There’s something truly magical about places where the divine feels close—like the 12 Jyotirlingas of India, where Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared in his purest form: a pillar of light. These sacred spots are also at the heart of many spiritual India tour packages .
From Somnath in Gujarat, where history meets devotion, to Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, surrounded by ocean breeze and prayer bells, each Jyotirlinga has its own unique charm and legend. Pilgrims say visiting all 12 is a path to ultimate spiritual peace, but even one darshan can feel like a blessing for a lifetime.
Get ready to chant "Om Namah Shivaya" while soaking in centuries of devotion, breathtaking architecture, and peaceful energy. Buckle up, because this isn’t just a temple tour, it’s a journey into the heart of India's sacred soul.
A Jyotirlinga is a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, believed to be the place where Shiva appeared as a beam of divine light. The word comes from "Jyoti" meaning light and "Linga" meaning sign — together, it means "the radiant sign of Shiva." These shrines hold immense spiritual importance for devotees.
Out of all Shiva temples in India, there are 12 Jyotirlinga places, each with a unique story, legend, and power. Visiting these places is said to wash away sins and bring inner peace. From the icy peaks of Kedarnath to the coastal calm of Rameshwaram, these holy spots are spread across India and form an unforgettable spiritual trail for Shiva bhakts (devotees).
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List of 12 Jyotirlingas in India with Location
1. Somnath – Gir, Gujarat
Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Somnath holds the honor of being the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga in India. Nestled in Gir, this temple is one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas in Gujarat and has stood as a beacon of devotion despite multiple invasions and reconstructions. Its magnificent Chalukya-style architecture and seaside location attract pilgrims and history lovers alike.
- What makes it unique: It is the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas and has been rebuilt more than 16 times, symbolizing unbreakable faith and resilience.
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 9 pm
- Aarti Time: 12 noon to 7 pm
- Light and Sound Show: 8 pm to 9 pm
2. Mallikarjuna – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Situated atop the Nallamala Hills on the banks of the Krishna River, the Mallikarjuna Temple is not only a Jyotirlinga in India but also a Shakti Peetha. This dual status makes it one of the most powerful sacred spots in Hinduism. The temple is surrounded by thick forests, adding to its serene and mystical charm.
- What makes it unique: It is the only Jyotirlinga that is also a Shakti Peetha, where both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped together.
- Opening Hours: 4:30 am to 10 pm
- Darshan Timing: 6:30 am to 1 pm, and 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
3. Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
One of the most spiritually intense destinations among the 12 Jyotirlinga in India, Mahakaleshwar is situated in Ujjain, an ancient city brimming with myth and devotion. It’s among the most visited Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh. The lingam here is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and faces south, a rare feature. The temple’s famous Bhasma Aarti, held at dawn, is a surreal experience.
It is the only Jyotirlinga where Shiva is worshipped as Dakshinamurti (facing south) and is self-manifested (Swayambhu).
- Opening Hours: 4 am to 11 pm
- Darshan Hours: 8 am to 10 am, 10:30 am to 5 pm, 6 pm to 7 pm, 8 pm to 11 pm.
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4. Omkareshwar – Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Located on an island shaped like the sacred ‘ॐ’ in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most scenic Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh. The temple holds a deep spiritual vibe, and the island itself is considered divine, attracting devotees who often walk the ‘Om Parikrama’ around the island.
It is situated on a natural Om-shaped island, making it the only Jyotirlinga geographically aligned with a holy symbol.
- Opening Hours: 5 am to 10 pm
- Darshan Timing: 5:30 am to 12:20 pm
5. Kedarnath – Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Tucked away in the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of over 11,000 feet, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the most challenging to reach but also the most rewarding. Accessible only by a trek, this shrine becomes a snow paradise during winter and is part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra.
It is the highest-located Jyotirlinga in India, and believed to be built by the Pandavas themselves after the Kurukshetra war.
- Opening Hours: 4 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm
6. Bhimashankar – Pune, Maharashtra
Set amidst the lush green Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is a serene and sacred site near Pune. It’s one of the most popular Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra and is also the origin of the Bhima River. The forest area around it is a declared wildlife sanctuary.
It is both a Jyotirlinga and the birthplace of the Bhima River, surrounded by a biodiversity-rich forest, offering spiritual peace and natural beauty.
- Opening Hours: 4:30 am 12 pm and 4 pm to 9:30 pm
- Darshan Timing: 5 am to 9:30 pm
7. Trimbakeshwar – Nashik, Maharashtra
Among the most sacred Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Nashik, near the origin of the holy Godavari River. Surrounded by the lush Brahmagiri hills, this temple holds immense spiritual importance and is often visited by devotees seeking peace and blessings.
The temple’s black stone structure and intricate carvings reflect classic Hemadpanthi architecture. It’s also a key site for Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha rituals, attracting people from across India.
It is the only Jyotirlinga with three faces (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) in the linga, symbolizing the Trinity of Hinduism.
- Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 9 pm
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8. Vaidyanath (Baidyanath) – Deoghar, Jharkhand
Located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is one of the most visited among the 12 Jyotirlinga in India. It’s especially revered during the month of Shravan when millions of ‘Kanwariyas’ walk barefoot from Sultanganj to Deoghar, carrying holy Ganga water to offer to Lord Shiva. Also known as Baba Dham, this shrine is believed to grant healing, strength, and wishes to devotees who offer sincere prayers.
According to mythology, Lord Shiva cured Ravana here when he was injured—hence the name "Vaidyanath," meaning the Lord of Physicians. The temple is thus strongly associated with health and well-being.
- Opening Hours: 4 am to 3:30 pm, and 6 pm to 9 pm.
9. Nageshwar – Daarukavanam, Gujarat
Situated near Dwarka in Gujarat, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the coastal Jyotirlingas in Gujarat, and a place of great spiritual energy. It’s believed that Lord Shiva appeared here to protect his devotee Supriya from demons. The temple features a colossal 25-meter statue of Shiva in a seated posture that leaves visitors in awe. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea breeze, it offers a peaceful yet powerful aura.
This Jyotirlinga is said to protect devotees from all poisons and negative energies. The name ‘Nageshwar’ itself reflects the association with snakes and protection, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s role as a destroyer of evil forces.
- Opening Hours: 5 am to 9 pm
- Darshan Timing: 6 am to 12: 30 pm during the day and 5 pm to 9 pm.
10. Vishwanath (Kashi Vishwanath) – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Located in the spiritual heart of India—Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is perhaps the most iconic of all the 12 Jyotirlinga in India. This temple stands on the western bank of the sacred Ganga River and is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus around the world. The atmosphere around the temple is electrifying with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoing in the ghats.
It is believed that a visit to Kashi Vishwanath grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Even Lord Shiva himself is said to whisper the Taraka mantra into the ears of the dying in Varanasi, leading their soul to salvation.
- Opening Hours: 2:30 am to 11 pm
- Mangala Aarti Timing: 3 am to 4 pm
- Sarva Darshan: 4 am to 11 am
- Bhog Aarti: 11:15 am to 12:20 pm
- Sandhya Aarti: 7 pm to 8:15 pm
- Shringara Aarti: 9 pm to 10:15 pm
- Shayana Aarti: 10:30 pm to 11 pm
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11. Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy) – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Situated on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, Ramanathaswamy Temple is not only one of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India but also part of the Char Dham Yatra. This coastal temple is known for its stunning corridor—the longest among all Hindu temples—and its sacred water tanks (tirthas).
This is the only Jyotirlinga that was installed by Lord Rama himself, after his victory over Ravana. He worshipped Shiva here to cleanse himself of the sin of killing a Brahmin, making this temple a symbol of penance and purification.
Opening Hours: 5 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm
12. Grishneshwar – Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Located near the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the last in the list of Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra and also the twelfth of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India. The temple’s architecture reflects South Indian style with red stone carvings and intricate sculptures of deities.
It is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple and symbolizes simplicity and grace. According to legend, a devoted woman named Kusuma was blessed by Lord Shiva here after her unwavering devotion brought her dead son back to life.
- Opening Hours: 5:30 am to 9:30 pmDarshan Timing: 3 pm to 11 pm
Best Time to Visit Jyotirlinga in India
The best time to visit the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiv is from October to March. During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, which makes traveling across different states much easier and more comfortable.
If you're someone who loves the energy of festivals, then Mahashivratri is the most special time. It usually falls in February or March, and each Jyotirlinga witnesses grand celebrations, devotional songs, and spiritual vibes. Just be prepared for large crowds during this time!
Keep in mind, not all shrines are open year-round. For instance, Kedarnath remains closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall. On the other hand, temples like Rameshwaram and Trimbakeshwar are open throughout the year, though visiting them in winter or spring is more enjoyable.
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Concluding the Jyotirlinga Yatra
The list of 12 Jyotirlingas in India is more than just a travel plan—it's a soulful journey across sacred sites where Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared as a divine light. Each temple, from Kedarnath in the Himalayas to Rameshwaram in the south, has its own unique story and energy. If you're planning a spiritual trip, knowing the 12 jyotirlinga name with place helps you trace this powerful pilgrimage across the country.
Whether you visit one or all, these Jyotirlingas offer spiritual peace and a deeper connection with faith. Let this divine trail guide your path to devotion and discovery.
