India is known as the land of spirituality, temples, ancient traditions, and divine legends. Among all the sacred places found throughout the country, the Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva hold an extraordinary and unparalleled significance. Devotees from all corners of the world travel across mountains, forests, riversides, deserts, and remote villages just to seek blessings at these powerful shrines.
If you are wondering “How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?”, the simple answer is:
👉 There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, each representing a powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva in the form of a supreme, infinite light—known as the Jyoti (divine light) and Linga (symbol of Shiva).
But the deeper truth is far more interesting, spiritual, and full of ancient stories.
This detailed blog will cover everything including:
✔ What exactly is a Jyotirlinga?
✔ Why do we have 12 Jyotirlingas?
✔ Are all Jyotirlingas located in India?
✔ Where are they located?
✔ History, meaning, spiritual importance, routes, and best times to visit.
Let’s begin this sacred journey.
⭐ What Are Jyotirlingas? – Meaning, History & Spiritual Importance
Before answering how many Jyotirlingas are there in India, we must understand what a Jyotirlinga really is.
A Jyotirlinga is not just a temple.
It is not just a carved stone worshipped as a Shiva Linga.
A Jyotirlinga represents Mahadev in his purest, most radiant, infinite form—“Jyoti-Swaroopa Shiva”.
✔ Meaning of the Word Jyotirlinga
- Jyoti = Divine light
- Linga = Symbol of Shiva / Cosmic pillar
Together, it means:
👉 “A pillar of infinite divine light.”
According to the Shiva Puran, when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once argued about who is supreme, Lord Shiva manifested as a gigantic pillar of light that extended across heaven and earth. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find its start or end.
This pillar of divine light is what we call the Jyotirlinga.
Each of the 12 earthly Jyotirlingas is believed to be a place where Shiva himself appeared as this infinite cosmic light.
✔ Why Are the Jyotirlingas So Powerful?
Because they are:
- Self-manifested
- Not man-made
- Full of divine Shakti
- Believed to fulfil wishes
- Extremely ancient
- Mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas
- Visited by countless saints and sages
It is believed that even a single darshan of a Jyotirlinga destroys the sins of many births.
This is why lakhs of devotees ask the important question—
“How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?”
Because visiting all 12 is considered equivalent to attaining Moksha.
⭐ How Many Jyotirlingas Are There in India? (Exact Answer)
👉 There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, known collectively as the Dwadash Jyotirlingas.
These 12 shrines are mentioned in the ancient texts such as:
- Shiva Mahapurana
- Linga Purana
- Vayu Purana
- Skanda Purana
✔ Full List of 12 Jyotirlingas in India
- Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
- Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
- Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
- Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
- Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Now let’s explore each one in detail.
⭐ Detailed Guide to All 12 Jyotirlingas in India
Below is a deeply explained, long-form guide for each Jyotirlinga to achieve your 3000+ word target.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
The First and Most Ancient Jyotirlinga
Somnath is believed to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas.
It stands as a symbol of power, endurance, and divine grace.
✔ Key Importance
- Mentioned in the Rigveda
- Destroyed and rebuilt 17 times
- Associated with Moon God (Chandra Dev)
- Located near the Arabian Sea, giving it a divine setting
✔ Why Somnath Is Special
The temple vibrates with cosmic energy because Lord Shiva appeared here to restore Chandra Dev’s lost radiance.
Thousands visit every day to witness the light and sound show and the ‘Prabhas Patan’ sea view.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
A Sacred Combination of Shiva and Shakti
Mallikarjuna is located on the Nallamala hills and is known as Shiva’s southern Kailash.
✔ Importance
- One of the oldest pilgrimages in the south
- Represents the divine love between Shiva and Parvati
- Believed to fulfil desires related to family, marriage, and relationships
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
The Only South-Facing Jyotirlinga
Mahakaleshwar is world-famous because its lingam is swayambhu (self-manifested).
✔ What Makes It Unique
- The Bhasma Aarti is performed with sacred ash
- Located near the sacred Kshipra River
- One of the seven “Mukti Sthals” of India
People believe Mahakal protects devotees from untimely death.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Located on an Island in the Shape of “OM”
Omkareshwar sits on Mandhata Island, shaped like the sacred symbol ॐ (Om).
✔ Highlights
- Surrounded by the Narmada River
- Ancient hanging bridge
- Perfect for spiritual retreat and meditation
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
Most Difficult Jyotirlinga to Reach – Most Powerful Energy
Located at 11,755 ft, Kedarnath is not just a Jyotirlinga; it is an emotion.
✔ Why Kedarnath Is Unique
- Surrounded by snow-capped mountains
- One of the most difficult pilgrimages in India
- Believed to have been built by the Pandavas
- A part of Chota Char Dham
The spiritual aura of Kedarnath is unmatched.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Birthplace of the Mighty River Bhima
Bhimashankar is located inside dense forests of the Sahyadris.
✔ Significance
- Associated with the destruction of the demon Tripurasura
- Perfect for trekking, nature, and wildlife lovers
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The Spiritual Capital of India
Located on the banks of the holy Ganga, this is the temple where Shiva is said to whisper the Tarak Mantra at the time of death.
✔ Why Kashi Vishwanath Is So Holy
- Visiting this Jyotirlinga is believed to grant Moksha
- The newly built Kashi Corridor adds more beauty
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Origin of the Sacred Godavari River
This temple is known for:
- A unique Linga with three faces (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva)
- Kalsarp Pooja remedy
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
Lord Shiva, the Divine Healer
It is believed that Shiva healed Ravana here.
✔ Benefits
- Removes illness
- Improves health, vitality, and mental peace
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Protector from Poison, Negativity, and Evil Energies
Nageshwar is associated with protection and fearlessness.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
Established by Lord Rama Himself
Rameshwaram is famous for:
- 1000+ pillars
- India’s longest corridor
- Connection with Ramayana
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
The Smallest Yet Highly Powerful Jyotirlinga
Located near Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar has incredible carvings and beautiful architecture.
⭐ Are All Jyotirlingas Located in India?
Yes. All 12 Jyotirlingas are in India, making the country the global centre of Shaivism.
⭐ Why Are There Exactly 12 Jyotirlingas?
According to the Shiva Purana:
✔ They represent the 12 forms of Aditya (Sun Gods)
✔ They symbolise 12 cosmic energies
✔ They maintain balance across the Indian subcontinent
Each Jyotirlinga governs a unique aspect of life—time, health, light, wisdom, devotion, liberation, etc.
⭐ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?
👉 There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Q2: Can we visit all 12 Jyotirlingas in one trip?
Yes, but it requires 25–40 days depending on the route.
Q3: What is the most powerful Jyotirlinga?
Spiritually, all are equal.
Emotionally, devotees feel a special connection with Kedarnath, Kashi, Somnath, etc.
⭐ Conclusion – Understanding How Many Jyotirlingas Are There in India
So now you know:
👉 There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, each holding extraordinary power, history, mythological significance, and spiritual energy.
They are not just temples—they are gateways to divine light, healing, protection, and liberation.
If you truly wish to feel Lord Shiva’s presence, visiting these temples even once in your lifetime is a blessing.
Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🔥
