The 12 Jyotirlingas where Shiva is believed to still reside; here’s how to visit them

Going on a spiritual, transformative journey is the latest trend in India. Travellers, believers and religiously-included people are becoming more conscious about their faith and travelling across India’s sacred geography in search of what we call peace and salvation. In this journey, the 12 Jyotirlinga temples hold a great significance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, each Jyotirlinga holds unique importance. The Shivalingams are believed to have self-manifested at these 12 spots and are said to bless devotees with protection, clarity, healing, and liberation.
From the snow-covered Himalayas to sea shores, these are not just temples—they are considered a powerhouse of spiritual and cosmic energy. Let’s have a closer look at these divine temples and how to reach them (in order):

Somnath in Gujarat is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India. It is the same spot where the Moon God (Chandra) prayed to Shiva after he was cursed and lost all his radiance. This is the same place where Shiva appeared and blessed him.
How to reach
The nearest airport is in Diu which is about 80 km.
The closest railhead is the Veraval railway station.​

(PC: Somnath official)

Mallikarjuna is on the second spot on the list. It is located in Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. It holds immense religious significance as this is where Shiva and Parvati are prayed together. As per religious beliefs, this is where they came to console son Kartikeya, and Shiva establishing himself as Mallikarjuna.
How to reach

The nearest airport is in Hyderabad which is about 215 km.

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(PC: Mallikarjuna official)

This is where people’s time changes after a visit. Here Shiva manifested as Mahakal, the lord of time. As per legend, Shiva protected devotees from a demon named Dushan here. This swayambhu or self-manifested linga is associated with death, time, and transformation.
How to reach
The nearest airport is in Indore which is about 55 km
Ujjain is well connected by rail
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(PC: Mahakaleshwar official)

Omkareshwar is located on an island shaped like the sacred “OM”. It is believed that Shiva appeared here to bless the Devas and manifested himself here.
How to reach
The nearest airport is in Indore which is about 80 km ​
(PC: Omkareshwar official)

Next on the list is Kedarnath which is nestled in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. The temple represents Shiva’s fierce form and as per legend, he came here to absolve the Pandavas of their sins.
How to reach
Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by train, then travel to Gaurikund by road, followed by a 16 km trek. Helicopter services are also available.​
(PC: Canva)

Shiva appeared at Bhimashankar to defeat the demon Bhimasura and protect sages. The surrounding forest is still called Dakini and finds its mention in ancient texts.
How to reach
The nearest airport is located in Pune which is about 110 km.
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(PC: Bhimashankar official)

Then comes the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga which is in Varanasi. The city is believed to be an eternal abode of Lord Shiva. It is also said that this Jyotirlinga grants moksha (liberation) to devotees. It is also believed that people who die here attain freedom from the cycle of rebirth. ​
How to reach
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport at Varanasi is the nearest airport
Varanasi Junction is the nearest railhead​

(PC: Kashi Vishwanath official)

Trimbakeshwar is a unique temple where the Jyotirlinga represents the trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—as One. It is associated with the origin of the Godavari River.
How to reach
The nearest airports are at Mumbai and Pune.
The nearest city is Nashik 30 km, which is well connected by road and rail.​

(PC: Trimbakeshwar official)

Vaidyanath or Baidyanath or Baba Dham is associated with Shiva’s healing energy. It is believed that Shiva here appeared as the divine healer (Vaidya) to cure Ravana.
How to reach
Deoghar has an airport and railway station

(PC: Vaidyanath official)

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is where Shiva manifested to protect his devotee Supriya from a demon. At Nageshwar, Shiva is worshipped as the lord of serpents. How to reach
The nearest airport is located at Jamnagar which is about 130 km
Nearest city is in Dwarka which is about 20 km​

(PC: Nageshwar official)

Rameshwaram is deeply connected to the Ramayana and is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here after defeating Ravana to cleanse his sin of killing a brahman.
How to reach
Madurai airport is the nearest and is about 170 km from the temple
Rameswaram is connected by rail via the iconic Pamban bridge.​
(PC: Canva)

Grishneshwar is the last and the final Jyotirlinga. It is located near Ellora and is associated with revival. Legend has it that Shiva appeared here to bless a woman named Kusuma.
How to reach
The nearest airport and railway is located at Aurangabad which is about 30 km.​

(PC: Grishneshwar official)