12 Jyotirlingas in India: Legends and why they must be on your travel list

Scattered across mountains, forests, riverbanks, coastal plains, and ancient cities, the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva form one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in India. For travellers, the Jyotirlinga circuit is more than a religious journey. It is a passage through India’s geography, mythology, and living traditions, from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the southern shores of the Indian Ocean, from crowded ghats echoing with chants to remote temples hidden in forests. Each shrine carries its own legend, landscape, and rhythm, making this pilgrimage as enriching culturally as it is spiritually.

Located in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Somnath is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga. According to legend, Chandra (the Moon God) was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to lose his lustre. Chandra prayed to Shiva at Prabhas Patan, and Shiva restored his glow, making him Somnath—“Lord of the Moon.” Standing beside the Arabian Sea, the temple symbolizes eternal renewal, having been destroyed and rebuilt several times over centuries. Travel tip: The temple is best visited between October and March; and is easily accessible by road and rail.

Located in Srisailam, on the Nallamala Hills, this is a rare shrine where Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together amid dense forests. So the story goes like this: When Kartikeya left Mount Kailash after a family dispute, Shiva and Parvati followed him to Srisailam. Shiva manifested here as Mallikarjuna, while Parvati took the form of Bhramaramba, making this site both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha.

Located in Ujjain, this is one of the most powerful Shaiva centres, deeply tied to time (kaal) and cosmic cycles. Here’s a pro-tip: Attend the early-morning Bhasma Aarti (make advance booking). As per the legends, there was a demon named Dushana who terrorised Ujjain until Shiva emerged as Mahakala, destroying evil and protecting devotees. The lingam here is swayambhu and south-facing, a unique feature among Jyotirlingas.

Located on the Mandhata Island, on the banks of Narmada River, parikrama of the island is a popular ritual for pilgrims. One of the most famous legends about the Jyotirlinga is where once, during a battle between the Devas and Danavas, the Devas prayed to Shiva for victory. Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated the Danavas. The island on which the temple stands naturally resembles the sacred ‘Om’ symbol.

Easily one of the most iconic travel destinations in the Garhwal Himalayas, The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is open only from April/May to November due to heavy snowfall. As per legends, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Shiva’s forgiveness. But Shiva avoided them by taking the form of a bull and diving into the earth. The bull’s hump surfaced at Kedarnath, and this is where the Jyotirlinga now stands. One thing devotees must keep in mind, this is a high-altitude pilgrimage that tests endurance but also rewards with profound spiritual calm.

Located in the Sahyadri Hills, it’s best to visit the site during monsoon for lush landscapes. But also keep in mind, the roads that can get tad slippery. So as per the story goes, the demon Tripurasura’s son, Bhima, was defeated by Shiva here after intense penance by sages. Shiva’s sweat is believed to have formed the Bhima River. The temple is surrounded by forest and has strong mythological ties to penance and protection.

Located in Varanasi (Kashi), it’s best to visit Kashi Vishwanath early in the morning for darshan, to avoid long queues. Exploring the nearby ghats is a must. It’s no secret that Kashi is believed to be Shiva’s eternal abode. It is also said that those who die here attain moksha, as Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into their ears. Did you know that Varanasi is one of the oldest living sacred cities in the world?

The jyotirlinga is located near Nashik, and the best time to visit is during non-festival days for a quieter experience. According to the legends, there was a sage called Gautama who performed penance here to cleanse himself of sin, prompting the descent of the Godavari River. The lingam here uniquely represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, a rare shrine symbolising the unity of the Hindu trinity.

Located near Deoghar, if you are planning for Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, Shravan month sees massive pilgrim footfall; so plan accordingly. As the story goes, it was here that Ravana worshipped Shiva to gain immortality. But when Ravana tried to carry the lingam to Lanka, it became rooted at Deoghar. Shiva acted as the divine physician (Baidyanath), healing Ravana’s injuries.

Located near Dwarka in Gujarat, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with protection from poison, fear, and negative forces. As per legends, there was a demon named Daruka who imprisoned Shiva’s devotee Supriya. Shiva appeared as Nageshwar, destroying the demon and protecting his devotees.

Located on Rameshwaram Island, this jyotirlinga is one of the most revered ones. The temple’s sacred theerthams (holy wells) are where devotees come to take holy baths. According to the legends, before crossing to Lanka, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here to atone for killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin. It was Rama who installed the lingam on the island.

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Verul village, near the Ellora Caves in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. It is considered the 12th Jyotirlinga, and is built of black stone. For those Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Ellora Caves is not too far away. As per legends, there was a devoted woman named Ghushma who worshipped Shiva daily. When her son was killed out of jealousy, Shiva restored him to life, appearing as Grishneshwar.