Visit 12 jyotirlingas of India

Mon-Sep-2023

Introduction:

 

Jyoti, which refers to divine light, and Linga, which means pillar, make up the name Jyotirlinga. Therefore, Jyotirlinga is a pillar of divine light. These Jyotirlingas are seen as different manifestations of Shiva. As part of their spiritual journey, Hindu pilgrims from all around the nation visit each of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are strategically positioned shrines. Start your spiritual journey with these jyotirlingas instead, as they are equally beautiful to the presence of the all-powerful God if you like to do so.

These holy places are breathtakingly gorgeous and serene in addition to granting spiritual blessings. Whichever of these you decide to visit, you'll discover that the 12 Jyotirlingas pictures don't do the real thing credit. Check out this list of the 12 Jyotirlingas and make a list of all the places you still need to visit:

 

• Somnath – Gir Somnath In Gujarat:

 

Somnath, a town in Gujarat, India, is known for its historic Somnath Temple, a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Reconstructed in 1951, it holds significant religious and historical significance for Hindus and attracts tourists worldwide. The Gir Somnath district is also known for its beautiful coastline and serene beaches, offering opportunities for beach tourism and wildlife enthusiasts. The Gir Forest National Park is a significant wildlife sanctuary, making Somnath a captivating destination for travellers visiting Gujarat.

 

• Nageshwar – Daarukavanam In Gujarat:

 

The Nageshwar Temple in Dwarka is devoted to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Purana claims that those who offer prayers at the temple are liberated from poisons and snake bites. The temple is notable for its enormous 80-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva and its traditional Hindu design. The temple, which is honoured during Maha Shivaratri, is thought to be the first of India's 12 Jyotirlingas.

 

• Bhimashankar – Pune In Maharashtra:

 

Bhimashankar, a famous Maharashtra temple and pilgrimage site, is situated in Bhorgiri, near Pune. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area with rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Bhimashankar is also popular among nature enthusiasts and trekkers due to its picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and challenging yet rewarding trek trails.

 

• Trimbakeshwar – Nashik In Maharashtra:

 

Trimbakeshwar, a town in Maharashtra, is known for its Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and features a Trimbak Tirtha, a holy water source believed to cleanse sins. The town offers picturesque landscapes and Brahmagiri Hill, a popular trekking spot. Nashik, the third-largest city in Maharashtra, is known for its rich history, wine industry, and Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

 

• Grishneshwar – Aurangabad In Maharashtra:

 

Grishneshwar, a Hindu temple in Maharashtra, India, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is a significant pilgrimage site. Built in the 18th century, it features intricate carvings and sculptures and houses a self-manifested lingam with religious significance. The temple attracts devotees during Mahashivaratri, offering a peaceful and sacred experience. Nearby attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves and Aurangabad's Mughal-era monuments like Bibi Ka Maqbara.

 

• Vaidyanath – Deoghar In Jharkhand:

 

Vaidyanath, a famous Hindu temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is a major pilgrimage centre and a sacred abode of Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by a complex with a unique architectural style and houses the Jyotirlinga, a self-manifested lingam worshipped by devotees. The temple attracts thousands of devotees, especially during the Shravan month when a traditional Kanwar Yatra is organized. Deoghar is also known for its natural beauty, including picturesque hills and forests.

 

• Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh:

 

Mahakaleshwar, a Hindu temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is known for its unique self-manifested lingam. The temple complex, including smaller shrines, attracts devotees during the Maha Shivaratri festival and other religious rituals. Ujjain, one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism, is also home to other significant temples and landmarks. The Madhya Pradesh government is working to improve infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the growing number of devotees and tourists.

 

• Omkareshwar – Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh:

 

Omkareshwar, a popular pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh, is known for its ancient Hindu temples and natural beauty. The island, shaped like the Hindu symbol "Om," is home to the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, which is considered sacred. Khandwa, a city with historical and cultural significance, is the birthplace of Bollywood star Kishore Kumar and is associated with film director Raj Kapoor. Both cities offer a serene and spiritual experience for devotees and tourists seeking religious and cultural experiences in Madhya Pradesh.

 

• Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh:

 

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is believed to help attain moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple complex, built in the 18th century, includes smaller temples, shrines, and ghats. Varanasi is known for its rich cultural heritage, spiritual atmosphere, and ancient traditions.

 

• Kedarnath – Kedarnath In Uttarakhand:

 

Kedarnath, a pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, is famous for its Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and is part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by natural beauty. The town is open only from April to November, with a significant influx of devotees during the pilgrimage season. The region is also blessed with natural hot springs with healing properties. Kedarnath experienced significant damage during floods and landslides in 2013, but has since been restored and is now open to visitors.

 

• Rameshwaram – Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu:

 

Rameshwaram, a town on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, India, is renowned for its religious and historical significance, especially for Hindu devotees. It is famous for the Ramanathaswamy Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its intricate architecture, including the world's longest corridor. The town is also known for its sacred bathing ghats, such as Agnitheertham, which are believed to cleanse sins and promote spiritual purification. The town's natural beauty and serene surroundings attract devotees during important Hindu festivals and auspicious occasions.

 

• Mallikarjuna – Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh:

 

The Mallikarjuna Temple, also known as the Srisailam Temple, is a revered Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is a sacred pilgrimage site. The temple complex, spanning a significant area, features Lord Mallikarjuna, the consort of Goddess Parvati, and other shrines. The temple is also near the Srisailam Dam, a popular tourist attraction and a hydroelectric power source.