwar Tour Packages

Best Time to Visit 12 Jyotirlingas

Planning the best time for each Jyotirlinga ensures a smooth darshan experience:

Our Experience with 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra

With over 18 years of managing 12 Jyotirlinga tour packages, here is what we consistently advise our pilgrims: Never rush all 12 in a single trip if you want the true spiritual experience at each temple. The aarti timings, prasad, and local rituals at each shrine deserve time and presence.

Practically, we recommend grouping by region: Maharashtra has five Jyotirlingas (Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Aundha Nagnath, and Parli Vaijnath); Gujarat has two (Somnath and Nageshwar). Starting from Delhi, our 24-day 12 Jyotirlinga Tour Package is the most popular format — it is well-paced and covers all 12 without any rushing.

Conclusion

As one can see, the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are located in every corner of India — from the Himalayan heights of Kedarnath (3,583 m, 11,755 ft) to the Arabian Sea coast of Somnath, and from the dense forests of Bhimashankar to the island temples of Rameswaram. Each sacred Shiva pilgrimage site holds a unique legend, distinct architecture, and a spiritual energy that touches every devotee.

Connect with a pilgrimage travel planner to go on your Jyotirlinga Yatra without any logistical issues — so your entire focus remains on devotion and the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the 12 Jyotirlingas?

The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, representing his different divine manifestations as a column of light (Jyoti). They are spread across India: Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameswaram, and Grishneshwar.

Q2. Where are the 12 Jyotirlingas located?

The Jyotirlingas are spread across India: Somnath (Gujarat), Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, and Grishneshwar (Maharashtra), Vaidyanath (Jharkhand), Nageshwar (Gujarat), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), and Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh).

Q3. Why are they called Jyotirlingas?

The term ‘Jyotirlinga’ combines ‘Jyoti’ (radiant light or divine flame) and ‘Linga’ (the iconic form of Lord Shiva). According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of divine light to resolve a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu. These 12 shrines are where that divine light of Lord Shiva is believed to reside eternally.

Q4. What is the significance of visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas?

Pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas is considered highly auspicious for devotees — believed to cleanse one’s soul of all sins and bring spiritual merit (punya). According to the Shiva Purana, even reciting the names of all 12 Jyotirlingas at dawn and dusk earns great merit. Completing the full Jyotirlinga Yatra is considered one of the highest acts of Shiva devotion.

Q5. Which Jyotirlinga is the first or primary one?

Somnath in Gujarat is regarded as the first Jyotirlinga in the traditional Shiva Purana list. It holds immense historical and religious significance — often called the ‘Eternal Shrine’ for its repeated destruction and reconstruction, symbolising the indestructibility of faith.

Q6. Are there any specific rituals associated with each Jyotirlinga?

Yes, each Jyotirlinga has unique rituals. Common practices include Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Lingam), offering of Bel Patra (Bilva leaves), recitation of Shiva mantras, and attending morning aarti. Mahakaleshwar is unique for its Bhasma Aarti (offering of sacred ash). Rameswaram requires a ritual bath in the 22 theerthams within the temple complex.

Q7. What is the story behind the creation of the Jyotirlingas?

According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once argued about who was supreme. Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite column of light (Jyotistambha) and challenged them to find its beginning or end — neither could. Humbled, they accepted Shiva’s supremacy. The 12 Jyotirlingas mark the places where Shiva’s divine light (Jyoti) is believed to have manifested on earth.

Q8. Can anyone visit the Jyotirlingas, irrespective of their religion?

Most Jyotirlinga temples are open to visitors of all faiths seeking blessings. However, some temples — such as Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) and Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) — may restrict non-Hindus from entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha). Always check specific temple rules and dress code before visiting.

Q9. Is there a specific order to visit the Jyotirlingas?

There is no strict scriptural order required. Many pilgrims follow the sequence listed in the Shiva Purana (starting with Somnath). Practically, tour operators plan circuits by geography — grouping Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and North/South India separately to minimize travel time and cost.

Q10. Are there any festivals associated with the 12 Jyotirlingas?

Maha Shivaratri is the most significant festival celebrated at all Jyotirlingas — large numbers of devotees gather for special prayers and ceremonies. Shravan month (July–August) is also highly auspicious, especially at Vaidyanath (Deoghar) where lakhs of kanwariyas offer Gangajal. Nashik’s Kumbh Mela (every 12 years) draws millions to Trimbakeshwar.

Q11. How many days are needed to complete the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra?

A complete 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra typically takes 20–24 days by road and train, covering different regions of India. Pilgrims who fly between regions can complete it in 15–18 days. Our 24 Days 12 Jyotirlinga Tour Package from Delhi covers all 12 in a well-paced itinerary with managed logistics.

Q12. Which is the highest Jyotirlinga in altitude?

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand is the highest, situated at an altitude of 3,583 metres (11,755 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is accessible only by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund or by helicopter. Due to extreme winter snowfall, the temple remains closed from November to late April/May every year.

Q13. How many Jyotirlingas are in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra is associated with five Jyotirlinga sites—Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Aundha Nagnath, and Parli Vaijnath. However, only the first three are universally recognized among the 12 Jyotirlingas, while the latter two are accepted as Jyotirlingas in certain traditions. Many pilgrims plan a separate Maharashtra Jyotirlinga circuit of 3–4 days to cover all five.

Q14. What is special about Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?

Grishneshwar is the 12th and last Jyotirlinga, located at Verul village near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, just 1.5 km from the Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the smallest of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Uniquely, devotees are allowed to directly touch the Shiva Lingam — a rare privilege not available at most other Jyotirlingas.

Q15. How to plan 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra from Delhi?

From Delhi, the recommended circuit is: Delhi → Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath) → Deoghar (Vaidyanath) → Nashik (Trimbakeshwar) → Aurangabad/CSN (Grishneshwar + Ellora) → Pune (Bhimashankar) → Ujjain (Mahakaleshwar) → Omkareshwar → Veraval/Somnath → Dwarka (Nageshwar) → Hyderabad/Srisailam (Mallikarjuna) → Rameswaram → Kedarnath → Delhi. Allow 20–24 days for a comfortable, spiritually fulfilling pace.