THE STORY OF JYOTIRLINGA
“Jyotirlinga” is derived from Sanskrit: “Jyoti” meaning “light” and “Linga” meaning “mark” or “sign.
The story of the Jyotirlingas is deeply rooted in Hinduism and varies slightly across different sources and traditions. One common legend recounts the tale of a conflict between Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver.
Once, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were engaged in a heated debate about their superiority. To end their dispute, Lord Shiva appeared before them as an infinite column of light, a Jyotirlinga. He challenged them to find the beginning and end of the pillar, stating that whoever succeeded would be deemed the greatest among them.
Agreeing to the challenge, Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upward to find the top of the pillar, while Lord Vishnu transformed into a boar and dug deep into the earth to find its base. However, after an extensive search, neither of them could locate the ends of the infinite column of light.
In his desperation to win the challenge, Lord Brahma came across a Ketaki flower falling from above. He asked the flower where it had come from, and the flower falsely claimed to have witnessed the top of the pillar. Brahma decided to use the Ketaki flower as a witness and returned to Lord Shiva with it.
Upon Brahma’s return, Lord Shiva exposed Brahma’s deceit and cursed him, declaring that he would not be worshiped in temples. In contrast, Lord Vishnu humbly admitted defeat and praised Lord Shiva’s greatness. Pleased with Vishnu’s honesty, Lord Shiva blessed him and declared that Vishnu would always be revered along with him.
Lord Shiva then appeared before them as the Jyotirlinga and announced that he would remain eternally present in the form of light at that spot, thus becoming the first Jyotirlinga. This event is believed to have occurred at the temple of Somnath, making it one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
The Jyotirlingas symbolizes the omnipresence and supremacy of Lord Shiva. Each of the twelve Jyotirlingas is believed to represent a manifestation of Lord Shiva’s cosmic light, and devotees visit these sacred sites to seek his blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
12 JYOTIRLING OF LORD SHIVA
SOMNATH
Somnath Temple, located in the state of Gujarat, India.
The origins of the Somnath Temple are traced back to ancient times, where it is believed to have been originally built by the Moon God, Soma. The temple was said to be made of gold and stood as a magnificent symbol of devotion to Lord Shiva.
The name “Somnath” itself translates to “Lord of the Moon,” honoring the divine encounter between Lord Shiva and Chandra.
The temple was reconstructed by various rulers and devotees over the centuries. One of the notable reconstructions was by Ravana, the legendary demon king of Lanka, who rebuilt the temple using silver. The temple holds great religious and historical significance in Hinduism and is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, manifestations of Lord Shiva’s divine light.
MALLIKARJUNA
The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, on the flat top of the Nallamala Hills. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti, making it a potent place of energy and devotion in Hindu belief. Pilgrims believe that praying at this Jyotir
Linga not only blesses them with spiritual enlightenment but also strengthens the bonds of family and relationships.
The history of Mallikarjuna Temple is ancient, tracing back to at least the 2nd century A.D., as evident from references found in early Hindu texts. Over the centuries, the temple has been patronized and expanded by numerous South Indian dynasties including the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagar rulers.
MAHAKALESHWAR
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the ancient city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.The lingam at Mahakaleshwar is dakshinamurti, which means that it is facing the south. This south-facing position is considered very powerful and is associated with the tantra tradition of Hinduism. This aspect of Shiva is said to be fierce (Ugra) and is revered as the conqueror of death.
Mahakaleshwar Temple is steeped in history, with references to Ujjain and its temple found in various ancient texts, including the Puranas. Ujjain itself is considered one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, and it has been a significant center of spiritual activities and astrological studies. According to legend, the temple is situated at the spot where Lord Shiva appeared from the ground to vanquish a demon named Dushana, thus protecting the inhabitants and devotees.
OMKARESHWAR
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a significant pilgrimage site situated on an island called Mandhata or Shivpuri in the Narmada River, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga represents the divine aspect of Shiva where he manifested as the Omkar, the sound of Om, symbolizing the creation of the universe.
The architecture of Omkareshwar Temple is characterized by its intricate carvings and beautiful construction that blend elements of various architectural styles that have evolved over centuries. The temple structure includes impressive halls supported by carved pillars, a large sabha mandapa (congregation hall), and sanctums that house the deities.
KEDARNATH
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, located in the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, India. This temple is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand and is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone for the sins of killing their kin during the Kurukshetra war. Shiva, disguised as a bull, hid from the Pandavas at Kedarnath. When detected by the Pandavas, he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The other portions of Shiva appeared at four other locations; collectively, these five sites are known as the Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath is highly revered by devotees as a place of profound spiritual significance. It is said that praying at Kedarnath opens the doors to “moksha” or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
he Kedarnath Temple is an impressive stone structure believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas originally and revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. The temple’s architecture is modest yet strong, built of large, heavy stones to withstand the harsh weather conditions.
BHIMASHANKAR
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Sahyadri region of Maharashtra, near Pune. The demon Tripurasura was annihilated by Shiva at this location, leading to the manifestation of the Jyotirlinga. The story goes that Bhima, feeling invincible, tormented the gods and the sages until they prayed to Shiva for deliverance. Shiva appeared in the form of Bhimashankar and destroyed the demon, granting peace to the cosmos. The sweat that poured forth from Shiva’s body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhima River.
The Bhimashankar temple is an exquisite example of Nagara architectural style, with influences from the medieval period, around the 13th century. It features beautifully intricate carvings and a strong use of the locally available black stone.
KASHI-VISHWANATH
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is located in the ancient city of Varanasi (also known as Kashi) in Uttar Pradesh, India.Kashi Vishwanath Temple has immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. Varanasi is often referred to as the spiritual capital of India. It is believed that a visit to the temple and a bath in the holy waters of the Ganges River at Varanasi releases a person from the cycle of rebirth, granting moksha or liberation.
TRIMBAKESHWAR
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near the town of Trimbak in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, India. Trimbakeshwar is surroundings of the Brahmagiri mountain range, and it has been a center of pilgrimage for centuries.
Gautama Rishi, a revered sage, resided in the Brahmagiri hills near Trimbakeshwar. He performed rigorous penance and worshipped Lord Shiva with utmost devotion. Pleased by his dedication, Lord Shiva appeared before Gautama Rishi and granted him a boon. Gautama Rishi requested Lord Shiva to make the sacred river Ganga descend from the heavens onto the Earth to purify the souls of mankind. Lord Shiva, fulfilling his devotee’s wish, allowed the Ganga to descend as the Godavari River, which is considered to be as holy as the Ganga itself. Trimbakeshwar is thus blessed with the divine presence of both the Jyotirlinga and the sacred Godavari River.
The Trimbakeshwar Temple is a magnificent architectural marvel, adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. The temple complex features several shrines dedicated to different deities, but the central sanctum houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
VAIDYANATH
Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, also known as Vaijnath Temple, is located in the Deoghar district of Jharkhand, India. According to legend, the demon king Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva at this site to gain immortality. Pleased with Ravana’s devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and blessed him with a divine lingam, which is said to be enshrined at Vaidyanath Temple.
One of the most significant aspects of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is its association with healing and wellness. Devotees believe that worshipping at this sacred site can cure diseases, alleviate suffering, and bring about physical and mental well-being.
The Vaidyanath Temple is an architectural marvel, built in the traditional Nagara style of temple architecture. The temple complex features intricately carved walls, majestic spires, and ornate sculptures depicting various deities and mythological scenes. The main sanctum houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
NAGESHWAR
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as Nagnath Temple, is situated in the town of Dwarka in the western Indian state of Gujarat.he temple is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures and epics, including the Shiva Purana and the Skanda Purana.
Once, there lived a demon couple named Daruka and Daruki, who terrorized the region where the present-day Nageshwar Temple stands. They oppressed the inhabitants, wreaking havoc and spreading fear among the people. The gods and sages, distressed by the demon’s tyranny, prayed fervently to Lord Shiva for deliverance.
Pleased by their devotion and moved by the plight of the people, Lord Shiva decided to confront the demons and restore peace to the region. He appeared at the site of the Nageshwar Temple in the form of a fiery column of light, radiating divine energy and power.
As the demons Daruka and Daruki confronted Lord Shiva, a fierce battle ensued between the forces of good and evil. In the midst of the battle, Lord Shiva manifested as Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, a divine lingam imbued with his cosmic energy and presence.
The sheer force of Lord Shiva’s divine power overwhelmed the demons, and they were ultimately defeated and vanquished. With the destruction of the demons, the region was liberated from their tyranny, and peace was restored.
The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, where this divine encounter took place, became a sacred pilgrimage site and a symbol of Lord Shiva’s victory over evil. Devotees flock to the temple to seek the blessings of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, praying for protection, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
RAMESHWAR
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple, is located on the island of Rameswaram in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Rameshwar is closely associated with the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita, and his loyal devotee Hanuman, halted at Rameswaram during their journey back to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita.
Lord Rama, realizing the gravity of his actions in vanquishing Ravana and his army, sought the guidance and blessings of Lord Shiva to absolve himself of any sins incurred during the war. He instructed Hanuman to bring a lingam from Mount Kailash, which would be installed and worshipped by Lord Rama himself.
However, Hanuman faced a challenge in returning with the lingam before the auspicious time for the installation ceremony. To ensure the timely completion of the ritual, Sita created a small lingam from the sand, which is believed to be the Lingam worshipped as the Rameshwar Jyotirlinga.
Upon his return, Hanuman was dismayed to find the sand lingam already installed by Sita. In his frustration, he tried to uproot it, resulting in the lingam splitting into two pieces. Lord Rama, upon learning of this, consoled Hanuman and installed both lingams, one brought by Hanuman and the sand lingam created by Sita, side by side, thus sanctifying the site as Rameshwar Jyotirlinga.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is renowned for its magnificent architecture, with towering gopurams (entrance towers), pillared corridors, and intricately carved sculptures. The temple complex covers a vast area and comprises multiple shrines dedicated to various deities, with the main sanctum housing the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
GRISHNESHWAR
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, also known as Grishneshwar or Ghushmeshwar Temple, is located near the Ellora Caves in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The temple is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures and epics, including the Shiv Purana and the Skanda Purana.
The legend of Grishneshwar is associated with a devout woman named Kusuma, who was married to a brahmin named Sudharm. Sudharm’s first wife, Sudeha, was jealous of Kusuma’s devotion and tricked her into believing that her son had died. Heartbroken, Kusuma prayed to Lord Shiva with utmost devotion, seeking the return of her son.
Pleased by Kusuma’s devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before her and blessed her with divine knowledge. He also instructed her to perform a sacrificial ritual (yajna) and built a temple dedicated to him. Kusuma followed Lord Shiva’s instructions and built the temple, where Lord Shiva manifested as the Jyotirlinga, fulfilling Kusuma’s prayers and blessing her with eternal happiness.
The legend of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga emphasizes the power of devotion and the divine grace of Lord Shiva in answering the prayers of his devotees.
The Grishneshwar Temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture, with intricate carvings, decorative motifs, and ornate spires. The temple complex features a main sanctum housing the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, along with several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.