Hinduism holds a deep reverence for Lord Shiva, the supreme deity known as the destroyer and protector. Among the numerous temples dedicated to Him, the 12 Jyotirlingas stand out as the most sacred and powerful shrines. Each temple represents a self-manifested form (Lingam) of Shiva, radiating divine energy and attracting devotees seeking spiritual peace and moksha (liberation).

These temples are spread across India, and each one has a unique legend associated with it. It is believed that visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas washes away sins and brings immense blessings. Alongside Shiva, Goddess Parvati, His divine consort, plays an integral role in many of these stories, symbolizing love, strength, and devotion.

List of 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

• Significance: Built by Chandra Dev (Moon God). Rebuilt many times after invasions.
• Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

• Significance: Symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti.
• Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

• Significance: Only south-facing Lingam. Famous for Bhasma Aarti.
• Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

• Significance: Situated on Om-shaped island. Represents cosmic sound.
• Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

• Significance: Part of Char Dham. Shiva took form of bull here.
• Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

• Significance: Site of Shiva slaying Tripurasura. Surrounded by Sahyadri hills.
• Location: Pune, Maharashtra

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

• Significance: Holiest Jyotirlinga. Frees from birth-death cycle.
• Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

• Significance: Origin of Godavari river.
• Location: Nashik, Maharashtra

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

• Significance: Worshipped by Ravana. Known as Baba Baidyanath.
• Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

• Significance: Protector from poison and negativity.
• Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat

11. Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

• Significance: Worshipped by Lord Rama before defeating Ravana.
• Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

• Significance: Smallest but architecturally stunning. Near Ellora Caves.
• Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Adiyogi Shiva Temple

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: 112-foot statue at Isha Yoga Center by Sadhguru.
Chikkaballapur, Karnataka: New identical statue inaugurated in 2023.

The Role of Goddess Parvati

Shiva is incomplete without Goddess Parvati, the divine Shakti. Worshipping both together symbolizes spiritual harmony, love, and completeness.

The Significance of Visiting All 12 Jyotirlingas

Visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas is believed to cleanse karma and lead to spiritual liberation. Each temple carries unique energy and blessings.

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