There are 12 major Jyotirlingas in India, each a sacred pillar of light representing Lord Shiva’s infinite form, spread across different states from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. Knowing their names, locations, state‑wise order and basic darshan details makes it much easier to plan a spiritual yatra or create clear, informative content for devotees in 2026.
1. What Are Jyotirlingas? Brief, Easy Explanation
In simple terms, a Jyotirlinga is a special form of Shiva lingam worshipped as a column of divine light (jyoti) without beginning or end. The Shiva Purana mentions twelve such especially sacred Jyotirlingas, each associated with a powerful legend where Shiva appeared as light to bless devotees and establish that shrine.
Traditionally, devotees believe that darshan at these twelve shrines brings immense spiritual merit, and many try to visit all of them at least once in their lifetime as part of a Jyotirlinga yatra.
2. 12 Jyotirlingas – Names, States & Cities
This is the core information most users search: name + city + state.
12 Jyotirlingas in India (Names & States)
| # | Jyotirlinga | City / Town | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somnath | Veraval / Prabhas Patan | Gujarat |
| 2 | Mallikarjuna | Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh |
| 3 | Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain | Madhya Pradesh |
| 4 | Omkareshwar | Omkareshwar (Mandhata island) | Madhya Pradesh |
| 5 | Baidyanath (Vaidyanath) | Deoghar | Jharkhand |
| 6 | Bhimashankar | Bhimashankar | Maharashtra |
| 7 | Rameshwaram | Rameswaram | Tamil Nadu |
| 8 | Nageshwar (Darukavana) | Near Dwarka | Gujarat |
| 9 | Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi (Kashi) | Uttar Pradesh |
| 10 | Trimbakeshwar | Trimbak, near Nashik | Maharashtra |
| 11 | Kedarnath | Kedarnath | Uttarakhand |
| 12 | Grishneshwar | Near Ellora Caves | Maharashtra |
Maharashtra has the maximum Jyotirlingas (three) – Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar – followed by Madhya Pradesh with two (Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar); the others are spread across Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
3. Short, Simple Info on Each Jyotirlinga
This section is where you educate first‑time readers without overwhelming them.
3.1 Somnath – Gujarat
Somnath in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, is traditionally considered the first of the 12 Jyotirlinga pilgrimage sites. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in history and now stands as a grand coastal shrine facing the Arabian Sea.
3.2 Mallikarjuna – Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna (Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple) is located at Srisailam, on a hill in the Nallamala range on the banks of the Krishna River. It is unique because it houses both a Jyotirlinga (Shiva) and a Shakti Peetha (Bhramaramba Devi) in the same temple complex.
3.3 Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain enshrines a south‑facing linga believed to be swayambhu (self‑manifested), one of the rare Jyotirlingas with that status. It is famous for the early‑morning Bhasma Aarti, where the linga is offered sacred ash in a highly regulated ritual.
3.4 Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar lies on the sacred island of Mandhata in the Narmada River, whose shape is said to resemble the Sanskrit “ॐ” symbol. Devotees usually visit both Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and the nearby Mamleshwar temple on the mainland.
3.5 Baidyanath (Vaidyanath) – Jharkhand
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is located at Deoghar in Jharkhand and is often called Vaidyanath or Baidyanath Dham. The complex includes the main Jyotirlinga shrine and numerous smaller temples, and is central to the Shravani Mela, when kanwariyas carry Ganga water from Sultanganj to offer at Deoghar.
3.6 Bhimashankar – Maharashtra
Bhimashankar lies in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra and is associated with the origin of the Bhima River and the forest region called Dakini Van in scriptures. It combines a Jyotirlinga temple with rich biodiversity, making it both a spiritual and eco‑tourism spot.
3.7 Rameshwaram – Tamil Nadu
Ramanathaswamy (Rameshwaram) Jyotirlinga is on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu and is strongly linked to the Ramayana. Traditionally, pilgrims bring Ganga water from north India to bathe the linga here, symbolising a pan‑India Shiva–Rama connection, and the temple is famous for its long pillared corridors.
3.8 Nageshwar – Gujarat
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga lies near Dwarka in Gujarat and is associated with the mythical Darukavana forest mentioned in Shiva Purana. There are other claimants to the Nagesh Jyotirlinga status (Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra, Jageshwar in Uttarakhand), but the Dwarka‑area shrine is widely recognised in mainstream lists.
3.9 Kashi Vishwanath – Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India and a central point of the Kashi yatra. The main deity is Vishwanath/Vishweshwara (“Lord of the Universe”), and the temple now connects to the Ganga via the new Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
3.10 Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar near Nashik is associated with the origin of the Godavari River and features a linga with three faces, symbolising Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). Pilgrims often pair Trimbakeshwar darshan with a wider Nasik–Panchavati yatra.
3.11 Kedarnath – Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga sits high in the Himalayas and is accessible only for about six months a year; heavy snow closes the route in winter. It forms part of the Char Dham and Panch Kedar circuits and is considered the northernmost Jyotirlinga.
3.12 Grishneshwar – Maharashtra
Grishneshwar lies near Ellora Caves in Maharashtra and is often considered the twelfth Jyotirlinga in traditional lists. The temple was rebuilt in the 18th century and is frequently visited together with the nearby UNESCO‑listed Ellora cave temples.
4. State‑Wise & Region‑Wise Jyotirlinga Overview
Many readers like to know “which Jyotirlinga is in which state” or cluster them for travel.
Jyotirlingas Grouped by State
| State | Jyotirlingas in that state |
|---|---|
| Gujarat | Somnath, Nageshwar |
| Maharashtra | Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar |
| Madhya Pradesh | Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), Omkareshwar (Khandwa) |
| Andhra Pradesh | Mallikarjuna (Srisailam) |
| Jharkhand | Baidyanath (Deoghar) |
| Tamil Nadu | Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy Temple) |
| Uttar Pradesh | Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi) |
| Uttarakhand | Kedarnath |
Devotees often plan regional yatras, such as a Maharashtra Jyotirlinga circuit (Bhimashankar–Trimbakeshwar–Grishneshwar) or a Madhya Pradesh double (Mahakaleshwar + Omkareshwar).
5. Simple Map Logic & Travel Clusters
While a full map is visual, you can still explain the route logic in simple words.
5.1 West & Central India route ideas
Travel blogs and yatra operators describe several 2026 “Jyotirlinga yatra” clusters:
- Western arc:
- Start in Gujarat: Somnath → Nageshwar (Dwarka).
- Move to Maharashtra: Bhimashankar → Trimbakeshwar → Grishneshwar (Aurangabad / Ellora).
- Central arc:
- Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) → Omkareshwar (Narmada island) in Madhya Pradesh.
5.2 North & South connections
- Northern segment:
- Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, UP) → Kedarnath (Uttarakhand, in season).
- Southern segment:
- Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh) → Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu).
Longer organised yatras (including IRCTC and private operators) sometimes stitch together 7–12 Jyotirlingas in one journey across several states.
Example Jyotirlinga Travel Clusters (Easy Planning)
| Cluster | Jyotirlingas included |
|---|---|
| Gujarat cluster | Somnath, Nageshwar |
| Maharashtra cluster | Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar |
| MP cluster | Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar |
| North Ganga–Himalaya | Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath |
| South Shaiva route | Mallikarjuna, Rameshwaram |
6. Darshan Basics: Best Time, Accessibility & Tips
This is where you make the article practically useful.
6.1 Best time to visit (season‑wise)
- Kedarnath: open roughly April/May to Oct/Nov; closed in heavy winter snow.
- Somnath, Dwarka (Nageshwar), Rameshwaram, Srisailam: accessible year‑round, though summers can be hot and monsoons bring heavy rain in some regions.
- Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Baidyanath, Kashi Vishwanath: open year‑round; major crowds on Mondays, Shivratri, Shravan, Kartik Purnima and local festivals.
6.2 Typical darshan patterns
Most shrines follow a classic daily pattern:
- Early morning Mangal Aarti and Abhishek.
- Forenoon and afternoon general darshan with shorter aartis.
- Evening Sandhya Aarti; some have special rituals (e.g., Mahakal Bhasma Aarti, Rameshwaram pujas, Kashi Rudrabhishek).
Exact timings vary; devotees should check the individual temple’s official website or local notices for that day’s schedule.
6.3 Dress code and etiquette
Guides commonly recommend:
- Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), traditional wear preferred in many temples.
- Removing footwear before entering temple premises; using designated shoe stands.
- Avoiding photography in sanctum areas where it is restricted.
- Respecting queue systems and separate lines where applicable (e.g., ladies, senior citizens).
7. Quick Reference Table – Jyotirlinga Snapshot (2026)
To make the article easy to scan, summarise key info.
12 Jyotirlingas: Quick Info for Darshan Planning
| Jyotirlinga | Nearest major city / hub | Season notes | Special highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somnath | Veraval / Diu / Rajkot | Year‑round; pleasant Nov–Feb. | First Jyotirlinga, coastal sunset views. |
| Mallikarjuna | Srisailam (from Hyderabad/Vijayawada) | Hot summers; monsoon greenery. | Jyotirlinga + Shakti Peetha in one complex. |
| Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain (near Indore) | Year‑round; huge crowd on Mahashivratri. | Famous Bhasma Aarti at dawn. |
| Omkareshwar | Near Indore / Khandwa | Year‑round; river island setting. | Island shaped like “ॐ”; twin shrines. |
| Baidyanath | Deoghar | Monsoon Shravani Mela very crowded. | Linked to Shiva as divine healer. |
| Bhimashankar | Near Pune | Monsoon treks popular; winters pleasant. | Forest sanctuary + hill temple. |
| Rameshwaram | Rameswaram Island | Peak pilgrimage in winter/early summer. | Long corridors, Ramayana legends. |
| Nageshwar | Near Dwarka | Pleasant Oct–Feb. | Close to Dwarkadhish temple. |
| Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi | Year‑round; cooler Oct–Mar. | Ancient Kashi, new corridor, Ganga ghats. |
| Trimbakeshwar | Near Nashik | Monsoon & winter favoured; Kumbh years special. | Godavari origin, tri‑mukhi linga. |
| Kedarnath | Kedarnath | Open ~6 months (summer–autumn). | High‑altitude Himalayan shrine. |
| Grishneshwar | Near Aurangabad/Ellora | Year‑round; combine with Ellora caves. | Small but powerful temple, near UNESCO site. |
8. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the 5 main Jyotirlinga?
Traditionally all 12 Jyotirlingas are revered, but many devotees commonly highlight five very prominent shrines: Somnath (Gujarat), Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh), Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) and Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) because of their high pilgrimage footfall and strong scriptural associations.
Which is the first of 12 Jyotirlinga?
Somnath in Prabhas Patan (near Veraval) in Gujarat is widely regarded as the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas as listed in traditional sequences and travel guides.
Which direction do the 12 Jyotirlingas face?
Most Jyotirlingas are not classified by facing direction in popular pilgrim guides, but Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain is specifically known for its rare south‑facing (dakshin‑mukhi) Shiva linga, considered unique among the twelve. Other temples primarily focus on the position of the garbhagriha, local vastu and circumambulation paths rather than a uniform east–west–north–south orientation across all twelve.
What are the 12 Jyotirlingas in India?
The 12 Jyotirlingas named in the Shiva Purana and modern guides are: Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Baidyanath (Vaidyanath), Bhimashankar, Rameshwaram, Nageshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Kedarnath and Grishneshwar.
List of Temples and Locations
- Somnath – Prabhas Patan (near Veraval), Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar – Mandhata Island (Omkareshwar), Madhya Pradesh
- Baidyanath (Vaidyanath) – Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Bhimashankar – Bhimashankar (near Pune), Maharashtra
- Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy) – Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu
- Nageshwar – near Dwarka, Gujarat
- Kashi Vishwanath – Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar – Trimbak (near Nashik), Maharashtra
- Kedarnath – Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Grishneshwar – near Ellora Caves (Aurangabad region), Maharashtra
How many Jyotirlinga in India?
There are 12 principal Jyotirlingas in India recognised in the Shiva Purana and in modern temple and travel literature, located across eight states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand).
Summary
India has 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, each a powerful form of Shiva worshipped as a pillar of light and spread across 8 different states. They are Somnath and Nageshwar in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Baidyanath in Jharkhand, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar in Maharashtra, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. Maharashtra has the highest number (three shrines), while the others are distributed across west, north, central and south India, making Jyotirlinga yatra a truly pan‑Indian pilgrimage.
Each temple has its own unique setting and highlight – coastal Somnath, Himalayan Kedarnath, river‑island Omkareshwar, corridor‑linked Kashi Vishwanath, forested Bhimashankar, and Ramayana‑linked Rameshwaram – drawing devotees who seek darshan and spiritual merit. In 2026, pilgrims typically plan their routes in clusters (Gujarat pair, Maharashtra trio, MP duo, north Ganga–Himalaya, south Shaiva circuit), checking local temple websites for season, darshan timings, dress codes and any special rituals like Mahakaleshwar’s Bhasma Aarti or Rameshwaram abhisheks.
You may also like : Domestic Tour Pacakages, International Tour Pacakages, Kerela Tour, Andman Tour, Delhi Shimla Tour, Seasonal Tour, Ooty Mysore Coorg Tour 5 Nights / 6 Days, Travel Agent in Agra, Best Travel Agent in Agra, Tour Planner in Agra