12 Jyotirlingas of India, List, Name, Map, Location, History

The 12 Jyotirlingas in India are among the most sacred pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hinduism. These temples are located across different parts of the country and represent important centres of Shaivism, religious traditions, temple architecture and cultural heritage. According to Hindu religious beliefs, Jyotirlingas are manifestations of Lord Shiva in the form of an infinite column of divine light.

Geographically, the twelve Jyotirlingas are spread across ten Indian states, from Somnath in Gujarat in the west to Ramanathaswamy in Tamil Nadu in the south and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand in the north. Their distribution across different regions reflects the pan-Indian character of Shaivism and connects diverse landscapes, sacred traditions, and cultural practices through a shared pilgrimage network.

Jyotirlinga About

A Jyotirlinga is a sacred representation of Lord Shiva, worshipped as a manifestation of divine light. The word 'Jyotirlinga' is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'Jyoti', meaning 'light' or 'radiance', and 'Linga', a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu tradition, a Jyotirlinga represents Shiva's infinite and formless nature. The twelve Jyotirlingas are associated with different legends, pilgrimage traditions and regional cultural practices.

12 Jyotirlinga History

The concept of 12 Jyotirlingas originates from the Shiva Purana, particularly the Shatarudra Samhita. According to legend, Brahma and Vishnu debated over supremacy, and Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar of light to resolve the dispute.

• Search for the Beginning and End: Brahma travelled upwards to discover the pillar's origin, while Vishnu moved downwards to find its end. Neither could reach its limits, demonstrating that Shiva is infinite and beyond human comprehension.
• Manifestation of Twelve Jyotirlingas: It is traditionally believed that Shiva manifested himself as twelve Jyotirlingas at different sacred locations, where devotees worship him as a symbol of eternal cosmic energy.

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12 Jyotirlingas Name List 

The 12 Jyotirlingas of India are distributed across multiple states, reflecting the vast geographical and cultural spread of Shiva worship.

• Somnath – Gujarat
• Mallikarjuna – Andhra Pradesh
• Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
• Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
• Kedarnath – Uttarakhand
• Bhimashankar – Maharashtra
• Kashi Vishwanath – Uttar Pradesh
• Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra
• Baidyanath – Jharkhand
• Nageshwar – Gujarat
• Rameshwaram – Tamil Nadu
• Grishneshwar – Maharashtra 

Jyotirlingas in India Maharashtra

Maharashtra has three Jyotirlingas, making it one of the states with the highest concentration of these sacred shrines.

• Bhimashankar: Pune district, associated with the Bhima river and dense forests. 
• Trimbakeshwar: Nashik, linked to the origin of the Godavari River. 
• Grishneshwar: Near Ellora, associated with the legend of Ghushma and Shiva’s restoration of her son. 

Jyotirlingas in MP

Madhya Pradesh has two Jyotirlingas, both located in the central region of India.

• Mahakaleshwar: Ujjain, known as the only south-facing (dakshinamukhi) Jyotirlinga. 
• Omkareshwar: Mandhata island on the Narmada River, shaped like the sacred “Om” symbol.

12 Jyotirlingas Map

The 12 Jyotirlingas are distributed across 10 states, from Kedarnath in Uttarakhand in the north to Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu in the south.

12 Jyotirlingas of India

The 12 Jyotirlingas, which have long been revered in the Indian belief system, enshrine Shiva in the form of a Jyotirlingam. These temples are rich in tradition and history, and they are closely associated with Puranic legends. Each of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites takes the name of the presiding deity - each is considered a different manifestation of Shiva.

Somnath Temple, Saurashtra (Gujarat)

According to tradition, the Moon God (Somraj) constructed the original Somnath Temple in gold. It was subsequently rebuilt by Ravana in silver, Lord Krishna in wood, and Bhimdev in stone.

• Historical Background: The temple has a long history of construction and reconstruction, with its origins traditionally traced to ancient times. It was later reconstructed under the Chaulukya (Solanki) dynasty.
• Religious Significance: Located on the western coast of Saurashtra, overlooking the Arabian Sea, Somnath houses the first of the twelve Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
• Geographical Significance: The temple is situated near the confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers.
• Historical References: Somnath finds mention in the Rigveda and was also described by the Arab traveller Al-Biruni.

Mallikarjun Temple, Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh)

Its situated atop the Nallamala Hills in southern Andhra Pradesh, the temple overlooks the River Krishna.

• Historical Background: The temple received patronage and architectural contributions from the Chalukyas (624–848 CE) and Kakatiyas (953–1323 CE).
• Vijayanagara Contributions: Salu Mandapas and the Rajagopuram were constructed during the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya.
• Religious Significance: It is regarded as the Kailash of the South and houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Mallikarjuna (Shiva) alongside the shrine of Goddess Bhramaramba (Devi).
• Architectural Features: The temple complex comprises two principal shrines, pillared mandapas, spacious halls, and several smaller shrines. Its inner courtyard also houses nine temples collectively known as the Nava Brahma Temples.

Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)

Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, renowned for its south-facing Dakshinamurti Lingam and distinctive Nagara style of architecture.

• Religious Significance: The presiding deity is worshipped as Mahakaleshwar. Its Shiva Lingam is known as Dakshinamurti because it faces south, a distinctive feature among the twelve Jyotirlingas.
• Architectural Style: The temple follows the North Indian Nagara style of architecture and features a three-storeyed structure.
• Temple Structure: The Mahakaleshwar Lingam is enshrined on the lower level, while the Nagachandresvara shrine occupies the uppermost level.
• Historical Contributions: During the Parmar period, several sculptures were carved on the temple's inner and outer walls, reflecting its architectural and artistic heritage.

Omkareshwar Temple, Mandhata (Madhya Pradesh)

It is located on an island called Shivapuri (pranva shaped/shape like “ॐ”) or Mandhata in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.

• Historical Background: The temple has undergone several phases of destruction and reconstruction. The present structure is traditionally associated with the patronage of Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
• Architectural Style: The temple follows the Nagara style and features a multi-storeyed structure dedicated to different manifestations of Lord Shiva.
• Architectural Features: Its walls are adorned with intricate sculptures of various deities, while a circumambulatory route (Parikrama) runs around the island.
• Religious Significance: The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is an important Shaivite pilgrimage site. The Mamleshwar Temple, situated on the opposite bank of the Narmada, is another prominent Shiva shrine in the region.

Baidyanath Temple, Deogarh (Jharkhand)

Baidyanath Temple, located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and an important pilgrimage centre, renowned for its distinctive pyramidal tower and sacred architectural features.

• Religious Significance: The temple is an important Shaivite pilgrimage centre and houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
• Architectural Style: The temple is a simple stone structure facing east, crowned by a pyramidal tower.
• Distinctive Features: Its summit features three gold vessels arranged in ascending order, donated by the Maharaja of Giddhaur.
• Sacred Elements: The temple also features a Panchsula (five-pronged trident-like structure) and an eight-petalled lotus-shaped jewel known as Chandrakanta Mani inside the sanctum.

Nageswar Temple, Gujarat

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is a revered Shaiva shrine located on the route between Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat. It is traditionally identified as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is associated with the ancient sacred landscape of Darukavana.

• Location: Nageshwar is situated in Devbhumi Dwarka district, on the Saurashtra coast, around 16–18 km from Dwarka city.
• Religious Significance: The shrine houses a swayambhu (self-existent) Jyotirlinga in an underground sanctum and is traditionally associated with Lord Shiva's manifestation as Nageshwar.
• Puranic Tradition: According to the associated legend, Shiva manifested at Darukavana to protect the devotee Supriya from the demon Daruka.
• Temple Complex: The site includes the main shrine, an underground sanctum, and a large statue of Lord Shiva, which is about 25 metres high.

Kedarnath Temple, Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand)

It is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of the Rudra Himalayan range, near the source region of the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand.

• Historical Background: Kedarnath is traditionally associated with the Pandavas; the temple is believed to have been revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE.
• Religious Significance: It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and an important pilgrimage site in the Char Dham and Panch Kedar traditions.
• Architectural Features: Built using massive grey stone slabs, the temple employs interlocking stone construction secured with iron clamps, without the use of mortar.
• Sculptural Features: A large Nandi statue guards the entrance, while the temple walls feature depictions of deities and scenes associated with the Mahabharata.

Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik (Maharashtra)

Trimbakeshwar Temple is situated at the foothills of Brahmagiri Mountain near Nashik, Maharashtra, and is associated with the origin of the sacred Godavari River.

• Historical Background: The present temple was constructed between 1755 and 1786 CE under the patronage of Nanasaheb Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.
• Religious Significance: It is unique among the twelve Jyotirlingas as its Lingam represents the Hindu Trinity—Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva (Trimbakraj).
• Associated Sacred Sites: The temple complex houses the Kushavarta Kund, a sacred water tank associated with the Godavari River.
• Architectural Style: The Temple was built using black stone in the Nagara style; the temple features a spacious courtyard. Its sanctum is square-shaped internally and star-shaped externally, housing the sacred Jyotirlinga.

Rameshwaram Temple, Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu)

Rameshwaram Temple, located on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, renowned for its magnificent Dravidian architecture, elaborate corridors, and association with the Ramayana.

• Historical Background: The temple's construction dates back to the 12th century, with successive rulers contributing to its expansion. Sethupathy Maravar initiated the construction of the Third Corridor, which was completed by his successor.
• Architectural Features: Renowned for its imposing towers (Gopurams), intricate sculptures, and elaborate corridors. Its Third Corridor is traditionally regarded as the longest temple corridor in Asia. Some of its Vimanas reflect Pallava architectural influences.
• Religious Significance: The temple houses two Lingams in its sanctum—Ramalingam, believed to have been made by Goddess Sita using sand, and Vishwalingam, traditionally believed to have been brought by Lord Hanuman from Mount Kailash.
• Cultural Significance: It is an important Shaivite pilgrimage centre and forms one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

Bhimashankar Temple, Pune (Maharashtra)

Bhimashankar Temple, situated in the Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is renowned for its religious significance, Nagara-style architecture, and rich biodiversity.

• Mythological Significance: According to legend, the Bhima River originated from the sweat of Lord Shiva after his fierce battle with the demon Tripurasura.
• Historical Background: The temple dates back to the 13th century, while its Sabhamandapa and Shikhara were constructed during the 18th century under the patronage of Nana Phadnavis.
• Architectural Style: The temple follows the Nagara style of architecture.
• Ecological Significance: Located within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats, the region is home to the endemic Malabar Giant Squirrel (Shekaru), a prominent species of the area.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, situated on the western bank of the River Ganga in Varanasi, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, popularly known as the Golden Temple for its gold-plated domes.

• Historical Background: The present temple was constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. It has undergone several phases of reconstruction and destruction throughout history.
• Architectural Style: The temple follows the Nagara style, with a square-shaped main shrine surrounded by smaller temples.
• Distinctive Features: Its structure comprises three sections—a spire, a gold-plated dome, and a golden tower crowned with a flag and trident.
• Religious Significance: The temple complex also houses the Gyan Vapi (Well of Knowledge), an important sacred site associated with the temple's historical and religious traditions.

Grishneshwar Temple, Aurangabad (Maharashtra)

Grishneshwar Temple, located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, is the twelfth and last of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, renowned for its historical antiquity and distinctive Nagara-style architecture.

• Historical Background: The temple's antiquity dates back to the 11th–12th centuries CE. It is also known by names such as Kusumeswar, Ghushmeswara, and Grushmeswara. The present structure was reconstructed by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.
• Architectural Style: Built primarily using red stone, the temple features a five-tiered Nagara-style Shikhara.
• Sculptural Features: Its court hall (Sabhamandapa) has 24 intricately carved pillars depicting episodes from the legends and mythology of Lord Shiva.
• Cultural Significance: The temple is situated close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ellora Caves, reflecting the region's rich religious and architectural heritage.

12 Jyotirlingas Significance

The 12 Jyotirlingas hold significance in Shaivism, Indian pilgrimage traditions, temple culture, and the preservation of regional religious heritage. Their distribution across different parts of India also reflects the geographical spread of Shiva worship and the diversity of Indian temple traditions.

• Religious Significance: The twelve shrines are revered as manifestations of Lord Shiva in the form of divine light (Jyoti) and occupy an important place in Shaiva traditions.
• Pilgrimage Tradition: The Jyotirlingas form a major pan-Indian pilgrimage network, connecting sacred sites across northern, southern, eastern, and western India.
• Architectural Heritage: The temples represent different regional expressions of Indian temple architecture, providing examples of the architectural diversity associated with sacred spaces.
• Literary Significance: The tradition of the twelve Jyotirlingas is associated with Puranic literature, particularly the Shiva Purana, and has contributed to the transmission of Shaiva religious narratives.

12 Jyotirlingas UPSC PYQs

Q1: The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (UPSC Prelims 2022)

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)