12 Jyotirlingas in India: A Pilgrim’s Journey with a Traveler’s Twist

India is not just a land of crowded trains, spicy food, and festivals that never seem to end. It is also home to some of the most sacred places of worship in the world. Among them stand the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, shrines where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as a fiery column of light.

For devotees, visiting these shrines is a path to liberation. For travelers, they are a blend of spirituality, history, and cultural experiences scattered across India’s length and breadth. And if you are both? Well, this journey is tailor-made for you. Let’s explore the 12 Jyotirlingas, part spiritual trail, part adventure, and part lesson in patience when standing in queues.

Below is a list of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Somnath, meaning “Lord of the Moon,” is considered the first and most important Jyotirlinga. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 17 times—by invaders, rulers, and time itself. Yet, like Shiva’s timeless spirit, it continues to stand tall.

Located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Gujarat, the temple overlooks the Arabian Sea. The sound of waves crashing on its walls makes it a perfect blend of natural and divine energy. The present structure, rebuilt in 1951, is an excellent example of Chalukya-style architecture.

Traveler’s note: Stand at the temple’s coast point and you’ll find a plaque claiming there is no land between Somnath and the South Pole. Imagine the temple directly faces an endless stretch of ocean.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

Located on the Nallamala hills in Srisailam, Mallikarjuna is called the “Kailash of the South.” The legend goes that Shiva and Parvati came here to console their son Kartikeya, who had isolated himself after losing a family quarrel. Parents following children around? Turns out, even gods do it.

The temple sits on the banks of the Krishna River and offers not just spiritual satisfaction but also stunning natural views. The climb to the shrine through lush forests adds to the experience.

Traveler’s note: Watch out for the monkeys. They’re not guardians of the temple, but they guard your snacks more seriously than you do.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Located in Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar is unique because it houses the only south-facing Jyotirlinga. Shiva here is worshipped as Mahakal, the ruler of time. According to legend, he appeared to protect devotees from a demon named Dushana, and since then, he has remained the guardian of Ujjain.

The temple’s famous Bhasma Aarti uses ash from funeral pyres—a ritual that is both haunting and deeply spiritual. Attending it requires waking up before dawn and booking in advance.

Traveler’s note: If you think your morning alarm is early, Mahakaleshwar will prove you wrong. The aarti starts at 4 AM, and no, they won’t wait for latecomers.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar sits on an island shaped like the sacred syllable “Om” in the Narmada River. According to legend, Shiva manifested here after the Devas prayed to him for protection against demons.

The temple’s setting is extraordinary—a river, an island shaped like a mantra, and hills all around. Devotees and travelers alike often take boat rides on the Narmada to get a panoramic view.

Traveler’s note: The spiritual aura is strong, but so is the temptation to keep clicking photos. Try balancing both.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

Kedarnath, located high in the Himalayas at 11,755 feet, is among the most visited Jyotirlingas. Legend says the Pandavas sought Shiva’s forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war. Shiva disguised himself as a bull, but when caught, he dived into the ground, leaving his hump behind. That hump is the Kedarnath lingam.

The temple, built of massive stone slabs, has survived countless floods and earthquakes, most recently the 2013 disaster. It reopens only from May to October due to extreme weather.

Traveler’s note: This is more than a pilgrimage—it is a trek through the Himalayas. Oxygen levels are low, patience levels need to be high, and faith carries you forward.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, Bhimashankar is surrounded by dense forests that form part of a wildlife sanctuary. According to legend, Shiva killed the demon Bhima here, hence the name.

The temple is a fine example of Nagara-style architecture and offers tranquility far from the urban rush.

Traveler’s note: If you’re a trekker, this temple is paradise. If you’re not, brace yourself—nature will test your stamina before Shiva blesses you.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

Perhaps the most famous Jyotirlinga, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi is considered Shiva’s permanent residence. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, most recently by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780.

For Hindus, dying in Kashi and having Shiva whisper the Taraka mantra in your ear is believed to grant moksha. The temple lies close to the Ganga, where the evening aarti is one of the most mesmerizing spectacles in India.

Traveler’s note: Prepare for crowds. If you can survive the chaos of Varanasi’s lanes, you can survive anywhere in India.

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Located in Nashik district, Trimbakeshwar is where the sacred river Godavari originates. According to legend, Shiva stayed here to bless sage Gautam and his wife after an unfortunate curse.

The temple’s uniqueness lies in its lingam, which has three faces symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. This makes it one of the most distinctive Jyotirlingas.

Traveler’s note: Nashik is also India’s wine capital. A spiritual trip followed by a vineyard tour—only in India can moksha and merlot exist side by side.

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Located in Deoghar, Vaidyanath is considered the place where Ravana tried to take Shiva to Lanka. When Ravana placed the lingam on the ground, it got fixed there permanently. Shiva stayed back as Vaidyanath—the “Lord of Physicians.”

The temple is believed to have healing powers, which is why it draws countless devotees. During the Shravan month, millions of pilgrims walk barefoot carrying holy water from the Ganga to offer here.

Traveler’s note: If you don’t like crowds, avoid the Shravan season. Unless you want to test both your devotion and your tolerance for shoulder-to-shoulder human traffic.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Situated near Dwarka, Nageshwar is believed to protect devotees from poison. The legend tells of a demon named Daruka, who troubled devotees until Shiva appeared here to save them.

The temple houses a massive 25-meter-tall statue of Shiva, which adds grandeur to the shrine.

Traveler’s note: This Jyotirlinga is less crowded compared to Somnath, so you actually get to pray without being pushed around by impatient devotees.

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

Rameshwaram, one of the Char Dhams, is where Lord Rama worshipped Shiva before crossing to Lanka. The temple is famous for its architectural brilliance, with corridors stretching over 1,200 meters and lined with intricately carved pillars.

Another highlight is the 22 holy wells inside the temple, each said to contain water with different healing properties. Pilgrims believe bathing in them washes away sins.

Traveler’s note: Whether or not your sins vanish, be ready for wet clothes after dipping in all the wells. Carry a change of clothes if you don’t want to look like a drenched pilgrim all day.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Located near Ellora caves, Grishneshwar is the smallest Jyotirlinga but no less significant. According to legend, a devout woman named Kusuma used to worship a lingam by immersing it in a pond daily. Despite personal tragedies, her devotion restored Shiva’s presence here.

The temple, rebuilt in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, is built in red stone with intricate carvings.

Traveler’s note: Combine your visit with the nearby Ellora caves. Few trips offer spirituality and UNESCO heritage in the same neighborhood.

Importance of the 12 Jyotirlingas

The Jyotirlingas represent Shiva in his purest form—as light. Each shrine carries its own legend, history, and unique architecture, but together they represent a spiritual circuit that covers the entire country. For devotees, visiting all 12 is believed to bring liberation. For travelers, it is the ultimate cultural-spiritual road trip across India.

Best Time to Visit the Jyotirlingas

• Northern shrines like Kedarnath and Kashi are best visited between April and October.

• Southern temples like Rameshwaram and Mallikarjuna are more comfortable in winter (November to February).

• The Shravan month (July–August) is the most spiritually charged but also the most crowded, so prepare accordingly.

Tips for Planning a Jyotirlinga Tour

• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear; queues can be long.

• Carry some cash, as not all temples are equipped for digital payments.

• Respect local customs and rituals, even if you’re just visiting as a traveler.

• Most importantly, carry patience. Shiva may bless you, but first, he will test your endurance in temple lines.

Conclusion

The 12 Jyotirlingas of India are not just religious destinations—they are experiences that combine faith, history, architecture, and adventure. Whether you approach them as a pilgrim seeking blessings or as a traveler seeking stories, each shrine leaves you richer in spirit and memory.

The journey may be long, the queues may be exhausting, but in the end, standing before the Jyotirlinga feels like touching the infinite. And that is worth every step, every wait, and every story you’ll tell afterward.