NOB- Bharat news: The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are described in detail in the Kotirudra Samhita of Shiva Purana. It is believed that Lord Shiva resides in Shiva Lingams in these ancient 12 Jyotirlinga Kshetras. The worship of 12 Jyotirlingas has special significance in Hinduism.
Somanatha Jyotirlingam: Located in Saurashtra, Gujarat, this Jyotirlingam is considered to be the oldest Jyotirlinga on earth. According to Sivapurana, Somanatha Jyotirlinga was established by Chandra himself.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingam: Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, Mallikarjuna is the second lingam. This Jyotirlingam is located 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 Kailasam. It is believed that the devotees who come to this temple and perform Ashwamedha Yagam with darshan and pooja will get merit equal to the merit that comes.
Mahakaleshwara 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. Mahakaleshwaram is the only Jyotirlinga facing south. Aarti is offered here to Lord Shiva 6 times a day. It starts with Bhasma Aarti. Bhasma Harati is performed at 4 am during Maha Kala. It is also known as Mangala Harati. Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga Bhasma Harathi 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 Jyotirlingam give darshan in the shape of Om. This is the only temple north of Narmada river. Here Lord Shiva is standing on the other bank of the river. Lord Shiva is worshiped here by devotees as Mamaleswara and Amaleswara.
Kedarnath Jyotirlingam: Situated on the banks of Mandakini River at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level, Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest shrines in North India. This Jyotirlingam is located on a peak called Kedar in the Himalayas in Rudraprayaga district of Uttarakhand state.
Bhimashankara Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located on a mountain called Sahyadri, 110 kms near Pune in Maharashtra. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Mahadev, Bhima Shankara Jyotirlinga is considered as the sixth Jyotirlinga. This temple is also known as Moteswara Mahadeva to the local people here.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is situated on the banks of river Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This Jyotirlinga is also known as Visveswara. The word means ‘ruler of the universe’.
Tryambakeswara Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located in Nashik district of Maharashtra. The river Godavari originates in a mountain called Brahmagiri near this Jyotirlinga. The Godavari River in South India is considered the same as the Papa Vinasini River Ganges. It is believed that Bhagirath’s effort in the creation of Ganga river is the result of Lord Gautama’s penance.
Vaidyanath Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located near Santal Pargana in Jharkhand state. This Baidyanath Dham of Lord Shiva is known as Chitabhoomi. Baidyanath Dham is the most important of all 12 Shiva Jyotirlinga places. Because it is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India. Goddess Sati’s heart fell here. So it is also called Hrudayapitha.
Nageswara Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located in Dwarka region of Gujarat. In the Rudra Samhita Lord Shiva is described as ‘Darukavana Nagesha’. Nageshwar means the god of snakes. Snakes made of metals are offered as prasad here to those who have serpent dosha in the horoscope.
Rameshwaram Jyotirlingam: This Jyotirlingam is located in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. This Jyotirlinga was made by Lord Rama himself with his own hands. Rameswara Theertham is one of Char Dham. It is believed that just by visiting the Shivalinga here, one can get relief from all diseases.
Ghrishneswara Temple Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga is located near Daulatabad, Maharashtra. This is the last Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlingam is considered a symbol of Bholenath devotee Ghushma Bhakti. After his name this Shivlinga got the name Ghushmeswar.
Importance of Shiva Purana: Shiva Purana is very important to all Shiva devotees. In the Shiva Purana, the benevolent form, worship, mystery, glory, and worship of Lord Shiva is described. Reciting Shiva Purana methodically and listening to it with devotion brings satisfaction to the mind. According to the Shiva Purana, man attains the highest state through Shiva Bhakti, attaining Sivaikya. By hearing this Purana selflessly and with devotion, one gets freed from all sins. Believing that one will experience great joys in life and finally attain Shivaloka.
