12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva: Myths, Interesting and Lesser-Known Facts

The Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of the most revered and ancient pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, the Moon God, Chandra, was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati, to gradually lose his radiance and fade away. In distress, Chandra worshiped Lord Shiva at this sacred spot, who, moved by his devotion, partially lifted the curse. As a result, the moon regained its brilliance in phases, which is believed to be the reason behind the waxing and waning cycles of the moon.

Apart from its religious significance, the Somnath Temple has a fascinating history of destruction and reconstruction. It was demolished multiple times by invaders, including Mahmud of Ghazni, and was most recently restored in 1951. A lesser-known fact about the temple is that it is strategically positioned in such a way that there is no landmass between Somnath and Antarctica, making it a unique geographical wonder.

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, this Jyotirlinga signifies the divine presence of both Shiva and Parvati together. The legend states that after a disagreement with his family, Lord Kartikeya left for Mount Krauncha in anger. Distressed by their son's departure, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati followed him and manifested at Srisailam as Mallikarjuna and Brahmaramba, blessing devotees with their presence.

Apart from its spiritual importance, devotees strongly believe that visiting this temple absolves them of all sins and grants them Moksha (salvation). The temple is also an architectural marvel, showcasing an exquisite blend of Vijayanagar and Dravidian architectural styles, which is a lesser-known fact. The temple’s grandeur, intricate carvings, and ancient inscriptions make it not only a religious landmark but also a historical and cultural treasure of South India.

The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, King Chandrasena of Ujjain was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. When rival kings attacked Ujjain, a young devotee named Shikhar prayed for the city’s protection. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in his fierce form as Mahakal and defeated the invaders, safeguarding the city. Since then, Shiva resides here as Mahakaleshwar, the eternal lord of time.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this temple is that it is the only Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva’s idol faces south (Dakshinamukhi), unlike others, which are oriented towards the east or west. Another unique and lesser-known fact is the temple's Bhasma Aarti, performed every morning using ashes from a fresh funeral pyre. This ritual is considered extremely sacred, symbolizing the cycle of life and death, reinforcing Lord Shiva’s role as the destroyer and transformer of the universe.

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, situated on the Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to legend, a fierce battle once took place between the Devas (gods) and Danavas (demons). Struggling against the powerful demons, the Devas prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar and blessed them with victory. Since then, the island has been regarded as a divine site of worship.

A fascinating fact about this temple is that the island is shaped like the sacred ‘Om’ symbol, which holds immense significance in Hinduism. Additionally, unlike most other Jyotirlingas, Omkareshwar has two major temples—Omkareshwar and Amareshwar. Some believe that Amareshwar is the true Jyotirlinga, while others hold Omkareshwar in higher regard, making both temples equally sacred. The serene location on the banks of the holy Narmada River adds to the spiritual aura of this revered site.

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, nestled in the Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand, is one of the holiest Shiva shrines and a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to absolve their sins. However, unwilling to forgive them easily, Shiva disguised himself as a bull and hid at Kedarnath. When the Pandavas pursued him, he dove into the ground, leaving only his hump visible. Moved by their devotion, Shiva finally appeared and blessed them.

An astonishing fact about Kedarnath Temple is that it remains buried in snow for six months due to extreme weather and is open only during summer. In 2013, a catastrophic flood devastated the region, but miraculously, the temple remained intact while everything around it was destroyed. Many believe this was due to divine intervention, further solidifying Kedarnath’s status as a site of immense spiritual significance.

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, located in the Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra, holds deep mythological significance. According to legend, the demon Bhima, son of Kumbhakarna (the brother of Ravana), terrorized the region, causing immense destruction. The gods and sages prayed to Lord Shiva, who then manifested as Bhimashankar and defeated Bhima in a fierce battle. After the victory, Shiva resided in this region as a Jyotirlinga, blessing his devotees.

This temple is a major pilgrimage center and a trekker’s paradise, as it is located amid lush green forests and stunning mountain landscapes. The temple’s architectural beauty lies in its Nagara-style design, characterized by intricate carvings and elegant sculptures. The surrounding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including the rare Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru), making the pilgrimage not only spiritually enriching but also a delight for nature lovers.

The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, located in the ancient city of Varanasi (Kashi), holds immense spiritual significance. According to mythology, Lord Shiva himself resides in Kashi, making it one of the holiest places for Hindus. It is believed that anyone who breathes their last in Kashi attains Moksha (liberation), as Shiva whispers the Taraka Mantra (salvation mantra) in their ears.

The temple has a turbulent history, having been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The present structure was reconstructed by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century after it was demolished by invaders. One of its most striking features is its gold-plated dome, which was a generous donation from Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. Today, the temple remains a vibrant spiritual hub, attracting millions of devotees and pilgrims from around the world who seek the blessings of Lord Vishwanath, the ruler of the universe.

The Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, located near Nashik, is deeply associated with the origin of the sacred Godavari River. According to mythology, sage Gautama performed intense penance to bring the river to earth and absolve his sins. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva manifested at this site, granting the sage’s wish and making the region holy.

One of the most unique aspects of this Jyotirlinga is that it has three faces, symbolizing the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This rare form makes it distinct from other Jyotirlingas. Another extraordinary feature is that the Linga is constantly submerged in a natural water reservoir, signifying the eternal presence of Shiva’s energy. The temple architecture showcases intricate carvings, and it is considered a powerful center for performing rituals related to ancestral salvation (Pind Daan and Narayan Nagbali), making it a revered pilgrimage site for devotees.

The Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is associated with a fascinating legend about Ravana, the king of Lanka. Ravana performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva, seeking immortality and invincibility. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva granted him a Jyotirlinga with the condition that it should never touch the ground. However, on his way to Lanka, Ravana was tricked by the gods, and he had to place the Linga in Deoghar, making it an eternal holy site.

The temple is renowned for its healing properties, and many devotees believe that prayers and rituals here can cure ailments. The name "Baidyanath" signifies Shiva as the divine healer (Vaidya). The temple sees a massive influx of pilgrims, especially during Shravan month, when devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra, carrying holy water from the Ganges to offer at the Jyotirlinga.

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, located near Dwarka in Gujarat, is deeply rooted in mythology. According to the Shiva Purana, a demon named Daruka ruled over a dense forest called Darukavana. He captured and imprisoned a Shiva devotee named Supriya, along with several others. Supriya encouraged the captives to chant "Om Namah Shivaya," which angered Daruka. In response to their devotion, Lord Shiva manifested as Nageshwar, destroyed the demon, and liberated his devotees.

One of the temple’s most striking features is its 25-meter-tall Shiva statue, which attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists. Interestingly, the temple has been referenced in ancient Hindu scriptures, further enhancing its significance. Many believe that worshipping here can eliminate all fears and negativities, granting strength and courage to devotees. The temple’s location near the Arabian Sea adds to its spiritual ambiance.

The Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga, located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, is deeply connected to the epic Ramayana. According to legend, Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva here after defeating Ravana, the king of Lanka, who was also a Brahmin. To atone for the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin), Rama installed a Shiva Linga and worshipped it, seeking divine blessings.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the temple is its long corridor, which is the longest among all Hindu temples in India, spanning over 1,200 meters. Another unique feature is the presence of 22 sacred wells, each containing water with distinct taste and medicinal properties. Devotees take a holy bath in these wells before offering prayers. The temple’s Dravidian-style architecture, massive pillars, and sacred rituals make it one of the most revered Shiva temples in India.

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, located near the famous Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology. According to legend, a devout woman named Kusuma worshipped Lord Shiva with utmost devotion. Every day, she immersed a Shiva Linga in a water tank as part of her ritual. Envious of her devotion, her husband's co-wives conspired against her and killed her husband. Moved by Kusuma’s unwavering faith, Lord Shiva appeared before her and resurrected her husband, granting him life again.
This Jyotirlinga is known for its compact size, making it the smallest among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Despite its size, it holds immense spiritual significance. The temple was later rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, a great patron of Hindu temples. The intricate carvings and ancient architectural style of the temple make it a cherished pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees.

Each of the twelve Jyotirlingas holds immense spiritual significance and continues to be revered by millions of devotees. These temples not only symbolize the divine presence of Lord Shiva but also encapsulate India’s rich mythological heritage, architectural grandeur, and deep-rooted traditions. Visiting all twelve Jyotirlingas is considered highly auspicious, believed to bestow blessings, remove sins, and lead one towards Moksha.Whether for devotion, history, or spiritual awakening, these shrines offer an experience like no other, making them timeless symbols of faith and devotion to Lord Shiva.