On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri let's reacquaint ourselves with India's Jyotirlingas. There were apparently 64 representations (pillars or lingam of light) of Lord Shiva across India. The 12 most sacred sites highlighted find mention in the Shiva Purana.
Located in Prabhas Patan, Somnath is considered the first and foremost Jyotirlinga. It is believed to have been built by the Moon God (Chandra Dev) after being freed from a curse. This temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.
Situated on Srisailam Hill, the shrine is also called the Kailash of South. According to legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati came here to bless their son Kartikeya, who had settled on this hill in anger after losing a contest to his brother Ganesha.
At Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar is unique as it is the only self-born or Swayambhu Lingam and faces south, symbolising its connection to death and liberation. It is also famous for its Bhasma Aarti, a ritual of Ujjain.
On the Mandhata island in the grand Narmada River, near Khandwa, Omkareshwar temple is named after the sacred om shape formed by the river. It signifies the divine cosmic sound and energy of Shiva.
One of the holiest pilgrimage sites, Kedarnath is high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 m. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here to bless the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra war.
Up in the Sahyadri Hills near Pune, it is a Jyotirlinga associated with Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Bhima.
Kashi Vishwanath temple stands on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. It is believed that Lord Shiva grants liberation or moksha to those who die here.
In a temple at the origin of the sacred Godavari River in Nashik, the Jyotirlinga here has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, making it unique among all 12 Jyotirlingas.
Also called Baidyanath, this Jyotirlinga is at Deoghar, Jharkhand. According to legend, Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here, offering his heads one by one in devotion.
Situated near Dwarka, it is a Jyotirlinga representing protection from evil forces. The temple is associated with the legend of a devotee named Supriya, who was saved by Lord Shiva from demon Daruka.
This Jyotirlinga is located in the deep South at Rameswaram, on Pamban island, in a temple associated with Lord Rama, who prayed to Shiva here before crossing to Lanka to rescue Sita. It is also one of the pilgrimage spots of the Char Dham Yatra.
Close to Ellora Caves, the shrine is the smallest Jyotirlinga and is believed to be the last of the twelve. The temple was rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.