List of 12 Jyotirlingas in India & Their Significance

Jyotirlinga is a Sanskrit word that is an amalgamation of two words: jyoti means ‘radiance,’ and linga means ‘sign.’ Together, the word symbolises the sign of radiance. 

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The Jyotirlinga is believed to be the devotional manifestation of the Hindu god, Lord Shiva. The 12 Jyotirlingas in India are considered the sacred homes of Lord Shiva. 

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These places hold a spiritual significance in Hindu mythology. Each shrine represents a unique aspect of Lord Shiva, embodying his boundless energy. 

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12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India

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Significance of Jyotirlinga Temples

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1. Somnath Temple, Gujarat

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Traditionally, the Somnath temple is considered the first Jyotirlinga for pilgrimage. According to popular beliefs, the Somnath temple has been destroyed and rebuilt sixteen times. 

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It symbolises the eternal and invincible nature of Lord Shiva. Despite several loots and attacks in the past, the temple has sustained its true glory. 

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2. Mallikarjuna Temple, Andhra Pradesh

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Located in the Srisailam town of Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Temple is considered one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. 

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The temple symbolises the union between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple sits atop the Nallamala Hills in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh.

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3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh

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The Mahakaleshwar temple is a revered holy site for Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is home to Swayambhu Shivalingam (self-manifested).

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The holy site is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, which is known to provide liberation (moksha). It is also the only temple that has the Shree Rudra Yantra placed upside down on Garbhagriha’s ceiling. 

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4. Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh

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Omkareshwar Temple is located on Mandhata Island in Madhya Pradesh. It holds immense spiritual significance for Hindu devotees.

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The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architectural beauty and serene surroundings.

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5. Baidyanath Temple, Jharkhand

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The Baidyanath temple in Jharkhand is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India. It is believed that Lord Shiva cured the demon king Ravana’s illness here. 

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Situated amid scenic beauty, the temple attracts millions of devotees during the Shravan month due to its religious significance.

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6. Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra

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The Bhimashankar temple is nestled in the Sahyadri Hills near Pune, Maharashtra. It is surrounded by dense forests and is part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. 

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It is believed that Shiva manifested as Bhimashankar at this site to vanquish the demon Tripurasura and restore the cosmic balance.

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7. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu

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Ramanathaswamy Temple, also known as Rameshwaram Temple, is located in the local district of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.

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The holy site holds immense religious significance, as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama sought atonement by worshipping Lord Shiva.

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8. Nageshwara Temple, Gujarat

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The Nageshwara Temple is renowned for its 80-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva. The statue is visible from miles away and is a popular tourist attraction for Hindu devotees.

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This temple's Shiva linga is believed to protect from poisons such as snake venom. It is situated approximately 17 km from Dwarka City in Gujarat.

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9. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh

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The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India.

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It is celebrated as one of the holiest Hindu temples situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges.

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Every year, millions of devotees throng the temple, especially during Maha Shivratri and Kashi Yatra.

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10. Trimbakeshwar Temple, Maharashtra

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The Trimbakeshwar Temple is distinctively known for its Shiva lingam, which features three faces. The lingam's three faces, representing Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, symbolize the holy trinity of Hindu gods.

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It is associated with several significant Hindu rituals, such as the Narayan Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti, and Tripindi Vidhi. These rituals are believed to free oneself from their ancestral sins and curses.

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11. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

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Kedarnath Temple is located near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand. The temple is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and holds immense spiritual significance. 

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According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas built the temple to honor Lord Shiva while seeking atonement for their sins after the Kurukshetra War.

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12. Grishneshwar Temple, Maharashtra

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The Grishneshwar Temple is the 12th and final Jyotirlinga dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested here to fulfill the prayers of a devoted woman named Kusuma.

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It is renowned for its red stone architecture and five-tiered spire. The temple is surrounded by 24 carved pillars, signifying mythological stories.

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Final Thoughts

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Each of these 12 Jyotirlinga temples holds immense religious significance among millions of Hindu devotees. 

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These temples represent Lord Shiva’s power, grace, and eternal presence, making them an essential part of Hindu devotees all over the world.