🕉️ The 12 Jyotirlinga Temples of India – History, Significance, Location & Timings

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

History & Myth:
Somnath is the first and most revered Jyotirlinga, mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Legend says the Moon God (Soma) built this temple in gold, later rebuilt in silver by Ravana, then in wood by Krishna, and finally in stone by the Pandavas. Despite invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni and others, the temple always rose again, symbolizing faith and resilience.

Speciality: Known as the “Shrine Eternal,” it represents Shiva as the eternal protector.

Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat.

Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Aarti at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Nearby Attractions: Gir National Park, Diu Island.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

History & Myth:
Located in Srisailam, it is said that Shiva (Mallikarjuna) and Parvati (Bhramaramba) came here to console their son Kartikeya. It is one of the rare shrines that is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha.

Speciality: Represents the union of Shiva and Shakti.

Location: Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh.

Timings: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Nearby Attractions: Srisailam Dam, Akkamahadevi Caves.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

History & Myth:
Lord Shiva appeared as Mahakal to save Ujjain from a demon named Dushana. Here, Shiva is worshipped as the “Lord of Time.” The Bhasma Aarti, performed with sacred ash every morning, is world-famous.

Speciality: The only Jyotirlinga where Shiva faces south (Dakshinamurthy).

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Bhasma Aarti: 4:00 AM

Nearby Attractions: Kaal Bhairav Temple, Shipra River ghats.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

History & Myth:
Situated on Mandhata Island, shaped like “Om,” the temple is linked with the tale of the devas praying to Shiva for protection against demons. Pleased, Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar.

Speciality: Island temple in the shape of “ॐ”.

Location: Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.

Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Nearby Attractions: Mamleshwar Temple, Narmada River ghats.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

History & Myth:
The Pandavas sought Shiva’s blessings to absolve themselves of sin. Lord Shiva took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground. His hump appeared at Kedarnath, and other parts at the Panch Kedar temples.

Speciality: Highest altitude Jyotirlinga, part of Char Dham.

Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand.

Timings: April/May – October/November | 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Nearby Attractions: Gaurikund hot springs, Chorabari Lake.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

History & Myth:
Associated with Lord Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura. The temple is also the origin of the Bhima River.

Speciality: Surrounded by Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location: Near Pune, Maharashtra.

Timings: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Nearby Attractions: Hanuman Lake, Sahyadri trekking routes.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

History & Myth:
Located in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, Kashi Vishwanath has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. It is believed that darshan here grants moksha.

Speciality: One of the holiest Shiva temples, situated on the Ganges banks.

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Timings: 2:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM

Nearby Attractions: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath.

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

History & Myth:
Associated with the origin of the Godavari River. The lingam here has three faces, representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Speciality: A center for Narayan Nagbali and other ancestral rites.

Location: Near Nashik, Maharashtra.

Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Nearby Attractions: Brahmagiri Hills, Anjaneri Fort.

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

History & Myth:
Ravana worshipped Shiva here by offering his ten heads. Shiva, pleased, healed him, hence the name Vaidyanath (Divine Physician).

Speciality: Believed to cure diseases and bring health.

Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand.

Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Nearby Attractions: Tapovan, Naulakha Temple.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

History & Myth:
Associated with the tale of a demon named Daruka who imprisoned Shiva’s devotee Supriya. Lord Shiva appeared as Nageshwar to save him.

Speciality: Believed to protect from poison and negative energies.

Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat.

Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Nearby Attractions: Dwarkadhish Temple, Beyt Dwarka Island.

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

History & Myth:
Lord Rama installed the Shiva lingam here to seek forgiveness for killing Ravana. It is also part of the Char Dham yatra.

Speciality: Famous for 22 holy wells (Teerthams) with sacred waters.

Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.

Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Nearby Attractions: Dhanushkodi, Pamban Bridge.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

History & Myth:
Rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, Grishneshwar means “Lord of Compassion.” A unique feature is that devotees can touch the Shiva Linga during worship.

Speciality: The smallest Jyotirlinga, located near Ellora Caves.

Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Nearby Attractions: Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort.

Significance of Jyotirlinga Worship

• Represents Shiva’s boundless energy in the form of light

• Removes sins and karmic obstacles

• Grants peace, prosperity, and liberation

• Each Jyotirlinga is associated with a unique legend and spiritual power