Travel Guide: 12 jyotirlinga temples everyone must visit on spiritual trip

A journey to the 12 Jyotirlingas is not just a religious one—it's a journey of inner transformation and union with the divine. Whether you want spiritual development, culture, or peace of mind, these temples for eternal energy, holy experiences. 

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12 jyotirlinga temples everyone must visit

For Lord Shiva devotees and spiritual seekers, the pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas is a pious and life-changing experience. Situated all over India, these temples are thought to be the most powerful representations of the Lord Shiva. In Hindu mythology, a Jyotirlinga is where Shiva revealed himself as a column of light, representing his formless, endless nature. This book walks you along the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga temples every devout traveler should see at least once in their lifetime.

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1. Somnath – Gujarat

Situated on India's west coast in Prabhas Patan close to Veraval, Somnath is held to be the first and holiest Jyotirlinga. Its structure and oceanfront location make it a very spiritual and beautiful experience.

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2. Mallikarjuna – Andhra Pradesh

Located in Srisailam, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in the Nallamala Hills and symbolizes the combined power of Shiva and Parvati. It's also a Shakti Peetha, which makes it more spiritually rich.

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3. Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh

Located in Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar is famous for its offbeat 'Bhasma Aarti', which involves the offering of ash to the god. It's the sole south-facing Jyotirlinga, said to safeguard devotees from premature death.

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4. Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh

Located on a 'Om'-shaped island overlooking the Narmada River, Omkareshwar presents spiritual comfort and natural scenery.

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5. Kedarnath – Uttarakhand

Being accessible for only a few months of the year because of heavy snowfall, Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas and is one of the most inaccessible and spiritually intense Jyotirlingas.

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6. Bhimashankar – Maharashtra

Situated close to Pune, Bhimashankar is surrounded by wildlife sanctuaries and dense forests, providing spiritual development and nature exploration.

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7. Kashi Vishwanath – Uttar Pradesh

In the middle of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is one of India's holiest temples. A visit here is believed to provide liberation (moksha).

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8. Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra

Close to Nashik, Trimbakeshwar has its unique three-faced Shiva linga symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

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9. Vaidyanath – Jharkhand

Also referred to as Baidyanath, the temple is related to health and healing. It's said that a prayer here can heal long-term diseases.

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10. Nageshwar – Gujarat

Found near Dwarka, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga represents evil protection and is a mandatory visit for spiritual power.

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11. Rameshwaram – Tamil Nadu

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram is a Jyotirlinga as well as one of the Char Dham pilgrimages. It has the longest temple corridor in India.

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12. Grishneshwar – Maharashtra

Situated close to the Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar is Jyotirlinga number 12 and has both historical and spiritual depth.