India is a land of spiritual wonders, ancient legends, and divine destinations. Among its countless sacred sites, the 12 Jyotirlinga in India hold a special place in the heart of every Shiva devotee and every traveler who loves culture, history, and timeless stories. These 12 Jyotirlinga are not just temples – they are living symbols of faith, miracles, architecture, and India’s spiritual geography.
Every year, millions of pilgrims travel across states to explore all 12 Jyotirlinga places, discover their fascinating histories, and experience their powerful aura. Whether you are searching for 12 Jyotirlinga name and place, 12 Jyotirlinga name with state, or want to plan a full spiritual tour across India, this guide brings everything together in one place, written in a warm, travel-friendly style, just for you.
What Are the 12 Jyotirlinga in India?
The word Jyotirlinga means “pillar of light”, representing Lord Shiva in his infinite, radiant form. Although there are many Shiva temples across India, the total Jyotirling in India is 12, each carrying a unique legend, power, and history. The 12 Jyotirlinga list is mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Shiva Purana.
Complete List of 12 Jyotirlinga in India — Names, States & Locations
Here is the complete 12 Jyotirlinga list:
Jyotirlinga Name Location State
| Name | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| Somnath | Prabhas Patan | Gujarat |
| Mallikarjuna | Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh |
| Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain | Madhya Pradesh |
| Omkareshwar | Mandhata Island | Madhya Pradesh |
| Kedarnath | Kedarnath | Uttarakhand |
| Bhimashankar | Pune (Khed) | Maharashtra |
| Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
| Trimbakeshwar | Trimbak | Maharashtra |
| Baidyanath | Deoghar | Jharkhand |
| Nageshwar | Dwarka | Gujarat |
| Rameshwaram | Rameshwaram | Tamil Nadu |
| Grishneshwar | Ellora | Maharashtra |
Detailed Guide to All 12 Jyotirlinga — History, Timings & Travel Tips
Below is a traveler-friendly, engaging look at all 12 Jyotirlinga places in India, written in a pure travel-blog style.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
State: Gujarat
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Famous For: Sea-facing temple, rich history, Light & Sound show
Somnath is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Located by the Arabian Sea, this temple has been rebuilt several times after invasions, yet it stands proudly as a symbol of eternal faith. It is one of the most popular Jyotirlinga in Gujarat and a must-visit for spiritual travelers.
Why Visit?
- Stunning ocean backdrop
- Evening, Aarti is magical
- Witness the historical Light & Sound show
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
State: Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Famous For: Scenic mountains, ancient inscriptions
Located in Srisailam, Mallikarjuna is often called the “Kailash of the South.” It is one of the most important 12 Jyotirlinga places, combining breathtaking natural beauty with deep mythology.
Why Visit?
- Beautiful forest landscapes
- One of the oldest 12 Jyotirlinga
- Peaceful environment
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
State: Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Bhasma Aarti early morning)
Famous For: Bhasma Aarti, south-facing lingam
Mahakaleshwar is located in Ujjain, one of India’s oldest spiritual cities. It is one of the most powerful Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh.
Why Visit?
- Experience the famous Bhasma Aarti
- Explore Ujjain’s temples and ghats
- One of the most visited 12 Jyotirlinga
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
State: Madhya Pradesh
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Famous For: Island shaped like “OM.”
Omkareshwar is located on Mandhata Island, shaped like the sacred symbol “ॐ.” This makes it one of the most scenic 12 Jyotirlinga places in India.
Why Visit?
- Peaceful riverside location
- Ropeways, boating, and island trekking
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
State: Uttarakhand
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal)
Famous For: Himalayan beauty, trekking route
Among all the 12 Jyotirlinga in India, Kedarnath is the most challenging to reach. Located at 11,755 ft, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, it offers a divine experience like no other.
Why Visit?
- Pilgrimage trek of a lifetime
- Mesmerizing snow-covered peaks
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
State: Maharashtra
Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Famous For: Wildlife Sanctuary, trekking
Bhimashankar is tucked inside the dense forests of the Sahyadri mountains and is perfect for nature lovers.
Why Visit?
- Trekking + spiritual experience
- Lush greenery
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
State: Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Famous For: Ganga ghats, spiritual rituals
Located in Varanasi, the oldest living city, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most visited among the 12 Jyotirlinga.
Why Visit?
- Ganga Aarti
- Kashi’s famous lanes, temples & ghats
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
State: Maharashtra
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Famous For: Origin of the Godavari River
This shrine is known for its three-faced lingam symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh.
Why Visit?
- Scenic views
- Famous for Narayan Nagbali Puja
9. Vaidyanath/Baidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
State: Jharkhand
Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Famous For: Healing powers
Vaidyanath is one of the most important 12 Jyotirlinga places, known for its healing legend associated with Ravana.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
State: Gujarat
Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Famous For: 25-meter Shiva statue
Near Dwarka, Nageshwar is another major Jyotirlinga in Gujarat.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
State: Tamil Nadu
Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Famous For: 22 wells (holy water), long corridors
Rameshwaram is part of Char Dham and one of the most sacred 12 Jyotirlinga in India.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
State: Maharashtra
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Famous For: Near Ellora Caves
The final among the 12 Jyotirlinga list, Grishneshwar, completes the spiritual journey of every devotee.
Why You Should Explore All 12 Jyotirlinga in India
Travelers love the 12 Jyotirlinga circuit because it offers:
✔ History & mythology
✔ Scenic landscapes
✔ Unique temple architecture
✔ Deep spiritual energy
✔ Cultural exploration
Whether you visit one or all, each Jyotirlinga offers a life-changing experience.
Conclusion
The journey through the 12 Jyotirlinga in India is not just a pilgrimage—it’s a spiritual adventure across mountains, oceans, forests, ancient cities, and historic temples. The 12 Jyotirlinga name and place, 12 Jyotirlinga name with state, and their legends make them some of the most powerful destinations in the world.
World Travel Box brings you this guide so your journey becomes easier, meaningful, and memorable.
FAQ’s – 12 Jyotirlingas in India Names & Places
The 12 Jyotirlinga in India are sacred temples where Lord Shiva appeared as a divine light. These 12 Jyotirlinga places are famous for their unique legends, spiritual energy, and powerful history. Each Jyotirlinga name and place has a significant story mentioned in ancient scriptures.
The 12 Jyotirlinga name with state list includes temples in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. These 12 Jyotirlinga places in India span mountains, riverbanks, forests, and ancient cities.
The total Jyotirling in India is 12, as described in the Shiva Purana. While there are many Shiva temples, only these 12 Jyotirlinga are recognized as divine pillars of light.
Gujarat has Somnath Jyotirlinga and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, both included in the 12 Jyotirlinga list. These are popular spiritual destinations for travelers and devotees.
Madhya Pradesh has two powerful 12 Jyotirlinga in India — Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain and Omkareshwar on Mandhata Island. Both locations have deep mythological significance and attract millions of visitors.
Travelers usually follow a route based on geography: Gujarat → Maharashtra → Madhya Pradesh → Uttar Pradesh → Uttarakhand → Jharkhand → Andhra Pradesh → Tamil Nadu. This sequence covers all 12 Jyotirlinga names and places conveniently.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga and Somnath Jyotirlinga are among the most visited. These iconic destinations are central to the 12 Jyotirlinga pilgrimage in India.
The 12 Jyotirlinga represent the infinite form of Lord Shiva. Each Jyotirlinga place has its own mythology, architecture, festivals, and spiritual power, making them the most important Shiva temples in the country.
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, located in the Himalayas, is considered the toughest among the 12 Jyotirlinga places due to altitude, snow, and trekking routes.
It is not mandatory, but many devotees believe visiting all 12 Jyotirlinga in India brings blessings, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. Each of the 12 Jyotirlinga places offers a unique divine experience.