COSMIC LIGHT SANCTUARY
Understanding the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
In Sanatana Dharma, a **Jyotirlinga** ("Pillar of Radiant Light") represents the supreme, infinite, unmanifested form of Lord Shiva. According to Shiva Purana, when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued over creation supremacy, Lord Shiva pierced the three worlds as an endless pillar of cosmic fire (*Jyotirlinga*).
Lord Shiva self-manifested (*Swayambhu*) at 12 holy spots across India to grant liberation to humanity. Visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas or reciting Adi Shankaracharya's *Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram* during the holy month of Shravan absolves sins accumulated over seven lifetimes.
PAN-INDIAN PILGRIMAGE DIRECTORY
All 12 Jyotirlingas Master Playbook Table
| # | Jyotirlinga Shrine | Location & State | Puranic Significance & Key Features | Direct Guide Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somnath | Veraval, Gujarat | 1st Jyotirlinga; Moon God (*Soma*) cured of curse by Lord Shiva along the Arabian Sea shore. | Somnath Dedicated Guide → |
| 2 | Mallikarjuna | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh | Situated on Srisailam hill above Krishna river; Shiva & Parvati manifested as Jasmine (*Mallika*) & Arjuna. | Mallikarjuna Dedicated Guide → |
| 3 | Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | Only south-facing (*Dakshinamukhi*) Jyotirlinga; famous for 4:00 AM sacred Bhasma Aarti with fresh cremation ash. | Mahakaleshwar Dedicated Guide → |
| 4 | Omkareshwar | Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh | Island on Narmada river naturally shaped like sacred 'OM' symbol (*Mandhata Island*). | Omkareshwar Dedicated Guide → |
| 5 | Kedarnath | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | Highest Jyotirlinga at 3,583m in Garhwal Himalayas; hump of Lord Shiva in divine bull form. | Kedarnath Dedicated Guide → |
| 6 | Bhimashankar | Pune, Maharashtra | Source of Bhima river in Sahyadri sanctuary; built over demon Bhima's defeat site. | Bhimashankar Dedicated Guide → |
| 7 | Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Cosmic capital on Shiva's Trident (*Trishul*); Golden Temple along sacred Ganga Ghats. | Kashi Vishwanath Dedicated Guide → |
| 8 | Trimbakeshwar | Nashik, Maharashtra | Origin of river Godavari at Brahmagiri hills; 3-faced Lingam representing Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva. | Trimbakeshwar Dedicated Guide → |
| 9 | Baidyanath Dham | Deoghar, Jharkhand | Kamada Lingam established by Ravana; destination of 105 km barefoot Sultanganj Kanwar Yatra. | Baidyanath Dedicated Guide → |
| 10 | Nageshwar | Dwarka, Gujarat | Protector from all poisons (*Darukavanam*); features 85ft giant outdoor Shiva statue near Dwarka. | Nageshwar Dedicated Guide → |
| 11 | Rameshwaram | Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu | Southernmost Jyotirlinga worshipped by Lord Rama to absolve Ravana-vadha sin; 22 holy water wells. | Rameshwaram Dedicated Guide → |
| 12 | Grishneshwar | Ellora, Maharashtra | 12th Jyotirlinga built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar in red basalt stone near Ellora Caves. | Grishneshwar Dedicated Guide → |
ADI SHANKARACHARYA COMPOSITION
Shri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram (Full 13 Verses)
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 1 (Saurashtra / Somnath)
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोङ्कारममलेश्वरम्॥१॥
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोङ्कारममलेश्वरम्॥१॥
Saurashtre Somanatham Cha Shrishaile Mallikarjunam |
Ujjayinyam Mahakalam-Omkaram-Amaleshvaram ||1||
Ujjayinyam Mahakalam-Omkaram-Amaleshvaram ||1||
Meaning: I bow to Lord Somnath in Saurashtra (Gujarat), Mallikarjuna at Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain (MP), and Omkareshwar on Narmada (MP)!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 2 (Kedarnath / Bhimashankar)
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्।
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥२॥
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥२॥
Paralyam Baidyanatham Cha Dakinyam Bhimashankaram |
Setubandhe Tu Ramesham Nagesham Darukavane ||2||
Setubandhe Tu Ramesham Nagesham Darukavane ||2||
Meaning: I bow to Baidyanath in Deoghar, Bhimashankar in Dakini forest (Maharashtra), Rameshwaram at Setubandha (TN), and Nageshwar in Darukavanam (Gujarat)!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 3 (Varanasi / Trimbakeshwar)
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गोमतीतटे।
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥३॥
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥३॥
Varanasyam Tu Vishvesham Tryambakam Gomatitate |
Himalaye Tu Kedaram Ghushmesham Cha Shivalaye ||3||
Himalaye Tu Kedaram Ghushmesham Cha Shivalaye ||3||
Meaning: I bow to Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Trimbakeshwar at Godavari shore, Kedarnath in Himalayas, and Grishneshwar near Ellora!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 4 (Phala Shruti Morning Recitation)
एतानि द्वादश लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः।
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥४॥
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥४॥
Etani Dvadasha Lingani Sayam Pratah Pathen-Narah |
Saptajanmakritam Papam Smaranena Vinashyati ||4||
Saptajanmakritam Papam Smaranena Vinashyati ||4||
Meaning: Whoever recites these 12 Jyotirlinga names morning and evening is freed from sins committed over seven lifetimes!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 5
यं यं काममभिध्यायेत् तं तं प्राप्नोति निश्चितम्।
इह लोके सुखं भुक्त्वा अन्ते मुक्तिं च विन्दति॥५॥
इह लोके सुखं भुक्त्वा अन्ते मुक्तिं च विन्दति॥५॥
Yam Yam Kamamabhidhyayet Tam Tam Prapnoti Nishchitam |
Iha Loke Sukham Bhuktva Ante Muktim Cha Vindati ||5||
Iha Loke Sukham Bhuktva Ante Muktim Cha Vindati ||5||
Meaning: Whatever righteous desire a devotee contemplates, they surely attain it; enjoying earthly happiness and liberation at last!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 6
ब्रह्मविष्णुमहेशानैः पूजितं पापनाशनम्।
ज्योतिर्मयं परं लिङ्गं नमामि शिरसा सादरम्॥६॥
ज्योतिर्मयं परं लिङ्गं नमामि शिरसा सादरम्॥६॥
Brahmavishnumaheshanaih Pujitam Papanashanam |
Jyotirmayam Param Lingam Namami Shirasa Sadaram ||6||
Jyotirmayam Param Lingam Namami Shirasa Sadaram ||6||
Meaning: I bow my head with deep reverence to the supreme luminous Lingam worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 7
संसारसर्पदष्टानां जन्तूनामवलोकनात्।
मुक्तिप्रदं महालिङ्गं वैद्यनाथं नमाम्यहम्॥७॥
मुक्तिप्रदं महालिङ्गं वैद्यनाथं नमाम्यहम्॥७॥
Samsarasarpadashtanam Jantunamavalokanat |
Muktipradam Mahalingam Baidyanatham Namamyaham ||7||
Muktipradam Mahalingam Baidyanatham Namamyaham ||7||
Meaning: I bow to the great Lingam of Lord Baidyanath, whose sight liberates beings bitten by the venomous serpent of worldly illusion!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 8
हिमाद्रिप्रान्ते रङ्गे रम्यं नागेशं दारुकावने।
नमामि सर्वदा शिवं सर्वव्याधिविनाशनम्॥८॥
नमामि सर्वदा शिवं सर्वव्याधिविनाशनम्॥८॥
Himadriprante Range Ramyam Nagesham Darukavane |
Namami Sarvada Shivam Sarvavyadhivinashanam ||8||
Namami Sarvada Shivam Sarvavyadhivinashanam ||8||
Meaning: I forever bow to Lord Shiva as Nageshwar in Darukavanam forest, the divine curer of all physical and spiritual diseases!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 9
महाकालं महातेजं उज्जयिन्यां सुप्रतिष्ठितम्।
मृत्युंजयप्रदं देवं नमामि गिरिजपतिम्॥९॥
मृत्युंजयप्रदं देवं नमामि गिरिजपतिम्॥९॥
Mahakalam Mahatejam Ujjayinyam Supratishthitam |
Mrityunjayapradam Devam Namami Girijapatim ||9||
Mrityunjayapradam Devam Namami Girijapatim ||9||
Meaning: I bow to Lord Mahakaleshwar of Ujjain, the glorious consort of Parvati who conquers death and grants divine light!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 10
कावेरिकाप्रवाहे तु ओंकारं परमेश्र्वरम्।
मान्धातृपुरवासं च नमामि वरदं शिवम्॥१०॥
मान्धातृपुरवासं च नमामि वरदं शिवम्॥१०॥
Kaverikapravahe Tu Omkaram Parameshvaram |
Mandhatrupuravasam Cha Namami Varadam Shivam ||10||
Mandhatrupuravasam Cha Namami Varadam Shivam ||10||
Meaning: I bow to Lord Omkareshwar residing on Mandhata island at the confluence of Narmada and Kaveri, the bestower of supreme boons!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 11
सह्याद्रिशीर्षे विमले भीमाशङ्करमुत्तमम्।
भीमनद्या उद्भवं च नमामि करुणानिधिम्॥११॥
भीमनद्या उद्भवं च नमामि करुणानिधिम्॥११॥
Sahyadrishirshe Vimale Bhimashankaramuttamam |
Bhimanadya Udbhavam Cha Namami Karunanidhim ||11||
Bhimanadya Udbhavam Cha Namami Karunanidhim ||11||
Meaning: I bow to Lord Bhimashankar atop the pristine Sahyadri peaks, the origin of river Bhima and ocean of compassion!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 12
दक्षिणोदधितीरे तु रामेश्वरमभीष्टदम्।
श्रीरामेण प्रतिष्ठाप्य पूजितं तं नमाम्यहम्॥१२॥
श्रीरामेण प्रतिष्ठाप्य पूजितं तं नमाम्यहम्॥१२॥
Dakshinodhadhitire Tu Ramesharam-Abhishtadam |
Shriramena Pratishthapya Pujitam Tam Namamyaham ||12||
Shriramena Pratishthapya Pujitam Tam Namamyaham ||12||
Meaning: I bow to Lord Rameshwaram on the Southern Ocean coast, established and consecrated by Lord Shri Rama Himself!
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram 13 (Phala Shruti Finale)
इति द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिङ्गस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम्।
ॐ नमः शिवाय॥१३॥
ॐ नमः शिवाय॥१३॥
Iti Dvadasha Jyotirlingastotram Sampurnam |
Om Namah Shivaya ||13||
Om Namah Shivaya ||13||
Meaning: Thus concludes the sacred Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram. May Lord Shiva bless all devotees with peace, health, and liberation!
VEDIC HEALTH & LONGEVITY MANTRA
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan-Mrityormukshiya Mamritat ||
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan-Mrityormukshiya Mamritat ||
Meaning: We worship the Three-Eyed Lord Shiva, fragrant and nourisher of all life! As a ripe cucumber is severed from its vine, liberates us from death for the sake of immortality!
Mantra Bija & Meaning
ॐ हौं जूं सः ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्
ॐ स्वः भुवः भूः ॐ सः जूं हौं ॐ॥
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्
ॐ स्वः भुवः भूः ॐ सः जूं हौं ॐ॥
Om Haum Jum Sah Om Bhurbhuvah Svah |
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan-Mrityormukshiya Mamritat |
Om Svah Bhuvah Bhuh Om Sah Jum Haum Om ||
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan-Mrityormukshiya Mamritat |
Om Svah Bhuvah Bhuh Om Sah Jum Haum Om ||
Meaning: The complete Bija-infused Maha Mrityunjaya Samputa Mantra for overcoming fatal illnesses, accidents, and fear of death during 12 Jyotirlinga pilgrimage.
SACRED RECITATIONS
Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 Divine Names)
Reciting the 108 names of Lord Shiva during 12 Jyotirlinga Shravan Abhishekam:
1. ॐ सोमनाथाय नमः
Om Somanathaya Namah
Lord of Somnath Shrine
2. ॐ मल्लिकार्जुनाय नमः
Om Mallikarjunaya Namah
Lord of Srisailam Shrine
3. ॐ महाकालेश्वराय नमः
Om Mahakaleshvaraya Namah
Lord of Ujjain Shrine
4. ॐ ओंकारेश्वराय नमः
Om Omkareshvaraya Namah
Lord of Omkareshwar Shrine
5. ॐ केदारनाथाय नमः
Om Kedaranathaya Namah
Lord of Kedarnath Shrine
6. ॐ भीमाशंकराय नमः
Om Bhimashankaraya Namah
Lord of Bhimashankar Shrine
7. ॐ काशीविश्वनाथाय नमः
Om Kashivishvanathaya Namah
Lord of Kashi Shrine
8. ॐ त्र्यम्बकेश्वराय नमः
Om Tryambakeshvaraya Namah
Lord of Trimbakeshwar Shrine
9. ॐ वैद्यनाथाय नमः
Om Vaidyanathaya Namah
Lord of Deoghar Baidyanath
10. ॐ नागेश्वराय नमः
Om Nageshvaraya Namah
Lord of Nageshwar Shrine
11. ॐ रामेश्वराय नमः
Om Ramesharaya Namah
Lord of Rameshwaram Shrine
12. ॐ घृष्णेश्वराय नमः
Om Ghrishneshvaraya Namah
Lord of Grishneshwar Shrine
13. ॐ शिवाय नमः
Om Shivaya Namah
The Pure & Auspicious One
14. ॐ महेश्वराय नमः
Om Maheshvaraya Namah
The Great Supreme Lord
15. ॐ शम्भवे नमः
Om Shambhave Namah
Bestower of Happiness
16. ॐ पिनाकिने नमः
Om Pinakine Namah
Holder of Bow Pinaka
17. ॐ शशिशेखराय नमः
Om Shashishekharaya Namah
Adorned with Crescent Moon
18. ॐ वामदेवाय नमः
Om Vamadevaya Namah
Noble Graceful Form
19. ॐ विरूपाक्षाय नमः
Om Virupakshaya Namah
Formless Eyes Lord
20. ॐ कपर्दिने नमः
Om Kapardine Namah
Lord of Matted Locks
21. ॐ नीलोलोहिताय नमः
Om Nilalohitaya Namah
Blue & Red Radiant Lord
22. ॐ शंकराय नमः
Om Shankaraya Namah
Giver of Peace & Joy
23. ॐ शूलपाणये नमः
Om Shulapanaye Namah
Wielder of Trident
24. ॐ खट्वांगिने नमः
Om Khatvangine Namah
Bearer of Skull-Staff
25. ॐ विष्णुवल्लभाय नमः
Om Vishnuvallabhaya Namah
Beloved of Lord Vishnu
26. ॐ शिपिविष्टाय नमः
Om Shipivishtaya Namah
Pervaded by Divine Rays
27. ॐ अम्बिकानाथाय नमः
Om Ambikanathaya Namah
Consort of Goddess Ambika
28. ॐ श्रीकण्ठाय नमः
Om Shrikanthaya Namah
Glorious Blue Throat
29. ॐ भक्तवत्सलाय नमः
Om Bhaktavatsalaya Namah
Affectionate to Devotees
30. ॐ शर्वाय नमः
Om Sharvaya Namah
Remover of Sufferings
31. ॐ त्रिलोकेशाय नमः
Om Trilokeshaya Namah
Ruler of Three Worlds
32. ॐ शितिकण्ठाय नमः
Om Shitikanthaya Namah
Dark Throated Lord
33. ॐ शिवाप्रियाय नमः
Om Shivapriyaya Namah
Beloved of Goddess Parvati
34. ॐ उग्राय नमः
Om Ugraya Namah
Fierce Cosmic Form
35. ॐ कपालिने नमः
Om Kapaline Namah
Bearer of Sacred Skull
36. ॐ कामारये नमः
Om Kamaraye Namah
Conqueror of Desire
37. ॐ अन्धकासुरसूदनाय नमः
Om Andhakasurasudanaya Namah
Slayer of Demon Andhaka
38. ॐ गंगाधराय नमः
Om Gangadharaya Namah
Holder of Holy Ganges
39. ॐ ललाटाक्षाय नमः
Om Lalatakshaya Namah
Third Eye on Forehead
40. ॐ कालकालाय नमः
Om Kalakalaya Namah
Master of Time & Death
41. ॐ कृपानिधये नमः
Om Kripanidhaye Namah
Ocean of Compassion
42. ॐ भीमाय नमः
Om Bhimaya Namah
Tremendous Divine Strength
43. ॐ परशुहस्ताय नमः
Om Parashuhastaya Namah
Holding Battle Axe
44. ॐ मृगपाणये नमः
Om Mrigapanaye Namah
Holding Gentle Deer
45. ॐ जटाधराय नमः
Om Jatadharaya Namah
Adorned with Matted Hair
46. ॐ कैलाशवासिने नमः
Om Kailashavasine Namah
Dweller of Kailash Peak
47. ॐ कवचिने नमः
Om Kavachine Namah
Protected by Armor
48. ॐ कठोराय नमः
Om Kathoraya Namah
Unshakable Firmness
49. ॐ त्रिपुरान्तकाय नमः
Om Tripurantakaya Namah
Destroyer of Tripura Forts
50. ॐ वृषांकाय नमः
Om Vrishankaya Namah
Symbolized by Bull
51. ॐ वृषभारूढाय नमः
Om Vrishabharudhaya Namah
Rider of Nandi Bull
52. ॐ भस्मोद्धूलितविग्रहाय नमः
Om Bhasmoddhulitavigrahaya Namah
Anointed with Sacred Ash
53. ॐ सामप्रियाय नमः
Om Samapriyaya Namah
Lover of Sama Veda Chants
54. ॐ स्वरमयाय नमः
Om Svaramayaya Namah
Embodiment of Musical Notes
55. ॐ त्रयीमूर्तये नमः
Om Trayimurtaye Namah
Form of Three Vedas
56. ॐ अनीश्वराय नमः
Om Anishvaraya Namah
Having No Ruler Above
57. ॐ सर्वज्ञाय नमः
Om Sarvajnaya Namah
All-Knowing Omniscient Lord
58. ॐ परमात्मने नमः
Om Paramatmane Namah
The Supreme Soul
59. ॐ सोमसूर्याग्निलोचनाय नमः
Om Somasuryagnilochanaya Namah
Eyes of Sun, Moon & Fire
60. ॐ हविषे नमः
Om Havishe Namah
Sacred Oblation
61. ॐ यज्ञमयाय नमः
Om Yajnamayaya Namah
Embodiment of Sacrifice
62. ॐ नीलकण्ठाय नमः
Om Nilakanthaya Namah
Blue-Throated Lord
63. ॐ मृत्युंजयाय नमः
Om Mrityunjayaya Namah
Conqueror of Death
64. ॐ त्रिनेत्राय नमः
Om Trinetraya Namah
Lord with Three Eyes
65. ॐ रुद्राय नमः
Om Rudraya Namah
Fierce Roaring Lord
66. ॐ सद्योजाताय नमः
Om Sadyojataya Namah
West Face of Shiva
67. ॐ अघोराय नमः
Om Aghoraya Namah
South Face of Shiva
68. ॐ तत्पुरुषाय नमः
Om Tatpurushaya Namah
East Face of Shiva
69. ॐ ईशानाय नमः
Om Ishanaya Namah
Skyward Face of Shiva
70. ॐ सदाशिवाय नमः
Om Sadashivaya Namah
Eternally Auspicious Lord
71. ॐ अनन्ताय नमः
Om Anantaya Namah
Boundless Infinite Lord
72. ॐ सूक्ष्ममूर्तये नमः
Om Sukshmamurtaye Namah
Subtle Cosmic Presence
73. ॐ सर्वेश्वराय नमः
Om Sarveshvaraya Namah
Sovereign Lord of All
74. ॐ जगद्गुरवे नमः
Om Jagadgurave Namah
Guru of the Universe
75. ॐ व्योमकेशाय नमः
Om Vyomakeshaya Namah
Hair Made of Sky Space
76. ॐ भस्मप्रियाय नमः
Om Bhasmapriyaya Namah
Lover of Holy Ashes
77. ॐ त्रिकालज्ञाय नमः
Om Trikalajnaya Namah
Knower of Past, Present, Future
78. ॐ सर्वदुःखहराय नमः
Om Sarvaduhkhaharaya Namah
Destroyer of All Misery
79. ॐ अमृतेश्वराय नमः
Om Amriteshvaraya Namah
Lord of Nectar Immortality
80. ॐ उग्रतेजसे नमः
Om Ugratejase Namah
Fierce Splendor Light
81. ॐ महातेजसे नमः
Om Mahatejase Namah
Great Cosmic Luminosity
82. ॐ ज्ञानमयाय नमः
Om Jnanamayaya Namah
Embodiment of Wisdom
83. ॐ मुक्तिदाय नमः
Om Muktidayaya Namah
Giver of Supreme Liberation
84. ॐ भक्तपालकाय नमः
Om Bhaktapalakaya Namah
Protector of True Devotees
85. ॐ कामदहनाय नमः
Om Kamadahanaya Namah
Burner of Desire
86. ॐ विश्वरूपाय नमः
Om Vishvarupaya Namah
Universal Form Lord
87. ॐ विश्वेश्वराय नमः
Om Vishveshvaraya Namah
Lord of Entire Universe
88. ॐ कल्याणात्मने नमः
Om Kalyanatmane Namah
Auspicious Soul of All
89. ॐ शिवतराय नमः
Om Shivataraya Namah
Most Auspicious Being
90. ॐ परमेश्वराय नमः
Om Parameshvaraya Namah
Supreme Divinity Lord
91. ॐ निरंजनाय नमः
Om Niranjanaya Namah
Pure Spotless Truth
92. ॐ निराभासाय नमः
Om Nirabhasaya Namah
Illusionless Being
93. ॐ नित्यसुन्दर्याय नमः
Om Nityasundaraya Namah
Eternally Beautiful Lord
94. ॐ सत्यव्रताय नमः
Om Satyavrataya Namah
Embodiment of Vow of Truth
95. ॐ सत्यस्वरूपाय नमः
Om Satyasvarupaya Namah
Truth Incarnate
96. ॐ अनन्तदृष्टये नमः
Om Anantadrishtaye Namah
Infinite Vision Lord
97. ॐ आनन्दमयाय नमः
Om Anandamayaya Namah
Embodiment of Bliss
98. ॐ चिन्मयाय नमः
Om Chinmayaya Namah
Embodiment of Pure Consciousness
99. ॐ सच्चिदानन्दाय नमः
Om Satchidanandaya Namah
Existence, Consciousness & Bliss
100. ॐ द्वादशज्योतिर्लिङ्गनाथाय नमः
Om Dvadashajyotirlinganathaya Namah
Lord of 12 Jyotirlingas
101. ॐ सोमनाथमल्लिकार्जुनमहाकालेश्वराय नमः
Om SomanathaMallikarjunaMahakaleshvaraya Namah
Lord of Somnath, Mallikarjuna & Mahakal
102. ॐ ओंकारेश्वरकेदारनाथभीमाशंकराय नमः
Om OmkareshvaraKedaranathaBhimashankaraya Namah
Lord of Omkareshwar, Kedarnath & Bhimashankar
103. ॐ काशीविश्वनाथत्र्यम्बकेश्वरवैद्यनाथाय नमः
Om KashivishvanathaTryambakeshvaraBaidyanathaya Namah
Lord of Kashi, Trimbakeshwar & Baidyanath
104. ॐ नागेश्वररामेश्वरघृष्णेश्वराय नमः
Om NageshvaraRameshavaraGhrishneshvaraya Namah
Lord of Nageshwar, Rameshwaram & Grishneshwar
105. ॐ श्रावणमासजलधाराप्रियनाथाय नमः
Om ShravanamasaJaladharapriyaya Namah
Lover of Shravan Month Abhishekam
106. ॐ भारतवर्षज्योतिर्मयप्रभावाय नमः
Om BharatavarshaJyotirmayaprabhavaya Namah
Luminous Glory of All India
107. ॐ कँवरयात्रारक्षकाय नमः
Om Kanvarayatrarakshakaya Namah
Protector of Kanwar Pilgrims
108. ॐ सर्वलोकैकनाथाय नमः
Om Sarvalokaikanathaya Namah
Sole Lord of All Realmiss
HELP DESK & SAFETY
Emergency Contact Directory
Somnath Trust Control
📞 +91-2876-231200 / somnath.org
Mahakaleshwar Ujjain Control
📞 +91-734-2550563 / mahakaleshwar.nic.in
BKTC Kedarnath Desk
📞 +91-135-2741600 / badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
📞 +91-542-2392629 / shrikashivishwanath.org
Trimbakeshwar Trust Desk
📞 +91-2594-222211 / trimbakeshwar.org
Rameshwaram Devasthanam
📞 +91-4573-221223 / rameswaramtemple.tnhce.gov.in
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
12 Jyotirlingas Shravan Yatra FAQs
Q: What are the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India?
The 12 Jyotirlingas are: 1. Somnath (Gujarat), 2. Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), 3. Mahakaleshwar (MP), 4. Omkareshwar (MP), 5. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), 6. Bhimashankar (Maharashtra), 7. Kashi Vishwanath (UP), 8. Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra), 9. Baidyanath (Jharkhand), 10. Nageshwar (Gujarat), 11. Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), and 12. Grishneshwar (Maharashtra).
Q: What is the significance of visiting Jyotirlingas during Shravan?
Shravan is Lord Shiva's favorite month. Performing Jalabhishekam or offering Bel Patra at any Jyotirlinga during Shravan yields 100-fold divine grace.
Q: What is the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram?
Composed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE, it is a sacred 13-verse hymn listing all 12 Jyotirlinga locations and their spiritual benefits.
Q: Which state has the maximum number of Jyotirlingas?
Maharashtra has the maximum number of Jyotirlingas with 5 shrines (Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, Aundha Nagnath, and Parli Vaijnath).
Q: Which is the highest Jyotirlinga in India?
Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is the highest Jyotirlinga, situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Q: Which is the southernmost Jyotirlinga?
Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is the southernmost Jyotirlinga, located on Pamban Island near Sethu Karai.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga is famous for Bhasma Aarti?
Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is world-famous for its daily 4:00 AM Bhasma Aarti performed with sacred ash.
Q: What is the legend of Somnath Jyotirlinga?
Moon God (*Soma*) lost his glow due to King Daksha's curse. He meditated at Prabhas Patan where Lord Shiva appeared and freed him from waning permanently.
Q: What is the legend of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga?
Located on Mandhata island in Narmada river, the island naturally resembles the sacred 'OM' symbol.
Q: How to complete the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra circuit?
Pilgrims can travel by train, flight, or organized IRCTC tour packages over 15 to 21 days covering Western, Northern, Eastern, and Southern circuits.
Q: What is the three-faced Lingam at Trimbakeshwar?
Trimbakeshwar Lingam features a small hollow with three divine embosomings representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara.
Q: What is the legend of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga near Dwarka?
Nageshwar protects devotees from all forms of snake poison and negative forces (*Darukavanam*).
Q: What is the 22-well bath ritual at Rameshwaram?
Pilgrims bathe in water drawn from 22 holy wells (*Tirthams*) inside Ramanathaswamy Temple before entering the sanctum.
Q: What is the legend of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga near Ellora?
Grishneshwar was established by a devout woman named Ghushma whose dead son was restored to life by Lord Shiva.
Q: What is the distance between Kashi Vishwanath and Deoghar Baidyanath?
Deoghar is located approx 420 km east of Varanasi (approx 8 hours drive or train ride).
Q: What is the distance between Ujjain Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar?
Omkareshwar is located 140 km south of Ujjain (approx 3 hours drive).
Q: What is the distance between Somnath and Nageshwar?
Nageshwar (Dwarka) is located 230 km northwest of Somnath (approx 4.5 hours drive along Gujarat coast).
Q: What is the distance between Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar?
Bhimashankar is located 180 km south of Trimbakeshwar via Sangamner and Manchar.
Q: What is the distance between Bhimashankar and Grishneshwar?
Grishneshwar (Ellora) is located 210 km northeast of Bhimashankar (approx 4.5 hours drive).
Q: Are VIP pass bookings available for all 12 Jyotirlingas?
Yes. All major temple trusts (Somnath, Ujjain, Kashi, Deoghar, Trimbakeshwar, Srisailam) operate online VIP fast-track booking portals.
Q: What dress code applies at South Indian Jyotirlingas (Rameshwaram & Mallikarjuna)?
Men must wear Dhoti/Veshti (bare chest) and women must wear Saree or Salwar Kameez. Jeans and shorts are prohibited inside inner sanctums.
Q: What is the significance of offering Bel Patra to Jyotirlingas?
The trifoliate Bel Patra leaf represents the three eyes of Shiva, three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), and three functions of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Q: What is the best month to do the complete 12 Jyotirlinga tour?
October to March offers cool pleasant weather across North, West, South, and Central India.
Q: Are pure vegetarian restaurants available near all 12 Jyotirlinga temples?
Yes. All 12 Jyotirlinga towns are sacred pilgrimage centers surrounded by pure vegetarian restaurants, Annakshetras, and dharamshalas.
Q: What emergency helpline numbers operate for Jyotirlinga pilgrims?
National Emergency Helpline: Dial 112, Railway Enquiry: 139, and Tourist Helpline: 1363.
Q: What is the legend of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra?
Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli district is believed by many Maharashtrian traditions to be the original Nageshwar Jyotirlinga built by Yudhishthira.
Q: What is the legend of Parli Vaijnath in Maharashtra?
Parli Vaijnath in Beed district is revered as an alternative location of Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, associated with Lord Dhanvantari's medicinal herbs.
Q: What is the significance of the 22 holy wells at Rameshwaram?
Each of the 22 wells inside Ramanathaswamy Temple yields water of different temperature, salinity, and mineral taste with specific medicinal properties.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga temple is located near the Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage site?
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located just 1 km from the famous Ellora Caves near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).
Q: What is the legend of Kashi Vishwanath Manikarnika Ghat?
Manikarnika Ghat is the principal cremation ghat in Kashi where Lord Shiva grants Tarak Mantra to departed souls for instant Moksha.
Q: What is the distance between Deoghar and Kashi Vishwanath?
Deoghar is located 420 km east of Varanasi (approx 8 hours train journey via Jasidih to Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya JN).
Q: What is the best route to visit all 5 Maharashtra Jyotirlingas?
The 5 Maharashtra Jyotirlingas can be visited in a 5-day road circuit: Mumbai/Pune -> Trimbakeshwar -> Bhimashankar -> Grishneshwar -> Aundha Nagnath -> Parli Vaijnath.
Q: What is the legend of Mamleshwar Temple across the river from Omkareshwar?
Mamleshwar (Amaleshwar) stands on the south bank of Narmada; traditional pilgrimage requires worshipping both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar to complete the 4th Jyotirlinga darshan.
Q: Which Jyotirlinga requires a mountain trek?
Kedarnath requires a 16 km mountain trek from Gaurikund, while Bhimashankar requires climbing 230 stone steps through the Sahyadri forest.
Q: Are online accommodation bookings available at Somnath Trust?
Yes. Shree Somnath Trust operates comfortable guest houses (Sagar Darshan, Lilavati Atithi Bhavan) bookable online via somnath.org.
Q: What is the significance of the zero-shadow meridian line at Ujjain Mahakaleshwar?
Ujjain is the ancient Prime Meridian of Hindu astronomy (*Tropic of Cancer*), making Mahakaleshwar the Master of Time (*Kaal*).
Q: What is the legend of Gautama Rishi at Trimbakeshwar?
Sage Gautama performed penance at Brahmagiri to bring celestial Ganga to Earth as river Godavari to cleanse the sin of accidental cow death (*Go-hatya*).
Q: What is the legend of Akand Jyoti at Kedarnath?
When Kedarnath closes for 6 winter months in November, a sacred oil lamp (*Akhand Jyoti*) is lit inside the sanctum, which remains burning continuously until doors reopen in May.
Q: What is the distance between Chennai and Rameshwaram?
Rameshwaram is located 560 km south of Chennai (approx 9.5 hours Vande Bharat / Express train ride).
Q: What is the distance between Hyderabad and Srisailam?
Srisailam Mallikarjuna is located 215 km south of Hyderabad (approx 4.5 hours drive through Nallamala forest).
Q: What is the legend of Ghushmeshwar at Shiwar in Rajasthan?
Shiwar in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, is revered by local tradition as another candidate for Ghushmeshwar Jyotirlinga.
Q: What is the ritual of Panchamrit Abhishekam at Jyotirlingas?
Panchamrit Abhishekam involves bathing the Jyotirlinga in milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar, followed by pure water and Bel Patra.
Q: Are camera and mobile phones allowed inside Jyotirlinga sanctums?
Mobile phones, electronic devices, and cameras are strictly banned inside inner sanctums across all 12 Jyotirlingas; free locker facilities are provided.
Q: What is the significance of the 108 names of Shiva (Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali)?
Reciting Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali during Jyotirlinga Jalabhishekam brings health, prosperity, peace of mind, and liberation from fear.
Q: What is the legend of Bhimashankar's Mokshakund Tirth?
Mokshakund Tirth is a holy pond behind Bhimashankar Temple where Sage Kaushika meditated and attained salvation.
Q: What is the distance between Pune and Bhimashankar?
Bhimashankar is located 110 km north of Pune city (approx 3 hours drive via Rajgurunagar and Manchar).
Q: What is the distance between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar?
Trimbakeshwar is located 28 km west of Nashik city (approx 45 mins drive).
Q: What is the distance between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and Grishneshwar?
Grishneshwar is located 30 km northwest of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (approx 45 mins drive).
Q: What is the legend of Nageshwar's Daruka demoness?
Demoness Daruka imprisoned devotee Supriya in Darukavanam; Lord Shiva appeared from the Earth to destroy the demons and set Supriya free.
Q: What is the distance between Rajkot and Somnath?
Somnath is located 200 km south of Rajkot (approx 4 hours drive or train journey via Junagadh).
Q: What is the legend of Markandeya Rishi at Trimbakeshwar?
Sage Markandeya meditated near Brahmagiri hill and received the boon of eternal youth (*Chiranjeevi*) from Lord Shiva.
Q: What is the distance between Rishikesh and Kedarnath?
Kedarnath Gaurikund base camp is located 215 km northeast of Rishikesh (approx 7.5 hours drive along NH-107).
Q: What is the significance of the 13-verse Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram?
Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, reciting the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram daily grants health, wealth, protection from fear of death, and eternal liberation in Shivaloka.