12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva: Names, Locations & Yatra Guide

Planning a pilgrimage to one, several, or all of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India? Whether you’re travelling during the auspicious Shravan month or any other time of year, we are here with a comprehensive guide. Learn about all 12 Jyotirlingas, including where they are, how to reach them, what makes each unique, and how to plan your yatra without the fluff. Read on and find out all that you wish to know about the sacred Jyotirlingas.

What Exactly Is a Jyotirlinga?

A Jyotirlinga means “Radiant Sign of Shiva.” Per the Shiva Purana, Shiva appeared as an infinite pillar of light to settle the dispute between Brahma and Vishnu. While 64 Shiva lingams are mentioned in the texts, 12 are considered self-manifested (swayambhu) and most sacred. Visiting all 12 Jyotirlinga locations is believed to burn lifetimes of karma and grant moksha.

TL/DR – Quick facts about all 12 Jyotirlingas in India

A clear overview of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India

1. Somnath, Gujarat

This famous Jyotirlinga in Gujarat was built by the Moon God (Soma) on the coast of Saurashtra. The Somnath Jyotirlinga has been destroyed and rebuilt 17 times. The current temple stands as a symbol of unshakable faith.

• Temple timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
• Reach from: Veraval Railway Station (5 km)
• Nearby attractions: Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth

2. Mallikarjuna, Andhra Pradesh

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, the famous Andhra Pradesh Jyotirlinga, is atop the Nallamala Hills in Srisailam. This is a rare site where a Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha coexist. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati reunited here to console Kartikeya.

• Timings: 4:30 AM – 10 PM
• Reach from: Hyderabad airport (215 km) / Markapur Road railway station
• Nearby attractions: Srisailam Dam, Pathala Ganga ropeway

3. Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh

The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, in Ujjain, is the only south-facing (dakshinamukhi) Jyotirlinga. It symbolises Shiva as the conqueror of death. The world-famous Bhasma Aarti that happens at dawn every day requires advance booking.  This Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh is not just a famous temple, but it is also one of the most iconic landmarks of Ujjain.

• Timings: 4 AM – 11 PM
• Reach from: Ujjain Junction / Indore Airport (51 km)
• Nearby attractions: Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Ghat

4. Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is yet another Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh. It is located on Mandhata Island in the Narmada. It is naturally shaped like the “Om” symbol. The pilgrimage is incomplete without visiting Mamleshwar on the opposite bank, as together they form one Jyotirlinga.

• Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
• Reach from: Indore (77 km) / Omkareshwar Road station (12 km)
• Nearby attractions: Govindapada Cave (Adi Shankaracharya’s initiation site)

5. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

At 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the highest temples in the 12 Jyotirlinga list. It is believed that Shiva took the form of a bull and submerged himself here. Then, only his hump remained. The Kedarnath Temple, the only Jyotirlinga in Uttarakhand, is also a Char Dham and Panch Kedar site.

• Opens April 22, 2026; closes November 11, 2026
• Reach by: A 16-18 km trek, or helicopter from Gaurikund
• Mandatory: Online registration at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
• Nearby attractions: Bhairav Temple, Vasuki Tal, Triyuginarayan.

6. Bhimashankar, Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri range at 3,250 feet in Maharashtra. Legend has it that Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura here. Then, the heat generated created the Bhima River. It is one of the most significant Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.

• Timings: 4:30 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9:30 PM
• Reach: Pune (110 km) by road; Karjat station (168 km)
• Note: Approximately 250 steep steps down to the temple, which can be challenging for seniors
• Nearby attractions: Gupt Bhimashankar (hidden waterfall lingam), Wildlife Sanctuary

7. Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh

The Kashi Vishwanath Shrine lies in the heart of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities. A pilgrimage here is believed to grant moksha directly. A list of the 12 Jyotirlingas’ names with places can never be complete without this famous destination.

• Timings: 2:30 AM – 11 PM (five aartis daily)
• Reach from: Varanasi Junction
• Nearby attractions: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Sarnath

8. Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra

Yet another very famous Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar, is situated near Nashik. It is the source of the Godavari River (Kushavarta Kund). The temple features a unique three-faced lingam representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

• Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM.
• Reach from: Nashik Road / Igatpuri station
• Famous for: Kaal Sarp Dosh and Pitra Dosh nivaran pujas
• Nearby attractions: Brahmagiri Hill, Anjaneri Fort

9. Vaidyanath, Jharkhand

When you go through the list of the 12 Jyotirlinga places, you will find Vaidyanath inJharkhand’s Deoghar. Shiva appeared here as Vaidya (Divine Healer) to cure Ravana. Sati’s heart fell here, making it a Shakti Peetha too. It is a very beautiful and highly revered Jyotirlinga.

• Timings: 4 AM – 3:30 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
• Reach from: Jasidih Junction (15 km)
• Note: During Shravan, lakhs of Kanwariyas walk 100+ km from Sultanganj with Gangajal
• Nearby attractions: Naulakha Temple, Trikut Parvat ropeway

10. Nageshwar, Gujarat

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near Dwarka. This Jyotirlinga in Gujarat is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga on Earth. Shiva emerged from the lingam to save the devotee, Supriya, from the demon, Daruka. It features a 25-meter-tall Shiva statue, which is quite spectacular.

• Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
• Reach from: Dwarka station / Jamnagar airport (45 km)
• Nearby attractions: Dwarkadhish Temple, Bet Dwarka

11. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

The Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is on Rameshwaram Island, in Tamil Nadu. Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before crossing to Lanka. The temple has 22 sacred wells (theerthams) for ritual bathing and a Spatika Lingam darshan at 5-6 AM.

• Timings: 4 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 8 PM
• Reach from: Rameshwaram station / Madurai airport (163 km)
• Nearby attractions: Agni Theertham, Dhanushkodi, Pamban Bridge

12. Grishneshwar, Maharashtra

The Grishneshwar is a Jyotirlinga near Aurangabad. The exact location is in Verul village, less than 1 km from the Ellora Caves. The temple was rebuilt by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. It is the smallest Jyotirlinga in India.

• Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Reach from: Aurangabad (30 km)
• Rule: Men must enter bare-chested
• Nearby attractions: Ellora Caves (UNESCO site), Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara

Shravan & Sawan Somwar: Key Tips for Your Yatra

Now, let’s take a quick look at what to expect if you’re planning your yatra during Shravan (Sawan):

1. The duration usually falls between mid-July and mid-August, spanning about a month (check the current year’s exact dates before booking)
2. Sawan Somwars (the four Mondays of Shravan) see the heaviest footfall — check the current year’s calendar and plan darshan around them
3. Book now as prices triple and rooms vanish
4. Reach by 5 AM at Mahakaleshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, and Somnath
5. Bhasma Aarti (Mahakaleshwar) and Kedarnath require advance online registration
6. Avoid Kedarnath in monsoon (July–Aug) because of the landslide risk
7. Deoghar (Vaidyanath) is flooded with Kanwariyas; skip if mobility is limited

The best tips for planning your Jyotirlinga yatra

You have to decide how many temples you wish to cover in your yatra. If you wish to visit all the 12 Jyotirlinga locations, you will have to plan an elaborate trip. However, many pilgrims choose a particular circuit and travel accordingly. Take a look at some popular options:

Budget for a Jyotirlinga yatra

Money is always an important factor when you leave for a pilgrimage. While you can have a very luxurious trip, you can also complete the yatra in a pocket-friendly manner. Here are some pointers to remember:

1. Budget trips

If you are looking for a budget-friendly trip, start by booking some train or bus tickets to the chosen Jyotirlinga location. This will help you to save a lot of money. Then, look for dharmashalas or dormitories. You may also consider day trips, as that will help you to save on accommodation. For meals, consider having the prasadam at the temples. This will help you to save a lot of money while getting the beautiful darshan at the best places.

Approximate numbers:

•       Duration – 25 to 30 days
•       Cost – INR 35,000 to INR 55,000

2. Mid-level trips

If you don’t want to go on a very small budget, but still want to keep things a bit tight, you may consider a mid-level package. Book train tickets and look for modest 3-star hotels. A great option is to choose a holiday package from a trusted name such as Thomas Cook. Thomas Cook has some excellent jyotirlinga tour packages for the Jyotirlinga destinations. Book these packages and have a fabulously affordable experience.

Approximate numbers:

•       Duration – 15 to 18 days
•       Cost – INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000

3. Luxury trips

If you wish to have a royal experience, opt for a luxury trip. Book your aeroplane tickets, look for 5-star hotels around the Jyotirling you are visiting, etc. You could also look for helicopter yatras. You will find some excellent ones, such as the Thomas Cook Kedarnath helicopter yatras. These trips allow you to have a quick, comfortable, and very luxurious yatra.

Approximate numbers:

•       Duration – 12 to 15 days
•       Cost – INR 2,00,000+

Handy travel guidelines to remember before you go on a Jyotirlinga yatra

1. Temple rules and regulations

Knowing the 12 Jyotirlinga names is not enough. You also must be aware of the temple rules and regulations. For example, you are not permitted to carry any leather item into any of the temples. You also have to leave your phones and other belongings outside. Be respectful of these rules and follow them diligently.

2. Proper dressing

Most temples expect you to dress ethnically. Men should ideally dress in a dhoti and kurta (and remain bare-chested at the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga). Women are expected to wear a saree or a salwar suit. Refrain from wearing short and tight Western wear.

 3. Health and safety

Carry your own water, and avoid drinking water from random taps and dispensers. You can purchase bottled water, but ensure you don’t litter. If you have an infectious disease, stay away from the crowds, as you may spread the illness to thousands of people.

4. Assessing the routes

Kedarnath is a very challenging route. The trek is especially hard for senior citizens and those who have mobility issues. Helicopter rides help, so plan accordingly. Bhimashankar is moderately difficult, as you have to climb almost 250 steps. The remaining 10 Jyotirlingas are easily accessible. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Conclusion

Explore the list of 12 Jyotirlinga names and places and choose the places you wish to visit. Consider getting a Thomas Cook travel package, as that will make your trip smooth and comfortable. Go on a wonderful pilgrimage, and come back with some wonderful memories.