12 Jyotirlinga Temples —representing Lord Shiva’s manifestation as infinite pillars of radiant light (jyoti = light, linga = symbol) at 12 sacred locations across India—constitute the most revered Hindu pilgrimage circuit, with the Shiva Purana (Śatarudra Saṁhitā, Chapter 42) declaring that visiting these sacred shrines destroys sins from past seven lifetimes, fulfills all wishes, and leads to liberation [web:697][web:702]. According to ancient legend documented in classical texts, the cosmic origin occurred when Lord Brahma and Vishnu debated supremacy, prompting Shiva to manifest as an endless pillar of light piercing all three worlds—neither deity could find its ends, but Brahma falsely claimed victory, earning Shiva’s curse that he would remain unworshipped, thereby establishing the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga sites [web:700].
What distinguishes Jyotirlinga pilgrimage (Dwadash Jyotirlinga Yatra) from ordinary temple visits is that each shrine embodies a unique aspect of Shiva’s infinite nature—from Somnath’s resilience (destroyed and rebuilt 16 times) to Kedarnath’s Himalayan spirituality, from Mahakaleshwar’s only south-facing linga to Kashi Vishwanath’s supreme sanctity as the eternal city where death brings moksha [web:697][web:698].
The exponential spiritual significance validated through scriptural authority: the Shiva Purana verse proclaims “सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति” (sins committed in past seven lives are destroyed by merely remembering these shrines) and “एतेशां दर्शनादेव पातकं नैव तिष्ठति” (by visiting these, all sins cease to exist) [web:702]. The strategic geographic distribution spans 10 Indian states—from Gujarat’s western coast (Somnath, Nageshwar) through Maharashtra’s heart (Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Ghrishneshwar) to Tamil Nadu’s southern tip (Rameshwar), from Madhya Pradesh’s spiritual centers (Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar) to Uttarakhand’s Himalayan peaks (Kedarnath at 3,583 meters)—creating pilgrimage circuits where 7 temples can be visited together in the Maharashtra-Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh cluster [page:699][web:695].
As millions of devotees undertake this transformative journey annually seeking Shiva’s blessings, spiritual cleansing, and liberation—ancient Hindu wisdom of proper pilgrimage preparation becomes essential https://hindutva.online. This comprehensive guide presents the complete list of 12 Jyotirlingas with exact locations, visiting information including temple timings and aarti schedules, how to reach each shrine, best times to visit, spiritual significance, and practical tips for completing the sacred Dwadash Jyotirlinga Yatra.
Complete List of 12 Jyotirlingas
The Sacred Twelve According to Shiva Purana
| # | Jyotirlinga | State | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somnath | Gujarat | Veraval | First pilgrimage site; destroyed-rebuilt 16 times |
| 2 | Mallikarjuna | Andhra Pradesh | Srisailam | “Kailash of South”; Shakta Pitha + Jyotirlinga |
| 3 | Mahakaleshwar | Madhya Pradesh | Ujjain | Only Swayambhu; only south-facing linga |
| 4 | Omkareshwar | Madhya Pradesh | Khandwa | Island shaped like Om symbol |
| 5 | Baidyanath | Jharkhand | Deoghar | Famous Shravani Mela pilgrimage |
| 6 | Bhimashankar | Maharashtra | Pune | Bhima river origin; wildlife sanctuary |
| 7 | Rameshwar | Tamil Nadu | Rameswaram | Southernmost; established by Lord Rama |
| 8 | Nageshwar | Gujarat | Dwarka | Where Shiva vanquished demon Daruka |
| 9 | Kashi Vishwanath | Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi | Most sacred; “Golden Temple”; Shakta Pitha |
| 10 | Trimbakeshwar | Maharashtra | Nashik | Godavari river origin; three-faced linga |
| 11 | Kedarnath | Uttarakhand | Rudraprayag | Northernmost; Char Dham; highest (3,583m) |
| 12 | Ghrishneshwar | Maharashtra | Aurangabad | Near Ellora Caves UNESCO site |
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Spiritual Significance
Somnath is traditionally considered the first pilgrimage site where Dwadash Jyotirlinga pilgrimage begins [web:697]. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt 16 times, standing as a testament to undying faith [page:699].
Location: Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gir Somnath District, Gujarat
Temple Timings
Darshan: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily [web:705]
Aarti timings [web:705][page:699]:
- Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM
- Noon Aarti: 12:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
- Light & Sound Show: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (except monsoon)
12 Jyotirlinga Temples How to Reach
By Air: Diu Airport (90 km, 2 hours) [web:708]
By Train: Veraval Railway Station (7 km) well-connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Rajkot [web:708]
By Road: 410 km from Ahmedabad (7 hours), 190 km from Rajkot (4 hours) via NH51 [web:708]
Best Time to Visit
October to March [web:701]
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
Spiritual Significance
Also called Srisailam, located on a mountain in Kurnool District [web:697]. Known as “Kailash of South,” it’s where Shakta Pitha and Jyotirlinga coexist [page:699].
Location: Srisailam, Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh
Temple Timings
5:00 AM to 4:30 PM and 5:20 PM to 10:00 PM [page:699]
Aarti timings [page:699]:
- Morning Aarti (Maha Mangala): 5:15 AM – 6:30 AM
- Evening Aarti (Maha Mangala): 5:20 PM – 6:00 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Markapur Railway Station (85 km) [page:699]
By Road: Regular state buses from Hyderabad, Tirupati, Vijayawada [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
November to March [web:701]
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Spiritual Significance
The Lingam at Mahakal is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested)—the only one of 12 Jyotirlingas to be so [web:697]. It’s also the only one facing south and has Shree Rudra Yantra perched upside down at ceiling [web:697].
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (banks of Rudra Sagar lake)
Temple Timings
4:00 AM to 11:00 PM [page:699]
Special Aartis [page:699]:
- Bhasma Aarti: 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM (advance booking required)
- Naivedya Aarti: 7:30 AM
- Sandhya Aarti: 5:00 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Ujjain Railway Station (major junction, well-connected) [page:699]
By Road: State and private buses from major Madhya Pradesh cities [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to March [web:701]
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Spiritual Significance
Located on Omkareshwar Island formed by Narmada River, uniquely shaped like sacred “Om” symbol [page:699].
Location: Omkareshwar Island, Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh
Temple Timings
5:00 AM to 3:50 PM, 4:15 PM to 9:30 PM [page:699]
Aarti timings [page:699]:
- Mangal Aarti: 5:00 AM
- Jalabhishek: 5:30 AM to 12:25 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 8:20 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Omkareshwar Road (Mortakka) Station (12 km) [page:699]
By Road: Regular buses from Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to March; monsoon also beautiful [web:701]
5. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
Spiritual Significance
Temple complex comprises central shrine with 21 additional temples [web:697]. Famous for annual Shravani Mela where millions offer Ganga water [page:699].
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Temple Timings
4:00 AM to 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM [page:699][web:701]
Aarti timings [page:699]:
- Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM
- Noon Aarti: 12:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Deoghar Railway Station (well-connected) [page:699]
By Road: Regular state and private buses from major Jharkhand cities [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to April [web:701]
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Spiritual Significance
Located where Bhima River originates; surrounding forest (Dakini Vana) is designated wildlife sanctuary [web:697][page:699].
Location: Bhimashankar, Pune District, Maharashtra (Western Ghats)
Temple Timings
5:00 AM to 9:30 PM [page:699]
Aarti timings [page:699]:
- Mangal Aarti: 5:00 AM
- Afternoon Pooja: 1:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Pune Railway Station (nearest major station) [page:699]
By Road: Frequent state buses from Pune, Mumbai, Nashik [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to February; monsoon offers lush greenery [web:701]
7. Rameshwar (Ramanathaswamy) Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
Spiritual Significance
Southernmost of 12 Jyotirlinga shrines; enshrines Rameśvara (God of Rama) pillar [web:697]. Part of Char Dham pilgrimage; architectural masterpiece with longest pillared corridor among all Hindu temples [page:699].
Location: Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu
Temple Timings
5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM [page:699]
Multiple daily poojas [page:699]:
- Palliyarai Deepa: 5:00 AM
- Vila Pooja: 7:00 AM
- Kalasanthi Pooja: 10:00 AM
- Uchikala Pooja: 12:00 PM
- Sayaratcha Pooja: 6:00 PM
- Arthajama Pooja: 8:30 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Rameswaram Railway Station (well-connected to major cities) [page:699]
By Road: Regular state and private buses; scenic Pamban Bridge route [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to April [web:701]
8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Spiritual Significance
Located in Daruka-Vana (present-day Dwarka region); where Lord Shiva vanquished demon Daruka [web:697]. Features giant statue of Lord Shiva visible from distance [page:699].
Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat
Temple Timings
6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM [page:699]
Aarti timings [page:699]:
- Morning Aarti: 6:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
- Night Aarti: 9:00 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Dwarka Railway Station (17 km) [page:699]
By Road: Regular state and private buses; well-maintained roads [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to March [web:701]
9. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
Spiritual Significance
Perhaps the most sacred of Hindu shrines; Shakta Pitha and Jyotirlinga together [web:697]. Located in Varanasi, the holiest city with 3,500 years of documented history [web:697]. Known as “Golden Temple” due to gold-plated dome [page:699].
Location: Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh (on western bank of Ganga)
Temple Timings
2:30 AM to 11:00 PM [page:699]
Aarti timings [page:699]:
- Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM
- Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM
New Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
The ₹339 crore Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor creates wide, clean sandstone pathway connecting Ganga directly to temple, allowing pilgrims to take dip at Lalita Ghat and walk straight to temple [web:711][web:714].
How to Reach
By Train: Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) – major railway station [page:699]
By Road: Extensive road network with state and private buses [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to March [web:701]
10. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Spiritual Significance
Located near Godavari River origin; houses rare linga with three faces symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva [page:699].
Location: Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra (Brahmagiri foothills)
Temple Timings
5:30 AM to 9:00 PM [page:699]
Aarti timings [page:699]:
- Mangal Aarti: 5:30 AM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Nashik Road Railway Station (29 km) [page:699]
By Road: Regular state buses from Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad; scenic Western Ghats route [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to March; monsoon offers verdant views [web:701]
11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
Spiritual Significance
Revered as northernmost and closest Jyotirlinga to Mount Kailash; part of Char Dham [web:697]. Accessible only six months yearly; Shiva assumed form of wild boar here [web:697].
Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand (3,583 meters altitude)
Temple Timings (When Open)
6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM [page:699]
Opening dates: Expected April 22, 2026 [web:710]
Closing dates: Early November (around November 6-11)
Aarti timings [page:699]:
- Morning Aarti (Maha Abhishek): 4:00 AM
- Evening Aarti (Shayan): 7:00 PM
How to Reach
By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (210 km to Gaurikund) [page:699][web:713]
By Road: Buses/taxis to Gaurikund (last road point) [web:713]
Trek: 16-18 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (7-8 hours uphill) [web:713]
Alternatives: Helicopter services, pony, palki [page:699][web:710]
Best Time to Visit
May-June, September-October [web:701][web:713]
12. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Spiritual Significance
Last of 12 Jyotirlingas; located less than 1 km from UNESCO Ellora Caves [web:697]. Showcases brilliant medieval Indian architecture [page:699].
Location: Near Ellora, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) District, Maharashtra
Temple Timings
Approximately 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM [page:699]
How to Reach
By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station (30 km) [page:699]
By Road: Regular state and private buses; many visit Ellora Caves together [page:699]
Best Time to Visit
October to March [web:701]
Jyotirlinga Circuits: Visiting Multiple Temples Together
The Maharashtra-Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh Circuit
Out of 12 Jyotirlingas, 7 can be visited together since they’re in neighboring states, making it convenient [page:699]:
The 7-Temple Circuit [page:699]:
- Somnath – Gujarat
- Nageshwar – Gujarat
- Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra
- Bhimashankar – Maharashtra
- Ghrishneshwar – Maharashtra
- Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
Suggested itinerary: 10-14 days covering this circuit
Spiritual Benefits of Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage
Classical Scriptural Promises
According to Shiva Purana verses [web:702]:
- “सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति”: Sins committed in past seven lives are destroyed by remembering these shrines
- “एतेशां दर्शनादेव पातकं नैव तिष्ठति”: By visiting these, all sins cease to exist
- “कर्मक्षयो भवेत्तस्य यस्य तुष्टो महेश्वराः”: One’s karma gets eliminated when Maheshwara is satisfied with worship
Pilgrimage Benefits
Devotees believe visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas brings [web:703]:
- Liberation from cycle of birth-death
- Fulfillment of all wishes
- Spiritual cleansing and divine blessings
- Connection with Shiva’s infinite nature
Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Jyotirlingas
What are the 12 Jyotirlingas?
Which Jyotirlinga to visit first?
Which is the most sacred Jyotirlinga?
Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi is perhaps the most sacred of all Shiva temples, being Shakta Pitha and Jyotirlinga together [web:697].
Can I visit 7 Jyotirlingas together?
Yes, 7 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh can be visited together in 10-14 days [page:699].
Which Jyotirlinga is at highest altitude?
Kedarnath at 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) is the highest and northernmost Jyotirlinga [web:710].
Which Jyotirlinga is self-manifested?
What is the best time to visit Jyotirlingas?
October to March is ideal for most Jyotirlingas; Kedarnath is accessible only May-November [web:701].
What are the benefits of visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas?
Visiting all 12 destroys sins from past seven lives, fulfills wishes, eliminates karma, and leads to liberation according to Shiva Purana [web:702].
Conclusion
The 12 Jyotirlingas—sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as infinite pillars of radiant light at locations spanning from Gujarat’s coastal Somnath to Uttarakhand’s Himalayan Kedarnath, from Tamil Nadu’s southernmost Rameshwar to Varanasi’s most sacred Kashi Vishwanath—represent the ultimate Hindu pilgrimage circuit offering spiritual transformation, with the Shiva Purana declaring that visiting these shrines destroys sins from past seven lifetimes, fulfills all wishes, and leads to moksha, while each temple embodies unique aspects of Shiva’s infinite nature from Mahakaleshwar’s only self-manifested south-facing linga to Kedarnath’s highest-altitude shrine at 3,583 meters [web:697][web:702]https://hindutva.online.
What distinguishes successful Dwadash Jyotirlinga Yatra from mere temple tourism is systematic planning of temple circuits (7 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra-Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh cluster can be covered in 10-14 days), understanding optimal visiting times (October-March for most temples, May-June and September-October for Kedarnath which opens April 22 and closes November), respecting temple timings and aarti schedules (ranging from Kashi Vishwanath’s 2:30 AM opening to various temples’ 9-11 PM closings), and appreciating each shrine’s unique significance from Somnath’s resilience through 16 reconstructions to Trimbakeshwar’s rare three-faced linga, from Baidyanath’s Shravani Mela attracting millions to Ghrishneshwar’s proximity to Ellora Caves UNESCO site [page:699][web:701][web:710].
By following classical tradition beginning at Somnath, completing the convenient 7-temple circuit, planning separate journeys for geographically distant shrines (Kedarnath trek, Rameshwar southern pilgrimage, Baidyanath in Jharkhand), and maintaining devotion throughout—pilgrims access the transformative spiritual journey that ancient Hindu wisdom encoded in the Shiva Purana as the path to liberation, divine blessings, and ultimate union with Shiva’s infinite cosmic consciousness [web:702]https://hindutva.online.
About the Author
Arvind Mehta – Certified Yoga Therapist & Spiritual Wellness Expert
Arvind Mehta is a certified yoga therapist with over 18 years of experience specializing in Hatha Yoga, pranayama, meditation, and traditional shatkarma purification practices. He holds advanced certifications in yoga therapy and has trained extensively in classical yogic texts including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. Arvind Mehta integrates ancient yogic wisdom with Ayurvedic principles to help students achieve optimal physical health and spiritual growth through authentic practices. His teaching focuses on making traditional techniques accessible to modern practitioners while maintaining the depth and transformative power of the original methods. He has guided thousands of students through systematic yoga sadhana at leading institutions and retreat centers across India and internationally.
