12 Jyotirlinga Names and Places in India | Complete Guide & 12 Jyotirlinga Package-Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in the Hindu Trinity, is worshipped across India in countless temples. However, among all Shiva temples, the 12 Jyotirlingas hold the highest spiritual significance. The word “Jyotirlinga” means the radiant sign of Shiva, symbolizing his infinite and formless nature.
According to Hindu scriptures, visiting all twelve Jyotirlingas is believed to cleanse sins, grant liberation, and bring devotees closer to divine consciousness. Many pilgrims now plan these journeys through organized travel plans such as an Ek Dham Yatra Package or a comprehensive 12 Jyotirlinga Package, making the pilgrimage smoother and more accessible.
Let us explore the names, locations, legends, and spiritual importance of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India.
What Are Jyotirlingas?
The Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a divine pillar of light. The Shiva Purana narrates that Brahma and Vishnu once argued about supremacy. Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar of fire, challenging them to find its beginning or end. Neither could succeed, proving Shiva’s infinite nature.
These twelve locations are believed to be places where Shiva manifested himself as this divine light.
The 12 Jyotirlingas of India
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Located on the Arabian Sea coast in Gujarat, Somnath is considered the first Jyotirlinga. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, symbolizing the eternal resilience of faith.
Spiritual Significance:
Believed to remove all sins and grant spiritual strength.
Pilgrims often include Somnath in a western India 12 Jyotirlinga Package itinerary.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
Situated on the Srisailam hills near the Krishna River, Mallikarjuna is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth, making it doubly sacred.
Spiritual Significance:
Associated with the divine presence of Shiva and Parvati together.
This temple is commonly included in a South India Ek Dham Yatra Package.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Located in Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar is unique because Shiva here is worshipped as the Lord of Time and Death.
Spiritual Significance:
Believed to protect devotees from untimely death.
The famous Bhasma Aarti attracts thousands of pilgrims daily.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Situated on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, the temple’s island shape resembles the sacred Om symbol.
Spiritual Significance:
Represents cosmic vibration and universal sound.
Omkareshwar is often paired with Mahakaleshwar in central India pilgrimage tours.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is among the most revered Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham Yatra.
Spiritual Significance:
Associated with the Pandavas seeking Shiva’s forgiveness.
Many pilgrims visit Kedarnath through a Himalayan Ek Dham Yatra Package.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Located in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar is surrounded by dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
Spiritual Significance:
Believed to destroy negative energies and evil influences.
It is often included in Maharashtra-based 12 Jyotirlinga Package routes.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
Situated in Varanasi on the banks of the Ganga, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most sacred temples in India.
Spiritual Significance:
Believed that dying in Kashi grants liberation.
This temple forms the heart of many North India Ek Dham Yatra Package plans.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Located near Nashik, Trimbakeshwar is unique because the lingam represents the Trinity — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Spiritual Significance:
Associated with the origin of the Godavari River.
It is a key stop in western India 12 Jyotirlinga Package itineraries.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
Also known as Baidyanath Dham, this temple in Deoghar is believed to have healing powers.
Spiritual Significance:
Devotees believe Shiva here cures diseases and suffering.
The temple attracts massive crowds during Shravan month.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Located near Dwarka, Nageshwar represents Shiva as the protector from poison and negativity.
Spiritual Significance:
Symbolizes protection from evil forces.
Pilgrims often combine Dwarka and Nageshwar in Gujarat tours.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
Situated on Pamban Island, Rameshwaram is linked to Lord Rama’s worship of Shiva before crossing to Lanka.
Spiritual Significance:
Represents devotion and righteousness.
It is a major highlight of South India pilgrimage circuits.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Located near Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple but holds immense spiritual value.
Spiritual Significance:
Believed to fulfill devotees’ heartfelt wishes.
This temple often completes the Maharashtra Jyotirlinga circuit.
Why Visit the 12 Jyotirlingas?
Visiting the twelve Jyotirlingas is considered a journey of spiritual awakening. Each shrine represents a unique aspect of Shiva:
- Creation and destruction
- Time and eternity
- Forgiveness and liberation
- Protection and healing
The pilgrimage is not only religious but also cultural, connecting devotees with India’s diverse geography and traditions.
Planning Your Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage
Traveling to all twelve Jyotirlingas independently can be complex due to their spread across the country. Organized tours help simplify the journey.
Benefits of a 12 Jyotirlinga Package
- Structured itinerary covering all temples
- Comfortable accommodation and transport
- Experienced guides
- Time-saving travel routes
- Assistance with darshan arrangements
For pilgrims with limited time, an Ek Dham Yatra Package allows visiting one key Jyotirlinga with proper planning and comfort.
Best Time to Visit Jyotirlingas
- October to March: Pleasant weather
- Shravan month: Spiritually powerful but crowded
- Avoid peak summer in western India temples
Each temple has its own ideal visiting season, especially Himalayan temples like Kedarnath which open only for limited months.
Spiritual Significance of the Journey
Pilgrims believe that completing the Jyotirlinga circuit brings:
- Inner peace
- Removal of negative karma
- Divine protection
- Spiritual growth
- Blessings of Lord Shiva
The journey teaches patience, devotion, and surrender — the true essence of pilgrimage.
Conclusion-12 Jyotirlinga Names and Places
The twelve Jyotirlingas represent the divine light of Lord Shiva spread across India. Visiting these sacred shrines is not just about temple darshan — it is a journey through mythology, faith, geography, and self-discovery.
Whether you plan a single shrine visit through an Ek Dham Yatra Package or embark on the grand pilgrimage with a 12 Jyotirlinga Package, the experience promises spiritual fulfillment and lifelong memories.
For devotees of Shiva, the Jyotirlinga journey is more than travel — it is a sacred calling of the soul.
