For millions of Hindus, a pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas is a journey of immense spiritual significance. These are twelve sacred shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam, or the “pillar of light”. According to Hindu mythology, these are the locations where Lord Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. A pilgrimage, or ‘yatra’, to these temples is believed to grant salvation and purify one of all sins. As you plan your spiritual journey for 2026, this pilgrim’s travel guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, their locations, significance, and travel information to help you embark on this divine quest.
Quick Answer
The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he is worshipped as a pillar of light. They are located across India: Somnath (Gujarat), Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Bhimashankar (Maharashtra), Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh), Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra), Vaidyanath (Jharkhand), Nageshwar (Gujarat), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), and Grishneshwar (Maharashtra).
The Legend of the Jyotirlingas
The origin of the Jyotirlingas is rooted in a fascinating story from the Shiva Purana. Once, Lord Brahma (the creator) and Lord Vishnu (the preserver) had an argument over who was the supreme deity. To settle the dispute, Lord Shiva appeared before them as a colossal, infinite pillar of light (the Jyotirlingam) that pierced through the three worlds. He challenged them to find the ends of this pillar. Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and went downwards, while Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards. Despite their best efforts, neither could find the end. Lord Vishnu humbly accepted defeat, but Lord Brahma falsely claimed to have found the top. Angered by this deceit, Shiva cursed Brahma that he would not be worshipped on Earth. The 12 Jyotirlingas are believed to be the places where this supreme, fiery light of Shiva broke through the earth’s surface.
A Guide to the 12 Sacred Shrines
Here is a detailed list of the 12 Jyotirlingas, arranged geographically for easier travel planning.
Jyotirlingas in Western India
- Somnath, Gujarat: Located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, this is considered the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, standing today as a testament to resilience and faith.Travel: Nearest airport is Diu (80 km). Nearest railway station is Veraval (7 km).
- Nageshwar, Gujarat: Situated near Dwarka, this Jyotirlinga is believed to be the first one on earth. The temple houses a powerful idol of Lord Shiva and is believed to protect devotees from all types of poisons.Travel: Nearest airport is Jamnagar (137 km). Nearest railway station is Dwarka (17 km).
- Bhimashankar, Maharashtra: Located in the Sahyadri hills near Pune, this temple is set amidst a lush green wildlife sanctuary. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Nagara and Hemadpanti styles. The source of the river Bhima is also located here.Travel: Nearest airport and railway station is Pune (110 km).
- Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra: Situated near Nashik, on the banks of the Godavari River, this Jyotirlinga is unique as it represents all three deities of the Hindu Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple is famous for the Kusavarta Kunda, the source of the Godavari.Travel: Nearest airport and railway station is Nashik (28 km).
- Grishneshwar, Maharashtra: Located near the famous Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, this is the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple was restored in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. It is a revered site that completes the pilgrimage.Travel: Nearest airport and railway station is Aurangabad (30 km).
Jyotirlingas in Central India
- Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh: Located in the ancient city of Ujjain, this is the only ‘Swayambhu’ (self-manifested) Jyotirlinga that faces south (‘dakshinamukhi’). The ‘Bhasma Aarti’ (ash ritual) performed here every morning is a unique and powerful experience.Travel: Nearest airport is Indore (55 km). Ujjain has its own railway station.
- Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh: This Jyotirlinga is situated on an island called Mandhata in the Narmada River. The island is shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol ‘Om’, giving the place its name. The shrine is split into two, with one half called Omkareshwar and the other Amareshwar.Travel: Nearest airport is Indore (77 km). Nearest railway station is Mortakka (12 km).
Jyotirlingas in Northern and Eastern India
- Kedarnath, Uttarakhand: Nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the most revered and challenging pilgrimage sites. The temple is open only for six months a year due to extreme weather conditions. It is also a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra.Travel: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (238 km). Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (216 km). From there, one has to travel by road and then trek.
- Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh: Situated in the holy city of Varanasi on the western bank of the Ganges, this is one of the most sacred Shiva temples. It is believed that a glimpse of this Jyotirlinga can grant salvation. The temple complex is ancient and has been renovated several times.Travel: Varanasi has its own airport and is a major railway junction.
- Vaidyanath, Jharkhand: Located in Deoghar, this Jyotirlinga is also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham. It is a vast temple complex and is revered as a place where devotees’ wishes are fulfilled. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.Travel: Nearest airport is Deoghar. The town also has a railway station.
Jyotirlingas in Southern India
- Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu: Located on Pamban Island, this Jyotirlinga is the southernmost of the twelve. It is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama himself before he crossed the sea to Lanka. The temple is known for its magnificent corridors, the longest in India.Travel: Nearest airport is Madurai (170 km). Rameswaram has its own railway station.
- Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh: Situated on the Srisailam hill, on the banks of the river Krishna, this Jyotirlinga is unique as it is a place where both Shiva (as Mallikarjuna) and his consort Parvati (as Bhramaramba) are worshipped together. It is also one of the Shakti Peethas.Travel: Nearest airport is Hyderabad (215 km). The nearest railway station is Markapur Road (85 km).
What is the best way to plan a Jyotirlinga tour?
Planning a tour to all 12 Jyotirlingas requires time and careful logistics. It is best to break the tour into geographical clusters. You can plan a trip covering the shrines in Maharashtra and Gujarat together. The two in Madhya Pradesh can be covered in a separate trip. The ones in the South (Rameshwaram and Mallikarjuna) can be combined. The northern and eastern shrines (Kedarnath, Vishwanath, Vaidyanath) can be planned as another leg of the journey. Many tour operators offer specialized Jyotirlinga tour packages.
Understanding the mythology behind the deities enriches the pilgrimage experience. For instance, knowing about the vahanas of Hindu Gods, like Shiva’s bull Nandi, adds another layer of meaning to the temple visit. Similarly, the stories of good versus evil are echoed in festivals across India, such as the various regional new year festivals.
Conclusion
The pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas is a sacred journey that takes a devotee across the length and breadth of India, showcasing the country’s profound spiritual unity and diverse landscapes. Each shrine has its own unique history, architecture, and set of rituals, yet all are bound by the singular devotion to Lord Shiva. For a pilgrim in 2026, this yatra is not just about visiting temples; it is an inward journey of self-discovery, faith, and experiencing the divine presence of the eternal pillar of light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one visit all 12 Jyotirlingas in a single trip?
While it is possible, visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas in one continuous trip is a massive undertaking that would require at least 20-30 days and extensive travel by air, train, and road. Most people prefer to cover them in separate, regional trips over a period of time.
Is there a specific order to visit the Jyotirlingas?
There is a traditional shloka that lists the 12 Jyotirlingas in a specific order, starting with Somnath. While some purists try to follow this order, there is no strict religious compulsion to do so. It is generally more practical to plan the visit based on geographical proximity and travel convenience.
What is the dress code for visiting these temples?
A modest dress code is expected at all temples. Men are usually required to wear dhotis or trousers, and women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts. Shorts, short skirts, and revealing clothing are not permitted. At some temples in the South, men may be required to remove their shirts before entering the sanctum sanctorum.
Are non-Hindus allowed to enter the Jyotirlinga temples?
The rules for entry of non-Hindus vary from temple to temple. While many temples are open to everyone, some, like the Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples, have historically had restrictions. It is advisable to check with the local temple authorities beforehand.
When is the best time to undertake the Jyotirlinga Yatra?
The best time to visit most Jyotirlingas is from September to March, when the weather is pleasant. Kedarnath is only accessible from late April to early November. It is best to avoid the monsoon season (July-August) for travel, especially to the temples in hilly or remote areas.