12 Jyotirlinga Names and Locations in India (Full Guide)

About the 12 Jyotirlinga in India

The 12 Jyotirlinga in India are the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and are considered powerful manifestations of his divine light form. The word “Jyotirlinga” means a pillar of spiritual radiance, symbolising the infinite and eternal nature of Shiva. These twelve holy shrines are spread across different states of India and hold immense importance in Hindu pilgrimage traditions.

According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light to resolve a dispute between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. This divine event gave rise to the twelve Jyotirlingas, each representing a unique and sacred form of Shiva.

Together, all 12 Jyotirlinga form one of the most revered spiritual circuits in India and are visited by millions of devotees every year.

Complete List of All 12 Jyotirlinga with States & Locations

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Overview

Somnath Jyotirlinga, located in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, is regarded as the first among all 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is also known as the Aadi Jyotirlinga, symbolising the eternal presence of Lord Shiva.

This sacred temple stands on the western coast of India and is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mythological Significance

According to the Shiva Purana, Chandra Dev (Moon God) married the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati but showed special affection toward Rohini. Angered by this partiality, Daksha cursed the Moon to lose his radiance.

To regain his brightness, the Moon worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred site. Pleased with his devotion, Shiv

a relieved him from the curse and manifested here as Somnath — meaning “Lord of the Moon.”

Since ancient times, the temple has undergone multiple reconstructions and remains one of the most revered Shiva shrines in India.

Location of Somnath Jyotirlinga - Gir Somnath District, Gujarat

Aarti Timing - 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM (NOON) and 7:00 PM

Special Occasion - Shivratri and Kartik Purnima

Dress Code - Somnath Trust imposed a ban on leather belts and any revealing clothes, including skirts and shorts.

How To Reach

By Road:- Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat is just 400 km away from Ahmedabad, 82 km from Junagadh, and 120 km from Porbandar

By Train:- Sonmath has its own railway station with the same name, and the station code of Sonmath station is SMNH. It is well-connected with all the major railway stations.

By Air:- The nearest airport to Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat is Porbandar Airport, which is just 120 km away from the Somnath temple. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Rajkot airport, which is around 200 km away from the Somnath temple.

2. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Overview

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is regarded as the second among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is situated near the sacred Rudra Sagar Lake on the banks of the Shipra River.

This Jyotirlinga is unique because it is Dakshin Mukhi (south-facing) — a rare feature among Shiva temples.

Mythological Significance

According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva manifested here to protect his devotees from a demon named Dushana. It is believed that the lingam emerged on its own (Swayambhu), symbolising Shiva’s self-manifested form.

Devotees believe that worshipping at Mahakaleshwar grants liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.

Famous Bhasma Aarti

Mahakaleshwar Temple is globally known for its Bhasma Aarti, performed at around 4:00 AM daily.

During this sacred ritual, the Jyotirlinga is adorned with sacred ash (bhasma), symbolising detachment and the eternal nature of Shiva.

Because of its spiritual importance, advance booking is required to attend the Bhasma Aarti.

Location of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Aarti Timing Darshan - 4:00 AM, Morning Aarti - 7:00 AM, Evening Aarti -5:00 PM, Shree 

Mahakal Aarti - 7:00 PM

Special Occasion - Maha Shivratri

Dress Code - Men should wear a traditional dhoti, and women should wear a saree. Children have to follow the same dress code.

How To Reach

By Road:- Ujjain is just 53 km away from Indore and 188 km away from Bhopal.

By Train:- Ujjain Junction is the nearest railway station to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It's UJN

By Air:- The nearest airport to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is Indore Airport, which is just 53 km away from the Mahakaleshwar temple.

3. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Overview

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, located in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, is regarded as the third among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is situated on Mandhata (Shivpuri) Island in the Narmada River.

The island is uniquely shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol “ ॐ (Om) ,” which gives the temple its name — Omkareshwar.

Mythological Significance

According to Hindu Puranas, a fierce battle once took place between the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons). When the gods were overpowered, they prayed to Lord Shiva for protection.

In response to their prayers, Shiva manifested here as Omkareshwar and defeated the demons, restoring balance and righteousness.

Because of this divine appearance, the temple became one of the sacred Jyotirlinga sites dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga - Mandhata city (also known as Omkareshwar) in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh

Aarti Timing - Morning timing -5 AM to 3:50 PM Ends timing - 4:15 PM to 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM

Special Occasion - Maha Shivratri, Kartik Poornima and Makar Sankranti

Dress Code -  No dress code.

How To Reach

By Road:- It is well connected by Indore, Ujjain, and Bhopal.

By Train:- Omkareshwar Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the temple.

By Air:- The nearest airport to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, is Indore Airport, which is just 85 km away from the Mahakaleshwar temple.

4. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

Overview

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is regarded as the fourth among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is situated on the sacred Shri Shaila Mountain along the banks of the Krishna River.

It is often called the “Kailash of the South” due to its immense spiritual significance.

Uniquely, this temple houses both Lord Shiva (Mallikarjuna) and Goddess Parvati (Bhramaramba), making it one of the rare Jyotirlinga sites associated with both divine energies.

Mythological Significance

According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Kartikeya became upset when his brother Ganesha was married before him. In anger, he left Mount Kailash and settled on Kraunch Mountain.

Grieved by their son’s departure, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati followed him and manifested at Srisailam in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Since then, Shiva has been worshipped here as Mallikarjuna.

This sacred presence makes Srisailam one of the most spiritually powerful Jyotirlinga temples in India.

Location of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga - Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

Aarti Timing - 4:30 am – 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Special Occasion - Ugadi festival

Dress Code - For men, it's a dhoti or pyjama with an upper cloth, and for women, it's a saree with a blouse or churidar pyjama with an upper cloth.

How To Reach

By Road:- It is well connected by Mahbubnagar and Hyderabad.

By Train:- The nearest railway station is Markapur Road with station code MRK

By Air:- The nearest airport to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is Hyderabad, which is 175 km

5. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Overview

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It is regarded as the fifth among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

This sacred shrine is believed to grant liberation (moksha) and freedom from suffering to devoted pilgrims.

Mythological Significance

According to legend, the demon king Ravana performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva and requested him to move to Lanka. Shiva agreed on the condition that Ravana must not place the Lingam on the ground during the journey.

Fearing Ravana’s growing power, the gods intervened. Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a Brahmin, and Ravana temporarily handed him the Lingam. The Lingam was placed on the ground at Deoghar and became permanently rooted there.

Thus, Lord Shiva manifested here as Baidyanath Jyotirlinga.

Location of Baidyanath Jyotirlinga - Deoghar District, Jharkhand

Aarti Timing - Morning Aarti -5:30AM and Evening Aarti - 9:00 PM/p>

Special Occasion - Shivratri and Shravan month

Dress Code - For men, the dress code is shirt & trousers or dhoti or pyjama. For women, the preferred dress code is Saree, half saree with blouse, or chudidar with pyjama and upper cloth. Shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, low waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts are strictly prohibited.

How To Reach

By Road:- Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Jharkhand is just 255 km away from Ranchi, 82 km from Junagadh, and 256 km from Patna

By Train:- Baidyanath has its own railway station with the same name, and the station code of Somnath station is BDME. It is well-connected with all the major railway stations.

By Air:- The nearest airport to Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Jharkhand is Deoghar Airport, which is just 12.2 km away from the Baidyanath temple. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Patna airport, which is around 250 km away from the Baidyanath temple.

6. Kedarnath Temple – Uttarakhand

Overview

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is the sixth among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple is also a major part of the Char Dham Yatra (along with Yamunotri , Gangotri, and Badrinath) and holds immense significance in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.

Mythological Significance

According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for their sins. Shiva avoided them and took the form of a bull. When Bhima tried to catch him, the bull disappeared into the ground, and its hump appeared at Kedarnath — forming the Jyotirlinga worshipped today.

Another legend states that sages Nara and Narayana performed intense penance here, requesting Lord Shiva to reside permanently in Kedarnath.

Temple Opening Period

Kedarnath Temple remains open for approximately six months each year (usually May to October) due to heavy snowfall during winter.

During winter, the deity is shifted to Ukhimath for worship. You can check out Kedarnath Temple Opening and closing date by visiting our dedicated blog on this topic.

Kedarnath Yatra Significance

The Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most spiritually significant pilgrimages in India. Devotees undertake a 16 km trek from Gaurikund to reach the temple.

Pilgrims often combine Kedarnath Yatra with:

Do Dham Yatra

Location of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga - Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand

Aarti Timing - After sunset

Special Occasion - Shivratri and Diwali

Dress Code - Kedarnath Trust imposed a ban on any improper dress, like skirts or shorts.

How To Reach

By Road:- Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand is just 280 km away from Haridwar. You can reach Haridwar by road, rail or air

By Train:- Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun are the nearest railway stations to Kedarnath

By Air:- The nearest airport to Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand is Jolly Grant Airport, which is just 276 km away from the Kedarnath Dham . Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Delhi airport, which is around 488 km away from the Kedarnath Temple.

7. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Dwarka in Gujarat and is considered the seventh among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is situated between Gomti Dwarka and Bet Dwarka Island in the Saurashtra region.

It is one of the most important Shiva temples in Gujarat and attracts thousands of pilgrims during Maha Shivratri and the Shravan month.

Mythological Significance

According to the Shiva Purana, a demon named Daaruka once imprisoned a Shiva devotee named Supriya along with many others in a place called Darukavana.

While in captivity, Supriya and the prisoners prayed to Lord Shiva. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva appeared, defeated the demon Daaruka, and manifested as a Jyotirlinga at this sacred site.

Location of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga -  Near Dwarka, Gujarat

Aarti Timing - 7:00- 7:30 PM and 9:00 - 9:30 PM

Special Occasion - Shivratri and Shravan month

Dress Code - No Dress code for Darshan.

How To Reach

By Road:- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is 18 km away from Dwarka City

By Train:- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is just 18 km away from Dwarka Railway Station.

By Air:- The nearest airport to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is Porbandar(107 km), and 126 km away from the Jamnagar airport

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Overview

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the town of Trimbak near Nashik in Maharashtra. It is regarded as the eighth among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is situated at the foothills of Brahmagiri Mountain — the origin place of the sacred Godavari River.

As a result, he frequently invited sages to his home for meals. He did shoot a cow once, though, because it was grazing on his land. He began praying to Lord Shiva, who then commanded the River Ganga to flow from this location and free him from all of his sins.

Mythological Significance

According to the Shiva Purana, Sage Gautam performed intense penance at this site. After accidentally killing a cow, he sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva .

Pleased with his devotion, Shiva commanded the holy River Ganga to descend at Brahmagiri Mountain to purify him. The river later became known as the Godavari.