Here you will find a list of 12 jyotirlingas
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam.
Urvarukamiv bandhananmrityormukshiyya mammritat” .
The meaning of the mantra
We worship the 3-eyed One, who’s aromatic and who nourishes all.
just like the fruit falls off from the bondage of the stem, may also we be liberated from loss of life, from mortality.
Lord Shiva is known as Adipurush.
it means no one was born before him.
A jyotirlinga is a devotional symbol of the god Shiva.
The word jyotirlingas is a Sanskrit compound word that means “the luminous beam that emits light”.
God Shiva also appeared as a fiery column of light.
Here a list of 12 jyotirlingas is given, Originally there were 64 jyotirlingas out of which 12 jyotirlingas are very holy and auspicious.
As per Hindu mythology, The supreme god and creator of the whole universe are Lord Shiva.”
Name of Lord Shiva, The destroyer of Evil”, “Shiva”, “Mahadev”, “Bhola Bhandari”, “Shiv Shanker”, “Mahakaal”, “Trilochan”, “Tripurari”, “Chandrashekhar”, “Gangadhar”.
Jyotirlingas is our deep need for direction and enlightenment (light).
Therefore, many undertake tirtha-pilgrimages to these 12 jyotirlinga Temples for blessings.
But the Divine Light at Jyotirlingas can only be seen by those reaching a higher level of spiritual attainment.
According to the Upanishad, the twelve principles of Brahma, Maya, Jiva, Mind, Intellect, Subconscious mind, Ego, and Panchamhabhutas have been referred to as 12 jyotirlingas.
It is a powerful devotional hymn to worship Shiva.
Jyotirlinga represents the radix symbol of Lord Shiva.
Stotra
This stotra is meant to worship those 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
The Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra is as follows:
Saurashtra Somnatham Ch Srisaile Mallikarjunam.
Ujjayinyan mahakalamॐkarammaleshwaram1॥
Parlyana Vaidyanatham Cha Dakinyam Bhimashankaram.
Setubandhe tu rameshm nagesham darukavne॥2॥
Varnasya Tu Vishvesham Tryambakam Gautamitee.
Himalaya tu kedaram ghushmesham cha pagoda3॥
Etani Jyotirlingani in the evening Pathenarah.
Saptajanmakritam papam smarane Vinashyati॥4॥
History of Jyotirlinga
Firstly, According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva first manifested himself on earth.
All the jyotirlingas are considered different manifestations of Lord Shiva.
At this site, the primary image is a lingam representing the beginningless and endless pillar.
According to “shiv mahapuran” Lord Brahma and Vishnu’s battle established supremacy over the other.
Shiva had produced a vast pillar of light in both directions.
And asked them to find the end of the light in either direction.
So, Lord Brahma and Vishnu split their ways to find the end.
Vishnu accepted his defeat and Lord Brahma lied that he found out the end.
Due to this lied Lord Shiva emerged from the pillar.
Cursed Lord Brahma that even though he is the creator of the universe he would not be worshipped.
List of 12 Jyotirlingas temples in India
- Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleswar temple, Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
- Baidyanath, Jharkhand
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
- Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
- Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
- Kedarnath temple, Uttarakhand
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Somnath temple
Location
Gujarat, Near Veraval (Kathiwad district)
Somnath jyotirlinga is the jyotirlingas of India.
One of famous among a list of 12 jyotirlingas.
It is also an important pilgrimage and tourist attraction in Gujarat.
But, Several times reconstruction of the temple has been done.
Due to destruction by invaders and rulers.
the present temple was reconstructed in chalukya style.
Vallabhbhai Patel had given the order to rebuild the temple. But completed it in May 1951 after his death.
Later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad inaugurated this temple.
Story
The moon (soma) worshipper of Lord Shiva.
A curse given by Daksha (Soma’s father-in-law)should be over.
After a lot of prayer and worship, Lord Shiva blessed him.
Also, he regained his light.
The moon built the original temple which was pure gold.
later Ravana built a temple in silver, after Krishna in sandalwood.
finally by Bhimadeva in Stone.
Now in reddish-yellow stone.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the temple is in the cooler months i.e October to February.
Thou, it is open throughout the year.
Map
Mallikarjuna temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Located: Andhra Pradesh, srisailam
(around 215 km from Hyderabad)
Lord Shiva named Mallikarjuna Swamy in Andhra Pradesh, srisailam around 215km from Hyderabad in nallamala hill forests along the bank of river Krishna.
One of famous among the list of 12 jyotirlingas.
It is also a symbol of both Shaivam and Shaktism.
As one of the jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and Shakti peethas of goddess Parvati.
Here Parvati is worshiped as Mallika and shiva is worshiped as Arjun represented as a lingam.
Story of jyotirlinga
According to Shiva mahapurana, Shiva and Parvati decided to find a bride for their sons.
Buddhi, Siddhi, and Riddhi come to marry Lord Shiva’s son.
In a competition set whoever would go around the world first would be the winner.
Also marry Buddhi, Riddhi, and Siddhi.
Lord Kartikeya went to take a round of the world.
whereas Lord Ganesha won the competition.
By completing a round around Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
As one’s parents are equivalent to going around the world.
Also Marry Buddhi, Riddhi, and Siddhi.
But When lord Karthikeya came back he heard this.
He decided to remain unmarried.
Later left mount krounch and start living in nallamala hill.
There Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati stay to meet Lord Kartika and to console him.
So, the temple constitutes the deities of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The only temple where devotees can touch the idol is not allowed in any other jyotirlinga temple.
Best time to visit
The best to visit is the winter season which is from November to February.
The temperature remains comfortable.
Map
Mahakaleswar temple, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleswar temple
Located: Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain
Temple is located in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh, India.
One of famous among the list of 12 jyotirlingas.
The location the temple is On side of the river Shipra.
Swayabhu (means self-manifested or self-existing) Lord Shiva in the lingam form gives currents of power within itself other images and lingams.
An idol faced Dakshin( south direction).
The Koti teertha is a huge holy water body inside the temple complex.
At 4:00 am bhasma aarti takes place where devotees can see that aarti.
Best time to visit
October to March are the best months to visit.
As the weather is pleasant and windy.
It is the perfect time for sightseeing as the entire temple.
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Omkareshwar jyotirlingas
Located: Madhya Pradesh, Khandwa district
Temple is situated in the Madhya Pradesh of district Khandwa.
It is around 12 km from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh.
The temple is on Mandatha island (banks of Narmada and river Kaveri).
It is situated on an Om-shaped island called Mandhata or Shivpuri in the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh.
It is one of the most sacred tirthas of Madhya Pradesh.
River Narmada splits into many streams.
Two main temples of Lord Shiva
One is Omkareshwar located on the island.
Another is Mamleshwar located on the south bank of the Narmada River on the mainland.
The temple has also a grand hall.
For meetings or prayer made up of 60 huge brownstone pillars.
Hall is 14 feet high.
But Carved with a curious frieze and figures.
Pilgrims, priests, and devotees also take baths in the Narmada river.
With pots full of Narmada water perform Abhishek or special worship through the priests.
Importance of Parikrama path
The circular path around omkar hill is the parikrama path.
It’s approx 7KM. It has also many ups and downs stairs.
On this path, there are many temples and ashrams on the way.
The confluence of two rivers is also on the path.
But As per Hindu mythology, walking around any source of positive energy.
Best time to visit
The best season to visit is the winter season.
The temperature is too comfortable.
The best time to visit is September to March.
Winters approach in December and last till February.
The climate is cool. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C.
The festivals here are extremely colorful.
Their celebrations also bring a sense of unity and a feeling of brotherhood.
Map
Baidyanath, Jharkhand
Located: Jharkhand, Deogarh
It is located in Deoghar in Jharkhand.
The location of this Jyotirlinga is controversial.
Firstly is Deoghar Jharkhand, then Maharashtra, and the third is Baijnath Himachal Pradesh.
Later, This Jyotirlinga is located in Parli, Maharashtra.
According to the Shiva Purana, this Jyotirlingas is located near Sitabhoomi.
Story
The demon Ravana was worshiping Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash.
After many years to please Shiva.
later Ravana started offering his brain one by one.
He cut off his 9 heads. Then Mahadev Shiva appeared before him.
But Ravana asked to be the most powerful.
Shiva Ji gave him strength according to his desire.
Ravana was very happy and bowed before Shiva Ji.
Also said that you go with me to Lanka.
Shiva Ji was in great distress.
And said take this ling of mine to Lanka.
But if you keep this linga somewhere in the middle, then it will be located there.
Ravan was pleased to hear. But he had to wait for urine excretion from Shiv Ji’s Maya.
But he could not stop the velocity of urine.
At the same time, a cow named Baiju (god Vishnu) was passing by.
He made a polite request and asked him to hold the Shivling.
But he could not bear the weight of Shivling for long. And also placed it on the earth.
Hriday Peeth, Ravaneshwar Kanan, Rankhand, Haritiki Forest, Chita Bhoomi, etc are the names of this place.
Lord Vishnu never wants Shivling to be established in Lanka.
But Ravana understood and started praising God.
All duly worshiped Shivalinga also named Jyotirlingas as Vaidyanath.
After this Ravana went to Lanka with a happy heart.
Narada Ji went to Lanka and Said to Ravana that once you lift Mount Kailash. Then you will know how far the boon given by Shiva has been successful.
Hearing such a thing, Ravana reached to raise and uproot Mount Kailash.
But At that time Shiva was residing there and in a fit of anger.
He cursed Ravana.
Vasukinath Temple
At a distance of 42 km from this temple, Vasukinath Temple is located.
The journey of Jyotirlingas is incomplete if you will not visit the temple.
Here too people come from far away to do Jalabhishek. Kawaris has special importance here.
Firstly, Kawariya comes here to fill the holy water of Ganga Ji located in Sultanganj. Travel for about 100 km.
The main offerings here are Chuda and Peda. Lord Vishwakarma Ji built this temple.
Lord Vishnu himself came here and worshiped Lord Shiva.
Best time to visit
Here the number of devotees increases in July-August.
A grand fair is held here in the month of Sawan.
It is famous for the mela of Shraavana.
Map
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
Located: Maharashtra, Pune
This Jyotirlinga is located on a mountain called Sahyadri, about 110 km from Pune, Maharashtra.
One of famous among the list of 12 jyotirlingas.
Visiting here, one gets rid of all sorrows.
This temple is very old.
And new structures made of Nagar-style architecture.
According to Shiv Purana “Temple is situated on Brahmpura mountain near Gauhati “.
Story
There was a great monster Bhima(the son of Kumbhakarna).
He lived with his mother in Kamrup Pradesh.
His mother told him all the things.
Then Bhima became extremely angry on hearing of his father’s slaughter by Lord Ram.
He did hard penance for a thousand years to achieve his desire.
Pleased with his penance, Brahmaji gave him the boon of being victorious.
He attacked Devaloka and drove all the gods.
Bheem is now in possession of the entire heaven.
After this, he also defeated Lord Srihari in battle.
After defeating Srihari, he attacked Sudakshin.
The supreme devotee king of Kamarupa.
And took him captive along with ministers and servants.
Fearing the horrors of Bhima’s, the sages and goddesses went to the shelter of Lord Shiva.
Hearing prayer, Lord Shiva said, ‘I will kill that tyrannical monster soon”.
On receiving assurance, the sages and munis returned to their respective places.
Here, King Sadakshin, lying in the prison-house of demon Bhima, meditated on Lord Shiva.
They were doing Archana by placing the earthly Shivling in front of them.
Seeing them the Bhima attacked the mortal Shiv ling with his sword.
But unable to do anything.
Then the Lord shiva appeared from ling and he burnt Bhima.
By Seeing this all the sages and gods started praising him.
Stay here forever for public welfare.
Lord Shiva accepted all this prayer.
There he started living forever as a Jyotirlingas.
Best time to visit
The preferable time to visit is between August and February.
Map
Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu
Location: Tamil Nadu
One of famous among the list of 12 jyotirlingas.
It is situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
Temple is a sacred temple of Hindus and one of the four dhams.
The Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal are surrounded.
The island was connected to the mainland of India.
But separated by the strong waves of the ocean.
which surrounded the island with water from all sides.
Later, A German engineer constructs a bridge to connect Rameswaram.
Story of jyotirlinga
Lord Shri Ram is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva, at this place while returning from Lanka.
It is believed that he returned to India.
After stepping on the banks of Rameswaram along with Goddess Sita.
He wanted to worship Shiva to eliminate the blame for killing a Brahmin.
Since there was no temple on the island.
Shree Hanuman went to Mount Kailash to bring the idol of Lord Shiva.
When Hanuman did not reach on time.
Goddess Sita made Shivling by the sand of the sea.
They worshiped the same.
Later the Shivalinga brought by Hanuman was also established.
Later in the 15th century, King Udaiyan Sethupathi built Gopuram 78 feet high.
Then in the sixteenth century, Tirumalaya Sethupathi built the second part wall to the south.
The idol of Tirumalaya and his son sit at the entrance of the temple.
According to experts, King Kijhavan Sethupathi had ordered the construction of this temple.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the temple is from October to April.
To see a unique Mahashivaratri festival, plan to visit the temple during this time.
A festival called Thirukkalyanam is also a major festival of the temple.
Which lasts for 17 days.
So Huge crowds of people gather to see it.
Map
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Location: Gujarat, Dwarka
One of famous among a list of 12 jyotirlingas.
This temple is located in Gujarat about 16 kilometers from Dwarka Dham.
The mere sight of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga removes all the sins and misdeeds of a human being.
In the month of Sawan, the Jyotirlinga is seen and worshiped.
Story of Jyotirlinga
According to the Puranas, Vaishya was named Supriya, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva.
He used to worship Lord Shiva while immersed before consuming food and water.
At the same time, a demon named Daruk used to harass Supriya. Always create obstacles in his worship.
Once, Supriya was captured and imprisoned by Daruk.
Supriya continued to offer prayers to Lord Shiva even in his captivity.
At the same time, when Daruk heard the prayer of Lord Shiva.
He came to an end Supriya.
But Supriya was not afraid to see Daruk.
He prayed to Lord Shiva to come and protect him.
Just then Lord Shiva appeared there and offered Supriya a Pashupatastra.
Asked him to eliminate the Daruk Raksha.
After this incident, Supriya got free and established Jyotirlinga.
It is one of the beautiful temples.
80 feet height statue of Lord Shiva has been installed near the temple complex.
This idol is of Shiva sitting in Padmasana posture.
Best Time to Visit Nageshvara Jyotirlinga
October to March are the best time to visit.
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Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi
One of famous among the list of 12 jyotirlingas.
On this, consecration takes place from Panchamrit.
According to the Puranas, this city is called the city of salvation.
The month of Sawan has a special significance to see the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
History of Kashi Vishwanath jyotirlinga
Swami Vivekananda Ji, Dayanand Saraswati Ji, and Goswami Tulsidas Ji have arrived at this temple.
At this place, Saint Eknath Ji completed the book of Varkari.
Once Lord Shiva came in the dream of Queen Ahilya Bai. She was a great devotee of Shiva.
She was very happy to see it in the dream. Then he renovated this temple in the year 1780.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh installed the Kalash of the temple in 1853 with 1000 kg of gold.
In Varanasi, apart from the Ghats and the Ganges, the Shivling is of great importance.
Story
Lord Shiva lived with his wife Parvati Ji in the Himalayas.
Parvati Ji said that there should be no obstacle to Lord Shiva’s reputation.
Shiva Ji liked the city of Varanasi of King Divodas very much.
The Shiva named Nikumbha made the city of Varanasi silent as a quiet place for him.
But the king felt sad.
The king pleased Lord Brahma and prayed to relieve him of his grief.
Divodas requested that the deity remains in heaven, the earth is for humans.
Lord Brahma Ji ordered lord Shiva to went Mount Mandarachal.
He left but Kashi could not give up his attachment to the city.
Then Lord Vishnu ordered the king to go to Tapovan.
After that Varanasi became a permanent residence of lord shiva.
The city of Varanasi is on the trident of lord shiva.
Best time to visit
November – February is the best time to visit.
So, The temperature is low and there is a calm breeze throughout the day.
Map
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Nasik
One of famous among the list of 12 jyotirlingas.
The temple is located close to Nashik.
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shivan Shivalingas are worshiped in this temple
Three mountains are located near the temple.
Which are Brahmagiri, Nilgiri, and Ganga Dwar.
Brahmagiri mountain is the form of Lord Shiva.
Temple of Nilambika Devi and Dattatreya Guru on the Nilgiri Mountain.
And Goddess Godavari Temple on the Ganges Gate Mountains.
Story
On the Brahmagiri mountain, Goddess Ahilya’s husband Rishi Gautama lives there.
But for some reason, other sages from here started to envy him.
The sages once accused Gautam Rishi of cow slaughter.
After this, the sages told Rishi that you have to be free from this sin.
For this, Ganga water has to be brought here.
On this, Gautam Rishi established Shivalinga.
Started praying to please Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati appeared to him.
Shivji asked Gautam Rishi to ask for a wish.
Then he asked for the boon of bringing Ganga Mata to this place.
At the same time, Ganga Mata said that she will land there only when Lord Shiva will stay there.
Since then, Lord Shiva has started living here as Jyotirlinga. The river Ganges started flowing continuously near the temple.
Best time to visit
The preferable time to visit is October to March.
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Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand
Location: Uttarakhand, Himalaya range
Kedarnath is a pilgrimage site that belongs to one of the four dams.
One of famous among the list of 12 jyotirlingas.
It is in Uttarakhand. The Mandakini River flows towards its west.
The Char Dham of Uttarakhand is Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
In which Kedarnath has great importance. The Shiv ling Of the Kedarnath temple is a triangle shape and Hence most unique temple.
Temple has an idol of Goddess Parvati, Lord Krishna, Pandavas,Draupadi( Pandavas’s wife), Nandi, Veerbhadra, etc
Story 1
Lord Brahma’s son Dharma and his wife Murthy had two sons.
Their names were Nara and Narayan.
They incarnated Shri Krishna and Arjuna in the Dwapara Yuga.
And also established religion.
Both used to penance in front of the earthly Shivling made by themselves.
Lord Shiva was pleased with both of them.
And They used to make Shivling by them daily.
Pleased with this intense, Shiva appeared there.
Both were very happy to see this.
Shiv Ji told ask whatever I want to ask.
Then both begged Lord Shiva that Lord! Be seated here forever in the form of Linga.
Today Shiva Ji is present there.
There are also two mountains named Nar and Narayan.
It is believed that if someone dies while making a pilgrimage to Kedarnath, he attains salvation.
Story 2
According to the Puran, the temple was built by Pandavas.
The Pandavas killed the people of their own gotra during the Kurukshetra war.
Due to that Shiva was extremely angry.
When the Pandavas came to know about this.
They went to see Kedarnath. Shiva gets rid of their sins.
Shiva did not want to give his darshan to him. As he was extremely angry that’s why Shiva changed his appearance.
Then, He took the form of a bull and walked along in the herd of animals.
But Bhima recognized Lord Shiva and started following him.
They ran to catch Shiva from behind.
But Bhima could only hold the back part (hump) of Shiva.
As Shiva started sinking into the ground.
The hump, that is, the back was left above the ground.
But, The Pandavas were very sad.
Then the Pandavas did penance there.
So, Shiva was pleased and told the Akashvani to worship the same background and curse the Pandavas.
Since then the same backdrop is known as Kedarnath.
Best time to visit
But, The best time to visit is between September to October and between May to June.
As the snow has melted and there is no rainfall.
Temple remains closed for 6 months from November to March due to snowfall.
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Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Aurangabad
It is located very close to Ellora Cave in Aurangabad in the Maharashtra state of India.
One of famous among the list of 12 jyotirlingas.
It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
This scenic spot is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the journey, tourists experience a great feeling.
Temple is a 13th-century Shiva temple, which is located in Ellora Cave.
However, This place is a pilgrimage center associated with the supernatural story of Lord Shiva.
History
The temple was located in the Belur region during the Mughal Empire.
Which is currently Ellora Caves.
But, the area around the temple witnessed some disastrous Hindu-Muslim conflicts between the 13th and 14th centuries.
In which the temple was destory.
The temple was rebuilt during the 16th century.
By Maloji Bhosle, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the head of Belur.
However, from the 16th century onwards, the Mughal army made several attacks on the temple.
The temple was again damaged in the Mughal Maratha War between 1680 and 1707.
And later rebuilt by Queen Ahilya Bai of Indore in the 18th century.
Traditional South Indian architecture can also be seen in the temple.
The temple complex also consists of an inner chamber and Sanctorum.
The structure is also made of red-colored stones.
Its construction is spread over an area of 44,400 square feet.
But, Temple is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple.
The complex also consists of a five-level tall shikhara and several pillars.
Which are in the form of mythological carvings.
The red stone walls were also in the complex.
Mostly depict the ten incarnations of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
And a statue of Nandiswar can also be on its route.
Story
Sudharma and Sudeha, a couple. Both were very happy in their married life.
But they didn’t get child happiness.
So Sudeha got her younger sister Ghushma married to her husband Sudharma.
But, Time passed and a beautiful child was born proud of Ghushma.
Slowly, however, seeing Sudeha’s husband, love, losing respect and honor, seeds of jealousy began to sprout in his mind
So, one day they saw the chance and killed the child.
Also, put his body in the same pond Put in which Ghushma used to immerse the lingam of Lord Shiva.
She got up every morning and worshiped Lord Shiva’s 101 Shivalinga and then put it in a pond.
Hearing the news of the boy, She continued to worship Lord Shiva by making a Shiva lingam.
When she went to immerse the lingam in the pond, her son came out of the pond alive.
At the same time, Lord Shiva also appeared to Ghushma.
Bholenath obsess with this act of Sudeha .
want to punish him.
Give a boon to Ghushma.
But She pleaded for forgiveness to Sudeha.
And prayed to Shankar Bhagwan for public welfare.
But, With the request of Ghushma, Lord shiva started living in the form of Shivling.
Best time to visit
June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra.
But The weather is so pleasant.
The monsoon makes it an ideal time to visit the temple.
Temple opens at 5:30 am and closes at 9 pm.
However, in the month of Shravan (August to September), the temple is open from 3 am to 11 pm.
But, there is no entry fee.
So, this temple is absolutely free like other temples.
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Source of article
Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Jyotirlingas In India
Somnath, Nageshwar, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Vaidyanath, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Rameshwaram, and Mallikarjuna are the 12 Jyotirlingas.