This Jyotirlinga is situated at Kashi (Banaras) and famous by the name of Shiv Vishwanath Kashi. It is said in the scriptures that when the earth was submerged under water (Pralaya). Lord Shiva upheld holds this place by his Trishul. It is believed that who come and die here attain liberation (Moksha). Lord Shiva gives the Tarak Mantra to the ones who die here. The one who prays and worships Vishweshwar with devotion attains all his desires of happiness and liberation; and one who incessantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets liberated.

The new temple was built at a distance from the original one by the Queen Ahilyabai of Indore. Other than this Shri Karpati constructed a new temple near the Ganges. One can stand a bit far from the place and worship Lord Vishweshwar.

Somnath

Temple of Lord Somnath is situated near the town of Veraval in Western part of Gujarat. Veraval is reached from Rajkot. There is an interesting story associated with the emergence of this Jyotirlinga, mentioned in the Purana.

According to the Shiva Purana Daksha Prajapati daughters (Ashwini, Bharani, Kritika, Rohini) wedded Chandrama, the moon god. Amongst all his wives, he had special love towards Rohini. Seeing the negligence of Chandra towards his other wives Prajapati Daksha cursed Chandra that he would lose his beauty and radiance. The moon devoid of radiance and beauty the entire world became lifeless. On the advice of Brahmaji, Chandrama started worshipping Lord Ashutosh. Pleased by his devotion Lord Ashutosh appeared before him and gave him the blessing of immortality, but he would undergo waxing and waning accordingly in a month.

On request of the Chandrama and other gods Bhagwan Shankar assumed the name Somchandra (Jyotirlinga) and resided there eternally. He became famous by the name Somnath in the three worlds. It was the Prabhas Kshetra where Bhagwan Shri Krishna performed all his Lilas. In this temple there is a small cave in which a lamp burns continuously.

Mahakaleshwar

Temple of Bhagwan Mahakal is situated in the town of Ujjain. Ujjain is near Indore, and is reached by train via Ratlam or Bhopal.

It is important Shivite place of North India. This Jyotirlinga is situated in the Mahakal forest in Ujjain, by the banks of the Shipra river. One comes across a number of stories in the Puranas associated with the Mahakaleshwar Linga.

According to a story, a five year old boy named Shrikar was enthralled seeing the devotion of king Chandrasena of Ujjain towards Lord Shiva. He picked a stone and considering it a linga started worshipping it regularly. Others thought that his worship as merely a gimmick and tried to dissuade him in all ways. But all the efforts went in vain. On the contrary the devotion of Shrikar increased day by day. Pleased by the boy’s devotion Lord Shiva assumed Jyotirlinga form and resided in the Mahakal forest.

The courtyard of Bhagwan Mahakaleshwar temple is very big. The temple is itself grand and beautiful. This Jyotirlinga is situated below the ground in the Garbha Griha. The linga is quite big in size and is encircled by a snake of silver. On one side of the linga there is the idol of Lord Ganesha, on the another side the idols of Parvati and Kartikeya are installed. The Kumbha mela that is organised every year on the banks of the Shipra river is very famous. All devotees take a holy water from the Shipra river and seek blessings of Lord Mahakaleshwar.

Omkareshwar

The Temple of Lord Omkareshwar is situated on the banks of River Narmada, in between Indore & Khandwa. It is also a rare archaeological splendour. The temple is situated on an island, which is encircled by the Narmada River.

This Jyotirlinga is situated by the banks of Narmada river in the Malva area. Gods of all the Gods Lord Shiva’s Omkareshwar linga is situated on the mountain Mandhata. The Shiv Purana speaks of the greatness of Omkareshwar and Mammaleshwar. The 2 sons of the sun dynasty Mandhata (Ambarish and Mucchkund), practiced severe penance and austerities here pleased Lord Shiva. They had also performed great religious sacrifices here, because of this the mountain is named Mandhata.

Before entering the temple one has to pass through 2 rooms. The Omkareshwar is not affixed to the ground, but is naturally installed there. There is always water around it. The significance of this linga is that the linga is not situated below the cupola. The idol of Lord Shiva is situated on the top of the temple. A huge fair is organised here on the day of Kartik Poornima.

Omkareshwar is undoubtedly amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas but another name often comes up in this context is Mammaleshwar. Not only the name but the existence of these two are also thoroughly different. The temple of Maleshwar is situated south of the river Narmada, but both the forms of Shiva have been counted as one.

It is said that once upon a time Vidhya Parvat practiced severe penances and worshipped Parthivarchana along with Lord Omkareshwar for nearly six months. As a result Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed him with the desire boon. On the sincere request of all the gods and the sages Lord Shiva made two parts of the ling. In one he resided as the Pranav or Omkar and assumed the form of Omkareshwar and Bhagwan Sadashiva, Parameshwar, Amareshwar or Mamaleshwar assumed form from the Partivlinga.

Rameshwaram

The consecration of the temple of Lord Rameshwar was done by none other than Lord Rama himself, and thus acquired his name. It is situated in a large island surrounded by sea in the southern side of India. It is approached from Madurai, which by itself is well connected by all means of transportation.

Another Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is situated on the peninsular tip Rameshwaram. It was Lord Rama who installed this Linga there, when he was on his way to attack Ravana he reached this place where he made a linga of sand and worshipped it. It was also believed that when Lord Rama was drinking water on the seashore there was a celestial proclamation – You are drinking water without worshipping me. Listening to this Lord Rama made a linga of sand and worshipped it and asked to be blessed so that he could vanquish Ravana. Lord Shiva blessed him accordingly. He also requested Lord Shiva to reside eternally here so that entire mankind should benefit from it. Shiva then manifested himself as the Linga and got installed there for eternity.

The Manas Says –
JE RAMESHWAR DARSHAN KARI HAHI |
TE TANU TAJI MAM LOKA SIDAARI HAHI ||

Meaning : Those who go to Rameshwar and seeks my blessings, shall always reside in Shivloka. The temple of Rameshwar is very big and huge. There are many other idols of Shiva and other gods other than the main linga. There is a big idol of Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva. There is greatness associated of the ceremonial bath given to the linga by water of the Ganga.

There is a Shrine named Dhanushkodi 20 miles away from Rameshwaram. It is known for rites performed for the deceased ancestors. In the vicinity of this there are a number of other temples.

Mallikarjuna

The temple of Lord Mallikarjuna is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated in the town of Srisailam on the banks of River Patalganga Krishna. Srisailam mountain is looked upon reverentially as the Kailash of South.

This is situated on mountain named Shri Shaila by the banks of the Patal Ganga, Krishna river in the state of Andhra Pradesh of Southern India. It is also known as Kailash of the south. It is said that by merely seeing the tip of mountain one is emancipated from all his sins and worries. The person becomes free from the vicious cycle of life and death. This Jyotirlinga is situated on the divine Shiv Shaila Mountain. The architecture of the temple is very beautiful and intricate. Every year there is a fair organised on account of Mahashivratri, Just adjacent to the temple is another holy shrine of Goddess Jagdamba. Here she is known as Bhramaramba.

According to Shiva Purana, when Shri Ganesh was married of before Kartikeya, Kartikeya became angry. Despite being stopped and consoled by his parents Shiv-Parvati, he went away to the Kraunch Mountain. Even the Gods went and tried consoling Kartikeya, but all their efforts were in vain. Shiv-Parvati were very sad and both decided go to the Kraunch mountain themselves. When Kartikeya came to know that his mother-father have arrived he went away. Eventually Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirlinga and resided on that mountain by the name of Mallikarjuna. Mallika means Parvati, while Arjuna is another name of Shiva. In this way both Shiva and Parvati reside in this linga. The people who visit this Jyotirlinga are emancipated from all their sins and fulfill all their desires. It is for the welfare and well being of one and all.

Trayambakeshwar

Shri Trayambakeshwar is situated at 20 kms from the city of district Nashik of Maharashtra state and can also be reached from Bombay in about 4-5 hours , Near this is the mountain named Brahmagiri from which the river named Godavari flows. What importance Ganga is ascribed to the North India, the same importance is given to Godavari in south India. It is the penance of the great sage Rishi Gautama that materialized on being blessed by Lord Ashutosh. Just as Ganga is known as Bhagirathi in the same way, Godavari is also known as Gautami Ganga.

When the planet Jupiter enter the Leo Sign a fair is organised on a very large scale here. Devotees take a holy bath in the Gautami Ganga and seek the blessings of Trayambakeshwar. Accordingly to the Shiv Purana it is because of the earnest request of Godavari, Gautam Rishi and other gods that Lord Shiva agreed to reside here and assumed the famous name Trayambakeshwar.

Once upon a time there lived a sage name Gautam with his wife named Ahilya. The ultimate aim of their life was penance and good of others. Once there was a drought. Altruistic Gautam Rishi made a pit and filled it with water by appeasing Varuna Deva. All were very happy but the wives of other sages staying in the vicinity started feeling jealous. They made a conspiracy by persuading their husbands, to drive Gautam Rishi and his wife out of the area. All the sages came together and started worshipping Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha pleased with their devotion assumed form and being told the boon to be granted dissuaded the sages from doing so. But when the sages did not listen he blessed them accordingly and vanished.

Accordingly Lord Ganesha assumed form of a cow and entered the courtyard of Gautam Rishi’s house and started eating grass and plants. Incidentally Rishi Gautam came there and started eschewing the cow with a thick stick. As soon as the stick touches the cow, the cow dropped down dead. Unfortunately, that moment the other wicked sages came there and criticised Gautam Rishi for his cruelty. They told him to leave the place and go away. Gaumtam Rishi humbly told them that he was ready to take the punishment for the crime committed. The sages suggested that he should circumambulate the earth thrice, the Mountain Brahmagiri 100 times, holy bath in the Ganges and worshipping of 1 crore Shivalingas. After performing this penance, Lord Ashutosh appeared before them and said O Sage Gautam you were always innocent and pure. The other sages in reality made a conspiracy against you.

Surprised Sage Gautama said that those Sages have done a lot of good to him If, I wouldn’t have done this penance, I would not see you. After this Gautam Rishi asked Ganga from Lord Shiva. Shiva requested Ganga to flow down and make Sage Gautam pure. Lord Shiva told Ganga to stay there eternally for the good of all the people. All the Gods started singing the praises of Gautam Rishi, Ganga and Lord Shiva. On the request of all the Gods, Lord Shiva resided by the river Gautami by the name Trimbakeshwar (one of the Jyotirlingas.). This Jyotirlinga named Trayambak, is the one which fulfills everyone’s desires. It emancipates all from their sins and miseries.

Bhimashankar

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated in the north of Pune, on the Sahayadri, by the banks of the river Bhima. It is from here that the Bhima River flows. It is believed that Lord Shiva was pleased by the devotion of a king named Bhimak of the sun Dynasty and is called the Jyotirlinga in the place. But according to the Shiv Purana the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated on the Mountain Brahmapur, district Kamrup of Assam. Lord Shiva had incarnated so that he could destroy the demons and protect his devotees and for the welfare of one and all.

It is believed that once upon a time in the place called Kamrup a great devotee by the name of King Kamrupeshwar would reside. He would be constantly abandoned in the worship of Shiva. During the same a demon named Bhima emerged and started harassing the people. He had heard many a things about the sublime devotion of Kamrupeshwar. He wanted to kill King Kamrupeshwar. No sooner he attacked the king absorbed in worship, his sword fell on the linga instead of the king. Instantly Lord Ashutosh appeared and destroyed Bhima along with his army.

Seeing this, all were elated. On the sincere request of the gods and sages he agreed to reside there eternally by the name of Bhimashankar.

Nageshwar

Temple of Lord Nageshwar is situated in Gujarat, and is about 12 kms on way from Gomti-Dwarka to Bhet-Dwarka.

According to the Shiv Purana there was a she-demon by the name Daruka in ancient times. Due to Parvati’s blessings she had turned proud and obstinate. A mighty demon named Daruk was her husband. He had collected a huge army of demons and had started harassing all the innocent people there. He would destroy all the religious rituals performed there. On the western bank of the ocean there was a forest which was abundant with all the good things. The forest was spread across 192 kms. Wherever Daruka would go, the forest with all its good things would go along with her.

Goddess Parvati had appointed Daruka as the caretaker of the forest. Daruka and her husband Daruk both would stay there and terrify people there. People tired of this terror went to Maharishi Aurva. Aurva for the security of the refugees cursed the demons that if they would harass people or destroy religious rituals they would instantly die. When the gods came to know about this they attacked the demons. Even though the demons would kill the gods they became frightened because, they could get killed because of the curse of the sage. If they did not kill they would get defeated. Seeing the state of the demons Daruka said because of the blessing of Bhavani I can take this forest whereever I want. She went and entered the sea. Now all the demons started residing in the sea and started harassing creatures there also.

Once many a boats having many people seated came there. All the demons caught hold of the people and put them in prison. Amongst the prisoners there was a prisoner by the named Supriya. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He advised all prisoners to recite the mantra ‘AUM NAMAHA SHIVAYA.’ When Daruk came to know about this he ran to kill Supriya. Supriya called out to Lord Shiva the Saviour. Instantly Lord Shiva appeared through a small hole and a beautiful temple with wall was formed. In the middle of the temple a lustrous Jyotirlinga was installed. Lord Shiva destroyed all the demons and saved the life of Supriya. Here Demons Daruka started praying to Goddess Parvati for mercy. The Goddess was pleased with the devotion and blesses her. In this way Lord Shiva stays and resides there eternally by the name of Nageshwar and Goddess Parvati by the Nageshwari. According to the Shiv Purana who ever with devotion reads the birth and greatness of this Jyotirlinga will achieve all material happiness and shall get divine status in the end.

Baijnath (Vaidyanatha)

The Temple of Lord Baijnath is situated in Bihar. On the rail route from Patna to Kolkata is a place called Keeul. About 100 kms south-east of this place is Devghar – where this ancient Temple is situated.

The associated story is as follows. With the burning desire for power, might and strength Ravana started worshipping Lord Shiva with mind and soul. During summers he would Partake Panchagni and during winters he would stay in water. During the rains he would stay in the open fields and practice penance.

Even after long penance when Lord Shiva did not appear he made a Parthivlinga and installed it. He dug a pit near it and lighted fire just beside it. Accordingly to the scriptures he performed worship of Shiva in front of the fire. He started cutting his heads one by one and offered it as oblation to the Lord. Because of Shiva grace the moment he would cut his head and offer it, it would come back to its original place. In this way he offered his head 9 times. When he was about to offer his 10th head Lord Shiva immediately appeared and Said – O Ravana! I am pleased with your devotion you ask me for a boon you desire.

Ravana asked for invincibility and tremendous might and power. Lord Shiva blessed him accordingly. Ravana requested Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. At that time Shiva handed over to him a linga and warned Ravana that if you keep this Linga anywhere on earth it shall fix itself to the ground and shall remain there for eternity. He thanked Lord Shiva and holding the linga carefully started of to the Lanka. Because of Lord Shiva’s Maya Ravana felt like answering nature’s call, which was uncontrollable. He gave the linga to a small boy standing by the side and told him to hold it. The small boy could not withstand the weight of the linga and he kept it on the ground. No sooner he had done so the linga affixed itself strongly to the ground for eternity. Despite all his efforts Ravana could not lift it and in despair Ravana returned home. This Shiva linga itself is the Jyotirlinga named Vaijnath.

Releasing the truth, all the gods along with Brahmaji appeared there. They took the blessing of Lord Shiva and started singing his praises.

By worshipping Vaijnath Jyotirlinga one can eliminate all his/her worries and miseries. It is also a giver of Moksha and all types of happiness. Devotees carry ‘Kanwars’ on their shoulders and complete their travel here.

Grishneshwar

The Jyotirlinga named Grishneshwar, Ghurmeshwar or Ghushmeshwar is situated in a village called Verul which is 20 km away from Daulatabad and approximately 100 kms from Manmad station just adjacent to the famous Ellora Caves. The Shivpuran speaks of the emergence of the linga through the following story.

In the southern direction, on a mountain named Devagiri there lived a Brahmin named Brahmavetta Sudharm along with his wife Sudeha. He was a scholar of the Vedas, the scriptures and used to teach many students. But they did not have a child of their own because of which Sudeha was sad. She would often pray for a child. She tried all the possible remedies but all efforts went in vain. She got her sister Ghushma married to her husband by forcing her purposely. She would serve Sudharm along with Ghushma her sister. On advice by her sister Ghushma used to make 101 lingas and worship them. She used to discharge the lingas in the lake, near by.

By the blessing of Lord Shiva she was blessed with a beautiful fortunate baby boy. Because of this, Ghushma became proud and Sudeha started feeling jealous towards her sister. Out of jealously, one night she took Ghushma’s son and killed him and threw him in the lake where Ghushma used to discharge the lingas.

On the next Ghushma got up and got involved in her daily ablutions. Sudharm also was involved in daily prayers etc. Alike others Sudeh also got up and started performing her daily choirs. When Ghushma’s daughter-in-law saw stains of blood on her husband's bed and parts of the body drenched in blood, she was horrified. She came to her mother-in-law Ghushma crying and told her everything. Ghushma was absorbed in worshipping Shiva. So she did not deter. Even her husband Sudharma did not move an inch. When Ghushma, after worship, saw the bed drenched in blood she did not break down. She said, he who has given me this child shall protect him, and started reciting ‘Shiva-Shiva’ continuously. When she went to discharge the Shivalingas after prayers she saw her son coming. Seeing her son he was neither happy nor sad. At that time Lord Shiv appeared before her and said – I am pleased with your devotion. Your sister had killed your son.

Ghushma prostrated before Shiv and told Lord Shiva to forgive Sudeh and emancipate her. Lord Shiv asked her another boon. Ghushma said that if he was really happy with her devotion then he should reside here eternally for the benefit of the multitudes in the form of a Jyotirling and may you be known by my name. On her request he manifested in the form of a Jyotirling and assumed the name Ghushmeshwar.