Explore the Spiritual Journey to the 12 Jyotirlingas in India: A Pilgrimage Like No Other
Are you ready to dive into an unforgettable spiritual journey? The 12 Jyotirlingas in India stand as some of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, drawing devotees and wanderers from all over the country. Each of these magnificent temples represents a pillar of light (Jyoti) that embodies the infinite essence of Lord Shiva. This pilgrimage offers a unique blend of spirituality and adventure, taking you from the serene heights of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of Tamil Nadu.
Whether you’re seeking divine blessings or simply want to explore India’s ancient architectural wonders, a Jyotirlinga tour package is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this incredible journey of faith. Picture this: as you travel between these holy sites, you’ll not only connect spiritually but also uncover the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry that each location has to offer.
Want to visit more than one shrine in a single trip? Customized travel options, like the Trimbakeshwar Bhimashankar Grishneshwar tour packages, allow you to explore multiple Jyotirlingas, especially the popular ones in Maharashtra.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the 12 Jyotirlingas, complete with their locations, exciting things to do, must-see places nearby, and handy travel tips to make your pilgrimage as smooth as possible. We’ll even share the best routes from Omkareshwar to Mahakaleshwar, highlight pilgrimage experiences, and recommend the ideal seasons for your visit. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or a group pilgrimage through a Jyotirlinga tour package, this guide has everything you need to make your spiritual journey memorable!
In this Blog
A Detailed Guide to the 12 Jyotirlingas with Locations
Now, let’s embark on the journey through each of the 12 Jyotirlingas and explore the fascinating details that make each one of these sacred shrines a must-visit.
1. Somnath Temple in Gujarat – The First Jyotirlinga
The Somnath Temple in Gujarat is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Situated along the Arabian Sea coast, the temple has a storied history of being destroyed and rebuilt several times, signifying the resilience of faith.
- Best time to visit Somnath: October to March
- Things to do in Somnath: Attend the evening aarti, explore the beach, and visit the Somnath Museum.
- Places to visit in Somnath: Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, and the nearby Gir National Park.
- How to reach Somnath: The nearest airport is Diu Airport (80 km), and Veraval Railway Station is just 7 km away.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Andhra Pradesh – The Divine Hilltop Temple
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is perched on the scenic Nallamala Hills in Srisailam. Known for its mythological connection to Lord Shiva and Parvati, this temple is one of the most prominent Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
- Best time to visit Srisailam: October to February
- Things to do in Srisailam: Visit the Srisailam Dam and take a scenic boat ride on the Krishna River.
- Places to visit in Srisailam: Akkamahadevi Caves and Pathala Ganga.
- How to reach Srisailam: The nearest airport is Hyderabad (213 km), and the nearest railway station is Markapur Road (85 km).
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain – The Lord of Time
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain is one of the most important and famous Jyotirlingas in India. It is said that Lord Shiva manifested here to control time itself, making this shrine one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas.
- Best time to visit Ujjain: October to March
- Things to do in Ujjain: Attend the Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM and explore the ghats along the Kshipra River.
- Places to visit in Ujjain are Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Ghat, and the Vedh Shala Observatory.
- How to reach Ujjain: The nearest airport is Indore (55 km), and Ujjain Junction is well-connected by train.
Experience a blend of comfort and tradition at StayVista’s charming stay in Ujjain, where guests can enjoy serene surroundings and explore the spiritual essence of this ancient city.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh – The Island Temple
Situated on an island shaped like the sacred “Om” symbol, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the two Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh. Located on the banks of the Narmada River, the temple is known for its serene environment and spiritual energy.
- Best time to visit Omkareshwar: October to March
- Things to do in Omkareshwar: Take a boat ride around the island and explore the path to Parikrama.
- Places to visit in Omkareshwar: Kedareshwar Temple and the nearby Mamleshwar Temple.
- How to reach Omkareshwar: The nearest airport is Indore (80 km), and the nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road (12 km).
For those travelling through Madhya Pradesh, a popular route is from Omkareshwar to Mahakaleshwar, covering both significant shrines in a short pilgrimage.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand – The Sacred Himalayan Temple
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga stands high amidst the Himalayas and is one of the most remote and awe-inspiring Jyotirlingas in India. Pilgrims must undertake a challenging 16 km trek from Gaurikund to reach the temple, making it a spiritual adventure in itself.
- Best time to visit Kedarnath: May to October, when the temple is open.
- Things to do in Kedarnath: Trekking to the temple, exploring the Bhairavnath Temple, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding peaks.
- Places to visit in Kedarnath: Chorabari Tal and Vasuki Tal are nearby attractions.
- How to reach Kedarnath: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (239 km), and Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest.
: Explore the Spiritual Journey to the 12 Jyotirlingas in India: A Pilgrimage Like No Other
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra – The Forest Temple
Hidden in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga offers not only spiritual solace but also a connection with nature through its surrounding wildlife sanctuary.
- Best time to visit Bhimashankar: is October to February for cool and pleasant weather.
- Things to do in Bhimashankar: Trekking through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, and visiting Nag Phani Point for stunning views.
- Places to visit in Bhimashankar: Gupt Bhimashankar and Hanuman Lake.
- How to reach Bhimashankar: The nearest airport is Pune (110 km), and Karjat Railway Station is the closest at 168 km.
A great way to explore the Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra is through Trimbakeshwar Bhimashankar Grishneshwar tour packages, which help cover these significant shrines in a single journey.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi – The City of Light
One of the most well-known Jyotirlingas in India, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi is a site of immense spiritual power. The city is considered the oldest living city in the world and holds deep significance in Hinduism.
- Best time to visit Varanasi: November to February
- Things to do in Varanasi: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti, take a boat ride on the Ganges, and explore the ancient streets.
- Places to visit in Varanasi: Sarnath, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Assi Ghat.
- How to reach Varanasi: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (25 km), and Varanasi Junction is well-connected.
For a cosy and immersive experience, consider staying in one of the charming homestays in Varanasi, where guests can enjoy authentic local hospitality while being close to the spiritual heart of the city.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra – The Origin of the Godavari
Located near Nashik, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is not only a sacred shrine but also the source of the holy Godavari River. Its unique architecture, where the Jyotirlinga represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, sets it apart.
- Best time to visit Trimbakeshwar: November to February
- Things to do in Trimbakeshwar: Perform religious rituals like Narayan Nagbali and explore the nearby Brahmagiri Hill.
- Places to visit in Nashik: Anjaneri Hill, Panchavati, and Sula Vineyards.
- How to reach Trimbakeshwar: The nearest airport is Mumbai (177 km), and Nashik Road Railway Station is 28 km away
Experience a serene stay at StayVista’s luxurious villas near Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, where comfort meets tranquillity, making it the perfect base for your spiritual pilgrimage.
9. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Gujarat – The Protector of the West
Located near Dwarka, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the significant Jyotirlingas in Gujarat. This temple is known for its divine powers to protect devotees from all kinds of negativity and evil forces. It’s also famous for its proximity to the Dwarkadhish Temple, making it a part of a larger spiritual journey to the western coast of India.
- Best time to visit Nageshwar: October to March when the weather is cool and ideal for sightseeing.
- Things to do in Nageshwar: Visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, participate in the evening aarti, and explore the serene beaches nearby.
- Places to visit in Dwarka: Explore Beyt Dwarka, Rukmini Devi Temple, and the Dwarka Lighthouse for stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
- How to reach Nageshwar: The nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport (137 km away), and Dwarka Railway Station is well-connected with major cities in India.
Experience comfort and tranquillity with our handpicked stays in Dwarka, offering modern amenities and stunning views to enhance your spiritual journey to the sacred Jyotirlingas.
10. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga in Tamil Nadu – The Southernmost Shrine
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga, located on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, is deeply connected to the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva before embarking on his journey to Lanka. This Jyotirlinga is a vital stop for pilgrims completing the Char Dham Yatra.
- Best time to visit Rameshwaram: October to April when the weather is mild and pleasant for temple visits and sightseeing.
- Things to do in Rameshwaram: Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, perform the sacred bathing rituals in the temple’s holy tanks, and explore the historical Pamban Bridge.
- Places to visit in Rameshwaram: Visit Dhanushkodi, the southernmost tip of Rameshwaram, and explore Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu).
- How to reach Rameshwaram: The nearest airport is in Madurai (174 km), and Rameshwaram Railway Station connects the city to major destinations across India.
11. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra – The Last of the Twelve
Situated near the famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the twelfth and last of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, including intricate carvings on the walls and the presence of a massive Nandi Bull.
- Best time to visit Grishneshwar: October to March when the weather is cool and conducive to exploring both the temple and nearby attractions.
- Things to do in Grishneshwar: Visit the Ellora Caves, known for their stunning rock-cut architecture, and Daulatabad Fort, a hilltop fort with panoramic views.
- Places to visit in Aurangabad: Bibi Ka Maqbara, Ajanta Caves, and Grishneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the must-visit sites in the region.
- How to reach Grishneshwar: The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport (30 km away), and Aurangabad Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
12. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga in Jharkhand – The Healer Shrine
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is famous for its healing powers and is a highly revered destination for devotees seeking relief from physical and spiritual ailments. According to legend, Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here to gain his divine powers.
- Best time to visit Deoghar: October to March for pleasant weather. The Shravan month (July-August) is also popular but crowded due to the Kanwar Yatra.
- Things to do in Deoghar: Participate in the annual Shravan Mela, explore the nearby Naulakha Temple, and visit the Basukinath Temple.
- Places to visit in Deoghar: Tapovan Hills and Trikut Parvat are scenic locations for nature lovers.
- How to reach Vaidyanath Temple: The nearest airport is Deoghar Airport, and Jasidih Junction is the nearest railway station, about 7 km away.
FAQs About the 12 Jyotirlingas in India
The 12 Jyotirlingas are considered to be the physical manifestations of Lord Shiva, where he appeared as a column of light (Jyoti) to show his divine form. Each Jyotirlinga represents a different aspect of Shiva’s infinite nature and is deeply revered by devotees across India.
You can plan your pilgrimage through various Jyotirlinga tour packages, which often cover all 12 temples. Alternatively, you can focus on specific regions, such as the Trimbakeshwar Bhimashankar Grishneshwar tour packages, which focus on the Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
While all the Jyotirlingas are significant, many devotees consider Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain to be one of the most powerful, as it is believed that Lord Shiva here governs the very essence of time and death.
Yes, with proper planning, it is possible to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas. Many travel agencies offer comprehensive Jyotirlinga tour packages that cover all the temples in a structured route across different states in India.
The ideal time to visit most of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India is between October and March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for travel. Specific temples like Kedarnath are open only from May to October due to weather conditions.
6. How long does the entire Jyotirlinga pilgrimage take?
The pilgrimage can take around 15 to 20 days, depending on the pace of your journey and the time spent at each shrine.
