The word Jyotirlinga means a beam of light. A Jyotirlinga is a sacred, symbolic representation of Bhagwan Shiva. Bhagwan Shiva, the Supreme God of the Hindu religion is worshipped in many forms in different parts of the country and these sacred places of worship are called Jyotirlingas. There are 12 major Jyotirlingas which are believed to be self-manifested, naturally appeared and hold immense spiritual significance. Each one has a unique story and spiritual significance. Let’s explore their locations, stories, and importance.
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga
Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
Story: This is the first Jyotirlinga, believed to have appeared when Chandradev, the Moon God, prayed to Bhagwan Shiva to be freed from a curse. Bhagwan Shiva relieved him from the curse and restored his brightness and shine.
Significance: Devotees worship here to gain prosperity and freedom from suffering.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Story: Bhagwan Shiva and Devi Parvati came here to stay close to their son Kartikeya, who chose to live alone on Mount Krauncha. Devi Parvati took the form of Mallika and Bhagwan Shiva took the form of Arjuna, hence the name Mallikarjuna.
Significance: This jyotirlinga is one of its kind as it is both a jyotirlinga and a Shaktipeeth (devoted place of Devi Shakti). This jyotirlinga represents the love and care parents have for their children.
3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Story: Bhagwan Shiva appeared as Mahakal, a fierce form of Bhagwan Shiva. He punished the demon, Dusana who troubled his devotees and restored peace in Avanti, now called Ujjain.
Significance: Devotees worship the Mahakal form of Bhagwan Shiva to seek protection and freedom. Devotees perform the famous Bhasma Aarti, offering ashes to the Mahakal Shivlinga.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh
Story: Vindhya, the mountain range created a mud Shivling and worshipped it to receive Bhagwan Shiva's blessings. Pleased with his devotion, Bhagwan Shiva appeared before him and established there as the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga.
Another story goes that Bhagwan Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar to help the Devas to win against the Asuras.
Significance: This Jyotirlinga is full of divine energy and helps overcome difficulties in life.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Story: After the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas were filled with guilt for killing their relatives. They reached Kedarnath to seek forgiveness from Bhagwan Shiva. Bhagwan Shiva didn't want to forgive them easily, hence he took the form of a bull to disguise himself. However, the Pandavas recognised him and chased him. Bhagwan Shiva disappeared into the ground leaving behind his hump which has since been worshipped as the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga.
Significance: Devotees worship here to apologise for their mistakes and seek wisdom and health from Bhagwan Shiva.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Story: Bhima, a demon after receiving a boon from Bhagwan Brahma had become undefeatable. Bhagwan Shiva took the form of Bhimashankar to punish the demon for his evil deeds and protect his devotees.
Significance: This Jyotirlinga symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and grants strength and protection to devotees.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Story: Bhagwan Shiva and Shakti created the beautiful city of Kashi where they meditated, after which the Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Brahma came into existence, who thereafter created the whole universe. It is said that the city is situated on Shiva's Trident. Bhagwan Shiva himself resides in Kashi and blesses his devotees.
Significance: This Jyotirlinga represents a journey towards wisdom and liberation from the falseness of the world.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
Story: Bhagwan Shiva appeared here to bless Sage Gautama and free him from the sin of killing a cow. The sage prayed to Bhagwan Shiva to bring the holy river Godavari to earth and save his people from drought.
Significance: Devotees worship here to get their wishes fulfilled and pray to Bhagwan Shiva to forgive them for their mistakes.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
Story: Ravana, a devotee of Bhagwan Shiva, wanted to take him to his place. Pleased with his prayers, Shiva agreed to go in lingam form but warned that it should not be placed on the ground. On the way, Ravana handed the lingam to Bhagwan Vishnu, disguised as a Brahmin, and went to relieve himself. After waiting, the Brahmin placed the lingam on the ground and disappeared. When Ravana returned, he couldn’t lift it. A local hunter, Baiju, began worshipping the lingam daily, and it became known as Vaidyanath or Baijnath Jyotirlinga.
Significance: Devotees worship here to get good health and prosperity.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
Story: Bhagwan Shiva protected his great devotee Supriya from a demon named Daruka, who had imprisoned him. Bhagwan Shiva manifested himself as Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and freed Supriya from Daruka.
Significance: Devotees worship here to be courageous and free from all kinds of fear.
11. Rameswaram Jyotirlinga
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Story: Shri Ram was on a quest to rescue his wife, Devi Sita, who had been taken by the Demon King of Lanka, Ravana. Before the battle, Shri Ram made a Shivling and prayed to Bhagwan Shiva for his blessings. Pleased with his devotion, Bhagwan Shiva blessed Shri Ram with victory over Ravana.
Significance: Devotees visit Rameswaram Jyotirlinga and pray to Bhagwan Shiva for success in life.
12. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
Story: Gushmesha, a great devotee of Bhagwan Shiva, used to make his 108 Shivlings every day and would pray to him with true love and devotion. Pleased by her devotion, Bhagwan Shiva appeared before her and manifested himself as Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga.
Significance: Devotees worship here to seek warmth and strength in their relationships. Jyotirlingas are the highest means for experiencing Bhagwan Shiva's supremacy and divinity. Every devotee of Shiva must visit these Jyotirlingas to establish a higher connection with Bhagwan Shiva and to feel his presence within.
More such blogs
Resources
תגובות