Importance of 12 Jyotirlingas, benefits of worship and emotional mantra

thedivineindia.com | Updated UTC time: 2025-04-27 01:10:14

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The land of India is a living heritage of spirituality and devotion. There are 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva on this holy land, which are considered as a symbol of utmost devotion and faith in Hinduism. 'Jyotirlinga' means - Shiva, the symbol of light. Lord Shiva himself is present in divine form in each Jyotirlinga. It is believed that by merely seeing them, the sins of many births are erased and the path of salvation is paved. The most prominent among these divine forms are the 12 Jyotirlingas - the self-created light-pillars of Lord Shiva.

The journey to these Jyotirlingas not only gives virtue, but also showers blessings in every sphere of life. Whoever visits these Jyotirlingas with devotion, miraculous changes take place in his life.

Let us know the special significance of each Jyotirlinga and what is the result of worshipping there:

1. Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)

Somnath holds the first place among all the Jyotirlingas. It is said that Chandradev performed penance and obtained blessings from Lord Shiva at this place. The Somnath temple was destroyed many times, but each time it was rebuilt in twice the grandeur – this is a symbol of the immortality of our faith.

"As soon as we enter the sanctum sanctorum of Somnath, it feels as if the coolness of the moon has reached the soul."
Story: When Chandradev lost his brilliance due to a curse, Lord Shiva gave him back his brilliance here.
Reward: By visiting and worshipping Somnath, one attains health and beauty, and the lost glory in life returns.
Mantra: "Om Someshwaraya Namah."

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Andhra Pradesh)

Mallikarjuna, known as the 'Kailash of the South', is the abode of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that visiting here increases family happiness and wealth.

"The presence of Shiva and Shakti in the dense mountains of Mallikarjuna makes the mind experience amazing peace."
Story: Shiva-Parvati themselves are present here to give darshan to their devotees.
Reward: Darshan of Mallikarjuna removes family disputes, and gives blessings of happiness, peace and long life.
Mantra: "Om Mallikarjunaay Namah."

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

Mahakal, the time of time itself. Mahakaleshwar located in Ujjain is considered to liberate one from the cycle of life and death. The Bhasma Aarti here is world famous.

"During the Bhasma Aarti of Mahakal, every hair of the body starts dancing with Shiva."
Story: Mahakal himself protects the devotees from the fear of death.
Reward: Worshiping Mahakaleshwar ends the fear of time (death), and paves the way for attaining salvation.
Mantra: "Om Mahakalay Namah."

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga (Madhya Pradesh)

Settled on an island on the banks of the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is a place of unique peace for Shiva devotees. The 'Om' shaped island here is a wonderful natural wonder.

"After bathing in the waters of Narmada, moving towards Omkareshwar feels like meeting the form of Om."
Story: Lord Shiva resides here in the form of 'Om'.
Reward: Worshiping Omkareshwar gives mental peace, higher knowledge and spiritual advancement.
Mantra: "Om Omkareshwaraya Namah."

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand)

It is difficult to visit Kedarnath, located in the lap of the Himalayas, but whoever reaches here with a true heart, receives special blessings of Lord Shiva. It is considered the most prominent among the five Kedars.

"Visiting Kedarnath on the peak of the Himalayas is like witnessing the immense penance of Shiva."
Story: The Pandavas worshipped Shiva to get rid of their sins.
Reward: Visiting Kedarnath purifies the karmas, and brings success in the physical and spiritual journey.
Mantra: "Om Kedarnathay Namah."

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (Maharashtra)

Here Lord Shiva killed the demon Bhima. Situated amidst dense forests and natural beauty, this place is considered ideal for meditation and sadhana.

"The resonance of the bells of Bhimashankar amidst dense forests instills indomitable courage in the soul."
Story: Shiva protected the devotees by defeating the demon Bhima.
Reward: Worshiping Bhimashankar destroys enemies, and increases courage and self-confidence.
Mantra: "Om Bhimashankaray Namah."

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

Kashi is said to be the most beloved city of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Mokshadaaya in Kashi Vishwanath. If the name of the Lord is remembered in Kashi at the time of death, then salvation is considered certain.

"When 'Har Har Mahadev' echoes in the narrow streets of Kashi, it seems as if time has stopped."
Story: Lord Shiva himself settled Kashi and made it a 'Moksha Nagari'.
Reward: By visiting Vishwanath, one gets salvation at the time of death and sins are destroyed.
Mantra: "Om Vishwanathaya Namah."

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Nashik, Maharashtra)

Situated at the origin of the Godavari River, Trimbakeshwar is a symbol of the three faces (Tryambak) of Lord Shiva. Pitru Dosh Nivaran rituals are performed here especially for salvation.

"Even a drop of Godavari river in Trimbakeshwar gives a feeling of purity."
Story: Lord Shiva in the form of Trimbak destroyed sins.
Reward: By worshiping Trimbakeshwar, one gets freedom from Pitra Dosh and planetary obstacles, and gets the blessing of increasing progeny.
Mantra: "Om Trimbakaya Namah."

9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga (Deoghar, Jharkhand)

Vaidyanath is considered as the 'wish-fulfilling Jyotirlinga'. It is believed that Ravana had pleased Lord Shiva here and asked for the boon of invincibility.

"Every pain of the mind starts melting automatically in the premises of Vaidyanath Dham."
Story: Ravana had pleased Lord Shiva and received his blessings.
Reward: Worshiping Vaidyanath frees one from diseases and fulfills wishes.
Mantra: "Om Vaidyanathaya Namah."

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Dwarka, Gujarat)

This place of Lord Shiva, the lord of snakes, gives freedom from fear and sufferings to the devotees. It is said that the fear of enemies ends with the darshan of Nageshwar.

"The mantras of Nageshwar resonate with the waves of the sea, as if Shiva himself emerges from the ocean as a protector."
Story: Lord Shiva saved a devotee from a demon.
Reward: Worshipping Nageshwara frees one from fear, troubles and sufferings, and gives a shield of protection in life.
Mantra: "Om Nageshwaraya Namah."

11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga (Tamil Nadu)

Rameshwaram is the same holy land where Lord Shri Ram established a Shivling before conquering Lanka. Taking a bath in the sea and visiting the Jyotirlinga here is considered to be especially virtuous.

"Standing on the Setubandha beach of Rameshwaram and bowing to the Shivlinga expands the soul like an ocean."
Story: Lord Ram worshipped Lord Shiva before the victory.
Reward: Worshipping Rameshwaram destroys sins, and blesses one with a heart as big as the ocean and success.
Mantra: "Om Rameshwaraaya Namah."

12. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)

This last Jyotirlinga represents the compassionate form of Lord Shiva. Darshan here brings good luck and prosperity in life.

"Waves of devotion fill the heart in the courtyard of Ghrishneshwar and there is a shower of unprecedented good fortune in life."
Story: Lord Shiva appeared pleased with the penance of a devotee named Ghrishna.
Reward: Darshan of Ghrishneshwar makes marital life happy and brings prosperity and satisfaction in life.
Mantra: "Om Ghrishneshwaraya Namah."

Every Jyotirlinga is a living energy center in itself, where Shiva himself listens to the prayers of devotees. Whoever visits with devotion, sorrow, fear, sin and suffering automatically disappear from his life. This journey is not only an external pilgrimage, but also a journey that purifies and enlightens the inner soul.

"Om Namah Shivaya" - with this great mantra, let us also move forward on this luminous path of Shiva.

Har Har Mahadev!