Dwadash Jyotirlinga

The Sacred Trail of the 12 Jyotirlingas

The 12 Jyotirlingas, spread across India, are revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, each representing a unique manifestation of his divine energy. “Jyotirlinga” means “radiant sign of Shiva,” symbolizing the infinite nature of the Lord. Pilgrims believe that visiting all 12 bestows spiritual liberation and blessings.

From the snow-clad Himalayas to the serene coasts of the South, the Jyotirlinga trail is a journey through faith, history, and stunning landscapes. Each temple has its own legend, architectural style, and spiritual significance, making the pilgrimage a blend of devotion, culture, and exploration.

Somnath: The Eternal Shrine by the Sea

Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: Diu (80 km), Rajkot (200 km)
• Nearest railway station: Veraval (7 km)
• Well-connected by road from Ahmedabad, Dwarka, and Gir

Why Somnath is Special : The First Jyotirlinga
Known as “The Lord of the Moon”, Somnath is the first and most revered Jyotirlinga. Built by Chandra after being freed from a curse, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, symbolizing resilience and devotion.

Temple Highlights:

• Scenic location on the Arabian Sea
• Evening light & sound show on its history
• Triveni Sangam nearby
• Baan-Stambh pointing directly toward the South Pole

Beyond the Pilgrimage:

• Gir National Park – Home of the Asiatic lion 
• Diu Island – Beaches and colonial architecture     
• Junagadh - Ancient city and Uparkot Fort         

Travel Tip:
Best time: October–March. Carry light clothes for day, shawl for breezy evenings. Somnath is where the sea waves echo the eternal chant of Om Namah Shivaya.

Mahakaleshwar: Where Time Bows to the Eternal

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

How to Reach:

•          Nearest airport – Indore (55 km)
•          Ujjain Junction has direct trains from major cities
•          Road links from Indore, Bhopal & Ahmedabad 

Why Mahakaleshwar is Special : The Only South-Facing Jyothirlinga.            
The only south-facing Jyotirlinga, believed to be self-manifested. Lord Mahakal is considered the protector of Ujjain, embodying transformation and victory over death. Situated on the banks of Shipra River, the temple radiates immense spiritual energy.

Temple Highlights:

• Famous Bhasma Aarti at 4:00 AM
• Underground sanctum with multi-level structure
• Mahashivratri & Shravan Mondays attract huge crowds
• Shrines of Parvati, Kartikeya, Nandi & Nagchandreshwar

Beyond the Pilgrimage:

•         Ram Ghat – evening aartis
•          Kal Bhairav Temple – unique liquor offering
•          Sandipani Ashram – Guru of Krishna & Balarama
•          Ved Shala – ancient observatory

Travel Tip:
Pre-book for Bhasma Aarti; traditional attire required for sanctum entry. Stay options include dharmashalas & mid-range hotels.

Parli Vaijnath: The Healer Divine

Location: Parli, Beed District, Maharashtra

How to Reach:

•         Airport: Nanded (105 km), Aurangabad (200 km)
•          Railway: Parli Vaijnath (connected to major cities in Maharashtra)
•          Road: Well-connected to Aurangabad, Nanded, Beed & Latur

Why Parli Vaijnath is Special: The Physician of the Gods                   

Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Vaidhya (divine healer), believed to have cured Lord Vishnu. The temple follows an inclusive tradition with direct darshan for all and is associated with Amrit, symbolizing divine blessings and health.

Temple Highlights:

•          Hemadpanthi black-stone architecture
•          Sacred “Dharma Kund” water tank
•          Special aartis in Shravan (esp. Mondays)
•          Peaceful surroundings for meditation 

Beyond the Pilgrimage:

•          Aundha Nagnath Temple - One of the oldest Shiva temples nearby 
•          Nanded Sahib Gurudwara - A key Sikh pilgrimage site   
•          Ajanta Caves - Magnificent rock-cut Buddhist caves    

Travel Tip:

Best visited during Shravan or Mahashivratri. Early mornings offer peaceful darshan. Accommodation is available in Parli and nearby guesthouses.

Rameshwaram: The Bridge Between Gods and Oceans

Location: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

How to Reach:

•       Nearest airport: Madurai (170 km)
•          Nearest railway: Rameshwaram
•          Connected by road/rail from Madurai, Chennai, Trichy, Thanjavur.

Why Rameshwaram is Special: The Devotion of Ram   

Home to the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple, where Lord Rama is believed to have worshipped Shiva to atone for killing Ravana. The southernmost Jyotirlinga, it symbolizes humility and devotion.

Temple Highlights:

•          India’s longest temple corridor
•          22 sacred theerthams for purification
•          Main sanctum with Rama-worshipped Jyotirlinga
•         Vibrant daily rituals and chants

Beyond the Pilgrimage:

•          Dhanushkodi Beach – Ram Setu connection
•          APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial
•          Pamban Bridge – scenic sea views
•          Gandhamadhana Parvatham viewpoint 

Travel Tip:

Best visit: October–March. Temple opens 5 AM. Dress modestly; prepare for ritual baths. Rameshwaram blends deep spirituality with coastal beauty.

Kashi Vishwanath: The Eternal Light of Varanasi

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport – Lal Bahadur Shastri International (25 km)
• Nearest railway station – Varanasi Junction (3.5 km)
• Well-connected by road to major North & East Indian cities

Why Kashi Vishwanath is Special: The city Shiva never leaves 
Located on the western banks of the Ganga, this Jyotirlinga is believed to be eternally protected by Lord Shiva. The city embodies life, death, devotion, and liberation in its ghats, lanes, and temple bells.

Temple Highlights:

• Golden spire of the renovated corridor
• Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Abhishek rituals in main sanctum
• Nearby Annapurna Temple & Kal Bhairav Shrine

Beyond the Pilgrimage:

• Sunrise boat ride along 80+ ghats
• Sarnath – Buddhist site (10 km)
• Ramnagar Fort – Heritage landmark
• Banarasi silk, street food, music

Travel Tip:
Best visited during Shravan or Dev Diwali. Opt for riverside heritage stays and guided old-city walks for richer experiences.

Kedarnath: The Sacred Summit of Shiva

Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhan

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (239 km)
• Nearest railway station – Rishikesh (216 km)
• Base – Gaurikund (road) → 16 km trek to Kedarnath

Why Kedarnath is Special: Shiva Amidst the Snow   
Nestled at 11,755 ft among Himalayan peaks, Kedarnath is the most majestic Jyotirlinga. Here, Lord Shiva absolved the Pandavas of their sins. The thousand-year-old stone temple has withstood floods, earthquakes, and snow—symbolizing His eternal grace.

Temple Highlights:

• Stone temple with triangular lingam (Shiva’s hump)
• Intense spiritual energy in serene mountain silence
• Closed Nov–Apr due to snowfall

Beyond the Pilgrimage:

• Vasuki Tal – a glacial lake for high-altitude trekkers
• Bhairav Nath Temple – guardian deity of Kedarnath
• Gandhi Sarovar – tranquil lake on a moderate trek
• Triyugi Narayan Temple – Wedding Place of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati

Travel Tip:
Best time – May to October. Be prepared for high altitude and cold. Helicopter service from Phata & Guptkashi available. In Kedarnath, faith rises with the mountains and silence becomes divine.