Dwadasa Linga is an important concept in Hinduism that refers to twelve distinct Shiva temples located throughout the Indian subcontinent. These temples are spread out from East to West and from North to South, and each one symbolizes a different form or manifestation of Lord Shiva.
The Dwadasa Lingas are believed to be the physical body of Shiva himself and are seen as avatars of him on Earth. Visiting all twelve of these sites is thought to bring strength and spiritual power — it’s also said that fulfilling this holy mission will help one ascend up Mount Kailash, where a person can finally meet their maker.
Each temple has its own unique history, architecture, religious customs & practices associated with it. For example, the Mahakala Temple in Ujjain is known for its ancient inscription outlining a ritual called Panchamrit Abhisheka which involves pouring five sacred liquids over an idol as part of a puja offering. Similarly, the Jyotirlinga Temple in Varanasi is well-known for its belief in Brahma’s five faces and is considered an important site for performing pujas dedicated to Shiva’s various forms.
Dwadasa Lingas:
Vayu Lingam: Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh
Vishwanatha Lingam: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Nageshwara Lingam: Dwarka, Gujarat
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga: Ellora, Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: Pune, Maharashtra
Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga: Nashik, Maharashtra
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleshwara Lingam: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar Lingam: Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Bhairav Nath Temple: Bhairavsthan, Nepal.
Saurāṣṭre Somanāthaṃ cha Śrīśaile Mallikārjunam
Ujjayinyāṃ Mahākālam Omkāram Mamaleśwaram
Vaidyanāthaṃ chitha bhumo cha Ḍākinyāṃ Bhīmaśaṅkaram
Setubandhe tu Rāmeśaṃ Nāgeśaṃ Dārukāvane
Vārāṇasyāṃ tu Viśveśaṃ Tryambakaṃ Gautamītaṭe
Himālaye tu Kedāraṃ Ghuśmeśaṃ ca Śivālaye
etāni jyotirliṅgāni sāyaṃ prātaḥ paṭhennaraḥ
saptajanmakṛtaṃ pāpaṃ smaraṇena vinaśyati
eteṣāṃ darśanādeva pātakaṃ naiva tiṣṭhati
karmakṣayo bhavettasya yasya tuṣṭo maheśvarāḥ
A Jyotirlinga, hailing from the Sanskrit words jyoti (radiance) and lingam (marker), serves as a spiritual representation of Lord Shiva. According to The Shiva Mahapurana book, there are 64 divinely sanctified shrines scattered across India; however, 12 of these known as “The Great Jyotirlingams” are regarded with utmost reverence.
As per the mythology of Shaivism, Brahma (the deity responsible for creation) and Vishnu (the sustainer) had a quarrel to determine which one was more powerful. To settle their disagreement, Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of light known as jyotirlinga in three realms. In order to discover where it ended, both decided that one shall ascend while other will descend along its path.
According to various versions, Vishnu assumed his Varaha form in order to complete this mission, while Brahma rode a hamsa (swan). However, Brahma falsely stated that he had uncovered the end of the light and presented a ketaki flower as evidence. On the other hand, Vishnu acknowledged that even after reaching great heights with his journey he was unsuccessful in finding the endpoint of the ray.
This untruthfulness upset Shiva immensely who cursed Brahma never to be worshipped again and declared instead that Vishnu would forever be honored for being honest.Revered by devotees, the jyotirlinga sites are considered to be the sanctuaries where Lord Shiva appeared in an awe-inspiring column of light.
Somnath Temple, renowned throughout India and steeped in tradition, history and legend, is venerated as the first pilgrimage site. This iconic temple has been destroyed and re-constructed sixteen times at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region. It marks the start of Dwadash Jyotirlinga pilgrimage for devotees that travel from far and wide to visit this sacred place.
Srisailam Temple in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is believed to be the home of Lord Mallikarjuna, one of the incarnations of Shiva. This temple is known for its ancient inscription outlining a ritual called Panchamrit Abhisheka which involves pouring five sacred liquids over an idol as part of a puja offering. Similarly, the Jyotirlinga Temple in Varanasi is well-known for its belief in Brahma’s five faces and is considered an important site for performing pujas dedicated to Shiva’s various forms.
Mahakal, also known as Avanti in Madhya Pradesh, is the home to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple. This temple has a unique standing amongst the other jyotirlingams: its lingam is believed to be Swayambhu and it’s the only one facing south. Additionally, you can find a Shree Rudra Yantra suspended upside down at Garbhagriha (where Shiv Lingam sits). Besides being an important religious site, it’s also renowned for being where Shakti Peetha meets with jyotirlingam together.
An abode of Lord Shiva in his form as Omkaara, the sacred island of Omkareshwar rests beautifully in Madhya Pradesh upon the mighty Narmada River. Home to a jyotirlinga shrine and Mamaleshwar temple, its breathtaking landscape – surrounded by lush green hills – make it a paradise for pilgrims and travelers alike.
Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, as it is believed to be Lord Shiva’s closest jyotirlinga and gateway to his eternal abode of Mount Kailash. This ancient shrine sits atop snow-capped Himalayas, and its immense spiritual significance has made it one of Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage sites. Furthermore, this wondrous site is mentioned within The Vaaram – an ode dedicated to Vada Naadu – making it a prominent Paadal Petra Sthalam too! While access is limited for only six months each year due the extreme weather conditions at the peak of these majestic mountains, legend tells that when Lord Shiva took refuge here by transforming into wild bore before diving deep inside earth emerging again at Doleshwor in Kathmandu Valley , Nepal; thus solidifying itself further still as one India’s holiest destinations.
Bhimashankar is situated in the Sahyadri Mountains of Maharashtra and is a unique combination of both Shiva and Shakti – with priestesses conducting pujas at the temple. Additionally, it’s believed that rishis like Agastya and Kaushik once meditated here. Its mention in The Mahabharata further adds to its religious significance, so much so that it’s believed to be where Lord Shiva released all his anger.
The Kashi Vishwanath (Vishweshwar) Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is home to the invaluable and revered Vishwanath Jyotirlinga shrine. This temple is one of the Padal petra stalam belonging to ancient Vada Naadu as stated in Thevaaram, a sacred Hindu scripture. Hindus are expected to make pilgrimage at least once in their life and pour cremated ancestors’ remains into holy River Ganges into this holiest city for Hindus – Varanasi- which contains such an unparalleled spiritual site boasting centuries old legacy!The temple of Vishweshwara, otherwise known as the Ruler of the Universe, stands proudly on the western bank of India’s legendary Ganges River. It is among one of twelve jyotirlingas and a celebrated Shakti peeta – arguably making it one of Shiva’s most sacred places to worship. Its spiritual aura attracts locals and visitors from all around in admiration for its holiness.
Imbued with spiritual significance, the revered Trimbakeshwar Temple near Nashik in Maharashtra stands as an awe-inspiring testament to its jyotirlinga status and is credited for being a factor behind the formation of Godavari River. Additionally, its inner sanctum houses three lingams representing Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh – making it one of the few jyotirlingam temples with this feature. Additionally, devotees from all over come here to perform pujas and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve jyotirlingas commended in the Shiva Purana and Dvādaśa Jyotirliṅga Stotram. It has been said that this particular shrine can be found in Daruka-Vana, which is probably present day Dwarka region. There are also other claims to have found it at Aundha Naganath (in Hingoli District Maharashtra) or even Jageshwar (Almora district Uttarakhand).
Located within the state of Jharkhand, India is a temple complex known as Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga Temple. It’s also referred to as Baba Baidyanath dham and Baidynath dham and holds grand significance amongst Hindus due to being one of twelve jyorlingas – an important abode for Lord Shiva! The main shrine harbors a beautiful jyolirtingam for worship along with 21 other majestic temples.
As per Hindu scriptures, Ravana approached Shiva at the temple’s current site in order to gain boons that he would later use to cause chaos. As an offering of devotion and servitude, Ravana sacrificed his ten heads one after another. Pleased with this gesture, Shiva came down from heaven in order to heal the wounds of the demon king; because of this action taken by Shiva as a doctor-like figure, the temple earned its name Vaidhya (“doctor”).
Nestled in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Rameswaram is home to a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ramalingeswarar. With its recognition as one of India’s twelve beloved jyotirlinga shrines and Padal petra stalam of Pandya Naadu according to Tevaram, this mysterious place calls believers from all around! The sheer beauty and serene atmosphere found here makes it an ideal pilgrimage site for devotees everywhere.
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, famously known as the Grishneshwar temple and documented in Shiva Purana, is one of twelve miraculous jyotirlinga shrines. As per Shiv Puran, this revered shrine resides at Ellora near Ellora Caves in Maharashtra – a mere kilometer away from its location!
Overall, visiting any or all twelve jyotirlinga temples throughout India has its own merits and immense spiritual significance for devotees who seek solace in its holy presence
Visiting each of these sites can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
Visiting any of the Dwadasa Lingas not only brings spiritual blessings but also allows devotees to connect with Shiva through deep meditation & contemplation — something which many believe can lead one toward inner peace & enlightenment. Ultimately all twelve temples represent different aspects of Shiva’s divine energy & grace — making them essential places for people seeking spiritual connection with him!
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