Lord Shiva, revered as the destroyer and regenerator, is worshiped across India in numerous forms. Among his sacred abodes, the 12 Jyotirlingas hold a special place in Hindu devotion. These Jyotirlingas are believed to be self-manifested representations of Shiva, radiating immense spiritual energy. Each Jyotirlinga is associated with unique legends and holds immense religious significance.
द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्रम् – Dwadasha Jyotirlingum Strota
The following sanskrit sloka describes about the 12 Jyotirlingas –
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्। उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोङ्कारममलेश्वरम्॥
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्। सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे। हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः। सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥
एतेशां दर्शनादेव पातकं नैव तिष्ठति। कर्मक्षयो भवेत्तस्य यस्य तुष्टो महेश्वराः॥:
द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्रम् – (शि० पु० कोटिरु० सं० १। २१-२४)
Hindi and English Translation of द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्रम्
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोङ्कारममलेश्वरम्।
उज्जयिनी में महाकाल और ओंकार में अमलेश्वर।
(Mahakaal in Ujjain and Amleshwar in Omkareshwar.)
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्।
परलिया में वैद्यनाथ और डाकिन्या में भीमशंकर।
(Vaidyanath in Paralya and Bhimashankaram in Dakniya.)
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने।
सेतुबंध में रामेश्वर और दारुक वन में नागेश्वर।
(Rameshem (Rameshwaram) in Sethubandh and Nageshem (Nageshwar) in Darauka-Vana.)
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे।
वाराणसी में विश्वेश्वर और गौतमी नदी के किनारे त्र्यम्बकेश्वर।
(Vishwa-Isham (Vishvanath) in Vanarasi and Triambakam at the bank of Gautami River.)
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये।
हिमालय में केदारनाथ और शिवालय में घुश्मेश्वर।
(Kedar (Kedarnath) in Himalayas and Gushmesh (Gushmeshwar) in Shivalaya (Shiwar).)
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः।
जो व्यक्ति इन ज्योतिर्लिंगों का सुबह और शाम पाठ करता है।
(One who recites these Jyotirlingas every evening and morning.)
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति।
उसके सात जन्मों के पाप स्मरण मात्र से नष्ट हो जाते हैं।
(He is relieved of all sins committed in past seven lives.)
एतेशां दर्शनादेव पातकं नैव तिष्ठति।
जो इन ज्योतिर्लिंगों के दर्शन करता है, उसकी सभी इच्छाएँ पूर्ण होती हैं।
(One who visits these, gets all his wishes fulfilled.)
कर्मक्षयो भवेत्तस्य यस्य तुष्टो महेश्वराः।
और उसके कर्म समाप्त हो जाते हैं, क्योंकि महेश्वर प्रसन्न हो जाते हैं।
(And one’s karma gets eliminated as Maheshwara gets satisfied by the worship.)
Here, we take you on a divine journey to explore the 12 Jyotirlingas, their locations, and the rich spiritual essence they encapsulate.
12 Jyotirlinga List with State
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
- Location: Veraval, Gujarat
- Significance: Known as the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, Somnath is considered the eternal shrine of Lord Shiva. It has been reconstructed multiple times due to invasions but continues to be a beacon of faith.
- Legend: The temple is associated with the Moon God (Soma) who worshiped Shiva to regain his lost radiance.
More about Somnath Jyotirlinga
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)
- Also Called : Srisailam temple
- Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Significance: Nestled in the Nallamala Hills, this Jyotirlinga symbolizes the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Legend: The temple is a representation of Shiva and Parvati’s love, where they reside as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: Mahakaleshwar is unique for its south-facing (Dakshinamukhi) idol and its association with time (Kala).
- Legend: Lord Shiva appeared as Mahakal to protect Ujjain from a demon named Dushana.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
- Significance: Situated on the sacred island of Mandhata, the temple’s shape resembles the Om (ॐ) symbol.
- Legend: Lord Shiva manifested here to save his devotees from hardships.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)
- Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Significance: Nestled amidst the Himalayas, Kedarnath is accessible only during specific months due to extreme weather.
- Legend: It is believed that the Pandavas built the temple to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra war.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Significance: Known for its serene environment, the temple is a spiritual retreat amidst dense forests.
- Legend: Lord Shiva assumed the form of Bhima to defeat a demon named Tripurasura.
Read more about : Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: Situated in the holy city of Varanasi, this Jyotirlinga represents liberation and salvation (Moksha).
- Legend: It is believed that anyone who dies in Varanasi attains salvation, with Shiva whispering the Taraka Mantra.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
- Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
- Significance: It is unique as it enshrines the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh in one linga.
- Legend: The temple is closely associated with the sacred Godavari River, which is believed to have originated here.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkhand)
- Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand, and Parli, Maharashtra (disputed)
- Significance: Also known as Baba Dham, it is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees seeking healing and blessings.
- Legend: Lord Shiva appeared as a healer (Vaidya) to cure the demon king Ravana.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
- Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
- Significance: Nageshwar symbolizes protection from all forms of poison and negativity.
- Legend: Lord Shiva appeared to protect his devotee Supriya from a demon named Daruka.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)
- Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
- Significance: This temple holds significance in the Ramayana, where Lord Rama worshiped Shiva before crossing to Lanka.
- Legend: Rama and his followers built a lingam here to seek blessings before defeating Ravana.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
- Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
- Significance: Known as the smallest Jyotirlinga temple, it is located near the famous Ellora caves.
- Legend: Shiva appeared here to revive a devotee’s son, showcasing his compassion and divine power.
Spiritual Significance of Jyotirlingas
Each Jyotirlinga represents a different aspect of Lord Shiva, reminding devotees of his omnipresence and compassion. Visiting these sacred shrines is believed to purify the soul and bestow blessings for a prosperous and peaceful life.
Conclusion
The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are not just places of worship but spiritual havens that connect devotees to the divine. Whether you’re seeking salvation, peace, or divine blessings, each Jyotirlinga offers a unique path to spiritual fulfillment. Embark on this sacred journey and experience the unparalleled devotion to Lord Shiva.
If you wish to delve deeper into the mysteries and stories of these sacred sites, let us know in the comments.