By Editor Do you know what the word “Jyotirlinga or Jyoti-Linga” literally means? The real translation of it is “Pillar of Light,” and it is only associated with Lord Shiva himself. So, it can also be said that a Jyotirlinga is a “Radiant Sign of Shiva”. And in Sanatan Dharma, there are about 12 Jyotirlinga in total, all scattered around in different parts of the country. It is believed that there is a 13th Jyotirlinga too, but it is outside of India, in Australia, to be precise. But for now, today we’re about to take a look at only 12 Jyotirlinga Name With States. So let’s get on with this.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Why is Somnath Jyotirlinga at the very top of this list? There’s actually a particular reason for it, and that is the fact that this was the very first Jyotirlina of all the currently present ones. This very temple is there within the ancient city of Prabhas near Veraval. If you look at how history has been to this shrine, see, even though it was torn down numerous times, it was constructed again and again, thus becoming a very strong symbol of faith and endurance. And if you go by the legends, see, it is believed that the Moon God prayed to Lord Shiva here to regain his lost shine, and that’s why it is among the most special places in all of Sanatan Dharma.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
Then comes Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, which secures the second position as it is one of the unique locations where a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha are situated together. As for the literal meaning of this one, see, this temple in Srisailam symbolizes the divine oneness of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per belief, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati stayed here to console their son Kartikeya.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Thirdly, Mahakaleshwar holds third place since it is the only south-facing Jyotirlinga. And as for what this one means in the culture and the religion, see, it somewhat is a symbol of the power over time and death. Situated down there in Ujjain, one of the oldest cities in India, this is also a Swayambhu lingam, that is to say, it appeared naturally. The well-known Bhasma Aarti carried out before sunrise is the reason for this temple’s spiritual uniqueness, and it is something to experience, like once in a lifetime visiting spot.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
It’s not just the spiritual reasons why this one ranks this high on the list, see there are some amazing geographical features as well that makes it somewhat unique. How? First of all, the temple stands on an island in the shape of the sacred symbol “Om” in the Narmada River. And then, it is said that Lord Shiva appeared to King Mandhata here and blessed him with the power of deep meditation for many years.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
It surely is among the most popular ones out there, and surely, due to its isolated setting and spiritual fervor, Kedarnath is ranked fifth. A Jyotirlinga at this altitude in the Himalayas is open only for a few months a year. It is said that the Pandavas constructed this temple to ask for pardon after the battle of the Mahabharata. The journey to here is just mesmerizing, and that’s why it is so famous, especially on social media these days.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Then comes the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, and about this one, see, as per the mythology, Lord Shiva in his furious form, destroyed the demon Tripurasura here. The temple situated in the Sahyadri hills is also from where the Bhima River originates. Bhimashankar stands for power, the upholding of law, and the elimination of evil; that’s pretty much the literal meaning of it.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
For those who don’t know yet or are new to it all, see, Vishwanath itself means “Lord of the Universe,” and right here, Kashi Vishwanath takes the seven positions as per the belief, it gives moksha, you know, freedom from the endless cycle of birth and death. This Jyotirlinga in Varanasi is the core of Shiva worship on the spiritual level.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
This one is among the rare Jyotirlingas out there because Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga has a three-faced lingam, which stands for Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva at the same time. So, super unique, and that’s why famous as well. For a long time, though, this temple that is the source of the Godavari River is very much connected with ancient sages and their rituals.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
Then the ninth position goes to Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga for its deep association with healing and devotion and you should know the fact that as per the legend, Shiva appeared there as a healer to cure Ravana. The term Vaidyanath means “The Lord of Physicians.” So, all in all, this Jyotirlinga is the favorite place of people who are looking for good health and the end of their suffering.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
We have ranked Nageshwar Jyotirlinga at number ten, as it stands for being fearless and free from all kinds of negativity. Just a little distance from Dwarka, the temple is said to be the incarnation of the tale when Lord Shiva saved his devotee from a demon.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
Going down south a bit, see, Rameshwaram has been given the number eleven position as it is the southernmost Jyotirlinga that has a strong connection with the epic Ramayana. How? Oh, if you have read the whole story itself, Lord Rama is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this place prior to his crossing to Lanka.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Finally, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the twelfth Jyotirlinga and is hence at the bottom of the list of the Jyotirlingas. You see, despite being the tiniest, it has a very high spiritual level. It is about a kilometer from the Ellora Caves and the story of the simple woman devotee whose intense faith compelled Lord Shiva to show himself is associated with this temple.