12 Jyotirlinga Names, Places, Stories & Addresses in India


12 Jyotirlinga names and temples of Lord Shiva in India

The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are among the most sacred and important Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. In Hindu religious tradition, a Jyotirlinga represents the divine manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with spiritual light or jyoti.

The twelve Jyotirlinga temples are located in different parts of India. Each shrine has its own history, mythology, religious traditions and cultural importance. Devotees visit these holy temples to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.

On this page, you can find the 12 Jyotirlinga names in English and Hindi, their locations, temple information and links to detailed stories of each Jyotirlinga.

What is a Jyotirlinga?

The word Jyotirlinga is associated with the Sanskrit words Jyoti, meaning divine light, and Linga, representing Lord Shiva. According to Hindu tradition, the Jyotirlingas are sacred manifestations of Shiva worshipped at twelve important pilgrimage sites.

The legends of the Jyotirlingas are connected with different Hindu religious traditions and sacred stories. These temples are visited by millions of devotees and are an important part of India's spiritual and cultural heritage.

12 Jyotirlinga Names and Places in India

The following table provides a quick overview of the 12 Jyotirlinga names, their Hindi names and commonly associated locations. Click on the individual Jyotirlinga name to read its detailed story and significance.

List of 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India
No. Jyotirlinga Name Hindi Name Place & State
1 Somnath Jyotirlinga सोमनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
2 Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga मल्लिकार्जुन ज्योतिर्लिंग Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
3 Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga महाकालेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
4 Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga ओंकारेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
5 Kedarnath Jyotirlinga केदारनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
6 Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिंग Maharashtra
7 Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga काशी विश्वनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
8 Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga त्र्यंबकेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग Trimbak, Nashik, Maharashtra
9 Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga वैद्यनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग Deoghar, Jharkhand
10 Nageshwar Jyotirlinga नागेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग Dwarka, Gujarat
11 Rameswaram Jyotirlinga रामेश्वरम ज्योतिर्लिंग Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
12 Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga घृष्णेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग Verul, Maharashtra

Names of 12 Jyotirlingas

For a quick reference, the traditional list of the twelve Jyotirlingas includes the following sacred Shiva shrines:

  1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
  2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
  3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
  4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
  5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
  6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
  7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
  8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
  9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
  10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
  11. Rameswaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
  12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

12 Jyotirlinga Stories and Religious Significance

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga

Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple in Gujarat

Somnath Jyotirlinga is located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat. It is one of the most famous Shiva pilgrimage sites in India.

According to Hindu tradition, the shrine is associated with Chandra, the Moon God, and his devotion to Lord Shiva. The temple has a long historical and religious tradition and remains an important pilgrimage destination for Shiva devotees.


2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple at Srisailam Andhra Pradesh

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is situated at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. The temple stands in the scenic Srisailam region and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mallikarjuna is closely connected with the religious traditions of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The shrine is an important pilgrimage centre visited by devotees throughout the year.


3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Kshipra River. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Mahakal.

The temple is particularly well known for its traditional Bhasma Aarti. Mahakaleshwar is one of the most important Shiva pilgrimage sites and has a special place in the religious heritage of Ujjain.


4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.

The sacred island and the temple are traditionally associated with the sound and symbol of Om. Omkareshwar is an important pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva.


5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple in Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. The ancient Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations.

The temple is traditionally associated with the Pandavas and Shaiva pilgrimage traditions. Its Himalayan setting makes the pilgrimage especially significant for devotees.


6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple in Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated in the Sahyadri region of Maharashtra.

Hindu religious traditions connect the shrine with the story of the demon Bhima and the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple and its surrounding forested landscape are important pilgrimage attractions.


7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple in Varanasi Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Kashi, also known as Varanasi, has a special place in Hindu religious tradition and is closely associated with Lord Shiva. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples and pilgrimage sites in India.


8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple near Nashik Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near Trimbak in Nashik district of Maharashtra.

The temple is located near the Brahmagiri hills, which are traditionally associated with the origin of the Godavari River. Trimbakeshwar is an important Shiva pilgrimage centre.


9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple in Deoghar Jharkhand

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is traditionally associated with Deoghar in Jharkhand. The temple is popularly known as Baba Baidyanath Dham.

The name Vaidyanath is associated with the healing aspect of Lord Shiva. The shrine is an important pilgrimage destination and attracts many devotees, especially during Shravan.


10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple near Dwarka Gujarat

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near Dwarka in Gujarat and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Nageshwar is an important Shiva pilgrimage site in the sacred Dwarka region. The shrine is associated with traditional stories of Lord Shiva's protection of his devotees.


11. Rameswaram Jyotirlinga

Rameswaram Jyotirlinga Temple in Tamil Nadu

Rameswaram Jyotirlinga is located on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu.

The famous Ramanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is traditionally connected with Lord Rama and the Ramayana. Rameswaram is also an important pilgrimage destination associated with the Char Dham tradition.


12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple near Ellora Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located at Verul near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra.

Grishneshwar is traditionally regarded as the twelfth Jyotirlinga. The temple is an important Shiva pilgrimage site and its location near the historic Ellora Caves adds to the cultural significance of the region.


Religious Significance of the 12 Jyotirlingas

The twelve Jyotirlingas hold a special place in the worship of Lord Shiva. Each shrine is connected with its own sacred tradition and mythology. Pilgrims visit these temples as part of their spiritual journey and to experience the diverse religious heritage of India.

The Jyotirlinga pilgrimage also connects devotees with important pilgrimage cities, rivers, mountains and historic temple regions across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Jyotirlingas

How many Jyotirlingas are there?

According to Hindu religious tradition, there are 12 important Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

What are the names of the 12 Jyotirlingas?

The traditional list includes Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameswaram and Grishneshwar.

Which Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain?

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

Which Jyotirlingas are associated with Gujarat?

Somnath Jyotirlinga and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga are the two traditionally recognised Jyotirlinga pilgrimage sites associated with Gujarat.

Which Jyotirlinga is located in Uttar Pradesh?

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Which Jyotirlinga is in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra is traditionally associated with Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga pilgrimage sites.

Explore Individual Jyotirlinga Stories

Read the detailed stories and information about each sacred shrine using the links below: