#22: 12 Jyotirlingas
A look at famous pilgrimages of Lord Shiva
One twitter user shared this image expressing how 12 Jyotirlingas are actually placed as per Fibonacci sequence. Connecting these actually, as per the user, resembles conch (shankh) and it started a new debate.
I am writing this not to validate or reject the point but simply acquaint you more with these 12 jyotirlingas and their significance. Let’s go!
#1: Somnath
Considered the first, it is located in Prabhas-Kshetra of Saurashtra, Gujarat. A story of moon’s worship at this place to get rid of a curse is popular in Hindu mythology. Since then, it is believed, that Lord Shiva resides here as Lord Somnath
This is the same temple which was looted by Mahmud Ghazni. Post independence, Sardar Patel took personal interest in redeveloping the temple.
#2: Nageshwar
On the shore of Dwarka, this temple hosts a 25m tall statue of Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva co-exists in town of Lord Krishna in the form of Nageshwar
#3: Bhimashankar
On the banks of river Bhima near Pune, you can find a sculpture of Lord Shiva in the form of Bhimashankar. Considered one of the best places to celebrate Maha Shivratri, this place also has a Maa Parvati mandir nearby.
#4: Trimbakeshwar
In western ghats lie the Brahmagiri mountain from where river Godavari originates. At this point of origin lies the fourth jyotirlinga where Rishi Gautami prayed to Lord Shiva to come and live here. At the temple of Trimbakeshwar, one can find 3 pillars signifying Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva each.
#5: Grishneshwar
If you are visiting Ajanta & Ellora caves, nearby lies the fifth jyotirlinga, Grishneshwar reconstructed by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. A red stone temple, one can experience grandeur in every corner of this holy temple.
#6: Vaidyanath
Vaidyanath jyotirlinga is a divine temple in Jharkhand. It is said that Ravana dropped this Shiva Linga here and since then, it stands at this beautiful location of Deohghar.
#7: Mahakaleshwar
One of the 7 Mukti-Stahl of India, Mahakaleshwar is credited to be made by a 5-year-old kid named Shikhar who was inspired by King of Ujjain. One of the holiest Hindu shrines in Ujjain! :)
#8: Omkareshwar
On an island of Shivapuri in Narmada of Khandwa district lies the Omkareshwar mandir. It is believed to be a place where gods and demons fought when the former prayed to lord Shiva for help. Since then, Omkareshwar resides here as the 8th Jyotirlinga.
#9: Kashi Vishwanath
Another major temple built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Baba Vishwanath dham is the linga where one seeks blessings for happiness and liberation. Recently, the newly developed temple complex is a beautiful sight to watch!
#10: Kedarnath
Baba Kedarnath dham is a beautiful sight to watch at a height of 1200 feet between after crossing the holy Ganga and Yamuna rivers. A part of 4 dham in Uttarakhand, it opens for devotees only between May to November. A fine blend of religion, spirituality and scenic beauty.
#11: Rameshwaram
On the shores of Rameshwaram lies a temple which is also a part of the 4 dhams in India. It is believed that lord Rama built this temple to pray to lord Shiva and rest here before building Ram setu bridge.
#12: Mallikarjuna
On the top of Shri Sail Mountain of Andhra lies the divine shrine of Lord Shiva. Listed as one of the 52 shakti peethas, one can find Shiva, Parvati and Bhramaramba residing in this temple. The architecture and location is a plus!
How many of these temples have you been to or plan to visit? Let me know in replies!
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