The 12 Jyotirlingas scattered across India hold not only architectural splendor but also fascinating legends and myths that are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Hindu mythology. Each Jyotirlinga has a unique tale of divine significance, and exploring these stories adds an enchanting layer of spirituality to the pilgrimage.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gir, Gujarat:
The legend of Somnath Jyotirlinga dates back to ancient times. It is said that Lord Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha, built the original temple. According to another legend, the moon god, Chandra, was blessed by Lord Shiva and gained his lost splendor at this sacred site. Hence, the temple is also known as “Prabhas Patan” or “The Forest of Light.”
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh:
The tale behind Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga revolves around Lord Shiva’s marriage to Goddess Parvati. It is said that after facing various challenges and tests, the divine couple finally got married on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima at this location. The temple’s name “Mallikarjuna” is a combination of “Mallika” (Parvati) and “Arjuna” (Shiva).
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh:
The city of Ujjain holds a fascinating legend behind the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. It is believed that a fierce battle between Lord Shiva and the demon Dushana took place here, during which Lord Shiva assumed the form of Mahakala to defeat the demon. Hence, the temple is revered as a symbol of victory over evil.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh:
The island of Mandhata, where Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated, is associated with a unique legend. It is said that Vindhya, the mountain range, performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva and be freed from its ego. Lord Shiva granted the boon, and Vindhya humbly bowed down to Omkareshwar, thus creating the sacred island.
5. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar, Jharkhand:
The Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is linked to the myth of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. According to the legend, Ravana sought to take the Jyotirlinga to Lanka to attain invincibility. However, Lord Vishnu intervened, and Ravana dropped a part of the Jyotirlinga at Deoghar, where it became Baidyanath.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra:
The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is connected to a tale of divine battle between Lord Shiva and the demon Bhima. The demon unleashed terror on earth, and Lord Shiva manifested as Bhimashankar to vanquish the evil force. The temple stands as a symbol of triumph over darkness.
7. Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu:
The Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga is linked to the epic Ramayana. According to the legend, Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana in Lanka, installed the Jyotirlinga in Rameshwaram to seek forgiveness for killing a Brahmin, as Ravana was a learned scholar.
8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka, Gujarat:
The legend behind the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga centers on a demon named Daruka. It is said that Daruka was troubling devotees, and Lord Shiva manifested as Nageshwar to protect them. The temple thus holds the significance of Lord Shiva as the protector of his devotees.
9. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:
The city of Varanasi holds numerous legends, and Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is deeply revered. According to one story, Lord Shiva himself established the Kashi Vishwanath shrine to mark the significance of Varanasi as a sacred pilgrimage site.
10. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Nasik, Maharashtra:
The Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga has an intriguing legend associated with the origin of the sacred river Godavari. It is said that the sage Gautama performed a yajna (ritual sacrifice) to bring the river down to earth, and Lord Shiva obliged by releasing the waters from his matted locks.
11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand:
The Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva hid from the Pandavas during the Kurukshetra war. When the Pandavas sought forgiveness, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull and vanished into the ground, leaving behind the hump at Kedarnath.
12. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra:
The Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with a touching tale of a woman named Kusuma, who dedicated herself to Lord Shiva. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva granted her the wish to become young and beautiful again.
As devotees undertake the divine pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas, they immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring tales that echo through time, enriching their spiritual journey with a deeper understanding of the divine and the profound significance of these sacred abodes.
Har har Mahadev