The 12 Jyotirlingas are the most sacred and important shrines of Lord Shiva. Here are their names and a brief description of their importance:
12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
- Somnath Jyotirlinga: Located in Gujarat, Somnath Jyotirlinga is believed to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is said to have been destroyed and rebuilt many times, symbolizing the triumph of faith over the invasions of time and history. Visit to read Somnath Jyotirlinga Katha in Hindi.
- Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga: Located in Andhra Pradesh, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is associated with the Hindu mythological story of the slaying of the demon Tripurasura by Lord Shiva. Visit to read Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Katha in Hindi
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: Located in Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to be the only Jyotirlinga that faces south, symbolizing the victory of time over space. Visit to read Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Katha in Hindi.
- Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga: Located in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva divided himself into two halves, one half being Omkareshwar and the other being Amareshwar.
- Kedarnath Jyotirlinga: Located in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a triangular lingam.
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: Located in Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura.
- Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga: Located in Uttar Pradesh, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva resides as the ruler and protector of the holy city of Varanasi.
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga: Located in Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where the sacred river Ganges flows from Lord Shiva’s matted locks.
- Baidyanath Jyotirlinga: Located in Jharkhand, Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva cured the ailing sage Markandeya.
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: Located in Gujarat, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a mighty and ferocious snake.
- Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga: Located in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and his army before they embarked on their journey to Sri Lanka.
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga: Located in Maharashtra, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a light of intense brightness.