12 Jyotirlingas
Self-manifested Shiva Lingams across India
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva, where he is believed to have appeared as an infinite column of light (Jyoti). These temples are spread across India — from Gujarat to Jharkhand, from Uttarakhand to Tamil Nadu. Visiting all 12 is considered one of the most meritorious pilgrimages in Shaivism.
Best Season
October to March (varies by location)
Duration
20-30 days (all 12)
Budget
₹40,000 - ₹1,00,000 per person
Temples
12 Jyotirlingas
Somnath
Lord Shiva (Somnath)
First among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Mentioned in Rigveda. Rebuilt 17 times after invasions, symbolizing eternal resilience.
Mallikarjuna
Lord Shiva (Mallikarjuna)
Second Jyotirlinga. Also a Shakti Peetha. One of the rare temples that is both a Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha.
Mahakaleshwar
Lord Shiva (Mahakal)
Third Jyotirlinga. Only south-facing (Dakshinamurti) Jyotirlinga. Famous for daily Bhasma Aarti performed with ash from funeral pyres.
Omkareshwar
Lord Shiva (Omkareshwar)
Fourth Jyotirlinga. The island is naturally shaped like the Hindu Om symbol.
Kedarnath
Lord Shiva (Kedareshwar)
Fifth Jyotirlinga and part of Char Dham. Highest among all Jyotirlingas at 3,583m.
Bhimashankar
Lord Shiva (Bhimashankar)
Sixth Jyotirlinga. Source of River Bhima. Located in the Sahyadri ranges amidst dense forests.
Kashi Vishwanath
Lord Shiva (Vishwanath)
Seventh Jyotirlinga. Located in the holiest city Varanasi on the banks of Ganga. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was recently rebuilt as a grand temple complex.
Trimbakeshwar
Lord Shiva (Trimbakeshwar)
Eighth Jyotirlinga. Unique linga with three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Source of River Godavari.
Vaidyanath (Baidyanath)
Lord Shiva (Vaidyanath)
Ninth Jyotirlinga. Known as the "Lord of Physicians". Also a Shakti Peetha where Sati's heart fell.
Nageshwar
Lord Shiva (Nageshwar)
Tenth Jyotirlinga. Known as "Lord of Serpents". Features one of the tallest Shiva statues (25m).
Rameshwaram
Lord Shiva (Ramanathaswamy)
Eleventh Jyotirlinga. Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before crossing to Lanka. Also one of the Char Dhams of India.
Grishneshwar
Lord Shiva (Grishneshwar)
Twelfth and last Jyotirlinga. Located near the world-famous Ellora Caves (UNESCO site).