The 12 Jyotirlingas of India: Location and Timings

Jyotirlingas are believed to be different forms of Lord Shiva and are spread across many important places in India. Devotees from all over the country embark on a spiritual journey to visit these holy places. This article will introduce you to the 12 Jyotirlingas, their divine significance, and the unique experiences they offer.

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Location: Gir Somnath in Gujarat)

Somnath is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas in India and is believed to be the first of the twelve Adi Jyotirlingas. The architecture of the temple resembles the Chalukya style, and it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light. According to legend, Moon married 27 daughters of Dakshina Prajapati, but was cursed for neglecting all of them except Rohini. To regain his lost luster, he worshiped Lord Shiva, who accepted his wish and stayed here for eternity. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt sixteen times, and it remains a major landmark for travellers.

Somnath Temple Timings : 

• Somnath Temple is Open Everyday from 6 AM to 9 PM. Aarti takes place at 7 AM, 12 noon, and 7 PM. 
• The famous light and sound show, ‘Joy Somnath’, occurs every day between 8 to 9 PM. 

How to Reach Somnath Temple : 

• The nearest railway station to reach Somnath Temple is Veraval, just 5 km away from Somnath, which can be covered by taxi or cab.

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2. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Location: Daarukavanam in Gujarat)

Located on the coast of Saurashtra between Gomti Dwarka and Bait Dwarka, Nageshwar Temple is one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas, symbolizing protection from all kinds of poisons. Housed in an underground sanctum, the Nagnath temple is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year. The 25-meter-high statue of Lord Shiva, the large garden and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea make it an attractive destination.

Nageshwar Temple Timings: 

• The Nageshwar temple is open from 5 AM to 9 PM, with darshan available between 6 AM to 12:30 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM. 

How to Reach Nageshwar Temple: 

• The nearest railway stations to reach Nageshwar Temple are Dwarka and Veraval, while Jamnagar Airport, 45 km away, is the closest airport.

3. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Location: Pune in Maharashtra) 

Located on the banks of the Bhima River, the Bhimashankar Temple is a marvel of black rock architecture. Surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary of the same name, this jyotirlinga is believed to have been built by Bhima, son of Kumbhakarna. The temple is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Mahashivratri. Near the Bhimashankar Temple is the Kamalaja Temple, dedicated to an incarnation of Parvati. 

Bhimashankar Temple Timings: 

• The Bhimashankar temple is open on all days from 4:30 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 9:30 pm. Darshan begins at 5 am and continues till 9:30 pm with a brief shutdown during the mid-day aarti. 

How to Reach Bhimashankar Temple: 

• The nearest railway station to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is Karjat, which is 168 km away with further travel by bus or rickshaw.

4. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Location: Nashik in Maharashtra)

Located near the Brahmagiri mountain, where the Godavari River originates, the Triambakeshwar Jyotirlinga is unique in its form. Instead of a traditional temple, there is a void with three pillars representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. According to the Shiva Purana, the Godavari River and Gautami Rishi requested Lord Shiva to stay here, and thus he appeared as Triambakeshwar. 

Trimbakeshwar Temple Timings: 

• The Triambakeshwar temple is open daily from 5:30 am to 9 pm. 

How to Reach Trimbakeshwar Temple: 

• The nearest airport to reach Triambakeshwar Temple is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Igatpuri or Nashik Road. Nashik is well connected by road and you can reach in 30 Minutes from Nashik Road to Triambakeshwar Temple.

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5. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Location: Aurangabad in Maharashtra)

Near the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the Grishneshwar Temple has impressive red rock architecture with carvings of gods and goddesses and a huge Nandi bull in the main courtyard. Built by Ahilyabai Holkar, it is also known as Gru Someshwar and Kusum Ishwar. The temple’s idol of Vishnu’s Dashavatara is particularly impressive.

Grishneshwar Temple Timings: 

• The Grishneshwar temple is open from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm with extended hours during the month of Shravan. 

How to Reach Grishneshwar Temple: 

• Aurangabad, accessible by train and flight, is 30 km from Grishneshwar, the remaining distance is covered by taxi, Bus or Cab.

6. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Location: Deoghar in Jharkhand)

Vaidyanath, also known as Baidyanath or Vaijnath, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hindu mythology. Legend has it that Ravana worshipped Shiva here to gain his grace and was taking Shiva to Lanka. Interrupted by Vishnu, Ravana placed the Shivalinga on the ground, and since then, Shiva has resided here as Vaidyanath. It is believed that worshipping here helps devotees attain salvation and moksha. 

Vaidyanath Dham Temple Timings: 

• The Vaidyanath temple is open daily from 4 am to 3:30 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm, with extended hours during special occasions. 

How to Reach Vaidyanath Dham:

• The nearest railway station to Vaidyanath Temple is Jasidih Junction, 15 km from the temple, which can be reached by auto or cab.

7. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Location: Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh) 

Surrounded by the dense Mahakaleshwar forest, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the most spiritually important Jyotirlingas. According to legend, it was installed by a five-year-old boy, Srikar, inspired by the devotion of King Chandrasen. Located on the banks of the Kshipra River, Mahakaleshwar is one of the seven Mukti-sthalas in India, believed to liberate humans for eternity. 

Mahakaleshwar Temple Timings: 

• The Mahakaleshwar temple is open throughout the day from 4 am to 11 pm with specific darshan timings. 

How to Reach Mahakaleshwar Temple: 

• The nearest airport to Mahakaleshwar Temple is Indore, 51 km away, while Ujjain Junction and other nearby stations provide rail connectivity.

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8. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Location: Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh) 

Located on the Shivpuri Island on the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas. Legend has it that Lord Shiva appeared here as Omkareshwar to help the gods conquer the demons. The serene atmosphere and mythological significance of the temple make it a must-visit. 

Omkareshwar Temple Timings: 

• The Omkareshwar temple is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm with specific darshan timings. 

How to Reach Omkareshwar Temple: 

• Indore, 77 km away, is the nearest major city with airport and rail connectivity. Buses from Indore, Ujjain and Khandwa also reach Omkareshwar.

9. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Location: Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh) 

Renowned as the Golden Temple of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most significant Jyotirlingas. Built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780, it is believed that Lord Shiva resided here and offered liberation to devotees. It is considered one of the first Jyotirlingas, showcasing its power over other gods.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings: 

• The Kashi Vishwanath temple is open from 4 AM to 11 PM daily, with detailed puja and darshan timings throughout the day. 

How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple: 

• Varanasi Junction is the nearest railway station, with multiple other stations in the city like Banaras, Varanasi City, and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar Junction.

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10. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Location: Kedarnath in Uttarakhand)

Located at an altitude of 1200 feet in the Rudra Himalaya range, Kedarnath is one of the four Dhams of Hinduism. The temple is open only from May to June due to extreme weather conditions. Pilgrims first visit Gangotri and Yamunotri to collect holy water and then offer it to the Kedarnath Shivalinga. It is believed that bathing in the Jyotirlinga here can relieve one of all misfortunes. 

Kedarnath Temple Timings: 

• The Kedarnath temple is open from 4 am to 12 noon and from 3 pm to 9 pm. 

How to Reach Kedarnath Temple: 

• The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant, and the railway station is Rishikesh. Road connectivity extends up to Gaurikund, from where pilgrims travel to Kedarnath.

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga (Location: Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu)

Rameswaram Jyotirlinga, believed to be worshipped by Lord Rama, is the southernmost Jyotirlinga in India. The temple has beautiful architecture, decorated corridors and 36 shrines. Known as the ‘Varanasi of the South‘, it is one of the most visited holy places, and devotees also visit the nearby Dhanushkodi beach. 

Rameshwaram Temple Timings: 

• The Rameshwaram temple is open from 5 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 9 pm. 

How to Reach Rameshwaram Temple: 

• The nearest airport to Rameshwaram Temple is Madurai, 163 km away with railway connectivity to major South Indian cities.

12. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Location: Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh) 

Popularly known as the Kailash of the South, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located atop Shri Saila Mountain on the banks of the River Krishna. The temple features beautiful architecture with gopurams and mukha.

Mallikarjuna Temple Timings – 

• Mallikarjuna Temple is open from 4:30 AM to 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple: 

• The nearest Railway Station to reach Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple is Markapur which is 80 Km away from Srisailam.

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