What's the Best Strategy for a 12 Jyotirlinga Tour Packages

A jyotirlinga is a devotional representation of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism. The word jyotirlinga means ‘lingam of light’, and it signifies the radiant and infinite nature of Shiva. According to the Hindu scriptures, there are 12 jyotirlingas in India, where Shiva manifested himself as a pillar of light and blessed the devotees with his grace. These 12 jyotirlingas are considered to be very auspicious and holy, and visiting them is believed to cleanse the sins and grant salvation.

The 12 Jyotirlingas Mahadev Temples in India are:

• Somnath in Gujarat, the first and the most ancient jyotirlinga, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the moon.

• Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the mountains, along with his consort Parvati as Bhramaramba.

• Mahakaleshwar in Madhya Pradesh, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of time and death, and the protector of Ujjain.

• Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the sacred syllable Om, on an island shaped like Om in the Narmada river.

• Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the Himalayas, and the destroyer of evil.

• Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the forest, and the slayer of the demon Bhima.

• Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the universe, and the liberator of the souls in Varanasi, the city of light.

• Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the three worlds, and the source of the holy river Godavari.

• Baidyanath in Jharkhand, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the physicians, and the healer of the sick.

• Nageshwar in Gujarat, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of the snakes, and the savior of the devotees from poison.

• Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of Rama, and the remover of the sins of killing Ravana.

• Grishneshwar in Maharashtra, where Shiva is worshipped as the lord of compassion, and the restorer of the life of Parvati’s son Ganesha.

The purpose of this blog is to guide you on how to plan a 12 jyotirlinga tour package in the best possible way. You will learn about the history, significance, and rituals of all jyotirlinga, as well as the best time, mode, and duration of travel. You will also get tips on accommodation, food, and other attractions near each jyotirlinga. By the end of this blog, you will have a clear idea of how to embark on the spiritual journey of a lifetime and experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva in his 12 radiant forms.

 

How to Choose the Best Way to Travel to the 12 Jyotirlingas

The 12 Jyotirlingas are located in different states of India, spanning from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu. Therefore, choosing the best way to travel to them depends on your budget, time, preference, and convenience. You should take into consideration a few of these factors:

• The distance and accessibility of each Jyotirlinga from the nearest airport, railway station, or bus stop.

• The availability and frequency of flights, trains, or buses to each destination.

• The cost and comfort of the transport mode and the accommodation options.

• The weather and climate conditions of each place and the best time to visit them.

• The safety and security of the travel route and the destination.

Some of the popular ways to travel to the 12 Jyotirlingas are:

• By air: This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to the 12 Jyotirlingas, especially if you have a limited time and a high budget. You can book flights to the nearest airports of each Jyotirlinga and then take a taxi, auto, or bus to reach the temple. However, this option may not be available for some remote locations, such as Kedarnath, where you may have to take a helicopter or trek to reach the temple. Also, flying may not be the best option if you want to enjoy the scenic beauty and the cultural diversity of each place. If you fly to the nearest airports of each Jyotirlinga and then take a taxi, auto, or bus to reach the temple, it may take you around 15 to 20 days to complete the tour. This is assuming that you spend around 2 to 3 hours at each temple and have no delays or cancellations in your flights.

• By train: This is the most economical and comfortable way to travel to the 12 Jyotirlingas, especially if you have a moderate time and budget. You can book train tickets to the nearest railway stations of each Jyotirlinga and then take a taxi, auto, or bus to reach the temple. However, this option may not be suitable for some locations, such as Rameshwaram, where you may have to take a ferry or a bridge to reach the temple. Also, train travel may not be the best option if you want to avoid the crowd and the hassle of booking tickets in advance. If you take trains to the nearest railway stations of each Jyotirlinga and then take a taxi, auto, or bus to reach the temple, it may take you around 25 to 30 days to complete the tour. This is assuming that you spend around 2 to 3 hours at each temple and have no delays or disruptions in your trains.

• By road: This is the most flexible and adventurous way to travel to the 12 Jyotirlingas, especially if you have a lot of time and a low budget. You can rent a car, bike, or cycle and drive to each Jyotirlinga at your own pace and convenience. However, this option may not be feasible for some locations, such as Kedarnath, where you may have to trek or take a helicopter to reach the temple. Also, road travel may not be the best option if you want to avoid the traffic and the road conditions of each place. If you drive to each Jyotirlinga by renting a car, bike, or cycle, it may take you around 35 to 40 days to complete the tour. This is assuming that you spend around 2 to 3 hours at each temple and have no breakdowns or accidents on the road.

 

A Spiritual Journey to the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva

If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism, you may have heard of the 12 jyotirlingas, the radiant signs of his presence on earth. These are the 12 sacred temples where Shiva manifested himself as a pillar of light, and where he is worshipped in the form of a lingam, a symbol of his infinite and formless nature. Visiting these 12 jyotirlingas is considered to be a great blessing and a way of attaining salvation. This travel guide will teach you about the significance, history, and ideal time to visit each of the 12 Jyotirlingas Shiv Mandirs in India, along with other local sights and things to do.

Somnath Jyotirlinga: The First and the Eternal

Somnath Temple is located in Gujarat and is considered to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here as a fiery column of light and destroyed the demon Tripurasura. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times by various invaders and rulers. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel constructed the present temple in 1951. The temple is open from 6 am to 9 pm and the main aarti timings are 7 am, 12 pm, and 7 pm. The best time to visit Somnath is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months are very hot and humid, and the monsoon season may cause flooding and waterlogging. Some of the festivals celebrated at Somnath are Kartik Purnima, Maha Shivaratri, and Shravan month.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga: The Abode of Shakti and Shiva

Mallikarjuna Temple is situated on the Shri Shaila Mountain in Andhra Pradesh and is also known as Kailash of the South. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to bless his devotees, Parvati and Kartikeya, who had a dispute over who was the elder son. The temple is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Bhramaramba. The temple is open from 4:30 am to 10 pm and the main aarti timings are 5:30 am, 10:30 am, and 5 pm. The best time to visit Mallikarjuna is from September to March, when the weather is mild and comfortable. The summer months are very hot and dry, and the monsoon season may cause landslides and roadblocks. Some of the festivals celebrated at Mallikarjuna are Ugadi, Navratri, Maha Shivaratri, and Karthika month.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: The Lord of Time and Death

Mahakaleshwar Temple is located on the banks of the Kshipra River in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh and is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas, where one can attain salvation. It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested here as a linga to protect the city from a demon named Dushana. The temple is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, where the linga is worshipped with the ashes of a funeral pyre. The temple is open from 4 am to 11 pm and the main aarti timings are 4 am, 7 am, 10 am, 5 pm, and 8 pm. The best time to visit Mahakaleshwar is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause flooding and waterlogging. Some of the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar are Kumbh Mela, Maha Shivaratri, and Shravan month. For more details, you can visit the official website of Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga: The Sacred Island of Om

Omkareshwar Temple is situated on an island called Shivapuri in the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh and is shaped like the sacred symbol of Om. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to grant a boon to the sage Narada, who had performed a severe penance. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Narmada. The temple is open from 5 am to 10 pm and the main aarti timings are 5 am, 12 pm, and 8:30 pm. The best time to visit Omkareshwar is from October to March, when the weather is moderate and comfortable. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause water level fluctuations and boat service disruptions. Some of the festivals celebrated at Omkareshwar are Kartik Purnima, Maha Shivaratri, and Narmada Jayanti. For more details, you can visit the official website of Omkareshwar Temple.

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga: The Healer of the Gods

Baidyanath Temple is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that are revered by the Hindus. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to heal the wound of Ravana, who had tried to lift the mountain Kailash. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Narmada. The temple is open from 4 am to 11 pm and the main aarti timings are 4 am, 7 am, 10 am, 5 pm, and 8 pm. The best time to visit Baidyanath is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause flooding and waterlogging. Some of the festivals celebrated at Baidyanath are Kartik Purnima, Maha Shivaratri, and Shravan month. The nearby attractions and activities include the Basukinath Temple, the Nandan Pahar, the Satsang Ashram, and the Tapovan Caves. You can also enjoy the local cuisine and handicrafts of Deoghar. Baidyanath is a must-visit destination for the devotees of Lord Shiva and the seekers of spirituality.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: The Slayer of the Demon Bhima

Bhimashankar Temple is located in the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra and is surrounded by a rich biodiversity hotspot. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to kill the demon Bhima, who had tormented the sages and the gods. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Kamalaja. The temple is open from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm and the main aarti timings are 4:30 am, 12 pm, and 7:30 pm. The best time to visit Bhimashankar is from August to February, when the weather is cool and green. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause heavy rainfall and mist. Some of the festivals celebrated at Bhimashankar are Maha Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Shravan month. For more details, you can visit the official website of Bhimashankar Temple.

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga: The Remembrance of Rama

Rameshwaram Temple is located on an island in the Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to bless Lord Rama, who had prayed to him before crossing the bridge to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon Ravana. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Parvati. The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm and the main aarti timings are 5 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 6 pm, and 8:30 pm. The best time to visit Rameshwaram is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause cyclones and storms. Some of the festivals celebrated at Rameshwaram are Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami, and Thirukalyanam.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: The Protector from Serpents

Nageshwar Temple is located on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat and is also known as Kailash of the West. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to protect his devotee Supriya from a demon named Daaruka. The temple is famous for its 25 m tall statue of Lord Shiva and its serene surroundings. The temple is open from 6 am to 9 pm and the main aarti timings are 5:30 am, 12 pm, and 7 pm. The best time to visit Nageshwar is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause water level fluctuations and boat service disruptions. Some of the festivals celebrated at Nageshwar are Maha Shivaratri, Shravan month, and Nag Panchami.

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga: The Light of the World

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located on the banks of the Ganga River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to bless the city with eternal peace and prosperity. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Vishalakshi. The temple is open from 3 am to 11 pm and the main aarti timings are 3 am, 11:15 am, and 7 pm. The best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause flooding and waterlogging. Some of the festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath are Ganga Aarti, Maha Shivaratri, and Dev Deepawali. For more details, you can visit the official website of Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga: The Origin of the Holy River Godavari

Trimbakeshwar Temple is located at the source of the Godavari River in Maharashtra and is one of the five Jyotirlingas associated with the Pancha Bhoota (five elements). It is said that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to calm down the anger of the sage Gautama, who had cursed the river to become dry. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Kushmanda. The temple is open from 5:30 am to 9 pm and the main aarti timings are 5:30 am, 10:30 am, and 7 pm. The best time to visit Trimbakeshwar is from July to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause heavy rainfall and waterlogging. Some of the festivals celebrated at Trimbakeshwar are Kumbh Mela, Maha Shivaratri, and Shravan month.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga: The Highest and the Coldest

Kedarnath Temple is located in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand and is one of the four Char Dham sites. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to evade the Pandavas, who were seeking his forgiveness for the Kurukshetra war. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Kali. The temple is open from April to November and the main aarti timings are 4:30 am, 6 am, 7:45 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6:30 pm. The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and from September to October, when the weather is clear and cold. The winter months are very snowy and the temple is closed for six months. The monsoon season may cause landslides and roadblocks. Some of the festivals celebrated at Kedarnath are Badri-Kedar Festival, Maha Shivaratri, and Shravan month. For more details, you can visit the official website of Kedarnath Temple.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga: The Last and the Gracious

Grishneshwar Temple is located near the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra and is also known as the Kailash of the West. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared here as a linga to reward a devout woman named Ghushma, who had made and worshipped 101 earthen lingas daily. The temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where the Devi is worshipped as Kamalaja. The temple is open from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm and the main aarti timings are 5:30 am, 12 pm, and 7:30 pm. The best time to visit Grishneshwar is from July to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months are very hot and the monsoon season may cause heavy rainfall and waterlogging. Some of the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar are Maha Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Shravan month.

 

Conclusion

Visiting the 12 jyotirlinga temples in India is a spiritual journey that can enrich your soul and mind. These sacred shrines of Lord Shiva are spread across the country and offer a glimpse of the diverse culture, history, and nature of India. In this blog, we have shared with you the benefits of taking a 12 jyotirlinga tour package, such as convenience, affordability, guidance, and safety. We have also given you some tips on how to plan your trip, such as choosing the right season, booking in advance, packing wisely, and following the rules and rituals. Finally, we have presented you with a sample itinerary that covers all the jyotirlinga 12 in 20 days, along with some of the attractions and activities that you can enjoy along the way.

We hope that you have found this blog useful and informative. If you have any questions, queries, or feedback, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you and help you in any way we can. Thank you for reading this blog and we wish you a happy and safe journey. Om Namah Shivaya!