The 12 Jyotirlingas - An Indian Pilgrimage Extravaganza

• 2021-05-24 06:00:42

1. Somnath, Gujarat- Somnath is one of the 12 famous jyotirlingas in India, and it is thought to be the first one that the deity acquired. Pilgrims and devotees hold Somnath in high regard and consider it to be the pinnacle of spiritual enlightenment. It's no surprise that it's India's most revered pilgrimage site. The temple complex's architecture is rather Chalukya dynasty inspired, with a very decorative shrine of Lord Shiva. As per the legends, Lord Shiva is said to have visited this temple. It has an interesting quality to it because there are many stories associated with this particular Lord Shiva shrine. According to the Shiv Purana, Moon married 27 of Dakshin Prajapati's daughters. Moon, on the other hand, was cursed by Prajapati for neglecting all of his wives except Rohini. He worshipped Lord Shiva in order to be free of the curse and recover his lost lustre and beauty. The almighty granted his wish, and Somnath remained here in the form of Somnath for all eternity.
2. Nageshwar Daarukavanam, Gujarat- Nageshwar, another popular Jyotirlinga on the Saurashtra coast, is another popular Jyotirlinga in India. Thousands of devotees flock to the Nagnath temple to seek Nageshwar Mahadev's blessings. The temple features a 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva, as well as a large garden and a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. According to the Shiv Purana, the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Darukavana, a former city.
3. Ghrishneshwar, Maharashtra- This pilgrimage site is in the village of Verul, which is 11 kilometres from Daulatabad (Devagiri) and 30 kilometres from Aurangabad. The temple serves as an example of prehistoric temple rituals, as well as their architectural design and structure. The temple is made up of a five-tiered shikara made of red rocks. The temple is 240 x 185 feet wide and was restored in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar. The temple is powerful and majestic, with the Dashavatara and other beautiful images cut out on pillars halfway up the temple. The courthouse is supported by 24 pillars, each with intricate carvings. With the Lingamurti facing eastward, the Garbhagriha is measured 17 ft x 17 ft. In the courtroom, there is a beautiful Nandikeshwara.
4. Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra- Trimbakeshwar jyotirlinga is situated near Brahmagiri mountain, where the Godavari River, also known as Gautami Ganga, originates. According to the Shiv Purana, the Godavari River and Gautami Rishi pleaded with Lord Shiva to live here, and as a result, Trimbakeshwar was born. The shape of this jyotirlinga is its most distinguishing feature. There is a hole here instead of a temple, with three pillars placating it. The three pillars represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, the three most important and authoritative Gods.
5. Bhimashankar, Maharashtra- Bhimashankar is possibly one of Maharashtra's most popular trekking destinations. However, the existence of one of the jyotirlingas is one of the reasons for its popularity. The jyotirlinga is thought to have been built by Bheema, Kumbhakarna's son, and is surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. Surprisingly, it is also located on the banks of the Bhima River. During Maha Shivratri, the place transforms into a carnival-like haven, with devotees flocking from all over the state. Easily one of India's most well-known jyotirlingas, a visit here is highly recommended.
6. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand- Kedarnath is a well-known pilgrimage site in northern India, located at 3,584 metres above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttaranchal, India. Kedarnath is one of the most important Joytirlingas, located in the Himalayan green hills. This is one of India's four pilgrimage sites, which, according to Hindu belief, every Hindu must visit in order to attain ‘Moksha’. In the eighth century, Adi Guru Sankaracharya constructed the Kedarnath temple. The temple's architecture is exquisite in its delicacy and craftsmanship. The temple's walls are made up of large grey stone slabs that are adorned with scenes from mythological myths and depictions of deities. The Ling is housed in the temple's sanctum sanctorum, which is conical in form. A Garbha Griha and a pavilion for gatherings are also present.
7. Baidyanath, Jharkhand- It is also known as Vaidyanath, Baidyanath, and Vaijinath. It is one of Sati's 52 shakti peethas and one of the most revered Jyotirlingas. Ravana used to worship Shiva in Deoghar to obtain the god's blessings, according to Hindu mythology. Ravana presented Shiva with each of his heads one by one. Shiva was pleased with Ravana's sacrifice and granted him darshan as a doctor (Vaidhya). The temple was given the name Vaidyanath as a result of this. The temple sees a rise in visitors during the Shravan month, as it is believed that all who worship Shiva during this month will be free of all misdeeds and miseries and will be saved.
8. Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh- Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain is another Jyotirling in India with tremendous spiritual significance, as it is surrounded by thick Mahakal forest. The shrine at Mahakaleshwar, one of the most famous jyotirlingas in central India, is said to have been built by a five-year-old boy named Srikar, who was inspired by King Chandrasena of Ujjain's devotion. Mahakaleshwar jyotirlinga is one of India's seven ‘mukti-sthals’, or places that can liberate a human being to eternal life. It is located on the banks of the Shipra River.
9. Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh- Omkareshwar, a prominent jyotirlinga perched on the Narmada River, literally translates to "Lord of the Om Sound." The temple is renowned for its mythological importance. There was a battle between the Devas and the Danavas, according to legend. As the Devas prayed to Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva chose their side and appeared as Omkareshwar to aid them in their victory over the evil.
10. Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh- In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most prominent Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. The main deity is Vishwanatha or Vishveshvara, which means Universe Ruler. Varanasi is also known as Kashi, so the temple is also known as Kashi Vishwanath. The Uttar Pradesh government has been in charge of the temple since 1983. Kashi Naresh (King of Kashi) is the chief officiating priest during the religious festival of Shivratri, and no other person or priest is permitted to enter the temple sanctorum before him. Others are only able to join after he has completed his religious duties.
11. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu- This magnificent temple, also known as the ‘Varanasi of the South' and the ‘southernmost jyotirlinga,' is said to be worshipped by Lord Rama. With the longest corridor and 36 theerthams, the temple has a spectacular structure that provides a picturesque view. It is also one of India's most famous sacred shrines. The Dhanushkodi beach is also visited by visitors to the Ramanathaswamy temple (place from where Lord Rama had built Ram Setu).
12. Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh- Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh- Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga temple is situated atop Shri Saila Mountain, on the banks of River Krishna, and is known as Kailash of the South among the other 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Mallikarjuna Temple, with its beautiful architecture and sculptures, decorated pillars known as gopurams, and mukha mandapa hall, houses Shiva and Bhramaramba or Parvati deities and is one of the 52 shakti temples.