Plan to Travel to Top 12 Legendary Jyotirlinga
Jyotirlingas were the shrines sacred to Lord Shiva and the holiest of holies in Hindu religion. Each of the twelve Jyotirlingas is considered a different manifestation of Shiva. These shrines are spread far and wide within the precincts of India, enthralling millions of devotees and tourists every year.
Today, 15 July 2024, we will be looking at the best places among the Jyotirlingas, giving details about the hotels, best tariffs, tips for food, and the best highlights.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
– The holy place is one of the most worshiped Jyotirlingas of India.
This place is hallowed, with Prabhas Patan placed close to Veraval of Gujarat. The temple reportedly has great historical and architectural prospects. The architecture, considered several times of its rebuilding traces back to several phases.
How It Formed
It is believed that its establishment was first done by the Moon God, Som, in the name of Lord Shiva.
It is said that Som built this temple of gold, which was later re-constructed by Ravana in silver, renovated again by Lord Krishna in wood, and finally by King Bhimdev in stone.
Highlights
– Situated in an attractive seashore.
– Sound and light show performed in the evening.
– The Temple has a too old structure with lots of legend stories about it.
Best Hotels
-The Fern Residency Somnath Contemporary amenities with a cozy stay. Tariff: About $50 per night.
-Lords Inn Somnath: Good facilities available; cities near the temple. Tariff: Around $40 per night.
Food
Local food that one should taste here is composed of Gujarati cuisine, comprised of food items like Dhokla, Thepla, and Khaman.
Multi-cuisine veg fares were available in restaurants near to it.
Tips
Visit this place during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
– Dress modestly.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Observe all the customs and rituals of the temple.
2. Don’t Click photographs within the boundaries of the temple premises without having permission to click.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh
– Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in the Nallamala hills at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh.
– It is one of the oldest temples in India, thus providing a very picturesque and panoramic view of the entire surrounding area.
How It Formed
– The legends believe that Lord Shiva along with Parvati had come to this place to calm their son Kartikeya, who was annoyed because he lost to Ganesha in a contest.
– The divine visit blessed the place, and the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga happened here.
Highlights
1) Scenic beauty of the Nallamala hills.
2) The architecture of the temple is beautiful and old.
3) Many little shrines dot the temple complex.
Best Hotels
1) Haritha Srisailam Resort Superb board with scenic views. Tariff: About $30.
2) Hotel Grand Akkamahadevi: Good facilities and facilities about the temple. Tariff: About $25.
Food
– Go for some local Andhra delicacies—Pulihora, Gongura Pachadi, and Pesarattu.
– Eating houses here are all inexpensive and scrumptious vegetarian fare.
Tips
– Try to go to Maha Shivaratri—it is a great experience.
– A small trek is required as the temple is placed on top of a hill.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Carry sufficient water and some eat if you trek.
2. Don’t: Be insensitive to the temple compost pits and throw litter around.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
– Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is the presiding deity in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
It is one of the most significant Jyotirlingas and finds a place for a unique ritual called Bhasma Aarti.
How It Formed
– According to belief, a calamitous demon called Dushana was causing trouble around Ujjain.
– In the Mahakaleshwar form, Lord Shiva killed the demon for saving the city and the denizens.
– Unique Ritual of Bhasma Aarti
– Grand Temple Architecture.
Ujjain – A Spiritual and historical city.
Best Hotels
– Hotel Abika Elite A modern date hotel with all the on-the-go amenities. It is hardly a call away from the temple. Tariff: $40 per night.
– In A comfortable stay with good facilities. Tariff: $35 per night.
Food
– Especially Malwa food like Poha, Bhutte ka Kees, and Daal Bafla.
Fêtes such as street food are also very famous in Ujjain.
Tips
– Do make an effort to come during the early morning hours for the Bhasma Aarti. It is an entirely surreal experience.
– Dress in traditional clothes if you wish to sit inside during the aarti.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Try reaching early in the morning if the purpose is to view Bhasma Aarti.
2. Don’t Any kind of leather products should not be carried within the premises of the temple.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated on Mandhata Island, located on a portion of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. The island itself is in the shape of the ‘om’ holy symbol, which adds even more spiritual value to this place.
How to Be Formed
According to some legends, during the constant wars against the devas and the asuras, when the devas were tired of fighting and prayed to Lord Shiva for release, He appeared supremely cool to protect the gods.
Specialty
• Beautiful island setting.
– Peaceful and serene atmosphere.
– Cultural and religious importance of the Om shape of the island.
Best Hotels
– Narmada Resort: Pretty decent, with river view rooms. The facilities are good. Price: Approximately $30 per night.
– Hotel Gopal Midway A budget hotel with decent basic amenities. Price: Approximately $20 per night.
Food
– One must inevitably taste the local savory preparations, such as Bhutte ka Kees. One must also taste the local cuisine of Madhya Pradesh.
– Eating joints near the temple had very decent vegetarian food.
Tips
– Visit the place during the Kartik Purnima festival. The site will be very vibrant.
– Ride a boat around the island.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Do: Take a holy dip in the waters of the Narmada River before going to the temple.
2. Don’t Like the river and temple surroundings.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand
– Kedarnath is located in the northern part of the state of Uttarakhand amid the Himalayas, surging at a height of 3,583 meters.
– This is one of the utmost distant and amazingly holy Jyotirlingas.
How It Formed
– According to legend, during the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas went ahead to meet Shiva to cleanse themselves.
– And so Shiva became a bull and dived into this place of hiding in Kedarnath where the Pandavas stumbled upon him; which formed the Jyotirlinga.
Highlights
– The scenic view of the Himalayas.
– The spiritual journey and trek.
– To its structure adds the ancient and rustic appeal of a wonder, the enshrined Jyotirlinga.
Best hotel
– GMVN Tourist Rest House: Stay here if you have no funds. They are government properties and provide just the basics of staying. Tariff: about $25 per night.
– Punjab Sindh Awas Names are considered here for the budgeted stay. Tariff: about $20 per night.
Food
– Have simple North Indian Vegetarian food.
– Some local dhabas serve tasty and hot food to the people there.
Tips
– For this place, the best months to visit are from May to October.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Before the main trek, get acclimated to the altitude at least a couple of days earlier.
2. Don’t Over-stress especially on the trek, always take a proper rest in between.
6. Bhimasankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
– Bhimasankar Jyotirlinga is in Maharashtra in the Sahyadri hills.
– It is a sight of inspiring beauty amidst the lofty ranges.
How It Formed
This temple was built in ancient pastime when Bhima, a legendary wayward son of Pandavas did. This was the place where the Jyotirling beat the demon.
Things To Watch Out
-The beauty of flora and fauna that surround
-Architectural view of the temple
-Calm and peace that exists
Best Accommodation
Blue Mormon Jungle Holiday Resort: Beautiful deluxe eco-friendly cottages with astonishing surroundings. $40 per night.
– Hotel Natraj An economical hotel that offers free Wi-Fi and free breakfast when booking. $25 per night.
Food
The best taste the tongue relishes here in Maharashtra is without doubt from here.
Properties: back there- Local restaurants serve tasty vegetarian foods.
Tips
– The best time to go there is during the monsoon.
– Since it receives heavy rainfall, take the necessary rain gear along with you.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Be friendly and humble with wildlife and nature.
2. Don’t: In the forest area, never mess with garbage.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Uttar Pradesh
– It’s in Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. One of the most acclaimed and holiest temples there is K.
– It is located on the west bank of the Ganges River.
How It Formed
There is a popular legend that Lord Shiva announced the Varanasi to be his permanent abode.
The Jyotirlinga present is considered the holiest of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Highlights
-The colorful and pulsating atmosphere at Varanasi
– The Ganga Aarti that happens each evening
-The iconological importance of both the temple and the city
Best Hotels
– Taj Ganges, Varanasi: Luxurious stay with all modern amenities and decent service. Tariff: Around $120 a night.
– Hotel Alka Low-budget hotel; plain amenities; view of the Ganges. Tariff: Around $30 per night.
Food
– Do try Kachori Sabzi, Chaat, Banarasi Paan
– One can find 100% vegetarian food almost in all
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Tips
– Plan your time either during the early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd.
– Respect the local customs and traditions; more specifically, religious practices.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Do: Be a part of the exuberant Ganga Aarti, an ebullient experience.
1. Don’t Pass an experience of walking your way across the serpentine lanes and markets of Varanasi.
8. Trambakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
– Location: Trimbak, near Nashik, Maharashtra
– The linga here has three faces symbolizing Brahma
– According to legends, the Godavari River flowed from that same spot.
The Jyotirlinga had appeared to bless the penancing sages in this region.
Key Attractions
– Godavari, the holy river, and her source.
– The architectural style of the temple, which is unique.
– The environment is very scenic with the surrounding Western Ghats.
Best Hotels
– Grape County Eco Resort: Ecologically friendly with a homely stay, and beautiful views. Tariff: $60 per night about.
– Ibis Nashik: Modern amenities set in a tariff appropriate for a budget traveler. Tariff: ~ $35 per night.
Food
– Experience the local Maharashtrian cuisine, with special mentions of Pithla Bhakri, Misal Pav, and Kanda Bhaji.
– Only vegetarian food is available at local eating joints.
Tips
– If time permits, one must visit Trimbakeshwar to see the Kumbh Mela. It is an amazing and surreal sight.
– Wear comfortable shoes—quite a lot of walking.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Do: Incidentally take a holy bath in the Kushavarta Kund near the temple.
2. Don’t: If you visit Tryambakeshwar, miss other attractions like Anjaneri Hill and Brahmagiri Hill.
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9. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
– Near Dwarka in Gujarat
– Temple place surrounded by a quiet and peaceful environment
How it formed
– Demon Daruka troubling devotees
– Save them lord Shiva in the avatar of Nageshwar.
The Jyotirlinga was incepted after his success in defeating the demon.
Highlights
– Quiet divine atmosphere.
– Good location– Nearest to the prominent Dwarkadhish Temple.
– The temple premises are decorated with the humongous statue of Lord Shiva.
Hotel
The Dwarika Hotel adjusted the sort of presence with reasonable facilities and the nearest strategic presence to the temple, taking some $45 per night as a tariff.
VITS Devbhumi: Comfortable stay with modern facilities. Tariff: $50 per night, approx.
Food
– Savour Gujarati Thali and the local snacks Fafda, Dhokla, Khandvi.
– Vegetarian cuisine available was good in quality at Dwarka restaurants.
Tip
– Avoid visiting during festivals like Mahashivaratri and Shravana month for a crowd of people with haphazard looks.
– The famous Dwarkadhish Temple and other religious temples are available nearby.
Do and Do not’s
1. While being in the temple, one should make sure that there is absolute or at least maximal silence.
2. Don’t He should avoid talking loudly or making noises within the temple premises.
10. Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu
– Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Rameswaram in the region of Tamil Nadu.
– This is one among the Char Dhams and the very prominent places.
It is said that Lord Rama prayed to Shiva at Rameshwaram to cleanse himself of the sin of killing Ravana.
He was offered a Jyotirlinga as a boon for his devotion and atonement.
Interesting Facts
* Wonderful temple architecture
* Long corridors with carved pillars
* Holy bath in the 22 wells found in the temple premises
Best Hotels
**Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram Modern amenities in a spiritually charged atmosphere. Tariff: $55 per night.
Hotel Royal Park**: Homely stay amidst good facilities: $40 per night.
Food
– Relish South Indian dishes, such as Idli, Dosa, and Rasam.
– Vegetarian food is easily available at local restaurants.
Travel Tips
– Plan your visit during the Arudhra Darshan festival if you want to experience a celebration here.
Dress appropriately, and do like anywhere and everywhere, and observe temple rules.
Do’s and Don’ts
1. Take the holy dip in the Agni Theertham before you visit the temple.
2. Don’t Miss out on a visit to Dhanushkodi Beach and Pamban Bridge.
11. Vaijnath Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
– Vaijnath Jyotirlinga or Parli Vaijnath is located in Parli- a town in the Beed district of Maharashtra.
– This is one of the big Jyotirlingas and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The easy-going yet binding architecture of the temple holds a lot to say about the rich culture of the land.
How It Formed
It is said that once Lord Vishnu fooled the demons during the Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean, into giving them the Amrit. Angry over this, they declared war on the gods. Feeling helpless, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. He appeared in Parli as Vaidyanatheshwar or Lord of Physicians to heal and protect them.
It is said that the demon king Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here to get invincibility. Getting pleaded, Shiva gave him the Atmalinga. Yet, to save the world from Ravana’s tyranny, the gods plotted something so that Ravana could not carry the Atmalinga to Lanka. This resulted in the installation of the Jyotirlinga at Parli.
Highlights
Serenity and tranquility of the temple atmosphere.
– The annual festival of Mahashivaratri, which huge numbers of devotees visit.
– This temple is surrounded by surroundings of breathtaking beauty, which further increases the spiritual beauty of the temple itself.
Best Hotels
– Hotel Vaibhav: This place is near the temple with decent accommodation and availability of basic facilities in the rooms. Tariff: USD 40 per night.
Hotel Shree Palace: Budget hotel with neat, clean, and well-maintained rooms. Tariff: $30 per night.
Food
Also, local Maharashtrian food is a must-try, like Misal Pav, Bhakri, Pithla, etc. Most of the local eateries near the temple provide sumptuous veg food. TIPS One should try and visit the place early in the morning. Crowds can be avoided and peaceful darshan would be possible. Also, carry enough water and refreshments along if visiting in summer.
DOS AND DONT’S
1. DO Maintain respect towards the local customs and traditions while visiting the temple.
2. Not to do Loud talking and activities that may hamper the serene atmosphere of the temple.
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12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra
• Setting of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Ellora near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It is the last among twelve Jyotirlingas.
• This temple lies just adjacent to the famous rock-cut caves of Ellora, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How it formed
A lady, Kusuma devotee of Lord Shiva used to worship him. She used to immerse a Shivalinga every day in a pond. The first wife of her husband, jealous of her killed her son. Kusuma however continued her worship. Shiva manifested before her and returned her son to life. Immediately the villagers built a temple there which is now the current Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
Highlights
• Ellora caves nearby are of historic and architectural importance.
• Parivara: surroundings of the temple exuding beauty and serenity.
• Intricate carvings and sculptures in the temple.
Best Hotels
• Vivanta Aurangabad: Luxurious stay with modern amenities in quiescent surroundings tariff $110 per night.
• Hotel Kailas: Basic facilities are available at a reasonable price tariff of $25 per night.
Food
· local Maharashtrian food: Vada Pav, Puran Poli, Bhakri.
· Around the temple, one can find some good restaurants which serve excellent veg food.
Tips
· The visit to the place should be tied up with one to Ellora caves.
· Early morning visits would give one confidence as to why crowds should be avoided.
Dos and Don’ts
1. Do: The visit has to be added to the Ellora Caves so that spirituality and history get combined in one go.
2. For nothing else, at least, will one miss the local delicacies or the cultural experiences that are available around its precincts?
Some Travel Tips
1. Plan Out Know the best time to visit each Jyotirlinga so you can plan your visit accordingly, and also, you won’t find a lot of crowds.
2. Respect Local Customs Dress modestly and follow related temple guidelines.
3. Keep Yourself Hydrated Especially due to the height or heat of some of these temples.
4. Always Keep: Water, snacks, and comfortable footwear with you.
General Travel Tips to Visit Jyotirlingas
1. Plan Your Itinerary: In case one wants to visit some of the Jyotirlingas on his or her own, it is better to plan out your travel route to see more than one in one trip.
2. Reservations: Accommodation should be booked well in advance since it is visited by a huge number of people during the fairs and festive seasons.
3. Local Transport Local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis can be availed to reach these temples more easily.
4. Respect Sacred Spaces Dress code, etc shall be kept in mind and other briefings regarding also by the temple authorities
5. Keep Yourself Hydrated and Fed The self should be kept adequately hydrated and light refreshments can be taken along while visiting these places.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Jyotirlingas?
A: The devotional shrines of Lord Shiva, who is said to appear in these particular shrines all over India.
Q: How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?
Q. How many Jyotirlingas are there to reach each of the states of India?
A: Twelve Jyotirlingas
Dos
1. The precincts of the temple should be treated with respect and gratitude.
2. Dress according to the specified dress code, if any, by the temple.
3. Join the rituals and ceremonies with a feeling of reverence in your mind and heart.
4. Participate in the local economy too by buying souvenirs from the locals and trying the local food in restaurants.
Don’ts
1. Littering in and around the temple premises should be avoided.
2. No loud talking; inside the temple, one must be completely silent.
3. No leather-made products are to be brought inside the premises of the Temple.
4. No photographing in forbidden areas without permission.
The visit to the Jyotirlingas is an ethereal spiritual experience and offers a candid glimpse into the rich legacy of India’s cultural tradition. It is an experience that enriches at the same time. Either way—a devotee or just a tourist—a visitor to such places will have an enriching experience. So, plan your trip accordingly, note all the guidelines, and soak in this divine aura of the Jyotirlingas.