Discover the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India With Trip.com!

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by Giselle

Whether you're a devoted Hindu or a religious buff, a trip to the impressive 12 jyotirlinga temples will widen your horizon. Are you curious to find out about the 12 jyotirlinga name? Let Trip.com take you on a spiritual journey to the famous 12 jyotirlinga temples in India!

Brief Introduction

The word "jyotirlinga" means a luminous beam that emits light. "jyotis" means "radiance", and "linga" means a "sign, symbol or mark". Shiva lingas, or lingums, are the devotional representations of Lord Shiva, one of the most powerful Hindu Gods. Lingums also represent the infinite nature of Lord Shiva. While it is said that there are originally 64 jyotirlingas, only 12 jyotirlinga temples are considered to be the most sacred and important jyotirlinga temples. These 12 jyotirlinga temples are spread out across different regions of India, and they are Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Baidyanath, Bhimashankar, Ramanathaswamy, Nageshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Kedarnath, and Grishneshwar. These 12 jyotirlinga temples are named after the presiding deity, and each of these deities are considered to be different manifestations of Lord Shiva.

Read on to find out more about these 12 jyotirlinga temples!

List of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India

Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gir, Gujarat)

▶The Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of the holiest religious sites for Hindus in India, and it’s the first of the 12 jyotirlinga temples. It is located in the west region of India along the coast of the Arabian Sea. The temple has been through countless reconstructions over the centuries, and the exact date of its origin is unknown. However, its history can be traced all the way back to 649 B.C.! This current construction was built in 1951, and it was designed in the Māru-Gurjara temple architecture style.
▶The Somnath Jyotirlinga’s address is Somnath Mandir Rd, Somnath, Gujarat 362268, India. The opening hours are from 06:00 to 22:00 daily. The closest airport to Somnath Jyotirlinga is the Diu Airport. This airport is located 82 km away, and the distance will take 2 hrs 20 minutes by car. Check out the first of the 12 jyotirlinga today!
Source: Suketu Solanki/ unsplash  The grand Somnath Jyotirlinga is believed to be one of the first jyotirlinga temples.

Source: Suketu Solanki/ unsplash

The grand Somnath Jyotirlinga is believed to be one of the first jyotirlinga temples.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh)

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in the south region of India on the Shri Shaila Mountain and on the banks of the Krishna River. The temple dates back to the 2nd century during the Satavahana Dynasty. At this temple, devotees pray to Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi). Hence, this temple is not only one of the 12 jyotirlinga temples, but also one of the 18 Shakti Pithas (important pilgrimage sites for Shaktism). Apart from the mythological and religious significance of this temple, its gold-plated Vimana (mythological flying palaces depicted in Sanskrit epics) is also an impressive sight to be seen. People believe that if one sees the tip of the mountain, one will be freed from all sins and emancipated from the cycle of life and death.
▶The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga’s address is Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 528101, India. It is open from 05:30 to 21:30 daily. The closest airport is the Hyderabad Airport, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. This airport is located 200 km north of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, and the distance will take 4 hrs by car.
source - official website from Srisaila Devasthanman

source - official website from Srisaila Devasthanman

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a famous jyotirlinga temple located in the northern region of India along the banks of the sacred River Shipra. Just like Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is also one of the 18 Shakti Pithas. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is unique in that its linga faces south. South is believed to be the direction of death, and by facing south, it symbolizes that Lord Shiva is the master of death. Hence, people pray to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga for a long life. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is also one of the 7 Sapta Puri (holy pilgrimage centers) in India which bless pilgrims with liberation from the cycle of life and death.
▶The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga’s address is Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006, India. It is open from 03:00 to 23:00 daily. However, the Nagchadreshwar is only opened to the public one day annually on Nag Panchami day. The closest airport to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is the Indore Airport, also known as the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. This airport is situated 50 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approximately 1 hr 15 mins by car. Plan a trip to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga with Trip.com today!
Source: Vikram Nath Chouhan/ unsplash  Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the ancient city of Ujjain

Source: Vikram Nath Chouhan/ unsplash

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the ancient city of Ujjain

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh)

▶Omkareshwar is a river island situated on River Narmada in central India, and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located along the banks of River Narmada. This religious site is believed to have been inhabited by humans for at least 5,500 years, and you can admire the beautiful Nagara architecture style at this riverside temple. This jyotirlinga temple also has a religious path that runs around the island, and pilgrims walk around this path to show reverence and devotion to Lord Shiva.

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga’s address is Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh 450554, India. It is open from 05:00 to 21:30 daily. The closest airport to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is the Indore Airport, also known as the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. This airport is situated 88 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approx. 3 hrs by car. Don’t miss a chance to visit this unique jyotirlinga!

Source: Saurabh Solanki/ unsplash  Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a beautiful temple sitting on the banks of Narmada River

Source: Saurabh Solanki/ unsplash

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a beautiful temple sitting on the banks of Narmada River

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga (Deoghar, Jharkhand)

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is located in the east region of India, and it dates back to the 8th century A.D. Baba Baidyanath is the main temple in this complex, but there are 21 other temples here as well. Some examples include shrines for Parvati, Brahma, and Lakshmi-Narayan. This jyotirlinga temple is believed to be where the demon king, Ravana, prayed to Lord Shiva for boons which enabled him to wreak havoc in the world afterward. The temple is also one of the Shakti Pithas, and it is believed that the heart of Sati fell here at Deoghar.

The Baidyanath Jyotirlinga’s address is Shivganga Muhalla, Deoghar, Jharkhand 814112, India. It is open from 04:00 to 21:00 daily. The closest airport to Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is the Deoghar Airport, also known as the Baba Baidyanath Airport. The airport is situated 9 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approx. 25 mins by car. Start your journey to the 12 jyotirlinga temples with this accessible choice!

Baidyanath Temple source from Wikipedia

Baidyanath Temple source from Wikipedia

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the west region of India up in the Sahyadri Mountains. This jyotirlinga temple was constructed around the 13th century, and it comprises old and new structures built in the Nagara architecture style. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by flora and fauna when they reach this stunning temple that’s hidden in the dense mountain forest. The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is considered to be a source of the Bhima River, which legends say is formed by Lord Shiva’s sweat.

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga’s address is Shivtirtha Bhimashankar, Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar, Via - Dimbhe Colony, Taluka - Khed, Dist - Pune. Pincode : 410509. It is open from 05:00 to 21:30 daily. The closest airport to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is the Pune International Airport. The airport is situated 111 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approx. 3 hrs 30 mins by car.

Bhimashankar, source from official site bhimashankar.org  The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is considered to be a source of the Bhima River

Bhimashankar, source from official site bhimashankar.org

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is considered to be a source of the Bhima River

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga (Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu)

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga is located in the south region of India on the Palk Strait which separates India and Sri Lanka. This famous jyotirlinga temple was built in the 12th century by King Muthuramalinga Sethupathiy during the Pandya Dynasty. The Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India, which spans 197 meters from east to west and 133 meters from north to south. This iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple Corridor features intricately adorned pillars which is a sight that can’t be missed!

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga’s address is Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526, India. It is open daily from 04:30 to 13:00, and from 15:00 to 20:30. The closest airport to Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga is the Madurai Airport. The airport is situated 180 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approx. 3 hrs 10 mins by car.

The Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India - source from Wikipedia

The Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India - source from Wikipedia

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Dwarka, Gujarat)

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the western coast of India in the ancient Darukavana forest. Here, you can find a 25-meters tall statue of Lord Shiva and take a stroll in a large garden. It is believed that those who meditate at this jyotirlinga temple will be freed from both physical and spiritual poisons. In late Feb or early Mar, the temple celebrates the Mahashivaratri festival, which is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. Don’t miss out on a chance to participate in this spectacular festival!

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga’s address is 83PP+9RJ, Daarukavanam, Gujarat 361345, India. It is open 24 hrs daily. The closest airport to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is the Jamnagar Airport. The airport is situated 127 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approx. 2 hrs 45 mins by car.

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the ancient Darukavana forest - source from Wikipedia

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the ancient Darukavana forest - source from Wikipedia

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is situated in the northeast region of India, and it is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. The temple has 3 domes that are covered in gold, and it’s no wonder why it is also known as the Golden Temple. This breathtaking jyotirlinga temple has a history that dates back to 1490. However, the current building was constructed in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Empire, who had also built hundreds of temples throughout India. Today, this grand shrine attracts more than 7 million visitors every year.

The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga’s address is Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India. It is open daily from 04:00 to 23:00. The closest airport to Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is the Varanasi Airport, also known as the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The airport is situated 26 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approx. 45 mins by car.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Nasik, Maharashtra)

The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga was constructed in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Nasik, Maharashtra)

▶The Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the west region of India. This jyotirlinga temple is located close to the origin of the famous Godavari River, which is the second-longest river in India. The sacred ponds in the temple are sources of the river. The current temple was constructed in the mid-18th century by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, and Hindus believe that this jyotirlinga fulfills everyone’s desires.

The Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga’s address is Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling Mandir, Trimbak, Maharashtra 422212, India. It is open from 05:30 to 21:00 from Friday to Sunday, and 06:00 to 21:00 from Monday to Thursday. The closest airport to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which is located in Mumbai. The airport is situated 180 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approx. 4 hrs 30 mins by car.

he scared ponds in the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga are the sources of the famous Godavari River - source from Wikipedia

he scared ponds in the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga are the sources of the famous Godavari River - source from Wikipedia

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand)

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is situated high up in the Garhwal Himalayan range in the north region of India. It is 3,583 meters above sea level, and it is also close to the Mandakini River. This jyotirlinga temple is the highest among all 12 jyotirlinga temples, and the present structure is believed to date back to 1,200 years ago. In addition to being the northermost jyotirlinga temple, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is also the closest jyotirlinga to Mount Kailash, which is believed to be Lord Shiva’s eternal abode. Visitors who are coming here in Jun will have a chance to join the Badri-Kedar festival, which is celebrated for over a week!

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is only open to the public from Apr to Nov. Due to the high altitude of its location and the extreme weather conditions, the temple is closed during winters. During this time, the deities are carried down the mountain to Ukhimath for worshipping.

The closest airport to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is the Dehradun Airport, also known as the Jolly Grant Airport. The airport is situated 225 km away, and the journey from the airport to Gauri Kund will take approx. 6 hrs 30 mins by car. Then, visitors will need to climb a 220-km uphill trek to reach the temple. The temple is open from 04:00 to 21:00 daily from Apr (Vaisakh day) to Nov (Kartik day).

Source: Akshay syal/ unsplash  The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is the highest temple among the 12 jyotirlinga temples!

Source: Akshay syal/ unsplash

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is the highest temple among the 12 jyotirlinga temples!

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)

▶The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the last of the 12 jyotirlinga temples, and it is also the smallest of the 12 jyotirlinga temples. The jyotirlinga temple is located in the west region of India, and it’s about 300 km northeast of Mumbai. It is also located just 1 km away from Ellora Caves, one of the largest Hindu cave complexes in the world that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to be founded in the 13th century, but it was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during the Mughal Dynasty. The current building was also constructed by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century after the fall of the Mughal Empire.

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga’s address is Shri Grishneshwar, Ellora, Maharashtra 431102, India. It is open from 06:00 to 21:00 daily. The closest airport to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the Aurangabad Airport, which is located in Maharashtra. The airport is situated 40 km away, and the journey from the airport to the temple will take approx. 1 hr by car. Men are required to enter the temple bare-chested.

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the last of the 12 jyotirlinga temples

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the last of the 12 jyotirlinga temples

Explore the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India Today

▶The 12 jyotirlinga temples represent some of the most sacred places in India. They embody both the religious and historical significance of Indian culture. This makes them holy pilgrimage sites for devotees and precious artifacts of human civilization for tourists. There is no better way to learn more about Indian mythology than a trip to these 12 jyotirlinga temples. Without further ado, start your journey to the 12 jyotirlinga temples with Trip.com today!

FAQ

  • How many jyotirlinga temples are there?

    There are 12 jyotirlinga temples.


  • Which temple is one of the 12 jyotirlinga temples?

    The 12 jyotirlinga temples are Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Baidyanath, Bhimashankar, Ramanathaswamy, Nageshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Kedarnath, and Grishneshwar.


  • Where are the 12 Jyotirlinga temples located?

    Somnath (Gujarat); Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh); Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh); Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh); Baidyanath (Jharkhand); Bhimashankar (Maharashtra), Ramanathaswamy (Tamil Nadu), Nageshwar (Gujarat), Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh), Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)


  • What is not allowed in Somnath temple?

    Electronic items, car keys, purses, and leather belt. Non-Hindus will also need to get permission to enter the temple.


  • What is the dress code when visiting the 12 jyotirlinga temples?

    While the dress code differs among the 12 jyotirlinga temples, visitors are advised to refrain from wearing jeans, short skirts, and shorts.


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