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Jyotirlingas are one of the most sacred places in Hinduism. Known to reflect the supreme power of Lord Shiva, these places are nothing less than a holy experience. However, why are they so famous? What makes these jyotirlingas different from other Shiva temples? Let us find out more about the Jyotirlinga in India.
Jyotirlingas are temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. However, these temples are different from other Shiv temples because of the sacred Shivalinga they hold. It is believed that the Shivalinga in these jyotirlingas symbolises the infinite nature of Lord Shiva and reflects Shiva’s indestructible self.
In total, there are beloved to be 64 Shivalingas. However, out of these 64, only 12 are considered to hold special powers. Let us know about these 12 Jyotirlinga name with place in detail.
In Hinduism, mythological stories are associated with almost everything, as with Jyotirlingas. Let us explore the story behind the formation of these 12 Jyotirlinga name. The tale is as follows:
Once, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu found themselves in the middle of an argument. The reason for the word war between the two was to decide who was superior. Both presented their sides by quoting examples of their greatness and good deeds that define their kindness and also worked in favour of humanity.
However, this battle seemed to never end. Tired after hours of fighting, both decided to visit Lord Shiva. They hoped that Shiva could help them solve their problems.
When Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu visited Shiva, they presented him with an argument and asked him to help them solve this problem. Confused by the condition, Shiva decided to hold a contest between the two. He took the form of a pillar of infinite divine light and asked both Brahma and Vishnu to find the end of the pillar of light.
The condition of this contest was simple. The one who finds the end as early as possible will win. Both Lord Vishnu and Brahma became excited. Lord Bhama went towards the top to see the end of the light pillar, and Lord Vishnu went towards the bottom.
After hours of trying to find the end, they were exhausted. Lord Brahma decided to lie to prove that he saw the end and brought back a Ketaki flower as proof. However, Lord Vishnu accepted his defeat and acknowledged that he could not find the end.
Lord Shiva knew that Brahma was lying and became angry at his actions. On the other hand, pleased with Lord Vishnu’s actions, he blessed him so that all the world would worship him for eternity.
The 12 Jyotirlingas are said to represent Lord Shiva's purest light form and are believed to have been formed at the places where the light appeared.
From the story above, we gather that these Jyotirlingas represent all the places where the pillar of Shiva’s divine light appeared. However, now is the time to have a much deeper understanding of Jyotirlinga according to rashi. These 12 Jyotirlinga name and place list, along with their significance are as follows:
The Somnath Temple is the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. According to ancient texts, Chandra Dev (the Moon God) established it. After being cursed by Daksha, Chandra Dev sought to perform Tapasya to please Lord Shiva and gain his blessings, and he chose this Jyotirlinga.
Second on the list is the Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga. This temple is considered to be highly auspicious for the people who want to seek Shiva’s blessings. Being associated with Mercury, this temple is believed to help individuals gain blessings related to business and academics.
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with the planet Saturn. This Jyotirlinga is also believed to be unique for the individuals of the Libra zodiac as it can help them gain good health and wealth. Lastly, worshipping the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga can help one avoid untimely death.
Associated with the planet Jupiter, this Jyotirlinga is believed to help one get the blessings of wisdom and knowledge from Lord Shiva. Facing the south direction, this Jyotirlinga is also called the Dakshinamoorthy Jyotirlinga. The notable aspect of this temple lies in its shape, which represents the ‘OM’.
Known to be one of the oldest Jyotirlingas, the Kedarnath temple is considered one of the holiest temples in the world. It is also a part of the Char Dham. Being associated with the planet Rahu, it is believed that Shiva himself will bless people who visit this jyotirlinga and worship the Shivalinga with Panchamrit.
This Jyotirlinga holds special significance, as it is believed that this is where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura. This is where Lord Shiva took the form of Bhima Shankara and defeated Tripurasura. It is also believed that the sweat that dropped from Shiva’s body during their intense battle formed the nearby Bhimarathi river.
Kashi Vishwanath is believed to be the 1st self-manifested Jyotirlinga. It is said that this was where Lord Shiva took the form of the infinite light pillar to end the battle between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. This temple is believed to help people relieve themselves from the cycle of life and birth and attain Moksha.
Associated with Venus, this temple is known to bless one with luxuries and wealth of life. This temple has three faces, which are known to represent the Trimurti in Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Worshipping the Trimbakeshwar Shivalings and offering Gangajal mixed with jaggery is believed to help a person gain divine blessings.
The legend behind the Vaidyanath Jyotirlingam includes Ravana seeking a boon from Lord Shiva after performing intense penance to please him. He asked Shiva to take the form of a lingam and come with Ravana to Lanka. The place where this temple is formed is believed to be the location where Ravana gave the lingam to Vishnu (in disguise), and Vishnu placed it in the ground, marking its position forever.
The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is considered to be formed at the location where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Daruk. This Jyotirlinga is believed to bless a person by removing negativity and showing them the correct path. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga was set up by the great devotee of Lord Shiva named Supriya.
Considered to be one of the holiest places on earth, Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is considered to be one of the most sacred Jyotirling in south India. It is believed that this Shiva temple is named after the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu, Ram, as he worshipped Shiva here. After coming from Lanka, Lord Ram, along with his wife and brother, set up and worshipped a Shivalinga here to get rid of the sins committed during the war.
The formation of the last and final Jyotirlinga, Grishneshwar, was because of a devotee of lord Shiva, Gushama. She was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and used to worship him daily by immersing 101 earthen Shivalingas. Pleased by her actions, Lord Shiva decided to give her to grant a wish. She asked Shiva to take the form of a Lingam and stay in the same pond forever, forming the Grishneshwar Jyotirlingam.
The 12 Jyotirlingas are considered quite sacred in Hinduism. However, there are some things that connect their sacred energies with the divine powers. Let us have a look at some mysteries related to these Jyotirlingas.
In modern mathematics and science, the Fibonacci pattern is a sequence in which each element/ number is the sum of the two numbers before it. When drawn into a shape, the numbers form a beautiful spiral pattern. Spiritually, the pattern symbolises growth and balance.
This is related to the Jyotirlingas, as some scientists observed that when the locations of each jyotirlingas were connected via a line, a pattern similar to that of Fibonacci was formed. Some people believe this pattern to be nature’s secret code as it is found everywhere, from the arrangement of flower petals to leaves on a tree. In science, it is believed that energy flow is balanced.
Many people wonder what is special about Jyotirlingas that makes them different from Shivalimgas. Well, let us have a look.
