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Jyotirlinga is a devotional representation of the Supreme God Shiva according to Hindu mythology. which is said that they originated itself from the earth. Jyoti means ‘radiance’ and lingam the ‘Image or Sign’ of Shiva;  Jyotir Lingam thus means the Radiant Sign of The Almighty Shiva. There are total 64  linga but twelve traditional Jyotirlinga are of the most famous shrines in India.

It is believed that Shiva first manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga on the night of the Aridra Nakshatra, thus the special reverence for the Jyotirlinga. There is nothing to distinguish the appearance, but it is believed that a person can see these lingas as columns of fire piercing through the earth after he reaches a higher level of spiritual attainment.

 

1.SOMNATH – GUJARAT

Somnath is traditionally considered the first pilgrimage site: the Dwadash Jyotirlinga pilgrimage begins with the Somnath Temple. The temple, that was destroyed and re-built sixteen times, is held in reverence throughout India and is rich in legend, tradition, and history. It is located at Prabhas Patan (Somnath – Veraval) in Saurashtra region of Gujarat state in western India

 

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STORY BEHIND THIS –

The story goes like this. Chandra (moon) married all the twenty-seven daughters of Daksha. Nevertheless, he loved only Rohini. He gave all importance to her while the other daughters of Daksha were lonely and upset. This made Daksha very upset and he wanted to ensure that Chandra spends quality time with his other wives too. Chandra never gave any heed to this and kept spending time with Rohini alone. Daksha one day lost his temper and cursed Chandra. He said that Chandra will lose all his light. Chandra immediately became lightless as a result the whole world became dark. All the gods met and decided that they should request Daksha to forgive Chandra. After a lot of request from the gods, Daksha said that Chandra will have to start worshiping Lord Shiva and when Lord Shiva gives him his light he will start shining again. Chandra immediately reached Prabas and started to worship Lord Shiva. Soon he was blessed and lord appeared. He gave him the light and moon started to shine again. It is believed that even today on a moonless night Chandra comes and dips in the holy water of the sea here and starts shining again. This is how Lord Shiva also got the name of Sommeshwar.

2. Mallika Arjuna Swamy temple – ANDHRA PRADESH

Mallikārjuna, also called Śrīśaila, is located on a mountain in Kurnool District in Rayalaseema. It enshrines Mallikarjuna in an ancient temple that is architecturally and sculpturally rich. It is a place where Shakti peetha and Jyotirlingam are together. Adi Shankara composed his Shivananda Lahari here.

STORY BEHIND THIS – The story goes like this. Shiva and Parvati were not able to decide which son of theirs should get married first. So they told them to go around the world. The one who would be able to do this first will get married first. Lord Kartik took his peacock and started the trip but Ganesh decided to go round his parents and said this was his world. Shiva and Parvati were very pleased with this so they got him married to Riddhi and Siddhi the daughters of Viswaroopan. Lord Kartik on his return got to know what happened. He was very ashamed of himself and said he will never get married. He went to the mount Kravunja and started living there. Shiva and Parvati when got to know this they decided to visit their son. Lord Shiva visited on a no moon day and Parvati on a full moon day. This is exactly where this temple is.

3. Mahakaleshwar – UJJAIN

Mahakal, Ujjain (or Avanti) in Madhya Pradesh is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The Lingam at Mahakal is believed to be Swayambhu, the only one of the 12 Jyotirlingams to be so. It is also the only one facing south and also the temple to have a Shree Rudra Yantra perched upside down at the ceiling of the Garbhagriha (where the Shiv Lingam sits). It is a place where Shakti Peeta and Jyotirlingam are together.

STORY BEHIND THIS – The third Jyotirlingam is the very popular Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain. It is a very sacred place and is situated on the bank of Rudra Sagar. This part of the country was once ruled by a king named Chandrasena. He used to worship Lord Shiva. The people would also regularly worship the lord. One day the kingdom was attacked by king Ripudamana who had a demon with him named Dushan. This demon got a unique ability it could become invisible. The kingdom was shattered and all the people started to pray to Lord Shiva. Lord appeared and protected the city. The people of Ujjain requested him to stay there itself and protect them. Shiva could not say and he decided to stay in Ujjain and take care of his devotees. It is believed that the lord still lives there.

4. Omkareshwar – MADHYA PRADESH

Omkareshwar is in Madhya Pradesh on an island in the Narmada River and home to a Jyotirlinga shrine and the Mamaleshwar temple.

STORY BEHIND THIS –  It is the fourth Jyotirlingam in India that has been worshiped for ages is the very famous Omkareshwar in the state of Madhya Pradesh. There are many stories that revolve around this shrine. However, it is believed that Lord Shiva had appeared here to defeat the danavas on request of the gods. Some say he had appeared here on request of mount Vindya and blessed him that he would become a mighty mountain unless he stops affecting lord Shiva’s followers. Some say that king mandhata used to worship Lord Shiva here. The lord was so pleased with him that he decided to live here.

5. Kedarnath – UTTARAKHAND

Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is revered as the northernmost and the closest Jyotirlinga to Lord Shiva’s eternal abode of Mount Kailash. Kedarnath forms a part of the smaller Char Dham pilgrimage circuit of Hinduism. Kedarnath, nestled in the snow-clad Himalayas, is an ancient shrine, rich in legend and tradition. It is accessible only for six months a year. It is also one of the Padal Petra Stalam of Vada Naadu mentioned in Thevaaram. Shiva assumed the form of a wild boar and dived into the earth at Kedarnath to emerge at Pashupatinath. Pure ghee is applied at Kedarnath lingam as the boar was injured.

STORY BEHIND THIS – It is the fifth of prime importance is the Kedarnath which is located in the beautiful state Uttarakhand. It is mostly closed in winters as no one can go there. Pandavas wanted to get rid of their sins so that they could go to Swarg. However, they were told that they could do so only if they could see Lord Shiva and be blessed by him. So they started their search. After a long search, they finally saw Lord Shiva at this spot where the Jyotirlingam is today. The Lord said that he will stay in this place in the form of a triangular shaped Jyotirlingam. This is one of the most popular Jyotirlingam in India and is also a holy place. Every year a huge number of devotees visit this temple.

6.Bheemshankar – MAHARASTRA

Bhimashankar is very much debated. There is a Bhimashankara temple near Pune (pictured) in Maharashtra, which was referred to as Daakini country, but Kashipur in Uttarakhand was also referred to as Daakini country in ancient days and a Bhimashkar Temple known as Shree Moteshwar Mahadev is present there.

STORY BEHIND THIS – It is the sixth Jyotirlingam, located near Pune in Maharashtra. The temple is old and has an interesting story to it too. In this area lived an Asura named Bhima. When he grew a little old he was told by his mother karkati that Kumbhakaran the brother of King Ravana was his father. His mother also told him that his father was killed by Lord Vishnu in one of his incarnations (Lord Rama). Bhima decided he will avenge the death of his father. He started to pray to Lord Brahma and was granted immense powers by the lord. Bhima, as expected, misused his powers and started havoc. He would kill innocent people. He would torture saints and even kill children. He once took Kamarupeshwar a big Shiva devotee as captive. The lord got very upset about this. The anger even increased when Bhima told Kamarupeshwar to worship him and not Lord Shiva. Kamarupeshwar denied this and as a result, Bhima raised his sword to kill him. This is when Lord Shiva came to the rescue of his devotee and he killed Bhima. All the gods requested Lord Shiva to stay in this place and so he manifested himself as the Bheemshankar Jyotirlingam.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – UTTAR PRADESH

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is home to the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga shrine, which is perhaps the most sacred of Hindu shrines. It is also one of the Padal Petra Stalam of Vada Naadu mentioned in Thevaaram. The temple is situated in Varanasi.

STORY BEHIND THIS – The Kashi Vishwanath is another very famous seventh Jyotirlingam in India. It is located in the holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It too has an interesting story to it. The translation means ruler of the universe. The city is the oldest in the world and has three thousand fifes hundred-year-old history. It is said that this city can never be destroyed. It is a place where Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh live at the same time. Anyone can attain Moksha here. There is no sin on earth that cannot be washed here. Every year a huge number of people visit this place. It is said that Lord Shiva himself had made this city.

8. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple – MAHARASTRA

The Trimbakeshwar Temple, near Nasik in Maharashtra, is a Jyotirlinga shrine associated with the origin of the Godavari River.

STORY BEHIND THIS – It is the eighth one situated in the state of Maharashtra is the famous Trimbakeshwar temple. There are three lingas here signify Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. There is a crown that is bejeweled with gems that are used to cover these lingas. It is now days kept from four to five in the evening only on Monday. The use of water is eroding the actual Jyotirlingam. That is why it is covered and kept with a metal shield. The legends say that Gautam Rishi used to live here with his wife Ahilya. Gautam Rishi was blessed by Lord Shiva with a bottomless pit from where he could get any amount of grain and food. The other Rishi’s got very jealous of Gautam Rishi. They decided to send a cow there and killed it. Gautam Rishi got very upset with this and he prayed to Lord Shiva that he wants the Ganges to flow in this part of the country so that his sins are washed off. Lord Shiva granted his wish. The Lord decided to stay here by the name of Trimbakeshwar. It is said that it can full fill all desires.

9. Nageshvara Jyotirlinga – GUJARAT

Nageshvara Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana and the Dvādaśa Jyotirliṅga Stotram says one of the jyotirlinga namely Nagesh is situated in Daruka-Vana and most probably the present day Dwarka region. Other claims to the Nagesh Jyotirlinga status come from – Aundha Naganath (Hingoli District of Maharashtra) and Jageshwar (Almora District of Uttarakhand).

STORY BEHIND THIS – The next  Jyotirlingam is the Nageshwar Jyotirlingam that is located near Dwarka in Gujarat. It is said that there was a Shiva devotee named Supriya who lived in this area. She was once attacked and captivated by Daaruka. When she started to call Lord Shiva he appeared and he killed Daaruka. After this, he started to live here as Nageshwar Jyotirlingam.

10. Baidyanath Temple – JHARKHAND

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple, also known as Baba vaidyanath Dham and vaidyanath dham is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in Deoghar in the Santhal Pargana division of the state of Jharkhand, India. It is a temple complex consisting of the main temple of Baba vaidyanath, where the Jyotirlinga is installed, and 21 other temples.

STORY BEHIND THIS – According to Hindu According to Hindu beliefs, the demon king Ravana worshipped Shiva at the current site of the temple to get the boons that he later used to wreak havoc in the world. Ravana offered his ten heads one after another to Shiva as a sacrifice. Pleased with this, Shiva descended to cure Ravana who was injured. As he acted as a doctor, he is referred to as Vaidhya (“doctor”). From this aspect of Shiva, the temple derives its name.  beliefs, the demon king Ravana worshipped Shiva at the current site of the temple to get the boons that he later used to wreak havoc in the world. Ravana offered his ten heads one after another to Shiva as a sacrifice. Pleased with this, Shiva descended to cure Ravana who was injured. As he acted as a doctor, he is referred to as Vaidhya (“doctor”). From this aspect of Shiva, the temple derives its name.

ninth Jyotirlingam that is called Vaidhnath in Jharkhand has a very interesting story to it. Ravana the lord of Lanka was a huge devotee of Lord Shiva. He once felt that if Shiva does not reside in Lanka then Lanka can be destroyed. He wanted to make Lanka invincible. Lord Shiva agreed to his prayers and gave him a lingam. He warned him that if he places the lingam in any part of earth before he reached Lanka it will get fixed to that land and no one will be able to remove it. Ravana started his journey back from Kailash. On the way it was evening and he had to do his evening prayer. However, he could not do it with the Jyotirlingam in his hand. He saw a shepherd boy and requested him to hold the Jyotirlingam and also warned him not to place it down. The boy agreed but warned him that if there is a delay from him he will place it and go. Ravana said he will be back soon. The shepherd boy was actually lord Ganesh and he was there at the request of the gods. When there was a delay from Ravana, Lord Ganesha kept the Jyotirlingam on the ground and he left. When Ravana saw this he became very upset but in spite of trying very hard, he could not remove it. Since then it is present in this part of the country. It is one of the very popular Jyotirlingam.

11. Rameshwar – TAMIL NADU

Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu is home to the vast Ramalingeswarar Jyotirlinga temple and is revered as the southernmost of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of India. It enshrines the Rameśvara (“Lord of Rama”) pillar. It is also one of the Padal Petra Stalam of Pandya Naadu mentioned in Thevaaram.

STORY BEHIND THIS – The eleventh Jyotirlingam that we must mention here is Rameshwar in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Char Dham. There are two lingams here. One was brought by Hanuman from Kailash and the other by Sita from. The vishwalingam is worshiped first as it was brought by Hanumana. The one brought by Sita is worshiped second. The same is done even today. This is exactly the place where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva after he defeated Ravana. It is also known for its unique architecture. It has the largest hallway as compared to any other temple in India. It was built over years. It is considered to be a hugely sacred place by the Hindus.

12.  Ghrishneswar  –  Maharashtra  

Ghrishneswar, Maharashtra Grishneshwar temple, sometimes referred to as the Ghrneshwar Jyotirlinga or Dhushmeshwar temple, is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana.

STORY BEHIND THIS – The last twelfth  Jyotirlinga is the Grishneshwar in Maharashtra. It is located very close to the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad. Many years ago a woman named Kusuma used to live here. She would worship the lord. Her ritual she would immerse the shiv linga in a tank and then worship it. The villagers would respect her a lot and come to her for advice. Her husband’s other wives were very jealous of her so they killed her son in cold blood. After her son’s death so she continued the rituals. One day while she immersed the shiv linga in the tank. Lord Shiva appeared along with her son. The villagers were surprised to see this. Since then it is said that Lord Shiva resides here. It is also known as Kusumeshwar Jyotirlingam.

@manishanandan