The Divine Glory of the 12 Jyotirling Belonging to Lord Shiva

‘Radiance’ as they denote, the Dwadasa Jyotirlingam are believed to be the sources of powerful divine energy and are the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed they were 64 in number of which 12 became more popular and sacred. The etymology of the word Jyotirling lies in Sanskrit, in which Jyotir is light and Lingam refers to the symbol of Lord Shiva which are generally prayed in form of stone or Brass Shivling, etc. by devotees.

Somnath Considered to be the first among all the Jyotirlings, this ancient temple is located in Gujarat. It is said that it was rebuilt about 16 times after being destructed by various foreign forces. It was once studded with precious gems and gold and referred to as the richest temple in India. According to mythology, it was here that the Shiva freed Chandra from the curse of lightlessness by Daksha.

Mallikarjuna It is in the town of Sri Sailam in Andhra Pradesh and it is probably located on the same hill, which had a temporary residence of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is said that Lord Kartikeya after his defeat by Ganesha in going round the world contest, left his abode of Kailasa and started living on Kravunja hill. To meet their son the divine couple went there, but on being denied to live with him, they started living temporarily on nearby hill for convenience of paying visits.

Mahakaleshwar This is situated in the holy city of Ujjain which is also a venue of Kumbh Mela. The story behind this is related to a ruler of this part called Chandrasena, who was attacked by a rival king Ripudamana, allied with a demon called Dushan. Frightened by the destruction caused by the demon, the people prayed to Lord Shankar and he appeared in form of Mahakala to end the evil. 

Omakareshwar There are many tales that revolve around this shrine which is located in Madhya Pradesh in the middle of the Narmada River. Lord Shankar is said to have blessed Vindhyas here with equal status to Sumeru Mountain after his Tapasya. It is also believed that Shiva killed the demons at the appeal of the Gods. 

Kedarnath This is a pilgrimage site, which is very difficult to reach and having great significance. It is situated on the snow clad Himalayas and remains closed from November to April. A myth says that this is the region where Shiva appeared before Pandavas and Draupadi, in search of him for getting relieved of their sins.  The deity appeared as a running Buffalo in front of them.

Bheemshankara The Lingam lies in the hills of Sahayadri in Maharashtra. Legend has it that the demon called Bhima wreaked havoc to the people of this place when he came to know about the death of his father Kumbhkarna. He tortured every devotee of Lord Vishnu and he even threw Kamrupeshwar, a follower of Shiva in a dungeon. Shankar rescued his devotee by killing Bhima just when he was about to get slayed.

Kashi VishwanathThe sanctum of Kashi Vishwanath is in the city of Varanasi. Shiva is believed to be the creator of this ancient city and its protector too. Scriptures also say that the city is dwelled by the Tridev - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and it is indestructible.

Trayambakeshwar Having its origin on the hill atop the temple, it is situated in Nasik (Maharashtra). It was here that the Gautam Rishi was blessed by the deity with the flow of Ganga in the name of Godavari near his hermitage. This was done so that the sage could wash off his sins of killing a cow accidentally.

Vaidyanath The ninth Jyotirlingam is in the state of Jharkhand and the tale of Ravana’s Tapasya for the blessing of invincibility is related to this shrine. He was on his way to Lanka with the Lingam given by the Mahadev, when a boy helped to hold the structure, till Ravana answered his nature’s call. The boy who was Ganesha in disguise put it on the ground, to make Ravana lose his chance of getting immortal and since then it remained there.

Nageshwar Another holy pilgrimage of Gujarat, this sanctum of Shiva speaks of connection with the devotee Supriya, who remembered his Lord, when attacked by a demoness called Daruka. The merchant was protected by Shiva who came with snakes to evict Daruka. The structure prayed by the merchant is now present as Jyotirlinga here.

Rameshwar The southernmostof all Jyotirling, it is located in the middle of the sea in Tamil Nadu and is also one the Char Dham of Hindus. The place is highly revered since it is believed that Rama prayed to the Shivling made of sand here after defeating Ravana to expiate for his sins committed in the war.

Ghrishneshwar The last of all Jyotirling, It lies in close proximity to the Ellora caves of Maharashtra. The tale behind this is of a girl named Ghrishna who had vowed to make 101 Lingam every day, worship and immerse them in a pond nearby. Her aunt, who was her husband’s first wife, killed the baby boy blessed to her. After this Ghrishna prayed the next day, which made Shiva punish the aunt, to which she resisted. Her baby was revived and Linga was installed there.

Author’s Bio: A lover and researcher of Indian worshiping culture, Vandana Mishra is a content writer for Puja Shoppe. Puja Shoppe, an e-store for Puja items