Across India, from ancient hilltop shrines to quiet village temples, divine energy is woven into the land. No matter where you travel, you’ll find a sense of devotion that feels ever-present. India is often called the home of the gods, and for countless believers, worship is not just a ritual but a way of life. Many devotees dedicate their entire lives to their chosen deity, living far from worldly distractions.

Among all deities, Lord Shiva holds a special place. Worshipped as Mahadev, he is believed to be the most revered god across the world. Shiva is worshipped in the form of the Shiva Linga, a symbol of divine creation and cosmic energy. Devotees believe that Mahadev grants liberation and frees one from the cycle of life and death.

One of the most sacred representations of Shiva is the set of 12 Jyotirlingas, also known as Dwadash Jyotirlingas. These shrines are considered highly holy in Hinduism. It is believed that visiting all twelve helps a devotee rise above accumulated karma and attain spiritual freedom. Each Jyotirlinga is a radiant form of Shiva, representing his infinite and self-manifested presence.

Here is a detailed look at all 12 Jyotirlingas and their mythological significance.

Meaning of Jyotirlinga

A Jyotirlinga refers to a glowing or radiant form of Shiva, commonly symbolized by the linga. Ancient Hindu texts state that creation emerged from the divine union of the linga and yoni, representing balance and harmony in the universe.

List of the 12 Jyotirlingas and Their Locations

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga

Location: Gir Somnath, Gujarat

Somnath is considered the earliest among all Jyotirlingas. Legends say that Soma, the Moon God, originally built this temple. Historically, Somnath is also known for repeated invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni, who attacked the shrine 16 times in the 11th century, destroying the Shiva Linga and looting the temple. Despite this, the temple was rebuilt, and Somnath continues to stand as a strong symbol of Hindu faith.

2. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Location: Darukavanam, Gujarat

Located near Dwarka, Nageshwar is linked to the ancient forest known as Darukavanam. According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Krishna used to perform Rudrabhishek here. Since Rudra is another name for Shiva, this place holds deep significance for Krishna devotees as well.

3. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

This Jyotirlinga is known as Vishwanath because Shiva is believed to be the ruler of the universe. Situated on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi—one of the world’s oldest cities—this shrine is considered the holiest among all Jyotirlingas. Devotees believe that liberation is assured for anyone who worships Shiva here.

4. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Located along the Shipra River, this Linga faces the south and is called a Dakshinamukhi Jyotirlinga. Unlike many shrines that are ritually installed, Mahakaleshwar is believed to be self-manifested. Devotees believe Shiva here represents timelessness itself. During Mahashivratri, worship continues throughout the night with great devotion.

5. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

This temple stands in Srisailam and is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams—divine sites praised in ancient Tamil scriptures. A legend says Shiva and Parvati stayed here with their son Kartikeya, making it a major pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees.

6. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh

The second Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar is situated on the Mandhata island in the Narmada River. The island’s shape resembles the sacred symbol “Om,” which is why the shrine is named Omkareshwar. A second temple, Amreshwar, also exists nearby.

7. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Known for its challenging journey, Kedarnath lies at an altitude of 3583 meters near Rishikesh. The devastating 2013 cloudburst claimed thousands of lives and caused massive damage, yet the temple survived. It is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya. Due to extreme weather, it is accessible only for six months each year.

8. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Location: Pune, Maharashtra

The first of Maharashtra’s three Jyotirlingas, Bhimashankar is near Khed Taluka and marks the origin of the Bhima River. The temple features architecture from the 18th century, though legends point to an even older shrine built around a self-manifested linga.

9. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Location: Nashik, Maharashtra

Situated on the Brahmagiri mountain, this Jyotirlinga is revered because Shiva agreed to reside here after requests from the Godavari River and Sage Gautam. The Linga here has three faces, symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

10. Grishneshwar (Ghushmeshwar) Jyotirlinga

Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Also called Ghushmeshwar or Dushmeshwar, this temple’s name means the Lord of Compassion. It is one of the smallest Jyotirlinga temples but is highly sacred and mentioned in ancient scriptures.

11. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga

Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand

Named Baidyanath because Shiva is said to have healed the demon king Ravana here. Since vaidya means doctor, the shrine symbolizes Shiva’s role as the divine healer. Ravana, a devoted worshipper of Shiva, is believed to have performed severe penance at this site.

12. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga

Location: Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu

Linked to Lord Rama, this Jyotirlinga is believed to be the one Rama worshipped before defeating Ravana. He created a Shiva Linga here, which came to be known as Ramanathaswamy. Today, it is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in South India.

Understanding the Significance of All 12 Jyotirlingas

Hindu philosophy states that the universe regenerates every 2.16 billion years, and Shiva, as the destroyer, dissolves creation only for it to be rebuilt again by Brahma. Shiva has countless forms, qualities, and legends—some fierce, some deeply compassionate.

Shiva is also called formless or Nirakar. Because he represents pure energy, he is worshipped through the Linga, a symbol of creation and regeneration. The Linga, rising from a circular base representing Shakti, symbolizes the unity of masculine and feminine energies.

Ancient scriptures like the Mahabharata and the Puranas describe the Linga as a symbol of Shiva’s cosmic power. Together, the Linga and Yoni depict the harmony of existence.

The 12 Jyotirlingas are more than temples they are living symbols of Shiva’s divine presence across India. Each shrine carries its own history, legend, and spiritual power, drawing millions of devotees seeking peace, healing, and liberation. Exploring these sacred sites offers a journey through India’s spiritual heritage and a deeper understanding of Shiva’s eternal energy.