A Complete Guide to 12 Jyotirlingas of India with Their Locations & More

12 Jyotirlingas of India: A Complete Travel Guide 2026

Did you know the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Mahadev has their mentions in Shiv Purana?

Yes. Shiv Purana. One of the revered Hindu scriptures that celebrates the celestial being of Lord Shiva. That shares the ancient as well as spiritual testaments of how Shiva embellished the title of ‘Devadidev’ or ‘Mahadev’ in general. Being one of the highly significant 18 Mahapuranas, the Shiv Purana also shares the primary philosophy of Shiv and Parvati as a union of the divine and nature.

As the Shiv Jyotirlingas stand as a flagship of the Hindu beliefs and spiritual rhythm, it carries out a deep symbolic representation of balance between Dev and Prakriti. Like, Shiva’s Damru plays the beat for our life’s rhythm, Shiva’s Trishul signifies protection and creation of the universes, Shiva’s third eye gives wisdom that lasts for an eternity, and so on.

Shiva, as the Adiyogi, Chandrashekhar, Shoolpani, and the Mahadev, is the source of light, enlightenment, and strength altogether. And worshipping Shiva on the central energy source of his divine itself, that is, the sacred 12 Jyotirlingas, is what provides peace, liberation, and balance through the cycle of life and death.

In this guide, we cover all the essential aspects of visiting the Jyotirlinga Temples of Shiva throughout India. This includes the best times to visit, aarti timings, the geographical locations of each temple, the opening and closing times of the kapat (doors), travel information to reach the temple sites, and much more. Continue reading for a comprehensive overview of how the 12 Jyotirlingas form a significant pilgrimage in Hinduism.

What Are Jyotirlingas?

सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् ।

उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोंकारं ममलेश्वरम् ॥ १ ॥

परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशंकरम् ।

सेतुबंधे रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने ॥ २ ॥

वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यंबकं गौतमीतटे ।

हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये ॥ ३ ॥

As the above mentioned Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram (द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्रम्) quotes all Jyotirlingas across India. Symbolising the Swayambhoo (self-manifested) Shivlingam as the major source of divine energy, and the sacredness that they hold. Those who visit any of the 12 Jyotirlingas observe strength, peace, and a sudden shift in their life.

It also suggests the benefits of visiting 12 Jyotirlingas. As-

Benefits of visiting 12 Jyotirlingas

एतानि ज्योतिर्लिंगानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः ।

सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति ॥ ४ ॥

Meaning: Those who observe a visit to the 12 Jyotirlingas or do a verse of it from the Shiv Purana through the morning and evening, all their sins from the past seven lives are resolved.

Additionally, it is fascinating to note that all 12 Jyotirlingas correspond to the 12 zodiac signs of the solar system. Each zodiac sign that defines your birth chart, according to astrology, is connected to its respective Jyotirlinga. It is believed that if you are facing challenges due to karma or negative actions, visiting the Jyotirlinga temple associated with your sun sign can help cleanse you of these curses and sins.

List of 12 Jyotirlingas of India With Other Details Inside

Here’s the 12 Jyotirlingas list with their state’s name, nearest airport and the major city to explore near their vicinity:

Sl No	Name of Jyotirlinga	State	Nearest Airport	Major City Nearby
1	Somnath Temple	Gujarat	Diu Airport (85 km) / Rajkot Airport (190 km)	Rajkot
2	Mallikarjuna Temple	Andhra Pradesh	Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (215 km)	Kurnool
3	Mahakaleshwar Temple	Madhya Pradesh	Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (55 km)	Indore
4	Omkareshwar Temple	Madhya Pradesh	Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (80 km)	Indore
5	Kedarnath Temple	Uttarakhand	Jolly Grant Airport (240 km)	Dehradun
6	Bhimashankar Temple	Maharashtra	Pune Airport (110 km)	Pune
7	Kashi Vishwanath Temple	Uttar Pradesh	Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (25 km)	Varanasi
8	Trimbakeshwar Temple	Maharashtra	Nashik Airport (40 km)	Nashik
9	Vaidyanath Temple	Jharkhand	Deoghar Airport (10 km)	Deoghar
10	Nageshwar Temple	Gujarat	Porbandar Airport (105 km) / Jamnagar Airport (137 km)	Dwarka
11	Ramanathaswamy Temple	Tamil Nadu	Madurai Airport (170 km)	Rameshwaram
12	Grishneshwar Temple	Maharashtra	Aurangabad Airport (35 km)	Aurangabad

How to Cover All 12 Jyotirlinga- Complete Route Map

If you’re planning to travel to all 12 sacred jyotirlingas, you can divide your complete journey into five different regions or zones, as follows:

East India	Vaidyanath
West India	Somnath, Nageshwar, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar
North India	Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath
South India	Mallikarjuna, Ramanathaswamy
Central East India	Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar

The best strategy to visit all 12 Shiva Jyotirlingas is through planning it right. It might take you somewhere around 25-30 days to complete the circuit. Also, if you calculate it well, 4 to 5 days in total is what it takes you to visit a single state.

So, keep this in mind that when you’re out there, exploring jyotirlingas of India, you must plan it strategically or take help with a travel planner or a tour expert like us for detailed guidance.

What is the Best Time to Visit 12 Jyotirlingas in India?

Although you can explore all these sacred Lord Shiva Temples as your schedule preferences allow.

However, strategically, avoid visiting Kedarnath Temple during the summer season. Monsoon also receives heavy rains in the north, east, and central Indian regions; it’s suggested not take a chance as it might cause discomfort in movement.

Winters are considered the best time to visit Jyotirlingas across India, as the moderate weather makes exploration easy around these Shiva temples.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to undertake the 12 Jyotirling yatra on any special day or an auspicious tithi as per the Hindu Panchang, please note that these sacred centres remain spiritually charged but very crowded. Also, times like the month of Shravan and the occasion of Mahashivratri are crowded every year. So plan your Jyotirling yatra accordingly.

What are the Opening, Closing & Aarti Timings at 12 Jyotirlingas of India?

The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva have different timings for opening and closing. Check it out:

Sl No	Temple Name	Opening Time	Closing Time	Aarti Timings
1	Somnath Temple	6:00 AM	9:00 PM	Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM   Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
2	Mallikarjuna Temple	4:30 AM	10:00 PM	Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM   Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM
3	Mahakaleshwar Temple	4:00 AM	11:00 PM	Bhasma Aarti: 4:00 AM   Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM   Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
4	Omkareshwar Temple	5:00 AM	9:30 PM	Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM   Evening Aarti: 8:00 PM
5	Kedarnath Temple	4:00 AM (only from May to November)	9:00 PM (only from May to November)	Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM   Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM   (Open only during Char Dham Yatra)
6	Bhimashankar Temple	5:00 AM	9:30 PM	Kakad Aarti: 4:30 AM   Madhyan Aarti: 12:00 PM   Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM
7	Kashi Vishwanath Temple	3:00 AM	11:00 PM	Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM   Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM   Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM   Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM
8	Trimbakeshwar Temple	5:30 AM	9:00 PM	Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM   Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
9	Vaidyanath Temple	4:00 AM	9:00 PM	Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM   Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM
10	Nageshwar Temple	6:00 AM	9:00 PM	Morning Aarti: 6:00 AM   Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
11	Ramanathaswamy Temple	5:00 AM	9:00 PM	Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM   Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM   Night Aarti: 9:00 PM
12	Grishneshwar Temple	5:30 AM	9:30 PM	Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM   Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM

Important Travel Tips for Devotees Visiting 12 Jyotirlingas in 2026

-          Book your 12 Jyotirlinga temple darshan online with us for a seamless experience

-          Carry a valid government ID proof (Voter, Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.)

-          Track regular weather updates before visiting any Jyotirlinga, especially Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

-          If travelling with elders, avoid visiting during the peak hours as it might cause them distress

-          Dress modestly while queueing up for the darshan; wearing Indian attire is suggested

-          Stay hydrated as you undertake the yatra, as it is most important for a comfortable and smooth experience

Why Should You Book a Jyotirlinga Tour Package With Us?

It’s important to note that planning a pilgrimage tour of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India is not like other regular vacations or adventure trips.

Firstly, it’s a profoundly sacred journey to Shiva's holy abode, which requires careful and strategic planning. And you can only plan out the entire journey’s route map with the right expert guidance. This is where our role kicks in.

We specialise in planning your spiritual journeys and highly revered pilgrimage tours across India and beyond. We understand what it takes to travel on the path of faith.

So, here we are, listing the top reasons why you should choose us for a smooth, comfortable, safe, and spiritually meaningful pilgrimage:

1. Customization of route planning

We don’t believe in a trip itinerary that says ‘one-size-fits-all.’ We understand that every traveller has different expectations and preferences. And we value it, truly. You can get your trip customised as:

a)  A complete 12 jyotrilinga tour

b)  Only one state jyotirlinga tour (say, Madhya Pradesh)

c)  Long journey through jyotirlingas in a single zone of India (say, North India)

d)   A well-organized Jyotirlinga tour, curated for a faster, more comfortable, hassle-free pilgrimage experience

2. Choose your tour as you like it!

We believe in a hundred per cent customer satisfaction. So, we curate a 12 Jyotirlinga tour for you, based on:

a)  Your schedule and availability

b)  Your budget (pocket-friendly, or experiential)

c)  Your travel group is based on your age

d)   Your choice of special occasions or days for maximum blessings

e)   Your travelling style (preferably, solo or in a group)

3. Our tour plans are senior-friendly

When you think of a pilgrimage (especially to the central spiritual Hindu temples), a major traveller category is of seniors, like our parents, grandparents, and so on. In a world full of chaos and a busy schedule, where you can’t plan a tirth yatra for your parents or grandparents, we take pride in making it possible for you and them completely. We take special care of our travellers, and the arrangements that we plan for our senior citizens’ special 12 Jyotirlinga tour packages include:

a)  A comfortable transportation system

b)  Luxury and comfortable, or economically best hotel accommodations

c)  Stay at hotels near the life/escalator settlement, or assign them ground-floor rooms

d)  No rush itinerary that includes resting and halting at a suitable frequency

e)  More convenience, fewer walking trips based on their health and physical conditions

f)   Complete assistance and regular follow-ups during their temple visits (VIP access to avoid long queues, wherever possible)

g)  Wherever available and needed, we also provide wheelchair access to senior travellers

(Pro-tip: To help our senior pilgrims travel with all comfort and dignity, we provide complete guidance related to health checks, travel routes, and high-altitude acclimatisation on Jyotirlinga destinations like Kedarnath Temple).

4. Best, quality-checked accommodation

a)  We provide a stay at hotels that deliver cleanliness, safety, and comfort

b)  Best-rated hotels with multiple-level quality-checked food options are included

c)  Accommodation is arranged near the temple’s location, as travellers need to feel at ease

d) Since it’s a long trip, we assure of not select a random stay that suggests mediocrity

5. Get experienced local guides

We also encourage our travellers to know their travel destination well, to make their experience totally meaningful. We cover a local tour guide who will explain to you about:

a)  The legend of Jyotirlingas, their stories, saga, and popular folklores

b)  Special puja, aarti and ritual timings as you move to the city, related to each particular Jyotirling

c) Guidance on how to move across the temple(s), as well as what the temple rules are

(For example, when you visit the iconic Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain, your guide will ensure that you don’t just see the temple's intricate architecture, but also fully absorb the stories surrounding it. You will be informed about the timings for the Bhasma Aarti and will have the opportunity to visit other important temples within the complex.)

6. 24/7 on-trip support

a)   Whether it’s a weather challenge or trekking difficulty at Kedarnath, we deliver bliss

b)  In case of a flight delay, route diversions, and so on, we stand tall with our travellers

c)  Our team stays up on your one call, text, anytime you need us through the yatra

d)  We also assist you with booking a helicopter trip to Kedarnath, saving you time and hassle, and providing comfort

We offer 12 Jyotirlinga packages with no hidden charges, and all tour costs are quoted transparently. You can book your trip with us without worrying about last-minute changes or second thoughts.

12 Jyotirlinga Yatra vs Char Dham Yatra: What’s the Difference?

Although both the pilgrimage circuits- 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra and the Char Dham Yatra are a profound way of celebrating Hinduism and its traditional values, there are a few key differences between the Jyotirlinga tour and the Char Dham tour. Learn what they are:

Factors to check	12 Jyotirlinga tour	Char Dham tour
Deity	Lord Shiva as the supreme of the Universe	Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu
Geographical location	Spread across India’s 5 zones- North, South, East, West, Central	Located in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan vicinity
No. of temples	Twelve	Four
Duration of tour	It may take up to a month or more to complete the circuit, given that you have to do it in one go	10 to 14 days is what you need to complete the yatra (and if you choose the helicopter route, it reduces to up to 5-6 days at maximum)
Best time to visit	You can travel year-round or as the temple is open through year	It should preferably be undertaken in the summer months
Difficulty level	Travelling all the jyotirlingas in one go may feel overwhelming, but it can be managed with comfort and peace	It demands an immense physical endurance due to trekking through the tough mountainous terrains and uneven trails
Spiritual significance	Visiting 12 Shiva Jyotirlingas is believed to absolve all your sins, and lead you to light with spiritual aid to your mind, body and soul	Whereas Char Dhams are visited for the attainment of liberation, spiritual cleansing, and bring you closer to the divine powers

Wrapping It Up: Through The Shiva's Jyotirlingas in India

Visiting 12 Jyotirlingas is not just a regular pilgrimage experience or a random travel plan. It demands consistent planning, a successful strategy, and immense devotion to Mahadev. It’s an experience of a lifetime, a story to pass down through generations. Carved on the stones of faith and the meaning of the divine, it leads to a path of inner peace and liberation.

For such an important pilgrimage experience, we are your travel buddies. We manage it all, from your trip planning, hotel bookings, to route mapping and continuous updates, etc. Because we believe your yatra should be calm, organised, comfortable and not rushed or stressful.

Also read: 12 Jyotirlingas and their connection with 12 Zodiac signs

Frequently Asked Questions About India's 12 Shiv Jyotirlingas

1. How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?

There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India dedicated to Lord Shiva, which grant peace and wisdom to their visitors and have been a profound pilgrimage centre for ages in Hinduism.

2. Which is the most powerful Jyotirlinga form of Lord Shiva?

Although all Jyotirlingas are sacred and significant for Hindus, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga has been profoundly more important as it is the only one among 12 to grant liberation or moksha to the pilgrim.

3. Which Jyotirlinga should I visit first?

According to Hindu beliefs, visiting the Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat first is considered the right way to undertake a 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Somnath is the first Jyotirlinga among the 12.

4. Can we complete the 12 Jyotirlinga circuit yatra in a single trip?

With proper planning and smart execution, you can strategically complete the 12 Jyotirling Yatra in 25-40 days at a minimum.

5. What is the best month to complete the 12 Jyotirlinga yatra?

The best months to complete your 12 Jyotirlinga yatra in a circuit are between September to March, as the weather remains pleasant throughout these months.

6. Where are Jyotirlingas mentioned in Hindu scriptures?

The Shiv Purana in Hindusim has mentioned about the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

7.  What is the correct order to complete the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra ?

The correct order for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra goes from Somnath Temple → Mallikarjuna Temple → Mahakaleshwar Temple → Omkareshwar Temple → Kedarnath Temple → Bhimashankar Temple → Kashi Vishwanath Temple → Trimbakeshwar Temple → Vaidyanath Temple → Nageshwar Temple → Ramanathaswamy Temple → Grishneshwar Temple.