The Jyotirlingas are the symbol of limitlessness of the form of Shiva, the grandeur of which has been luring devotees since the time unknown. Devotees from all over the world come to see the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva and attain spiritual peace.These Jyotirlingas are also called- Dwadasa Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred sights of worship in Hinduism. It is also said that the person will be released from the karmic backlog and from the cycle of life and death.
Somnath (Gujrat)
It is said that Lord Brahma told Moon god to build a temple for Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built during the period between 320 and 500 AD.It is believed to have been made of pure gold and silver, the temple witnessed massive destruction from Arab and Afghani invaders and by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb during different time periods.
Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain)
There are many mythological stories behind the Mahakaleshwar Temple but, the one that is most frequently heard is that Lord Shiva appeared in Ujjain from the ground to vanquish a demon called Dushana whose tortures on the people and Brahmins of the Ujjain city had crossed all the limits.
Mallikarjun (Andhra Pradesh)
It is said that the shrine of Lord Shiva was installed by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas from the Epic Mahabharata. The Kumbala River close by adds to the relaxing ambiance and beauty of the place. The temple is decked with all beautiful wall sculptures and carvings which depicts the scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The exquisite sculptures of the temple depicts brilliant sculpting skills of the then Hoysala artisans.
Baidyanath Temple (Jharkhand)
This temple complex is located in Deoghar in the Santhal Parganas division, adorned with the presence of 21 temples. The sacred Shivalinga existing here is decorated with precious gems. Not only it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas but also a prominent Shakti peeth, where body parts of Goddess Shakti fell.
Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
It is believed that the island is in the shape of Om – a spiritual symbol in Hindu Mythology. Thousands of devotees gather here for the darshans of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the occasions of Shivratri, Mahashivratri and Kartik Poornima. Serene Vibes and picturesque views of the sacred Narmada River adds to the divinity of these shrines.
Bhimashankar Temple (Maharashtra)
The temple’s Garba Griha is a beautiful amalgamation of Rajasthani and Gujarati influences in its Nagara (Indo Aryan architecture) style. The outer walls of the temple depicts the scenes from Shiv leela, Krishna Leela, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Nageshwar (Gujrat)
Coddled by Gomai Dwarka and Bait Dwarka on either side the temple of Nagnath also witnesses a humongous throng of pilgrims and visitors who are often intrigued by the fascinating appeal of the temple structure and the location. Believed to be one of the strongest and most powerful jyotirlingas in India, the temple is a symbol of protection from all types of venom and poison.
Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)
It is also known as Dakshini Ganga and Gautami Ganga. It is believed that Godavari River and Gautami Rishi requested Lord Shiva to reside in Trimbakeshwar which led to the god, emerging into one form of jyotirlinga. Interestingly, unlike other Jyotirlingas, the one in Trimbakeshwar is uniquely shaped with three pillars that represent the three supreme powers, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar.
Grishneshwar( Maharashtra)
It is also known as Dakshini Ganga and Gautami Ganga. It is believed that Godavari River and Gautami Rishi requested Lord Shiva to reside in Trimbakeshwar which led to the god, emerging into one form of jyotirlinga. Interestingly, unlike other Jyotirlingas, the one in Trimbakeshwar is uniquely shaped with three pillars that represent the three supreme powers, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar.
