India is a land of deep spirituality and timeless traditions, and among its most sacred pilgrimages are the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. These shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva, are spread across different states and symbolize his infinite presence. Devotees believe that visiting all 12 Jyotirlinga places in India grants spiritual fulfillment and divine blessings.

At Sai Shishir Tours, we specialize in organizing Jyotirlinga tour packages and domestic and international tour packages from Bangalore that take you closer to this divine experience. Whether you are searching for the 12 Jyotirlinga list with state, planning a pilgrimage, or exploring spiritual tourism, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

What is a Jyotirlinga?

A Jyotirlinga is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva in the form of an endless column of light. The word “Jyoti” means divine light, and “linga” symbolizes Lord Shiva. According to mythology, there are a total of 12 Jyotirling in India, each with its own story and significance. Devotees often undertake the Dwadash Jyotirling Yatra to visit all shrines in their lifetime.

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Location: Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath District, Gujarat
Significance: Known as the first Jyotirlinga, Somnath symbolizes the eternal and indestructible nature of Shiva. Despite being destroyed multiple times in history by invaders, the temple was rebuilt, reflecting faith, resilience, and devotion. Today, Somnath is one of the most important Jyotirlinga in Gujarat, drawing pilgrims from across the world.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Significance: This temple marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, making it doubly significant for devotees. Mallikarjuna represents divine love and unity, and it is a key shrine for those undertaking the 12 Jyotirlinga tour packages.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Significance: Famous for the unique Bhasma Aarti, performed daily using sacred ash, this shrine represents Shiva as the Lord of time and death. It offers liberation from worldly cycles. This is one of the most visited Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh and an essential stop for seekers of moksha.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

Location: Mandhata Island on the Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh
Significance: The island is shaped like the sacred syllable “Om”, symbolizing universal consciousness. Omkareshwar represents harmony between the spiritual and material worlds, making it another prominent Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
Significance: Located at a high altitude amidst the Himalayas, Kedarnath is accessible only during the summer months due to heavy snowfall. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and signifies salvation and unwavering devotion. Kedarnath attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year despite its tough terrain.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Pune District, Maharashtra
Significance: Surrounded by dense forests and rich biodiversity, Bhimashankar symbolizes Shiva as the destroyer of evil. It is also the origin of the Bhima River. This shrine is deeply revered in Maharashtra and is a must-visit for those completing the 12 Jyotirlinga list with a state pilgrimage.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Significance: Known as the spiritual capital of India, Kashi (Varanasi) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is believed to grant liberation both in life and after death. A pilgrimage to Varanasi is considered one of the most sacred acts for Hindus.

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Nashik District, Maharashtra
Significance: Situated near the origin of the holy Godavari River, this Jyotirlinga represents the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Trimbakeshwar is also significant for performing rituals related to ancestors (Pitra Dosh).

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Significance: Also called Baidyanath, this shrine is associated with Lord Shiva’s role as the divine healer. Devotees believe worship here cures ailments and brings harmony to life. It is one of the most spiritually powerful temples in the 12 Jyotirlinga places.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Location: Near Dwarka, Gujarat
Significance: This Jyotirlinga is believed to protect devotees from negativity and evil forces. Nageshwar temple is mentioned in ancient scriptures and is an important Jyotirlinga in Gujarat, often visited alongside the Dwarkadhish temple.

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

Location: Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu
Significance: Closely associated with the epic Ramayana, it is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here after defeating Ravana. Pilgrims also perform the sacred bath (snan) at 22 holy wells inside the temple. Rameshwaram is both a Jyotirlinga in India and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Location: Ellora, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Significance: The smallest of the 12 Jyotirlinga places in India, Grishneshwar symbolizes simplicity and devotion. It is located near the world-famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a cultural and spiritual highlight.

Spiritual Significance of the 12 Jyotirlingas

The 12 Jyotirlinga in India represent Shiva’s infinite light and energy. Each shrine highlights a unique aspect of the deity, from the healer (Vaidyanath) to the destroyer of evil (Bhimashankar). Together, they remind devotees of faith, resilience, and spiritual wisdom.

Pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas

Undertaking the Jyotirlinga Yatra is considered one of the most sacred acts for devotees. The journey across the 12 Jyotirlinga name with state covers Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh. Pilgrims often plan this as part of a lifelong dream to connect with Shiva’s eternal power.

Jyotirlinga Tour Packages with Sai Shishir Tours

At Sai Shishir Tours, we bring you specially designed Jyotirlinga tour packages that cover all or selected shrines based on your time and preferences. With our expertise in creating domestic and international tour packages from Bangalore, you can travel stress-free while focusing on the spiritual journey.

Why Choose Our Packages?

Comfortable travel options from Bangalore
Expert guides at each temple
Accommodation near the 12 Jyotirlinga places
Customized itineraries to cover all 12 Shivling temples
Transparent Jyotirlinga tour packages price

Whether you want to start with Jyotirlinga in Gujarat, explore Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh, or complete the total Jyotirlinga in India, Sai Shishir Tours ensures a soulful and well-planned experience.

Preservation of the 12 Jyotirlingas

Efforts are constantly being made to preserve these sacred temples for future generations. From temple management boards to local communities, everyone plays a role in maintaining these shrines. Visiting the 12 Jyotirlinga places in India not only strengthens faith but also supports cultural preservation.

Conclusion

The 12 Jyotirlinga in India are not just temples; they are spiritual beacons guiding devotees toward faith, resilience, and liberation. Each shrine teaches us a unique lesson — whether it’s Somnath’s resilience, Kedarnath’s devotion, or Kashi Vishwanath’s promise of liberation. Visiting the 12 Jyotirlinga names with the state is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for spiritual seekers and travelers alike.

If you are ready to embark on this divine pilgrimage, explore the Jyotirlinga tour packages by Sai Shishir Tours. From 12 Jyotirlinga places to other domestic and international tour packages from Bangalore, your spiritual and travel experiences will be both memorable and fulfilling.

What are the 12 Jyotirlingas in India?

The 12 Jyotirlingas in India are Somnath (Gujarat), Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Bhimashankar (Maharashtra), Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh), Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra), Vaidyanath (Jharkhand), Nageshwar (Gujarat), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), and Grishneshwar (Maharashtra).

How many Jyotirlinga are there in India?

There are a total of 12 Jyotirlinga in India, spread across eight different states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh.

What is the significance of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga?

The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand is located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It signifies salvation and unwavering devotion. It is also part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and attracts thousands of pilgrims each year despite challenging terrain.

Which is the first Jyotirlinga in India?

Somnath in Gujarat is regarded as the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It symbolizes resilience and faith, having been rebuilt several times after invasions. Today, it stands as one of the most revered Jyotirlinga in Gujarat.

What is special about the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga?

The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi is one of the most sacred shrines in India. It is believed that worshipping here grants liberation both in life and after death. Varanasi itself is considered the spiritual capital of India.

Which Jyotirlinga is associated with Lord Rama?

The Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga in Tamil Nadu is linked to the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here after defeating Ravana to seek forgiveness. The temple also has 22 holy wells where pilgrims perform ritual baths.

How can I book Jyotirlinga tour packages from Bangalore?

You can book with trusted operators like Sai Shishir Tours, which provides Jyotirlinga tour packages and other domestic and international tour packages from Bangalore. Packages include travel, accommodation, guides, and temple visits for a comfortable spiritual journey.

How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?

There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, each representing Lord Shiva’s infinite light and power. These sacred shrines are spread across states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh.

What is the spiritual significance of visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas?

According to Hindu beliefs, visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas, also known as the Dwadash Jyotirling Yatra, grants spiritual fulfillment, liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and Lord Shiva’s divine blessings.

How can I plan a 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra from Bangalore?

You can book Jyotirlinga tour packages from Bangalore with Sai Shishir Tours. The packages include comfortable travel, accommodation near temples, expert guides, and customizable itineraries to cover selected or all 12 shrines.

Which states have more than one Jyotirlinga?

Maharashtra has 5 Jyotirlingas – Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Aundha Nagnath, and Parli Vaijnath (some traditions differ on last two).
Madhya Pradesh has 2 Jyotirlingas – Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) and Omkareshwar (Khandwa).
Gujarat has 2 Jyotirlingas – Somnath and Nageshwar.