The Jyotirlingas are among the most revered shrines in Hinduism, representing the infinite presence of Lord Shiva in the form of light. There are 12 Jyotirlingas scattered across India, each radiating with immense spiritual power and mythological significance. Visiting these sites is believed to cleanse one of all sins and pave the path to moksha (liberation). This comprehensive guide will delve into the history, significance, travel details, budget, and itinerary for visiting the Jyotirlingas, especially during the holy month of Sawan (Shravan).
What is a Jyotirlinga?
The term “Jyotirlinga” is derived from two Sanskrit words:
- Jyoti – light or radiance
- Linga – symbol of Shiva
According to Hindu mythology, a Jyotirlinga is a pillar of pure light, a cosmic manifestation of Lord Shiva that pierces the three worlds. The 12 Jyotirlingas are said to have emerged at different places when Shiva appeared to bless his devotees.
List of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India
Here are the 12 Jyotirlingas and their locations:
| Jyotirlinga | Location | State |
|---|---|---|
| Somnath | Prabhas Patan | Gujarat |
| Mallikarjuna | Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh |
| Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain | Madhya Pradesh |
| Omkareshwar | Mandhata Island | Madhya Pradesh |
| Kedarnath | Kedarnath | Uttarakhand |
| Bhimashankar | Pune | Maharashtra |
| Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
| Trimbakeshwar | Nashik | Maharashtra |
| Vaidyanath (Baidyanath) | Deoghar | Jharkhand |
| Nageshwar | Dwarka | Gujarat |
| Rameshwaram | Rameswaram | Tamil Nadu |
| Grishneshwar | Ellora | Maharashtra |
Spiritual and Mythological Significance
Each Jyotirlinga is associated with a unique legend, often rooted in Puranic texts. For example:
- Somnath: Destroyed and rebuilt several times, it symbolizes Shiva’s supremacy over time and invaders.
- Kashi Vishwanath: Said to be the place where Shiva grants liberation to the dying.
- Kedarnath: Believed to be established by the Pandavas seeking redemption post Mahabharata.
According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of light, and these 12 spots are where his light is still accessible.
Importance of Visiting During Sawan
Sawan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar (July–August), is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees undertake Kanwar Yatra, fasts, and rituals during this month.
Why Visit Jyotirlingas in Sawan?
- Shiva’s energy is most accessible in this month.
- Spiritual benefits are multiplied.
- Temples host massive religious fairs and processions.
- A chance to participate in traditional Rudrabhishek rituals.
Who Built the Jyotirlingas Temple?
There’s no single architect or ruler responsible for all Jyotirlingas since they span millennia. Many temples were initially built by kings, renovated by dynasties, and restored by devotees. For example:
- Somnath: Originally built by Moon God (Chandra Dev), restored by Vallabh Bhatt, Maitraka kings, Mughals, British, and finally in 1951 by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Mahakaleshwar: Said to be built by King Chandrasen of Ujjain.
Time Taken to Build Each Jyotirlinga Temple
- Some temples like Kashi Vishwanath have seen continuous construction and destruction over 1,000+ years.
- Temples like Somnath and Rameshwaram took decades in restoration.
- Kedarnath Temple, high in the Himalayas, dates back to 8th century, believed to be constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, although local legends say Pandavas built it earlier.
Temple Guide: Mythological Story, How to Reach, Timings, Budget, Attractions, Food, Stay & Tips
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Mythological Story
Somnath is the first temple of the 12 Jyotirlingas. According to legend, Chandra (the Moon God) was cursed by Daksha and lost his glow. He prayed at Prabhas Patan, where Lord Shiva restored his radiance. The site became known as Somnath, “Lord of the Moon.”
How to Reach from Gandhinagar / Ahmedabad
- By Air: Fly to Diu Airport (~80 km). Hire a taxi or take a bus.
- By Railway: Veraval station (7–10 km from temple) with trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot.
- By Road: Ahmedabad to Somnath via NH27 is ~400 km (~7 hours). Rajkot to Somnath is ~220 km (~4 hours).
Temple Timings and Darshan
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Aarti times: 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM.
- Evening Light & Sound Show (~7:30 PM).
- Entry to the shrine is free; deposit leather items, cameras, and belts in lockers.
Estimated Budget (per person)
- Transport (train/bus): ₹500–1,500
- Local commute: ₹200–500
- Accommodation: ₹500–1,500
- Food: ₹300–700
- Total: ₹1,500–4,000
Nearby Attractions
- Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Sangam, Somnath Beach, Prabhas Patan Museum.
- Explore Surya and Hinglaj temples in nearby villages.
Suggested Food and Stay
- Temple bhojanalayas with meals for ₹70.
- Eateries like Samrat, Kismat, Leelawati, Desi Kitchen, and Benny’s Kerala Restaurant serve local and South Indian vegetarian dishes. Nonsmokers should avoid beachside restaurants.
Dress Code, Do’s and Don’ts
- Modest clothing required—no shorts or sleeveless tops.
- Footwear removed before entry; store in lockers.
- Avoid using mobile phones and cameras within the premises.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Mythological Story
At Srisailam, Lord Shiva appears with Parvati as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba to pacify their son Kartikeya. This temple uniquely combines a Jyotirlinga shrine with a Shakti Peetha.
How to Reach from Hyderabad
- By Road: 213 km via NH44 (~4–5 hours) by taxi or bus.
- By Rail: Nearest station is Markapur Road (~85 km), followed by cab or bus.
Temple Timings and Entry
- Open 4:30 AM–3:30 PM, then 6 PM–9 PM.
- Suprabhatam at 5 AM; morning and evening aarti.
- Entry free for both Shiva and Parvati shrines.
Budget Estimate
- Local transport: ₹1,000–2,000
- Meals: ₹300–500
- Accommodation: ₹500–1,500
Nearby Attractions
- Pathala Ganga riverfront, Akka Mahadevi caves, and Srisailam Dam on the Krishna river.
Dress Code and Visitors’ Tips
- Traditional wear enforced—dhoti/pavadai recommended.
- Deposit electronics at the cloakroom; maintain silence in temple.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Mythological Story
Lord Shiva manifested as Mahakaleshwar to defeat the demon Dushana in Ujjain. The south-facing “Dakshinamukhi” lingam symbolizes Shiva’s control over death.
How to Reach from Bhopal
- By Road: ~190 km via NH52 (~3.5 hours).
- By Train: Regular direct trains from Bhopal (~2–3 hours).
- By Air: Fly Bhopal → Indore, then taxi to Ujjain (~60 km).
Temple Timings
- Open 3 AM–11 PM.
- Special Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM (booking required).
- Entry to temple is free; strict no-photography policies in sanctum.
Budget Estimate
- Travel: ₹800–1,500
- Stay (dharamshala, budget hotel): ₹300–2,000
- Daily food: ₹200–500
- Total for 2–3 days: ₹2,500–5,000
Attractions Nearby
- Shipra riverfront aarti at Ram Ghat, Kal Bhairav Temple, Triveni Sangam.
- Heritage walks in old Ujjain.
Dress Code and Visitor Advice
- Cover shoulders and knees; men may wear traditional dhoti.
- Store cameras and mobile devices before entering.
- Secure Bhasma Aarti pass online in advance.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Mandhata Island, Madhya Pradesh
Mythological Story
Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar and Amareshwar to mediate between Devas and Asuras. The island resembling the symbol “Om” makes this Jyotirlinga site spiritually significant.
How to Reach from Bhopal
- By Rail: Board at Omkareshwar Road station (~12 km away).
- By Road: Bhopal → Omkareshwar via Indore or Ujjain (~4–5 hours).
- By Air: Fly into Indore (80 km away).
Temple Timings and Entry
- Morning darshan: 5 AM–3:50 PM; evening darshan: 4:15 PM–9:30 PM.
- Aartis at 5 AM, 12 PM (Jalabhishek), and 8:20 PM. No entry fee; photography discouraged.
Budget Estimate
- Travel: ₹800–1,500
- Stay: ₹300–1,500
- Food: ₹200–500
- Total: ₹1,500–3,500
Nearby Attractions
- Mamleshwar and Siddhanath Temples
- Boat rides on Narmada
- Nearby day trips to Maheshwar and Mandu
Dress Code and Etiquette
- Dress modestly—no sleeveless or shorts.
- Remove shoes before entering; keep silent in sanctum.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
Mythological Story
After the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas asked Shiva to absolve them of their sins. Disguised as a bull, Shiva left his hump at Kedarnath. This location is one of the five Panch Kedar shrines symbolizing divine forgiveness.
How to Reach from Dehradun
- Dehradun flight or road to Haridwar/Rishikesh → drive ~250 km to Gaurikund.
- Trek 16–18 km to the temple; or choose helicopter service (₹4,900–8,900 one way) to Guptkashi or Phata, then trek.
- Pony/palki available (₹2,500–9,000 one way depending on guidance and season).
Temple Timings and Season
- Open only from Akshaya Tritiya (May/June) to Kartik Purnima (October/November).
- Aartis at 4 AM and 6 PM; darshan timings 7 AM–3 PM and 5 PM–7 PM.
Budget Estimate
- Travel to Dehradun: ₹3,000–5,000
- Road transport to Gaurikund: ₹500–10,000
- Helicopter (optional): ₹2,000–8,900
- Trek support: ₹2,500–9,000
- Stay: ₹200–3,000; Food: ₹300–900/day
- Total 3-day pilgrimage: ₹10,000–20,000+
Nearby Attractions
- Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal), Bhairav Temple, Shankaracharya Samadhi, and Panch Kedar peaks
Dress Code and Health Advice
- Wear warm, layered clothes (thermal inner, waterproof jacket, trekking shoes).
- Carry sunscreen, water, first-aid, and power bank.
- No plastic allowed; minimize waste when trekking.
- Start early to avoid harsh weather and crowd.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Mythological Story
Shiva descended as Bhimashankar to slay the demon Tripurasura and maintain cosmic balance.
How to Reach from Mumbai
- Mumbai → Karjat by train (60 km), then taxi (~5–6 hours via NH48 and SH174).
Temple Timings
- Open from 5 AM to 9:30 PM. Aartis at 5 AM, noon, and 7:30 PM.
Budget Estimate
- Transport: ₹2,000
- Accommodation: ₹1,000–1,800
- Food: ₹500
Nearby Attractions
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Hanuman Lake, and the Nagphani viewpoint.
Dress Code and Preparation
- Choose comfortable trekking attire; carry rain gear during monsoon.
- Footwear required for sanctuary trail.
- Follow local instructions and avoid plastic.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Mythological Story
Lord Shiva pledged to give Moksha to anyone who dies in Kashi (Varanasi). The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the spiritual heart where he manifests.
How to Reach from Lucknow
- Direct train (6 hours) or road (320 km via NH19); daily flights available.
Temple Timings
- Open 3 AM to 11 PM; early morning Mangala Aarti at 3 AM.
- Multiple aartis daily; entry is free; VIP darshan passes up to ₹1,200.
Budget Estimate
- Travel: ₹2,500
- Stay: ₹1,500–2,500
- Food: ₹500–1,000
- Total: ₹4,500–7,500
Nearby Attractions
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and Manikarnika Ghat.
Dress Code and Temple Advice
- Wear traditional Indian attire (saree, kurta-pajama).
- No leather or large bags inside temple.
- Respect public sanctity, especially during aarti and boat rides.
8. Trayambakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Mythological Story
Three-faced lingam of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu located near the Godavari river’s origin.
How to Reach from Mumbai
- Mumbai to Nashik (~3–4 hours via NH60), then taxi to Trimbak (~30 km).
Temple Timings
- Open from 5:30 AM to 9 PM with aarti twice a day.
Budget Estimate
- Transport: ₹1,800
- Stay: ₹800–1,500
- Food: ₹400–700
Nearby Attractions
- Brahmagiri Hills (source of Godavari), Anjaneri Hills, and Kushavarta Kund.
Dress Code and Etiquette
- Modest traditional wear suggested; avoid revealing clothing.
- Shoes removed outside sanctum; no photography inside.
9. Baidyanath (Vaidyanath) Jyotirlinga – Deoghar, Jharkhand
Mythological Story
Ravana repeatedly offered his ten heads to Shiva for healing. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva signed as Vaidyanath (Lord of Medicine).
How to Reach from Ranchi
- Train or bus from Ranchi to Jasidih; 7 km taxi or auto-rickshaw to Deoghar.
Temple Timings
- Open 4 AM–9 PM; during Sawan month, darshan is 24/7.
Budget Estimate
- Travel: ₹1,500
- Accommodation: ₹800–2,000
- Food: ₹400–700
Nearby Attractions
- Tapovan Hills, Basukinath Temple, Satsang Ashram.
Dress Code and Devotee Protocol
- Traditional modest dressing; avoid excessive jewelry.
- Join the respectful Kanwar Yatra and maintain queue discipline.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Near Dwarka, Gujarat
Mythological Story
Lord Shiva protected his devotee Supriya from demon Daruka in the Darukavana forest, earning the name Nageshwar.
How to Reach from Ahmedabad
- Ahmedabad to Dwarka (~425 km, ~6 hours). Nageshwar Temple is ~18 km away.
Temple Timings
- Open 6 AM to 9 PM with uninterrupted darshan.
Budget Estimate
- Travel: ₹2,000
- Accommodation: ₹1,000–2,000
- Food: ₹400–1,000
Nearby Attractions
- Dwarkadhish Temple, Bet Dwarka Island, Rukmini Temple, and Gomti Ghat.
Dress Code and Temple Advice
- Dress modestly—kurta-pajama or saree with head covering.
- Separate queue lines for Ling path and Nigam path; follow signage for darshan.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
Mythological Story
Lord Rama worshiped Shiva here to expiate the sin of killing Ravana (a Brahmin). Tamilian legend narrates how Sita built a sand linga that became the temple’s sanctum.
How to Reach from Chennai
- Air/train to Madurai (~130 km), then bus or train to Rameswaram.
Temple Timings
- Open 5 AM–1 PM and 3 PM–9 PM, with frequent aartis and rituals.
Budget Estimate
- Travel: ₹2,500
- Accommodation: ₹1,000–2,500
- Food: ₹500–1,000
Nearby Attractions
- Dhanushkodi ghost town, Pamban Bridge, Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu), Abdul Kalam Memorial.
Dress Code and Visitor Tips
- Traditional attire—dhoti/lungi for men, saree/salwar-kameez for women.
- Remove footwear before entering temple; no alcohol or non-vegetarian items within premises.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Ellora, Maharashtra
Mythological Story
The devoted Ghushma (“Grishna”) created a daily lingam ritual at her home pond. When she accidentally killed her son, Shiva resurrected him and appeared as Grishneshwar.
How to Reach from Mumbai
- Mumbai to Aurangabad (~360 km), then ~30 km by bus or taxi to Ellora.
Temple Timings
- Open 5:30 AM–9:30 PM with five daily aartis.
Budget Estimate
- Travel: ₹2,500
- Accommodation: ₹1,000–2,000
- Food: ₹500–1,000
Nearby Attractions
- Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara.
Dress Code and Visitor Tips
- Wear light and modest clothing; bring a scarf and cap.
- Visit the temple in the early morning before exploring Ellora Caves.
Summary
- Pan-India Pilgrimage Plan: Combine Jyotirlinga visits state-by-state to minimize travel distance and costs.
- Budgeting: ₹3,000–8,000 per temple, depending on mode of transport, stay type, and amenities.
- Seasonal Considerations:
- Kedarnath and other Himalayan temples: best visited May–October (summer/monsoon avoidance).
- All temple visits during Sawan (Shravan) provide spiritual benefit but attract large crowds—plan and book ahead.
- Travel Tools:
- Use Indian Railways IRCTC for trains.
- Budget airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara.
- Book tourist taxis or shared buses through tour operators.
- Clothing Essentials:
- Modest, traditional Indian wear—fully cover shoulders and knees.
- Non-restrictive fabrics for hot weather; layers and waterproofs for hill regions.
- Temple Conduct:
- Adhere to dress codes.
- No photography in temple interiors.
- Dispose of plastic and waste responsibly.
- Turn off mobile phones during darshan.
Recommended Itinerary Structure
- Start in Western India
- Somnath → Nageshwar → Bhimashankar → Trimbakeshwar → Grishneshwar
- Travel through Central India
- Mahakaleshwar → Omkareshwar → Mallikarjuna
- Northern and Eastern Jharkhand/Uttarakhand
- Baidyanath → Kashi Vishwanath → Kedarnath
- Finish in South India
- Rameshwaram