India is home to many sacred temples, and the 12 Jyotirlingas hold a special place in the hearts of Hindu devotees. These are shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and each one has its unique history and significance. Here’s a guide to the 12 Jyotirlingas, their locations, and how you can visit them.
12 Jyotirlingas List, Names & Location
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
- Location: Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Saurashtra, Gujarat.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Diu, about 85 km away. The closest railway station is Veraval, just 7 km away. Buses and taxis are available.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)
- Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Hyderabad, about 230 km away. The nearest railway station is Markapur Road, 85 km away. Buses and taxis are available.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Indore, about 55 km away. Ujjain has its own railway station with good connectivity.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)
- Location: Mandhata Island on the Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Indore, about 80 km away. The nearest railway station is Omkareshwar Road, 12 km away.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)
- Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 239 km away. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 221 km away. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund and then trek 16 km to Kedarnath.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
- Location: Pune District, Maharashtra.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Pune, about 110 km away. The nearest railway station is Pune. Buses and taxis are available.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Uttar Pradesh)
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- How to Visit: Varanasi has its own airport and railway station with good connectivity from major cities.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
- Location: Trimbak, near Nashik, Maharashtra.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Mumbai, about 177 km away. The nearest railway station is Nashik Road, about 28 km away. Buses and taxis are available.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Jharkhand)
- Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Patna, about 281 km away. The nearest railway station is Deoghar. Buses and taxis are available.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
- Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Jamnagar, about 137 km away. The nearest railway station is Dwarka, about 17 km away. Buses and taxis are available.
11. Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)
- Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Madurai, about 174 km away. The nearest railway station is Rameswaram. Buses and taxis are available.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)
- Location: Ellora, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
- How to Visit: The nearest airport is Aurangabad, about 30 km away. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad. Buses and taxis are available.
Tips for Visiting Jyotirlingas
- Plan Ahead: Some temples are in remote locations, so plan your travel and accommodation in advance.
- Dress Modestly: As these are religious places, wear modest clothing.
- Check Temple Timings: Temple timings can vary, so check in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
- Local Transport: Use local transport options like buses and taxis for easier travel.
Visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas is a spiritually enriching experience, offering a glimpse into India’s rich religious heritage. Whether you’re on a pilgrimage or exploring as a tourist, these temples are bound to leave a lasting impression.
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