NOB- Bharat news: The Kotirudra Samhita of Shiva Purana describes in detail the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. It is believed that Shiva resides in the Shivalingas at these ancient 12 Jyotirlinga sites. The worship of the 12 Jyotirlingas has special significance in Hinduism.
Somnath Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga located in Saurashtra, Gujarat is considered to be the oldest Jyotirlinga on earth. According to Shiva Purana, Somnath Jyotirlinga was established by the moon itself.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga: Mallikarjuna is the second Linga of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This Jyotirlinga is situated on a mountain called Srisailam on the banks of the Krishna River in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This temple is also known as Dakshina Kailash. It is believed that devotees who visit this temple will get the same merit as performing the Aswamedha Yagya with darshan and worship.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located in the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. That is why Ujjain is also known as the city of Mahakaleshwar. Mahakaleshwar is the only Jyotirlingam that faces south. Here, aarti is offered to Lord Shiva 6 times a day. It starts with Bhasma Aarti. Bhasma Aarti is performed at 4 am during Maha Kala. It is also known as Mangala Aarti. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Bhasma Aarti is famous all over the world
Omkareshwar Jyotirlingam: Omkareshwar Jyotirlingam is located in the Malwa region near Indore in Madhya Pradesh. The rivers and mountains flowing around this Jyotirlinga give the darshan of Om. This is the only temple north of the Narmada River. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped by devotees as Mamaleswarar and Amaleswarar.
Kedarnath Jyotirlingam: Kedarnath Temple, located on the banks of the Mandakini River at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in North India. This Jyotirlingam is located on a peak called Kedar in the Himalayas in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located on a mountain called Sahyadri, 110 km from Pune in Maharashtra. Bhimashankar Jyotirlingam is considered the sixth Jyotirlingam out of the 12 Jyotirlingams of Lord Mahadev. The local people here also call this temple by the name of Moteshwar Mahadev.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This Jyotirlingam is also known as Vishweshwara. This word means ‘ruler of the universe’.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. The Godavari River originates from a mountain called Brahmagiri near this Jyotirlingam. In South India, the Godavari River is considered to be the destroyer of sins, on par with the Ganges River. It is believed that just as Bhagiratha’s efforts in bringing the Ganges River to earth were the result of the penance of Gautama Maharishi.
Vaidyanath Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located near the Santal Pargana in the state of Jharkhand. This Baidyanath Dham of Shiva is called Chitabhoomi. Baidyanath Dham is important among the 12 Shiva Jyotirlinga sites. Because it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The heart of Sati Devi fell here. Therefore, it is also called Hruday Peetha.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga is located in the Dwarka region of Gujarat. In the Rudra Samhita, Shiva is described as ‘Darukkavana Nagesham’. Nageshwar means the God of snakes. Those who have snake defects in their horoscope are offered snakes made of metal here as prasad.
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga is located in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. This Jyotirlinga was made by Lord Rama himself with his own hands. Rameshwaram Theertham is one of the Char Dhams. It is believed that just by visiting the Shiva Linga here, one gets relief from all diseases.
Ghrishneshwar Temple Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga is located near Daulatabad in Maharashtra. This is the last of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga is considered a symbol of devotion to Ghushma, a devotee of Bholenath. After him, this Shivalinga is named Ghushmeswar.
Importance of Shiva Purana: Shiva Purana has great importance for all Shiva devotees. In Shiva Purana, the merciful form, worship, mystery, glory and worship of the Supreme Lord Shiva are described. Reciting Shiva Purana methodically and listening to it with devotion gives satisfaction to the mind. According to Shiva Purana, a person reaches the highest state through Shivabhakti and attains Shivaikyam. By listening to this Purana selflessly and with devotion one gets freedom from all sins. It is believed that one will experience great joys in life and ultimately attain the realm of Shiva.
