JYOTHIRLINGAS

We believe God or some eternal power has made this world for us. He had made the trees taken in carbon dioxide and leave out oxygen for us. Can we do? When we get hurt can we make the new cells grow in our body? During summer, the heat in our body is compensated by excessive sweating. Is there our hand in this?  The distance between the earth and the sun decides the climatic conditions. When we near the sun, we feel the heat and we move farther away we feel the chill. Who decides this distance and gives the optimal temperature for us? By all the above statements we understand that there is a superior power which is above all of us and that superior power we call as GOD or THE ALMIGHTY.

God is a self effulgent light, who does not come in the birth and death cycle. Hence He is known as the liberator, guide, protector, supreme teacher and supreme preceptor. All religions in the world believe that God is a point of light. Jyothirlingas represent the light form of God. There are innumerable lingas with great aura and presence. But the main ones are called Jyothirlingas and they are just twelve in number. 

They are

1.     Somnath in Sourashtra, Gujarat

2.     Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, Andra pradesh

3.     Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya pradesh

4.     Omkareshwar in Vindhyapradesh, Madhya pradesh

5.     Kedareshwar in the mountain range of Himalayas

6.     Bhimashankar in Dakini, Maharashtra

7.     Vishweshwar in Varanasi, Uttar pradesh

8.     Thrayambakeshwar in Maharashtra

9.     Vaidhyanath in Jharkand 

1        Nageshwar in Dwaraka, Gujarat

11.  Rameshwar in Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu

12.  Grishneshwar in Maharashtra.

1.     SOMNATHESHWAR—SAURASHTRA

This linga is considered as the first one among all 12 Jyothirlingas and located in Veraval port, Prabhas Pattan in Saurashtra, Gujarat.

History says that this temple exists since 2000BC.

The significance of the temple goes like this: the moon God Chandra (Som) was cursed by his father-in-law Dahshaprajapathi, because Chandra even after marrying all this 27 daughters was more inclined towards Rohini. Chandra was cursed that he would lose his charm. Then Chandra did penance in this place. Pleased by his penance, lord Shiva gave him the boon, that Chandra would lose one shade per day for 15 days till new moon, and grow by one shade till new moon for the next 15 days. This Shiva who blessed the Som came to be known as “Someshwar”.

2.     MALLIKARJUNA—SRISAILAM

This is the second of all the 12 Jyothirlingas. This famous temple is at Srisailam located 230km from Vijayawada and 220km from Hyderabad in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

The presiding deities of this place Lord Mallikarjuna swamy is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and Goddess Bhramarambha Devi is one of the eighteen Mahasakthis and both are self-manifested. This unique feature of the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi in one campus is the only one of its kind.

There is a custom that the linga is touched and worshipped by all devotees irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

The Krishna river flows here in the name of Pathala Ganga through the feet of three mountains—Brahmagiri, Vishnugiri and Rudragiri. It is believed that Narada, Pandavas and even lord Rama have visited this place and worshipped the lord here.

Srisailam is approachable through four places on the plains generally called the gateways, on all four cardinal directions.

The eastern entrance: The presiding deity Tripuranthakeshwar is erected on “Kumaragiri” approximately 80km from Srisailam.

The southern entrance: The presiding deity is Siddhavateshwara Swamy on the banks of river Penna. There is a Vatavriksham which washes off all our sins on touching.

The western entrance: The presiding deity is the Jogulamba Sakthi of Alampuram on the banks of river Tungabadra in Mehaboobnagar district.

The north entrance: The presiding deity Umamaheshwara is situated in Umamaheshwaram about 6 km from Acchampet in Mehaboobnagar district.

Sakshi ganapathy: This small shrine located 3km from Srisailam is frequented by all the pilgrims who come to Srisailam, because it is believed that this Ganapathi keeps regular account of all the pilgrims who visit this kshetram.

3.     MAHAKALESHWAR—UJJAIN

This temple is situated 53km from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on the banks of the river Kshipra. This place is also called Awanthi.

The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known as “Dakshinamurthi” which means that it is facing the south. This is a unique feature found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyothirlingas.

There are five levels in this temple one of which is underground. The temple is located in spacious courtyard near a lake. The shikar is adorned with fine sculptures. Those who have darshan of Shiva here would attain salvation and all their wishes would be granted.

On the day of Mahashivarathri, a huge fair is held is near the temple and worship goes on throughout the night.

Ujjain Mahakali: This is located in the northern corner of the city of Ujjain near the banks of the river Kshipra. In this temple, the idol of Mahakali is placed in between the idols of Mahalakshmi and Saraswati.

4.     OMKARESHWAR—VINDHYACHAL

This temple is situated on the banks of river Narmada 12 km from Mortakka in Madhya pradesh. This is a self-manifested linga on an island surrounded by the river shaped like “OM”.

God Shiva revealed the true meaning of “OM” to human beings that “I am soul and this is my body”. OM is the beginning of any mantra that starts with the name of God. Hence He is known as Omkareshwara.

The river Narmada branches into two and forms an island Mandhata or Shivpuri in the centre. There are two temples here one to Omkareshwar and one to Amareshwar. Legend says that upon the request of Devas, the Shivalinga who blessed Vindhya mountain split into two—one half being Omkareshwara and the other Amareshwara.  The smooth, round pebbles found in this river are called ‘Banalingas’.

5.     KEDARESHWAR—HIMALAYAS

Among the twelve Jyothirlingas this is located in the snow-covered area of the Himalayas. This Jyothirlinga can be visited only during six summer months in a year i.e. from the month of the month of Vaishaka to Ashwin. The rest of the year is too cold and the temple is closed for pilgrims. 

This temple is located in the Himalayas in Uttaranchal on Kedar Mountain near the river Mandakini. There is one more river Alakananda on the banks of which Badrikashrama is located. This place is approximately 240km from Haridwar and situated at a height of 16,000 feet from the sea level. Some part of the journey is motorable and the rest has to be walked. This part of the way through the Himalaya is not only difficult but dangerous. To climb this steep path, some use mules and some use Dolis and some others walk with walking sticks. There are resting places in between to serve the tired pilgrims.

A little farther away from a place called Gaurikund, the Kedarnath temple becomes visible. There is no idol of linga here. There is just a triangular shaped high mound which is worshipped and considered to be hind part of the buffalo. This is the biggest of all the Jyothirlingas.

After their war with kauravas, pandavas felt very sad that they had to kill their kith and kin. In order to absolve themselves of this sin, they started for a pilgrimage. They came to Haridwar and from there proceeded to Himalayas and came to this place. Lord Shiva gave darshan to the pandavas in this place as Jyothirlinga. That is why in this temple we can see the idols of pandavas.

Around the main Kedarnath temple there are many holy places.

6.     BHIMASHANKAR—MAHARASHTRA

This temple is located on the banks of river Bhima on Sahyadri hills in Pune, Maharashtra. This place is also called Dakini Bhimasankaram.

Legends say that there was a demon called Bhima, whose parents were Kumbhakarna (brother of Ravana) and Karkati. Demon Bhima was torturing and harassing people. He was hell bent in the path of destruction of Dharma. Bhima learnt that king Kamarupeshwar was making preparations to kill him. Bhima went to the king and asked him to stop the worship of Shiva and asked to worship himself instead. When the king denied, Bhima attacked the linga with his sword. Before he could strike, lord appeared and a severe fight broke out. Finally Shiva burned Bhima to ashes. Thus all were released from their sorrows. Devas and Gods requested lord to remain in that place and the lord remained there as Bheemashankara Jyothirlinga.

Around this temple, Mokshakund, Kamalaja Devi temples are the important places to be seen. There are also Sakshi vinayaka, Sarva Theerth and Goraknath ashram.

7.     VISHVESHWAR—VARANASI

Where the Varana and Asi rivers join the Ganges, a beautiful city was built in ancient times. This city is called Varanasi also called Kashi. In this beautiful city in Uttarpradesh the Jyothirlinga Vishweshwar is located.

In this temple city, there are one crore sivalingas and nearly 84 river ghats out of which Manikarnika, Harischandra and Dasashwamedha are important.  This is the city of moksha. Those who live here attain mukthi or salvation.

Kashi nagar is so great that even if the universe is to be destroyed in Pralaya, it would remain intact. Dandapani and Kalabhairav guard this city.

Kashi Vishweshwar temple as seen now was built by Ahilyadevi Holkar in 1777AD. Hindu devotees visit Kashi to make offerings. Here they perform many rituals and consider themselves blessed. The kashi kshetra and Vishweshwara Jyothirlinga are considered the holiest shrines in the world. The Ganga water here is considered as the nectar of the earth. Dying in Kashi or performing the final rites are considered way to the heaven i.e. moksha.

Vishwesham madhavam dundim dandapanimcha bhairavam

Vande kashim guhaam gangam bhavanim manikarnikam

It is auspicious and pious thing to carry the holy water of Ganges from Kashi and do abhishek to the lord Shiva in Rameshwaram. After this a little sand is carried from Rameshwaram to Allahabad and offered to Bindu Madhava and immersed in Triveni Sangam. Completing this ritual is believed to make the pilgrimage complete and successful.

8.     THRAYAMBHAKESHWAR—MAHARASHTRA

It is located at the foot hills of the mountain Brahmagiri near the originating point of river Godavari near Nasik. This temple is situated in Trimbak, 30km west of Nasik.

As Bhagiratha got the River Ganga to earth, it was Rishi Gauthama who brought Godavari to earth. At the request of Rishi Gautama, lord Shiva accepted and established himself and the River Ganga was released in the name of Gautami also called Godavari. Papakund is a small lake is filled with the water of Godavari.

The lord in this temple’s garbagraha is not worshipped with Abhisheka with water. There is just a bottom part of the pounding stone like structure. In that hole there are three lingas shaped like thumb. They are supposed to represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and hence Thryambhakeshwara. Of these three lingas the linga of Shiva has a constant shower of water from an orifice above.

From these Jyothirlinga sometimes, the roar of a lion can be heard. Sometimes flames can be seen emanating from it. At such times, in order to calm down Shiva’s anger, milk mixed with Bhang (opium) is put in a pitcher and the pitcher is hung upside down on the linga so that the milk keeps dripping on the linga till its anger comes down and is peaceful.

Parasurama mandir, Kushavartham, temple of lord Krishna, temple of Ganga and Goda devi, and ashram of Rishi Gautama are worth seeing.

9.     VAIDHYANATH—JHARKAND

This temple is situated near Devghar in Jassidi, in Jharkand state. This place is also known as Parali. We can reach Parali Vaidhyanath temple by travelling for nearly 12 hours from Aurangabad.

Parali is the only place where lord Shankara is seen together with his consort parvathi. Therefore this place is also called “Anokhi Kashi”.

The story goes like this: Once the demon king Ravana went to mount kailash to do penance. When lord Shiva did not appear before him even after severe penance, he got angry and started cutting off his head one by one. When he was about to cut his tenth head, Shiva appeared before him and granted boon. Ravana wanted to carry Shivalinga to Lanka. He told Ravana to be careful not to put it down on earth until he reaches Lanka. Ravana began the journey carrying the linga. On the way, he wanted to relieve himself by urination. He bid a cowherd boy to hold the linga. The cowherd was not able to bear the linga and he put it down. The Shiva linga stayed there. The boy was lord Ganesha sent by Indra so that the Atmalinga given by the lord himself should not reach Lanka, because if Atmalinga reaches Lanka, then Ravana will become unbeaten. Ravana tried his best to lift up the linga. He failed and was injured badly. Lord Shiva appeared there and cured all his injuries. As lord Shiva treated and cured Ravana, lord Shiva was named Vaidhyanatha.

Markandeya theertha, Chadrapaleshwaralinga, Dadheecheeswaralinga, Harihara theertha and Ganapathi temple are other places to be visited.

10.  NAGESWAR—DWARAKA, GUJARAT

This temple is located in Dwaraka on the coast of Gujarat. This Nageswara linga is situated in between Arabian Sea and Gomati of Darukavanam. The Nageswara temple is the smallest of all Jyothirlingas.

Shiv Purana narrates the tale about the temple and it says that Shiva started to reside here in the form of Jyothirlinga after killing the demon by name Daruka. The place got its name from the demon Daruka who had appealed to the god before his death that the place be named after him. Hence the name Darukavan came to existence.

The structure of the temple is very beautiful. Inside it, there is another shrine called the Runamochan teerth. There is no Nandi in front of Lord shiva. There is a separate Nandikeshwara temple at the back of the main temple.

It is said that the vices are like poisonous snakes. We can root out all the vices by constant remembrance of god Shiva and attain peace, happiness and prosperity in life. Hence god Shiva is known as Nageshwara.

11.    RAMESHWAR—RAMESHWARAM, TAMILNADU

This temple is situated on the seacoast of Ramanathapuram in Tamilnadu in the Gulf of Mannar. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is situated on the peninsular tip Rameshwaram.

After abduction of Sita by Ravana, Rama met Sugriva and made friend with him. With the help of Hanuman, Rama found out that Sita was taken to Lanka by Ravana. Ravana was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and also the son of Lord Brahma. Rama with the blessings of Shiva killed all the demons including Ravana.

To get rid of the sin of killing Ravana and other demons, Rama wanted to worship Lord Shiva and so asked Hanuman to bring a Shiva linga from Kailash. Because hanuman reached late, Sita made a linga out of mud and that was worshipped. When hanuman reached he wanted to remove the mud-linga and replace it with the linga he brought. But he could not do it. This idol worshipped by Rama is called Rameshwar. Linga brought by hanuman was also installed here and is called Hanumantheswara and both became very famous.

This island shrine consists of 24 odd holy water sources like Rama teerth, Sita Kund, Jata Teerth, koti teerth etc. inside the temple premises. The water at all these places is sweet and each one has a unique taste of its own. Every teerth has a typical story attached to it. Devotees take bath in these holy wells. The corridor of Ramnathaswamy Temple at Rameshwaram is the largest temple corridor in India. The temple has 1220 metres of magnificent corridors and has 1200 gigantic granite columns.

The Rameshwara linga statue is covered with silver sheet and diamonds. Seshnag, the snake god stands up with his hood covering the linga like umbrella.

Some famous temples around Rameshwar are Gandhamadhana parvat, Kodandaramaswamy temple, Dhanushkoti, Devipattinam where you find the Navagraha temple inside sea water.

12. GRISHNESHWAR—MAHARASHTRA

The temple is located about 30km west of Aurangabad. It is situated near the Ellora caves in the Verul village of Maharashtra.

Legend has it that a woman named Kusuma offered prayers to lord Shiva regularly by immersing a Shiva linga in a tank. Her husband’s first wife, envious of her piety murdered Kusuma’s son and threw his head in the nearby pond. An aggrieved Kusuma continued her worship to Shiva. Shiva pleased by her devotion, restored her son’s life. Shiva appeared in front of her and the villagers and then on is believed to have been worshipped in the form of Grishneshwar or Ghushmeshwar.

Eashwara kundam, dhara theertha, Daulatabad fort and the world famous Ellora caves are the places to be visited near Grishneshwar temple.

“Saurashtre Somanathamcha Srisaile Mallikarjunam|
Ujjayinya Mahakalam Omkaramamaleswaram ||
Paralyam Vaidyanathancha Dakinyam Bheema Shankaram |
Setu Bandhethu Ramesam, Nagesam Darukavane||
Varanasyantu Vishwesam Tryambakam Gautameethate|
Himalayetu Kedaaram, Ghrishnesamcha shivaalaye||
Etani jyotirlingani, Saayam Praatah Patennarah|
Sapta Janma Kritam pApam, Smaranena Vinashyati||”

By taking a darshan of the twelve Jyothirlingas, the auspicious air surrounding it and the holy pilgrimage, will bring happiness, peace and satisfaction to all.

Om namah shivaya!          Om namah shivaya!!         Om namah shivaya!!!