12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva in India
Last updated: 15 Jan 2024

Embark on a divine journey through the mystical realms of Lord Shiva's sacred abodes, the 12 Jyotirlingas, where spirituality intertwines with history and mythology. These revered pilgrimage sites hold not only the promise of divine blessings but also a rich tapestry of unique tales and cultural significance.

Let's delve into the enchanting narratives surrounding each Jyotirlinga, revealing the state-wise locations, the nearest airports for the devoted pilgrims, and the best accommodations for an immersive experience

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Prabhas Patan, Gujarat):

Legend: Somnath, the "Lord of the Moon," holds the honor of being the first Jyotirlinga. Soma, the Moon God, installed the lingam here to break free from a curse. Despite numerous invasions, the temple stands as a symbol of unwavering faith and resilience.
Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (80 km / 2 hours)

2. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Dwarka, Gujarat):

Legend: Linked to the demon Daruka, Nageshwar witnessed Lord Shiva protecting a devotee in the form of a Jyotirlinga. The temple's coastal location along the Arabian Sea adds to its divine allure.
Nearest Airport: Jamnagar Airport (146 km/ 3 hours)

3. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Trimbak, Maharashtra):

Legend: Trimbakeshwar is tied to the origin of the Godavari River, with its unique lingam representing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Pilgrims believe in the purifying power of a dip in the Godavari here.
Nearest Airport: Nashik Airport (40 km/ 1 hour)

4. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Ellora, Maharashtra):

Legend: Grishneshwar's tale involves a devout woman named Kusuma, to whom Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga. The temple stands as a testament to exquisite architecture.
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (30 km/1 hour)

5. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Pune district, Maharashtra):

Legend: Linked to the defeat of the demon Bhima, Bhimashankar is nestled amidst lush greenery in the Sahyadri range and is considered the source of the Bhima River.
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (130 km / 3 hours)

6. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Deoghar, Jharkhand):

Legend: Known as Vaidyanath or Vaijnath, this Jyotirlinga is associated with Lord Shiva as the divine physician. Pilgrims seek relief from ailments and spiritual healing.
Nearest Airport: Deoghar Airport (8 km / 30 min)

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh):

Legend: One of Varanasi's holiest temples, Kashi Vishwanath is believed to grant moksha. Despite facing destructions, pilgrims flock to attain spiritual fulfillment through darshan.
Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (25 km / 1 hour)

8. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh):

Legend: Mallikarjuna signifies the divine union of Lord Shiva and Parvati, with a tale involving Princess Chandravati. A pilgrimage here is thought to ensure salvation.
Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (212 km / 5 hrs)

9. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Kedarnath, Uttarakhand):

Legend: Linked to the Mahabharata, Kedarnath is where Lord Shiva vanished after the Pandavas sought forgiveness. A key site in Char Dham Yatra, it is surrounded by majestic peaks.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (239 km)

10. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Mandhata Island, Madhya Pradesh):

Legend: Representing the unity of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Omkareshwar's island, shaped like the sacred symbol "Om," draws pilgrims seeking blessings.
Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (77 km / 2 hours)

11. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh):

Legend: Associated with the demon Dushana, Mahakaleshwar's unique south-facing lingam and temple's origin tale make it one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (53 km/ 1.5 hrs)

12. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu):

Legend: Linked to Lord Rama's quest for forgiveness, Rameshwar boasts a long corridor and sacred water tanks. It is a significant site in the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport (163 km / 4 hours)

Embark on this spiritual odyssey, discovering the tales woven into each Jyotirlinga, as pilgrims seek blessings and spiritual fulfillment in the divine embrace of Lord Shiva.

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