12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and Their Spiritual Significance
According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva is one of the most important gods. Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) are the three principal deities of Hinduism. It is believed that Brahma is the creator of the universe, Vishnu is the preserver, and Lord Shiva is responsible for destroying the universe to allow for its recreation. Shiva’s power of destruction and recreation is used to eliminate illusion and imperfection, ultimately in a constructive manner.
Shiva is known to have extreme passions. While he can become intensely angry, he is also easily influenced by love. His wife, Parvati, is believed to take care of him, creating a balance between his anger and his capacity for love. This relationship between Shiva and Parvati embodies the harmony of opposing forces, with Shiva being both the fierce destroyer and the devoted lover.
Shiva is revered as both Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and Mahakaal, the lord of time and death. As Lord Shankar, one of the Trinity, he plays a crucial role in Hindu belief. There are 64 Jyotirlingas across India, but 12 of them are considered the most important.
What is Jyotirling
A Jyotirlinga is a sacred representation of the Hindu god Shiva. The term “Jyotirlinga” comes from the Sanskrit words “Jyoti,” meaning light, and “Linga,” which symbolizes Shiva. Thus, a Jyotirlinga is a “linga of light.” According to Hindu beliefs, the world originates from the divine union of Linga and Yoni, symbolizing the creation of life and the universe.
There are 64 Jyotirlingas in India, but 12 of them are considered the most sacred and hold special significance. Each of these 12 Jyotirlingas is believed to be a manifestation of Shiva’s infinite nature, where he is said to have appeared as a column of light. These sacred sites are major pilgrimage destinations, each with its own unique legend and significance, reflecting the diverse aspects of Shiva’s divine presence.
The 12 Jyotirlingas are:
1. Somnath in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
The name “Somnath” translates to “The Protector of Moon God.” It is derived from “Soma,” which refers to the Moon God in Hindu mythology, and “Nath,” meaning protector or lord. According to legend, the Moon God (Chandra) built the Somnath Temple in honor of Lord Shiva to be freed from a curse.
The Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India. It is believed to have been originally built by the Moon God in gold. Over centuries, it has been rebuilt multiple times by different rulers and devotees, including Ravana in silver, Krishna in wood, and King Bhimdev in stone.
The history of the Somnath Temple is marked by a series of destructions and reconstructions. The temple has been plundered and demolished numerous times by invaders:
- 1024 AD: The first significant destruction was by Mahmud of Ghazni, who looted the temple’s wealth, including its precious stones and gold. He destroyed the temple and carried away a vast treasure.
- 1299 AD: The temple faced another major attack by Alauddin Khilji’s general, Ulugh Khan, who desecrated the temple and looted its wealth.
- 1394 AD and 1706 AD: The temple was repeatedly attacked and desecrated by subsequent Muslim rulers, including the Sultan of Gujarat and Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who destroyed the temple and erected a mosque in its place.
Despite these destructions, the temple has been rebuilt each time, signifying the resilience and devotion of its believers:
- Reconstruction by King Bhimdev: After Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion, King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty rebuilt the temple in stone.
- Reconstruction by Kumarpal: In the 12th century, the temple was reconstructed by King Kumarpal under the guidance of his teacher, Acharya Hemachandra.
The most recent and significant reconstruction took place after India’s independence. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, initiated the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in 1950. The new temple was completed in 1951 and was built in the Chalukya style of architecture. President Dr. Rajendra Prasad inaugurated it.
2. Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
The Mallikarjuna Temple, also known as Srisailam Temple, is situated on the picturesque Nallamala Hills in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. The name “Mallikarjuna” is a combination of two words: “Mallika,” which refers to Goddess Parvati, and “Arjuna,” another name for Lord Shiva. Thus, Mallikarjuna represents the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.
According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared as Arjuna (Shiva) and Mallika (Parvati) to bless their devotees. Another popular legend involves their son, Kartikeya, who left Mount Kailash and settled on the Srisailam hill after an argument with his parents. Shiva and Parvati followed him and manifested as the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga to console him.
3. Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
The Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in the ancient city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The term “Mahakaleshwar” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Maha,” meaning great, and “Kaleshwar,” meaning the lord of time or death, thus referring to Shiva as the “Great Lord of Time.” This lingam is known as Dakshinamukhi because it faces south, symbolizing Shiva as the lord of death.
Mahakaleshwar is considered to be ‘Swayambhu,’ meaning self-manifested, and it is believed that the lingam derives its power from itself, signifying the divine energy inherent in it. The temple’s significance is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu traditions and texts, emphasizing its role as a powerful center of spiritual energy and devotion.
4. Omkareshwar in Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh
The Omkareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, the temple’s name, “Omkareshwar,” is derived from the word “Omkar,” which means the sacred sound “Om,” and “Ishwar,” meaning God. The island itself is uniquely shaped like the symbol Om (ॐ), adding to its spiritual significance.
According to legend, the origin of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is linked to a fierce penance performed by the Vindhya mountain range. To atone for its sins and gain spiritual power, Vindhya created a sacred lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva. Pleased with the devotion, Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar and Amareshwar (another form of Shiva) to bless the region. Another legend speaks of the great sage Narada instigating a rivalry between the Vindhya and Meru mountains, leading to Vindhya’s penance and Shiva’s appearance.
The temple is mentioned in various sacred texts, including the Puranas and the Mahabharata. The site has been a center of pilgrimage and worship for centuries, attracting devotees from across India.
5. Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, the temple is known for its majestic setting amidst snow-capped peaks and breathtaking natural beauty. The name “Kedarnath” is derived from “Kedar,” meaning fields, and “Nath,” meaning lord, signifying Shiva as the “Lord of the Fields.”
The Kedarnath Temple has a rich historical and spiritual heritage. It is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era, with the current structure attributed to Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The temple has withstood the test of time, surviving natural disasters and harsh weather conditions.
According to legend, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to absolve them of the sins committed during the Kurukshetra war. Shiva, not wanting to forgive them easily, disguised himself as a bull and wandered in the Garhwal region. The Pandavas recognized him, and Bhima tried to catch the bull. Shiva dived into the ground, but Bhima managed to hold onto his hump, which remained visible above the surface. This hump became the Jyotirlinga at Kedarnath. It is believed that the remaining parts of Shiva’s body appeared at other places, which are now known as the Panch Kedar temples.
The Bhimashankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a significant pilgrimage site located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashtra. The temple is situated amidst the serene and dense forests of the Western Ghats, making it a picturesque and spiritually uplifting destination. The name “Bhimashankar” is derived from the Bhima River, which is believed to have originated from the sweat of Lord Shiva after he defeated the demon Tripurasura.
The Bhimashankar Temple has a rich historical and cultural heritage, dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century in the Nagara style of architecture, with later additions and renovations made by various rulers and devotees over the centuries. The temple is mentioned in several ancient Hindu texts, emphasizing its importance as a sacred site.
According to legend, the demon Tripurasura became powerful and began to wreak havoc on the earth and heavens. The gods approached Lord Shiva for help. Shiva, in his fierce form, fought and defeated the demon. After the battle, exhausted and perspiring, Shiva sat in the dense forests of the Sahyadri hills, where his sweat formed the Bhima River. To commemorate his victory and the end of the demon’s tyranny, the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga emerged at this site.
7. Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the temple is situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganges. The name “Kashi” is another name for Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, while “Vishwanath” translates to “Ruler of the Universe,” reflecting Shiva’s supreme authority.
Kashi Vishwanath has been a central figure in the spiritual and cultural life of India. The original temple’s construction dates back to ancient times, with mentions in sacred Hindu texts like the Puranas. Over the centuries, the temple has faced numerous invasions and destruction, particularly during the medieval period by Muslim rulers. Despite these setbacks, it has been rebuilt several times by various Hindu kings and patrons.
Destruction and Reconstruction:
1194 AD: The temple was first destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the commander of Muhammad Ghori.
1585 AD: Raja Todar Mal, a minister in Emperor Akbar’s court, reconstructed the temple.
1669 AD: The temple was demolished again by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who built the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site. The current temple, adjacent to the mosque, was constructed in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen of Indore.
19th Century: Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donated gold for the temple’s dome, which is why the temple is also known as the Golden Temple of Varanasi.
Varanasi, where the temple is located, is considered the holiest city in Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and a dip in the Ganges can cleanse one’s soul and lead to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth. The temple is a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of devotees and tourists every year. The daily rituals and aartis performed here are a sight to behold, drawing people from all over the world.
8. Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra
The Trimbakeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the town of Trimbak, near Nashik in Maharashtra. The temple is situated at the source of the sacred Godavari River, often referred to as the Ganga of the South. The name “Trimbakeshwar” is derived from “Trimbak,” meaning three-eyed, and “Ishwar,” meaning Lord, referring to Shiva, who is depicted with three eyes.
The Trimbakeshwar Temple has a rich historical background, dating back to the Peshwa era. It was constructed by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) in the 18th century. The temple’s location at the source of the Godavari River adds to its religious importance, as the river is considered one of the holiest in India.
According to legend, the sage Gautama lived in the area with his wife, Ahalya. Once, there was a severe drought, and Gautama performed rigorous penance to bring the Ganges to the region. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva brought the river to earth, which emerged as the Godavari River. To honor Shiva, the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga manifested at this site. Another legend speaks of Lord Brahma performing a great yajna (sacrifice) here, leading to the emergence of the Jyotirlinga.
9. Vaidyanath in Deoghar, Jharkhand
The Vaidyanath Temple, also known as Baidyanath or Baba Dham, is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. The name “Vaidyanath” translates to “Lord of Physicians,” with “Vaidya” meaning physician and “Nath” meaning lord, signifying Lord Shiva’s aspect as the divine healer.
The Vaidyanath Temple has a rich historical background, believed to have been established in ancient times. The temple has been a significant center of pilgrimage for centuries, attracting devotees seeking spiritual healing and blessings. The exact origins of the temple are shrouded in mystery, but it has been mentioned in various ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, emphasizing its long-standing religious importance.
According to legend, the demon king Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva at this site to gain invincibility and divine powers. He offered his ten heads as a sacrifice to please Shiva. Impressed by Ravana’s devotion, Shiva descended to heal him, acting as a divine physician, which is how the Jyotirlinga came to be known as Vaidyanath. This act of healing symbolizes Shiva’s role as the ultimate healer and protector.
10. Nageshwar in Dwarka, Gujarat
The name “Nageshwar” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Naga,” meaning serpent, and “Ishwar,” meaning Lord, thus translating to “Lord of Serpents.” This name is associated with Lord Shiva’s connection with snakes, which are often depicted around his neck in Hindu mythology. The Nageshwar Temple, also known as Nagnath Temple, is located near Dwarka in Gujarat and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, holding a significant place in Hindu mythology and devotion. The temple is believed to date back to ancient times, although the exact period of its origin is not clearly documented.
According to legends, there was once a demon named Daruka who had received a boon from Goddess Parvati. He and his wife, Daruki, used their powers to trouble the locals, imprisoning the devotees of Shiva in a forest. Supriya, a great devotee of Shiva, was among those imprisoned and started chanting Shiva’s name. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Jyotirlinga and vanquished the demon, rescuing his devotees. The place where this event occurred is believed to be the site of the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.
11. Rameshwar in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
The Rameshwar Temple, also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, which is connected to the mainland via the Pamban Bridge. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site, forming a part of the Char Dham Yatra, which includes Badrinath, Dwarka, and Puri.
The Rameshwar Temple has a rich historical background, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The temple is believed to have been constructed during the Pandya dynasty in the 12th century, with subsequent contributions from various South Indian rulers, including the Cholas, the Vijayanagar Empire, and the Nayaks. The temple’s grand architecture and extensive corridors reflect its historical and cultural significance.
According to Hindu mythology, the Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with the epic Ramayana. Lord Rama, after defeating the demon king Ravana in Lanka, sought to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin. On his way back to Ayodhya, Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, stopped at Rameswaram and decided to worship Lord Shiva. Rama instructed Hanuman to bring a Shivalinga from the Himalayas, but as Hanuman took too long, Sita made a Shivalinga from the sand, which Rama worshipped. This sand Shivalinga is believed to be the Jyotirlinga at Rameshwar.
12. Grishneshwar in Ellora, Maharashtra
The Grishneshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the village of Verul, near Ellora in Maharashtra. The temple is situated close to the famous Ellora Caves, adding historical and architectural significance to its spiritual value. The name “Grishneshwar” is derived from “Grishna,” meaning “heat,” and “Ishwar,” meaning “Lord,” signifying Shiva as the “Lord of Compassion.”
The Grishneshwar Temple has a rich historical background, believed to have been constructed in the 13th century and later restored in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. Its proximity to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds to its historical and cultural importance. The temple has been a focal point of worship and pilgrimage for centuries.
According to legend, a devout woman named Kusuma worshipped Lord Shiva with unwavering devotion. Every day, she would immerse a Shivalinga in a tank as part of her ritual. However, her husband’s first wife, envious of her devotion, killed Kusuma’s son. Kusuma continued her worship, and miraculously, her son was revived by the divine power of Shiva. The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga emerged at this site, symbolizing Shiva’s compassion and grace.
According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva is the destroyer of the universe, paving the way for its recreation by Brahma. Shiva embodies thousands of definitions and manifests in numerous forms. On one hand, he is depicted as detached from indulgence and pleasure, epitomizing asceticism; on the other hand, he is known for his fierce anger. He is also referred to as the leader of malevolent spirits, thieves, and villains, illustrating his association with all aspects of existence.
Shiva is a significant deity for yogis and is revered as the protector of the sacred Vedas. Despite his many forms, Shiva is ultimately considered formless, which is why his symbol, the lingam, is worshipped. The lingam represents Lord Shiva and is a manifestation of his regenerative power, symbolizing the cyclical nature of creation and destruction.
The Shivalinga is typically situated above a disc-shaped base called the yoni, which signifies Goddess Shakti, also known as Parvati. The union of the lingam and yoni represents the dynamic interplay of male and female energies, essential for the process of creation. This emblem of generative power does not carry any explicit symbolic or suggestive representation but rather signifies the profound concept of life’s cyclical nature and the balance of cosmic forces.
According to ancient Sanskrit texts, including the Mahabharata and the Puranas, the lingam is believed to represent Lord Shiva’s phallus. In this way, Hindus consider the union of the lingam (penis) and the yoni (vagina) as a profound symbol of the male and female principles. This confluence signifies the harmonious balance between the masculine and feminine energies, embodying the totality of existence.
Through this symbolism, the lingam and yoni represent the essential unity and interdependence of all life forms, reflecting the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and destruction. This sacred union is a powerful representation of the divine interplay between Shiva and Shakti, illustrating the fundamental principles that sustain the universe.
