About the tour
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The Jyotirlingas are the 12 most sacred Shiva shrines in Hinduism — places where Lord Shiva is said to have appeared as a fiery column of light (jyoti). Spread across nine states of India, the 12 Jyotirlingas form one of the most powerful pilgrimage circuits in the country, taking devout travellers from coastal Gujarat to the Andhra hills, the Himalayas to the southern tip.
Completing all 12 darshans is considered one of the highest spiritual accomplishments in Hinduism — and a once-in-a-lifetime journey of remarkable cultural, geographic and spiritual depth.
The 12 Jyotirlingas (in traditional order)
1. Somnath — Gujarat
The “first Jyotirlinga” — destroyed and rebuilt seven times across history. Believed to be the place where Lord Krishna ended his earthly journey.
- Location: Somnath, Saurashtra, Gujarat
- Combined with: Dwarka, Gir National Park
- Open: 6 AM – 9:30 PM (evening Sound & Light show)
2. Mallikarjuna — Andhra Pradesh
One of the 18 Mahashakti Peethas (where Goddess Shakti is also worshipped). At Srisailam, on the Nallamala Hills overlooking the Krishna river.
- Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Approach: 220 km from Hyderabad
3. Mahakaleshwar — Madhya Pradesh
One of the most powerful Shiva shrines — famous for the unique Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM with sacred ash.
- Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Bhasma Aarti: 4 AM (book in advance)
- Combined with: Omkareshwar (130 km away)
4. Omkareshwar — Madhya Pradesh
Set on a sacred OM-shaped island in the middle of the Narmada river.
- Location: Mandhata Island, Khandwa district, MP
- Approach: 130 km from Ujjain, 80 km from Indore
5. Kedarnath — Uttarakhand
The highest Jyotirlinga at 3,583 m, in the Garhwal Himalayas. Reached only by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund or by helicopter. Part of the Char Dham circuit.
- Open: April-end (Akshaya Tritiya) to October-end (Diwali)
- See: Our Chardham package
6. Bhimashankar — Maharashtra
Set in the Sahyadri mountains amid a wildlife sanctuary that is home to the rare giant Indian squirrel (Shekru).
- Location: 110 km from Pune, 220 km from Mumbai
7. Kashi Vishwanath — Uttar Pradesh
The most famous Jyotirlinga — at the heart of Varanasi. The new Vishwanath Corridor connecting the temple to the Ganga has transformed the experience.
- Location: Varanasi (Kashi)
- See: Our Varanasi package
8. Trimbakeshwar — Maharashtra
The source of the holy Godavari river. Famous for Kaalsarpa Yog and Tripindi puja rituals.
- Location: 30 km from Nashik, Maharashtra
- Combined with: Shirdi (90 km away)
9. Vaidyanath (Baidyanath) — Jharkhand
Considered the “Lord of Healing” — devotees seek cures for illness here. Located at Deoghar.
- Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Best season: Shravan (July-August) — Kanwariyas walk barefoot from Sultanganj with Ganga water
10. Nageshwar — Gujarat
Near Dwarka — small but powerful temple, often combined with Somnath visit. Famous for the giant 25 m sitting Shiva statue at the entrance.
- Location: 17 km from Dwarka, Gujarat
11. Rameshwar — Tamil Nadu
One of the four Char Dham sites and a Jyotirlinga. Famous for the long Pamban bridge and the temple’s longest temple corridor in India (1,200 m).
- Location: Rameshwaram Island, Tamil Nadu
- Connection: Pamban Bridge over the sea
12. Grishneshwar — Maharashtra
The smallest of the 12 Jyotirlingas, located right next to the UNESCO Ellora Caves.
- Location: Ellora, near Aurangabad
- Combined with: Ajanta-Ellora Caves
Sample Routes
Quick Circuit (8-10 days)
The most popular: Somnath + Nageshwar + Mahakaleshwar + Omkareshwar + Trimbakeshwar + Bhimashankar + Grishneshwar (7 of 12 in 8-10 days, all by road)
Complete 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra (15-18 days)
Requires combining road + train + flight to cover all 9 states.
Important Tips
- Book darshan tickets in advance for Mahakaleshwar (Bhasma Aarti) and Kashi Vishwanath
- Kedarnath is open only April-end to October-end
- Carry comfortable clothing — many temples have queue waits
- Ladies should carry traditional attire (saree/salwar suit) for inner darshan at certain temples
- Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside most sanctums
Ready for the most powerful Shiva pilgrimage of your life? Use the booking card or WhatsApp Prithvi — we’ll arrange a 7-Jyotirlinga or full 12-Jyotirlinga circuit with all darshan tickets, hotels, transport and helicopter slots where needed.