12 Jyotirlingas, 12 Divine Destinations in India
Discover the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of India—a spiritual journey across breathtaking destinations filled with devotion, mythology, and heritage.
Introduction
India is a land of deep-rooted spirituality and awe-inspiring pilgrimage circuits. Among them, the twelve Jyotirlingas stand as timeless symbols of Lord Shiva’s cosmic presence. Scattered across the Indian subcontinent, these shrines are not just religious sanctuaries but also marvels of heritage, faith, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Whether you’re a devotee seeking divine blessings or a traveler inspired by ancient wonders, this guide to the 12 Jyotirlingas will take you on a soul-stirring journey.
Somnath – Gujarat
The First Jyotirlinga by the Arabian Sea
- Located in Veraval, Gujarat, Somnath is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga.
- Mythology says the temple was first built by the Moon God and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Diu Airport (~68 km by road)
- Nearest Rail: Somnath Railway Station (~1 km)
Where to Stay:
~10 dharamshalas
~15 three-star hotels
~5 four-star properties
~2 five-star seaside resorts
Mallikarjuna – Andhra Pradesh
A Hilltop Shrine in the Nallamala Ranges
- Located in Srisailam, the temple sits on the banks of the Krishna River.
- It is one of the few Jyotirlingas situated alongside a Shakti Peetha.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Hyderabad International (~213 km)
- Nearest Rail: Markapur Road Railway Station (~152 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~5 dharamshalas
- ~10 three-star lodges
- ~3 four-star hotels
- No five-star options
Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
Bhasma Aarti at Dawn in Ujjain
- Unique for its daily ritual where Lord Shiva is bathed in sacred ash.
- The only south-facing Jyotirlinga, believed to grant liberation from death.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Indore (~55 km)
- Nearest Rail: Ujjain Junction (~1 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~8 dharamshalas
- ~20 three-star hotels
- ~4 four-star hotels
- No five-star properties
Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
The Island Temple in the Narmada
- Built on Mandhata Island shaped like ‘Om’.
- Known for tranquil river views and divine ambiance.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Indore (~78 km)
- Nearest Rail: Omkareshwar Road Station (~6 km + ferry ride)
Where to Stay:
- ~4 dharamshalas
- ~8 three-star guesthouses
- ~2 four-star hotels
- No five-star properties
Kedarnath – Uttarakhand
Sacred Amidst the Himalayas
- Located at 3,583 meters above sea level, accessible only by trek.
- Open April to November due to heavy snowfall in winters.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) (~238 km + 16 km trek)
- Nearest Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station (~216 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~15 dharamshalas
- ~2 basic three-star guesthouses
- No four- or five-star hotels
Bhimashankar – Maharashtra
Hidden Gem of the Sahyadris
- Located in dense forests and home to the Giant Indian Squirrel.
- A popular weekend destination from Pune and Mumbai.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Pune (~114 km)
- Nearest Rail: Pune Junction (~114 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~2 dharamshalas
- ~5 eco-three-star resorts
- No four- or five-star properties
Kashi Vishwanath – Uttar Pradesh
The Golden Temple of Shiva in Varanasi
- One of the holiest Hindu temples, located on the Ganga River banks.
- A spiritual experience enhanced by Ganga aartis and vibrant lanes.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Varanasi (~25 km)
- Nearest Rail: Varanasi Junction (~1 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~12 dharamshalas
- ~30 three-star hotels
- ~8 four-star hotels
- ~3 five-star luxury stays
Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra
The Origin of Godavari River
- Home to a rare tri-faced lingam representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Ozar (Nashik) (~26 km)
- Nearest Rail: Nashik Road (~40 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~6 dharamshalas
- ~10 three-star hotels
- ~2 four-star hotels
- No five-star properties
Baidyanath – Jharkhand
Healer of All Ills
- Known as the shrine where Ravana offered his ten heads to Shiva.
- Associated with healing and wish fulfillment.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Deoghar (~72 km)
- Nearest Rail: Deoghar Junction (~1 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~20 dharamshalas
- ~10 three-star hotels
- ~3 four-star hotels
- No five-star properties
Nageshwar – Gujarat
Guardian of the Arabian Coast
- Located near Dwarka, this temple safeguards devotees from evil.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Dwarka (Kambhli) (~22 km)
- Nearest Rail: Okha Station (~28 km)
Where to Stay:
~12 dharamshalas
~8 three-star hotels
~2 four-star hotels
~1 five-star beachfront resort
Rameshwaram – Tamil Nadu
Where Rama Built a Bridge
- Built by Lord Rama as an offering after defeating Ravana.
- Located on the Pamban Island, connected by India’s longest sea bridge.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Madurai (~174 km)
- Nearest Rail: Rameshwaram Station (~1 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~10 dharamshalas
- ~12 three-star hotels
- ~4 four-star hotels
- ~2 five-star beachfront resorts
Grishneshwar – Maharashtra
The Last Jyotirlinga Near Ellora Caves
- Located near the UNESCO-listed Ellora caves with Maratha-Mughal style.
Getting There:
- Closest Airport: Aurangabad (~30 km)
- Nearest Rail: Aurangabad Station (~30 km)
Where to Stay:
- ~5 dharamshalas
- ~10 three-star hotels
- ~2 four-star stays
- No five-star options
Final Thoughts
Each of these Jyotirlingas embodies India’s spiritual richness and cultural depth. From snow-capped peaks to coastal plains, your journey through the 12 Jyotirlingas is as much about inner transformation as it is about exploration.
Whether you’re planning a full pilgrimage circuit or selecting a few, make your journey seamless by booking nearby hotels at unmatched rates via HotelSnapp.
What’s Your Jyotirlinga Story?
Have you visited any of these divine destinations? Share your experiences, photos, or hotel stays in the comments—or upload your deal screenshot at www.hotelsnapp.com for a better rate on your next spiritual retreat.
