The 12 Jyotirlinga in India are among the most sacred destinations for Shiva devotees. Spread across different states, each Jyotirlinga is linked with a unique legend, architectural style, and spiritual significance. Whether you are an Indian planning a pilgrimage or a traveller from the US, Europe, or any other country looking to explore India’s religious heritage, this guide gives you a clear overview of all 12 temples in one place.
You may have already read individual guides on each temple, but this blog brings everything together, routes, travel tips, best time to visit, and quick highlights along with links to detailed blogs on Ghum India Ghum for deeper planning.
What Are the 12 Jyotirlinga in India?
Jyotirlingas are believed to be the “radiant forms of Shiva.” According to Indian scriptures, Lord Shiva manifested as a column of light in twelve sacred locations. These temples became the 12 Jyotirlinga in India, and visiting them is considered a path to spiritual liberation.
Here is the complete list of the 12 holy temples:
- Somnath – Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna – Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
- Kedarnath – Uttarakhand
- Bhimashankar – Maharashtra
- Kashi Vishwanath – Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra
- Baidyanath – Jharkhand
- Nageshwar – Gujarat
- Ramanathaswamy – Tamil Nadu
- Grishneshwar – Maharashtra
Overview of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India
Below is a brief summary of each temple with a link to your detailed guide.
Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
The first among the 12 Jyotirlinga in India, Somnath stands on the Arabian Sea coast. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, symbolising resilience and devotion.
Read the detailed guide:
Somnath Jyotirlinga Travel Guide: Key Info for Visitors
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Located in the Nallamala Hills, this temple is known for its forest surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
Read the detailed guide:
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Travel Guide
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
This temple is famous for the Bhasma Aarti and its underground Garbha Griha. It is one of the most visited Jyotirlingas in India.
Read the detailed guide:
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Travel Guide
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh
Situated on the island shaped like the sacred symbol “Om,” Omkareshwar is a major pilgrimage destination with river views and ancient ghats.
Read the detailed guide:
Omkareshwar Travel Guide
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand
Located in the Himalayas at 3,583 metres, Kedarnath is accessible only for six months and requires trekking unless you opt for a helicopter service.
Read the detailed guide:
Kedarnath Temple Pilgrimage Guide
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
It is surrounded by thick forests and is popular among trekkers. The temple architecture follows the Nagara style.
Read the detailed guide:
Bhimashankar Travel Guide
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Located on the western bank of the Ganga, this temple is considered the spiritual capital of India.
Read the detailed guide:
Kashi Vishwanath Travel Guide
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
Known for its three-faced Shiva idol representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
Read the detailed guide:
Trimbakeshwar Mandir Travel Guide
Baidyanath (Vaidyanath) Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand
It is believed that Ravana worshipped Shiva here to regain strength. The temple complex is large and always busy with pilgrims.
Read the detailed guide:
Baba Baidyanath Pilgrimage Guide
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat
Located near Dwarka, this temple is believed to protect devotees from poison and negativity.
Read the detailed guide:
Nageshwar Travel Guide
Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu
The temple corridor is one of the longest in the world, and the Jyotirlinga is linked to the story of Lord Rama.
Read the detailed guide:
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga Guide
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra
The 12th Jyotirlinga, located near Ellora Caves, is known for its red-rock architecture.
Read the detailed guide:
Grishneshwar Temple Guide
How to Plan a 12 Jyotirlinga Trip (Practical Guide)
Many travellers, especially from the USA and Europe, prefer to cover the Jyotirlingas in phases rather than one long journey. Based on geography, you can divide them into circuits.
Circuit 1: Gujarat
- Somnath
- Nageshwar
2: Maharashtra
- Bhimashankar
- Trimbakeshwar
- Grishneshwar
Circuit 3: Central India
- Omkareshwar
- Mahakaleshwar
4: North India
- Kedarnath
- Kashi Vishwanath
Circuit 5: East India
- Baidyanath
Circuit 6: South India
- Mallikarjuna
- Ramanathaswamy
Best Time to Visit the 12 Jyotirlinga in India
October to March is the best overall season—comfortable weather for most states.
April–June
- Suitable for southern and western India
- Avoid Kedarnath due to snowmelt rush
Monsoon (July–September)
- Ideal for Maharashtra temples
- Exercise caution in Uttarakhand
How to Reach Each Jyotirlinga – Quick Access Guide
Below is a fast reference for international travellers:
- Nearest airports:
Ahmedabad (Somnath & Nageshwar)
Hyderabad (Mallikarjuna)
Indore (Omkareshwar & Mahakaleshwar)
Dehradun (Kedarnath)
Pune/Mumbai (Bhimashankar & Trimbakeshwar)
Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath)
Ranchi (Baidyanath)
Madurai (Rameshwaram)
Aurangabad (Grishneshwar) - Major railway connectivity:
All Jyotirlingas have direct rail access except Kedarnath, which requires a trek or helicopter. - Road travel:
Private cars are the most convenient way for long circuits.
How Much Does a Jyotirlinga Trip Cost?
Your budget depends on the number of temples, days, and travel style.
₹35,000 – ₹55,000
For single circuit (Maharashtra or Gujarat)
₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000
For 6–7 Jyotirlingas
₹2,00,000 – ₹2,80,000
For all 12 Jyotirlinga in India (21 days)
For international visitors, Ghum India Ghum also offers complete flight, accommodation, transfers, and guided tours packages.
Jyotirlinga Tour Packages by Ghum India Ghum
We offer flexible and well-planned pilgrimage itineraries for Indians and international tourists.
12 Jyotirlinga Yatra – 21 Days
Covers all temples with flights and private car.
7 Jyotirlinga Tour – 10 Days
Maharashtra + Gujarat + Madhya Pradesh.
5 Jyotirlinga Package – Maharashtra Circuit
Ideal for senior citizens and first-time pilgrims.
To plan your pilgrimage:
Ghum India Ghum – Your Trusted DMC for India
We specialise in organising seamless pilgrimage tours for travellers from the USA, Europe, UK, Canada, and NRIs visiting India.
Important Travel Tips for Visiting Jyotirlingas
- Wear modest, comfortable clothing
- Keep photocopies of your passport/ID
- Carry medicines for high altitude (Kedarnath)
- Expect queues during Shravan and Mahashivratri
- VIP darshan options available in some temples
- Avoid carrying plastic bags in pilgrimage towns
- Senior citizens should consult before trekking (Bhimashankar & Kedarnath)
Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Jyotirlinga in India
A: Around 20–22 days.
A: Yes, but most international travellers prefer doing it in parts.
A: Kedarnath due to the trek.
A: Yes, but Kedarnath may require a helicopter service.
Conclusion
The 12 Jyotirlinga in India offer a deep spiritual experience and a chance to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and heritage. Whether you’re an Indian devotee or an international traveller seeking cultural immersion, each temple provides something unique.
If you’re planning your pilgrimage, Ghum India Ghum can help you create a smooth, safe, and well-organised itinerary covering any number of Jyotirlingas. From transportation and accommodation to guided tours and darshan assistance, we ensure you travel comfortably and confidently.
Ready to plan your Jyotirlinga Yatra?
Contact Ghum India Ghum – Best Tour Operator for India and start your journey today.
