India is home to 12 revered Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples represent the radiant, self‑manifested form of Shiva, described as pillars of divine light in ancient scriptures. While some texts mention 64 Jyotirlingas, only 12 are considered the most sacred, as widely accepted today.
Each Jyotirlinga carries its own legend, spiritual significance, and unique architectural identity, drawing millions of devotees every year. These shrines are spread across the country, symbolizing Shiva’s omnipresence and the deep cultural roots of Shaivism.
List of the 12 Jyotirlingas and Their Locations
Below is the complete list of Jyotirlingas across India, based on authoritative sources:
| # | Jyotirlinga Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somnath Jyotirlinga | Prabhas Patan, Gujarat |
| 2 | Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh |
| 3 | Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh |
| 4 | Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga | Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh |
| 5 | Kedarnath Jyotirlinga | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand |
| 6 | Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga | Pune District, Maharashtra |
| 7 | Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| 8 | Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga | Nashik, Maharashtra |
| 9 | Vaidyanath (Baidyanath) Jyotirlinga | Deoghar, Jharkhand |
| 10 | Nageshwar Jyotirlinga | Dwarka, Gujarat |
| 11 | Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga | Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu |
| 12 | Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga | Ellora, Maharashtra |
Sources:
Why These Jyotirlingas Are Special
- Self‑manifested shrines believed to have emerged from Shiva’s infinite cosmic light.
- Each temple has a unique legend rooted in Puranic stories.
- Pilgrimage to all 12 Jyotirlingas is considered spiritually transformative.
- Architectural diversity reflects India’s cultural and regional richness.
- Major centers of Shaivism attracting devotees from across the world.
