India is a nation with numerous cultures, immigration, and beliefs. The presence of Jyotirlingas all through India, the twelve sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, is one of the most significant features of the country's religious legacy.
1. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple Jyotirlinga in Gujarat is one of the first shrines on the list of the 5 Jyotirlingas. It is located on the Arabian Sea's coastlines. The temple considered the holiest of all Jyotirlingas, was originally said to have been built with pure gold and silver.
According to tradition, Somdev, the Moon God, had 27 wives (daughters of Daksha Prajapati), but he solely adored Rohini. Daksha Prajapati cursed the Moon God, saying that his light will be devoured by the darkness of night. It is said that the bereaved Somdev worshipped to Lord Shiva's Jyotirlinga for 4000 years at the site of today's Somnath Temple.
Timing: People of faith can visit the temple from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for darshan. The aarti in the temple takes place three times a day, at 7 a.m., 12 p.m., and 7 p.m.
How to Reach Somnath - There are flights to Rajkot, which is around 160 km from Somnath. The remainder of the journey may be completed by road from Rajkot.
2. Mallikarjuna Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, displays a stunning Dravidian style of architecture and was built in 1234 AD by the Hoysala King, Vira Narasimha. This Shiva temple, also known as Srisailam Temple, is set on a hill and is filled with exquisite wall sculptures and carvings representing episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Temple Timings: The believers' darshan, abhisheka, and merchants begin at 6:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. These are also held in the evenings from 6.20 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple - The temple is about 180 kilometres from Kurnool and 213 kilometres from Hyderabad. Pilgrims arriving by train must disembark at either Markapur or Tarlupadu railway stations. These stations are 2 to 2.5 hours by car from Srisailam.
3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the River Kshipra, is not only a Jyotirlinga but also one of the nation's Tantra Temples. The primary attraction of Mahakaleshwar Temple is its Bhasm-Aarti, the morning ceremony in which the Shivlinga is washed with the ashes of a fresh cremation pyre.
Lord Shiva is said to have appeared from the earth at Ujjain to defeat a demon known as 'Dushana,' who tortured the inhabitants and Brahmins of the city. After defeating the demon, Lord Shiva assumed the shape of the Jyotirlinga and has been believed to reside in this sacred city ever since.
Temple Timings: People of faith can visit the temple from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. Don't miss the Bhashma aarti, which takes place between 4 and 6 a.m. You can also attend aarti in the morning (7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.) or in the evening (5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.).
How to Reach Mahakaleshwar Temple: The nearest airport is Indore, around 55 km from Ujjain. You may take a cab or a bus from Indore to Ujjain. When you arrive in Ujjain, take a local cab or auto-rickshaw to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is located in the city's core.
4. Omkareshwar Temple and Mamleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar temples are located on the Madhya Pradesh island of Mandhata. On the festivals of Shivratri, Mahashivratri, and Kartik Poornima, a large number of devotees converge here for the darshan of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. A short ridge separates the Mamleshwar temple from the Omkareshwar temple.
According to Hindu legend, Vindhya Parbat did penance to please Lord Shiva; as a reward, Lord Shiva arrived here and granted Vindhya Parbat his request to be bigger than Meru Parbat. At the desire of Gods and sages, the Linga worshipped by Vindhya Parbat was divided into two pieces, Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar. Since then, it has been assumed that the Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar temples are the same Shiva Lingam.
Temple Timings: 5PM to 9PM.
How to Travel to Omkareshwar Temple: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, which is roughly 77 km away. You may then take a cab or a bus to Omkareshwar.
5. Baidyanath Dham, Jharkhand
Baidyanath Dham is one of India's 5 most prominent Shiva temples, located in Jharkhand. This Shiva temple is located in Deoghar, Santhal Parganas, and is surrounded by 21 other temples. The holy Shivlinga that exists here is bejeweled. The eight-petaled lotus known as 'Chandrakanta Mani' is a breathtaking sight.
According to tradition, this is where Ravana sacrificed his 10 heads in order to obtain Lord Shiva's favor. The heads were subsequently reattached by Lord Shiva, who functioned as a Vaidya (Doctor), and the location was called Baidynath Dham.
Temple Timings: The morning darshan happens from 4 am to 1:30 pm. The evening darshan takes place from 6 pm to 9 pm.
How to Reach Baidyanath Dham - The nearest railway station to Baidyanath Dham is in Deoghar, which is only 7 km away.
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