India, the land of spirituality, is home to the sacred 12 Jyotirlingas—divine abodes of Lord Shiva. Each Jyotirlinga holds immense religious significance and attracts millions of devotees every year. If you’re planning a spiritual journey in 2025, Sites of Explore brings you the ultimate guide to all 12 Jyotirlingas in India, their legends, locations, and travel tips.
Whether you seek divine blessings, love ancient architecture, or wish to explore India’s spiritual heritage, this guide will help you plan your pilgrimage. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us at Sites of Explore—we’d love to hear your stories!
What Are the 12 Jyotirlingas?
Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines where Lord Shiva appeared as a pillar of light. Visiting all 12 is believed to bring blessings, peace, and liberation (Moksha).
Here’s your complete travel guide to all 12 Jyotirlingas, including best time to visit, how to reach, and key highlights:
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
📍 Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
🕒 Best Time to Visit: November to February (pleasant weather)
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Diu (90 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Veraval (5 km)
- Well-connected by road from Ahmedabad & Rajkot
🔹 Why Visit? The first Jyotirlinga, rebuilt several times, stands majestically by the Arabian Sea.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh
📍 Location: Srisailam, AP
🕒 Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool climate)
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Hyderabad (230 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Markapur (85 km)
- Buses available from Hyderabad & Bengaluru
🔹 Why Visit? One of the rare temples where Shiva & Parvati are worshipped together.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
📍 Location: Ujjain, MP
🕒 Best Time to Visit: October to March (avoid summers)
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Indore (55 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Ujjain Junction (2 km)
- Well-connected by road from Bhopal & Indore
🔹 Why Visit? Famous for its Bhasma Aarti (performed with sacred ashes).
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
📍 Location: Mandhata Island, MP
🕒 Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Indore (80 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Omkareshwar Road (12 km)
- Ferries available from the mainland
🔹 Why Visit? The island is shaped like the sacred “Om” symbol.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
📍 Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
🕒 Best Time to Visit: May to June & September to October (avoid monsoons)
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun (250 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (215 km)
- Trek Required: 16 km from Gaurikund or helicopter services available
🔹 Why Visit? Part of Char Dham Yatra, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan views.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
📍 Location: Pune, Maharashtra
🕒 Best Time to Visit: July to February
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Pune (110 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune
- Buses & taxis available from Pune & Mumbai
🔹 Why Visit? Nestled in lush Sahyadri forests, perfect for nature lovers.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh
📍 Location: Varanasi, UP
🕒 Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Varanasi
- Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction
- Easily accessible by road from major cities
🔹 Why Visit? The holiest Jyotirlinga, located on the banks of the Ganga.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
📍 Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
🕒 Best Time to Visit: August to March
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Nashik (40 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Nashik Road
- Frequent buses from Mumbai & Pune
🔹 Why Visit? The origin of the Godavari River, with a unique three-faced lingam.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
📍 Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
🕒 Best Time to Visit: September to March
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Patna (250 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Jasidih (7 km)
- Well-connected by road from Kolkata & Patna
🔹 Why Visit? Also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, linked to Ravana’s devotion.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
📍 Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
🕒 Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jamnagar (145 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Dwarka
- Buses available from Ahmedabad & Jamnagar
🔹 Why Visit? Symbolizes protection from evil, near the sacred Dwarkadhish Temple.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
📍 Location: Rameshwaram, TN
🕒 Best Time to Visit: October to April
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Madurai (170 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Rameshwaram
- Connected by road from Chennai & Madurai
🔹 Why Visit? Part of Char Dham, where Lord Rama worshipped Shiva.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
📍 Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra
🕒 Best Time to Visit: July to March
🚆 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Aurangabad (30 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad
- Easy access from Mumbai & Pune
🔹 Why Visit? The last Jyotirlinga, near UNESCO-listed Ajanta & Ellora Caves.
Essential Travel Tips for Jyotirlinga Yatra
✔ Check Temple Timings: Some temples open only for a few hours.
✔ Dress Code: Wear modest clothing (avoid shorts/sleeveless).
✔ Accommodation: Book in advance, especially in Kedarnath & Rameshwaram.
✔ Festivals: Maha Shivratri & Shravan month attract huge crowds.
Final Thoughts
A pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas is a transformative journey, blending devotion, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you visit one or all, each temple offers a unique spiritual experience.
For more detailed itineraries and travel tips, stay tuned to Sites of Explore. Need help planning your trip? Reach out via our Contact Page—we’re here to guide you!
May Lord Shiva Bless Your Pilgrimage! 🙏✨
