Dwaadasha Jyotirlingas of Mahadeva

( Composed and Scripted by V.D.N Rao )

Kedaro Himavatprushthe Daakinyaam Bhimasankarah /Vaaranaasyam cha Viswestriumbako Gautami thatey/ Saurashtrey Sommanathasva Srisaile Mallikarjunah / Ujjainyam Maha Kala Omkare cha Amaresvarah / Vaidyanathaaschitha bhumo Nagesho Daarukaananey / Sethu bandhe cha Ramesho Ghrusneswara Siva lingo/Avatara Dvadasakamethchhambhoh Paramatmana/

Nandiswara in Shiva Purana described the Most Celebrated Twelve Jyotirlingas of Maha Deva as follows:  Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhima Sankar in Dakinya, Viswesvara in Varanasi, Triambaka on the banks of River Gautami, Somnatha in Saurashtra, Mallikarjuna in Sri Sailam, Maha Kala in Ujjain, Amareswara at Omkara, Vaidyanatha in Chitha Bhumi, Nageshwara at Daruka, Rameswara at Setu Bandhana, and Ghrishneswara.

Kedarnath in Uttaranchal, Bhima Shankar near Pune in Maharashtra, Visveswara in Varanasi, Somnath in Gujarat, Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Maha Kala in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkara also in Madhya Pradesh, Vaidhyanath at Deogarh (Bihar), Nageshawara near Dwaraka in Gujarat, Rameswara in Tamilnadu, and Ghrishneswar near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

There are some claims and counter claims of the geographical situation of some of the Jyotirlingas and one might possibly visit these Places too for Mukti!

Kedareshwara Jyotirlinga

Flanked by breath taking views of snow-clad peaks of Himalayas at a height of 3585 m from Sea level on the banks of River Mandakini, Kedareswar is the highest point where Maha Deva’s presence is indeed felt in the manifestation of a famed Kedareswara Jyotir Linga as spread out as a fairly large expanse of black stone with an inclined elevation in the middle portion. Being inaccessible excepting by a difficult 14km trek by foot, or horse back or ‘dolis’( palanquins) carried by two or four humans from Gaurikund, the Temple is open only during end April through November since residents, let alone pilgrims, have little access to the Mountain Top Temple during heavy snowfall in the intervening period. [A helicopter service is available now from Agastya Muni to Phata to reach Kedarnath]. The incarnations of Lord Vishnu in the form of two Sages Nara and Narayana meditated to Bhagavan Siva for several years and as the latter appeared and said that the incarnations of Vishnu Himself executed the penance without any basic reason excepting the welfare of humanity and thus agreed to manifest Himself as a Jyotir Linga at that hallowed place. Nara and Narayana are believed to have assumed their forms as hallowed mountains nearby. According to Puranas, Pandavas performed penance at the Temple and even in the opening Hall of the Temple at the entrance of the Sanctum, there are idols of Pandavas, Lord Krishna, Nandi and Veerabhadra. The belief is that Pandavas were chasing a Bull- Lord Siva Himself- and Bhima continued the chase to subdue the animal by holdindg its tail and the Pandavas attained Salvation finally from the Temple surroundings. It is also believed that Adi Shankara attained His Salvation from this Place and there is a ‘Samadhi’ of His behind the Temple. A distinct feature at the entrance gate of the Temple is the head of a man carved in a triagular stone as facia and a similar triangular facia is displayed in another Temple where Siva-Parvati wedding was fabled to have taken place. ‘Udakmand’ is mentioned in Siva Purana as a union of Seven Seas and its water is everfresh. In fact the Homa Kund of the Wedding is also visioned alive. On way to Kedar a number of Pigrimage Centers dot the route including Agastyamuni, Ukhimath, Phali-Pasalat Devi, Kalimath, and Triguni Narayan not far from Sonprayag. Vamana Purana explained the Origin of Kedara Kshetra vividly: Maha Deva performed deep and extensive tapasya on the top of Himalayas to refresh himself as also for Loka Kalyan or to ensure propitiousness to the entire Universe. During the Tapasya, there were fiery sparks from his ‘jatajutas’or the thick layers of his hair and fell as huge and heavy boulders on Earth. From the boulders that fell, Kedara Tirtha got materialised and Rishis commenced to reside there and by the grace of Mahadeva a Shiva Linga got materialised. Yatris visited the Kshetra atleast for six months a year since it was difficult and unworthy of stay due to heavy snow and cold. Mahadeva blessed and granted fulfillment of devotees who observed fastings, snana, daana, homa, japa and pitru shraddhas and worship and their acts resulted in multiplier returns. In fact Devas came to worship the Shiva Lingan aftertaking holy dips in Kalindi River (Yamuna) the daughter of Surya Deva. There after Maha Deva disappeared deep inside the depths of the River for a very long time and various Lokas and Samudras got disturbed and even Nakshatras dropped down from the Sky. Devas approached Maha Vishnu in Yoga Nidra on Ksheera Sagara. Meanwhile a Danava named Mura, who was the son of Kashyapa Muni and Danu the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, performed such unusual Tapasya to Brahma and secured a peculiar boon that whosoever would touch would die. Deva and all other Celestial Beings like Gandharva, Yakshaadis got rattled and Mura challenged Yama Dharma Raja who in turn directed him to challenge Jagannadha Chatur Murti resting on the Ocean of Milk. Danava Mura reached Jagannadha who asked Mura to enter into a duel. Mura never expected this defiant reply and got confused with Vishnu Maya and muttered: ‘how, where and who’. Swifly enough, Sudarshana Chakra sliced off the neck of Mura thus earning the encomium of Murari. It was at that juncture that Devas arrived at Ksheera Sagara stating that Maha Deva’s whereabouts were unknown. Vishnu along Devas enquired of Devi Parvati, Ganesha, Kumara, Nandi and so on. Then he instructed Devas to observe Tapta Kruccha Vrata for three days each by consuming hot water, hot milk, hot ghee and on the last three days only Vahu bhakshana followed each day by Abhishakas to Maha Linga at KedaraTirtha with sixty five pitchers of curd, thirtytwo pitchers of ghee, sixteen full of pitchers of Pancha gavya, eight ghadas of honey, two hundred pichers of Kalindi’s sacred water, one hundred eight pitchers of Gorochana, Kumkuma, chandana, butter as also puja of Mandara, Harashringara, Agaru, dhupa, naivedyas with the recitation of Rigvedantargata pada krama of Shata Rudreeya. At the end of such severe penances, Indra and Devas visioned a Unified Shiva-Vishnu Swarupa!! Having realised their folly that Shiva and Vishnu were one and the same, Devas and even Brahma moved back to Kurukeshetra and discovered Parama Shiva inside the water and hailed the Sthaanu Maha Deva and postrated before him to withdraw from the Tapasya and bless them all and the Lokas!

Most of the Yatris do not invariably halt over at the intermediate places like Gangotri, Yamunotri, Deva Prayag, etc. and after Haridwar and Rishikesh proceed to Badari/Kedar. This is particularly so since there is a motorable road from Jyoshimutt. It is in respect of those Yatris intending to visit Badrinath that halt at Jyoshimutt while those going to Kedar first prefer halting at Rudra Prayag and trek up to Kedar generally. Of course the context differs in respect of trekking from Rishikesh to either of the destinations first. From Deva Prayag to Srinagar-different from Srinagar of Kashmir-there is a Kamaleshwar Maha Deva Mandir and the legend states that Devi Durga terminated a cruel Kolasura with her ‘Dhanush’(Bow and arrow) and there still is a bow shaped Dhanush Tirtha; Lord Rama worshipped Devi Durga here with Sahasra Kamalas or thousand lotuses but Shankara hid the thousandth lotus but Rama replaced it with his right eye in the worship unhesitatingly! From Srinagar to Rudra Prayag  just away by a mile is the famed and picturesque Sangam of Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers.It is at this point, that the ways to Badari and Kedar depart from each other where Sage Narada is stated to have eulogised Parama Shiva with his prowess in ‘Sangeeta’ where a Shiva Mandir is in place. From Rudra Prayag to Kedarnath the path along Mandakini are the places named Chatouli / Suryaprayag or Surya Deva’s meditation point- Agastya Muni Mandir-Chhota Narayana mandir with Rudraksha trees- Chandrapuri with Chandrashekhara-Durga Mandir-Bhiri with Bhim Mandir-Gupta Kashi where King Banasura the son of Bali Chakravarti of Vamanavatara fame and Banasura’s daughter Usha signified by Ushimutt nearby and Usha’s husband was Aniruddha the son of Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmini. Gupta Kashi is also the abode of Ardha-Naareshwara Shiva seated on Nandi Deva and there is a flow of Kunda or pond nearby stated to be a mix of Ganga and Yamuna. In Nala, Lalitha Devi Mandir is popular and this Devi was worshipped by King Nala. Narayana koti just away by a mile from Nala on the banks of Saraswai River are Narayana Mandir and Kalimutt the latter as worshipped by Kalidas the Scripter of Abhijnana Shakuntala, Kumara Sambhava, Megha sandesa and such immortal classics in Sanskrit. Maikhanda which is two miles from Narayana koti is known for Mahishasura Mardini Mandir. Rampur is the next halt three miles away to the trekkers good for night rest with woollen blankets etc even to carry and return basis to Kedarnath. Up the mountain top at Rampur by a four mile difficult terrain is situated the Mandir of Triyugi Narayana with his two consorts Bhu Devi and Lakshmi Devi; this is right along with River Saraswati with its four Maha Kundas called Brahma Kund, Rudra Kund, Vishnu Kund and Saraswati kund. It is stated that Achamana, Snaana, Marjana, Tarpana be performed at the respective Kundas. At the Triyugi Narayana there is an Akhanda Dhuni or Uninterrupted Fire Place where Homa Prakriyas are continuously performed and twigs are fed in the Agni Kunda. Despite the high significance of this Triguni Narayana Mandir which is very tiring to reach, yatris of normal stamina excuse themselves and avoid the peak height, and proceed further to Soma Prayag and reach Gouri Kund. The major halt before the eight and odd mile ascent up to Kedarnath is Gauri Kunda where there is a natural hot water Kund to refresh the yatris.  

Kedarnath is one of the Dwadasha Shiva Maha Linga Abodes as these are as follows:

Kedaro Himavat prushthe Dakinyaam Bhimashankarah, Vaaranaasyaamcha Vishwesraambako Gautami tatey/ Saurashtre Somanathaswa Shrishaile Mallikarjunah, Ujjainaam Maha kaalaa Omkarecha Amareshwarah/ Vaidyanadhascha Bhumo Nagesho Daarukaananey, Setubandhe cha Ramesho Ghrushneshwara Shiva Lingovtara Dwadashashakametcchambo Paramatmana/

(Nandishwara described in Shiva Purana the Most Celebrated Twelve Jyotirlingas of Maha Deva as follows: Kadarnath in Himalayas (Uttaranchal), Bhima Shankar in Dakinya (Near Pune in Maharashtra), Vishwaswara inVaranasi (Uttar Pradesh), Triambika on the banks of River Gautami (Maharashtra), Somanath (Saurashtra / Gujarat), Mallikarjuna in Srishaila,(Andhra Pradesh), Mahakala, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), Amareshwara at Omkara (Madhya Pradesh), Vaidyanatha at Deogarah (Bihar)/ Parli (Maharashtra); Nagesha near Dwaraka (Gujarat) or Naganadh (Aoudhya, Maharashtra)/ Jageshwara near Almora, (Uttaraakhanda); Rameshwara (Tamilmadu) and Ghrishneshwara, Aurangabad, Maharashtra).

Kedar Linga is known from times immemorial: In Krita or Satya Yuga, Maharshi Upamanyu is stated to have worshipped Kedara Linga and attained salvation; in Dwapara Yuga Pandavas are stated to have performed Tapasya. Bhagavan MahaDeva assumed the form of Mahisha or a Buffalo and confused Pancha Pandavas at the same time as they were engrossed in Tapasya at different locations of Kedar now reputed as Pancha Kedar by displaying different body parts of the Mahisha viz. at Tunganath displaying hands, Rudranath the face of Mahisha, Mada Maheshwara displaying naabhi or middle portion, and Kalpeshwar his ‘jataajuta’or the coarse head hair; the Prishtha bhaga or the hind body part is stated to have displayed at Kedar nadha proper. One legendary account states that Bhima of Pandavas in the course of his Tapasya got disturbed by the appearance of the hind part of the Buffalo, chased it and tried to forcibly hold its tail but the ever potent Maha Deva eluded him and succumbed with severe injuries. Pashupati Nath Temple in Khatmandu in Nepal is stated to have displayed the Maha Mahisha’s head portion. In Kedar there is no built up Murti swarupa as such but a raised and reclining dome basically a trikona mountain black stone is worshipped with ‘Abhishekas’or oblations with Milk, flowers, fruits, honey, agarbattis or perfumed sticks and so on. Kedar Mandir appears very oriental and typically mountainous with imposing locale surrounded by places like Bhrigupantha (Maghna ganga), Ksheera ganga called Chora thadi thaal, Vasuki thaal, Gugukund, Bhairava Shila.The Mandir displays Pancha Pandava Murtis, Bhima cave and Bhimashila. The half broken exit gate is fabled as the Sacred Gate from which Adi Shankara baled out and flew up to Kailasa. Beatuful white stone life size idols of Shankaraacharya addressing his disciples in the rear portion hall of the Kedar Mandir is in place. Apart from the Murtis of Pandavas, those of Usha and Aniruddha, Lord Krishna, Shiva Parvati and so on too. Around the Mandir in a Parikrama are noticed Amrita Kund, Ishana Kund, Hamsa kund, Retasa Kund, and such other Tirthas.

Most unfortunate havoc of torrential rains, floods, mountain quakes caused thousands of Pilgrims to perish from all over Bharata Desha recently. Indian Air Force deserves kudos for their endless helicopter sorties and saved countless Yatris and so did yeoman service by various Defence Forces and their Wings to have extended the trekkers. Happily the entire Bharat stood up as one to help the survivors as per one’s own resources and sincere assistance. May Bhagavan Shankara who assumed a spurt of momentary fury for whatever was his own reason but essentially of the nature of interminable mercifulness, take the victims in his own fold and bless them as Kailasa Vaasis!   

Right on the expanse of Himalayas are Nanda Devi and Maha Mrityunjaya in the Gadhwal region. Mountain Nanda Devi’s top is the world’s highest Mount Everest named Gouri Shankar. Yatras are conducted to Gaurishankar every twelve years and enterprising men and woman do join the yatra coinciding Bhadrapada Sukla Saptami. On way are Nandakesari, Purna, Triveni Deval, Nandaapeeth etc. The Legend states that Bhagavati Nanda Devi uprooted several Asuras and purified herself by bathing in Rupkunda. Maha Mrityunjaya of Gadwal region again which is of some fifteen miles hike from Karna – ganga suffered a massive earth quake in the remote past at the time Adi Shankaraacharya in mid 18^th century and a Shivaratri Festival has been celebrated there ever-since.

Bhimashankar Jyotirling

Located some 110 km from Pune in Maharashtra State in the Ghat region of Sahyadri Hills near the head of Bhima River which merges with Krishna River too, the fifth Jyotirlinga Bhima Shankar is the appearance Maha Siva who exterminated Demon Bhima, son of Kumbhakarna (Ravan’s brother). Demon Bhima on knowing from his mother Kartaki wanted to avenge the death of his father by Lord Rama, who was Maha Vishnu’s incarnation and performed penance to Lord Brahma to receive boons to conquer even mighty opponents. He defeated Indra and Devas and what provoked Lord Siva most was the tormenting of a great Siva Bhakta King Kamarupeshwara insisting that the latter should pray to himself rather than Siva Linga. As the Demon was about to destroy the Sivalinga by his sword, Lord Siva appeared and destroyed the Demon and His mighty anger caused sweat which flowed as River Bhima. The Jyotirlinga thus manifested is a powerful representation of ‘Ardhanariswara’ in the Temple provides proof of instant fulfillment of all desires thus attracting thousands of devotees, especially on all Mondays and definitely on Sivaratri festivals. As in certain other cases like at Ujjain, the Swayambhu Jyotirlinga is set at a level lower than the normal Ground; also there is a speciality here that there is a constant flow of water from the Linga! The Bhima Shankar Temple is also associated with the killing of Demon brothers Tripurasuras along with Devi Parvati in Her manifestation as Kamalaja whose temple is also nearby the main Temple. Devi Kamalaja was worshipped by Brahma and hence She was called so. Sakini and Dakini were among those whose contribution was significant in the battle against Tripurasuras and their worship too is performed at the Temple. ‘Mokshakund Tirtha’, the Holy Waterbody adjacent the Bhimashankar Temple is associated with Sage Kausika. [Maratha Rulers especially Nana Phadnavis who built the Temple ‘Sikhara’ and Sivaji who made donations to its maintenance were intensely associated with the progress of this illustrious Temple].

While the above version of the location of Bhimashankar is  convincing, Siva Purana which is relevant in the context of  the current source states in Rudra Samhita: ‘Dakininam Bhimashankara’ while outlining the broad references of the Dwadasa Jyotirlingas; more clearly the Koti Rudra Samhita states:

Bhimashankara sanjnaastu Shashtha Shambho Maha Prabho/ Avataro Maha leeloBhimasuravinashanah/ Sudakshinabhida Bhaktam Kamarupeshwaram vrisham / yogaraaksha sadbhutam hatvasaram tha bhakta duhkhadam/Bhimashankara naamaa sa daakinyam samsthitaha swayam/ Jyotirlinga Siva rupena prarthesena Sankarah/  

The sixth incarnation of Shambu and His ‘Leela’( miracle) was the  killing of  Bhimasura and saving of  King Sudakshina of Kamarup whose grateful prayers resulted in the manifestation of Siva at Dakini. The belief is the Bhimashankar Temple at Bhimapur Hill near Guwahati in Assam is the one where the King Sudakshina was saved and the Jyotirlinga was consecrated. Sivaratris are celebrated with pomp and Show in this Temple. Yet another version relates that the Temple of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga at Kashipur near Nainital which was noted as a Dakini Country in the past is the one where the Jyotirlinga appeared. The legend in the Region was that Bhima of Pandava brothers married a Dakini woman named Hidimba and that Lord Siva appeared in that Place as a Swayambhu Jyotirlinga in that Temple area.In this Temple too, there are Idols of Bhairavanath and Devi Bhagavati as also a Temple Tank, called Sivaganga. Siva Ratri Jagarans and Worship are observed with religious fervour and devotion in this Temple too.

Varanasi Jyotirling

Famed as the Place of Devas that was founded by Bhagavan Siva Himself, some five thousand years ago, Kasi has a hoary legend with age-old reputation worldwide. Varun and Ganga and also Ganga and Assi, flowing in differnt directions, confluence in ‘Varana-Assi’ or Varanasi.  Euologised in several Scriptures like Rig Veda, Puranas and Epics, Varanasi was the Capital of Kasi King three thousand years ago and was reputed even by then as the capital of Religion, Education and Arts. The City covers some five kilometers of the Holy and Everflowing Ganges on its banks attracting lakhs of Pilgrims every year as the Ultimate Destination of Salvation for Hindus of all faiths and several other religions especially Buddhists and Jains. This is the Sacred Spot that Bhagavan Visveswara manifested as Avimukta Jyotir Linga in the renowned Golden Visveswara Temple. It is stated that Lord Brahma executed such severe Tapasya ( meditation) here so much that Maha Vishnu moved His head across fast in disbelief and the latter’s ear ring fell at a place on the bank of the River and was since then named ‘Manikarnika’. When Brahma was once chanting Vedas in praise of Siva in the form of the Jyoti Linga with the former’s ‘Panchamukhas’ or Five Heads, some pronounciation slips rolled by and becoming furious of the chanting mistakes which changed the sense of the words, Lord Siva opened the third eye and burnt one of Brahma’s heads which fell and found a permanent place in the Temple. Viswanath Temple is also considered as a ‘Shakti Peetha’ and it is believed that Devi Sati’s ear-rings fell at the spot where Devi Visalakshi’s shrine stands. Durga Temple, nick-named as Monkey Temple owing to large presence of monkeys, is considred as a shrine built originally by Durga Herself and during ‘Navarathras’ of Dussera festival comes fully alive and heavily crowded by devotees. Sankata Vimochana Hanuman Temple is frequently visited, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Shrine of Annapoorni is stated as the place where Devi Annapurna Herself distributed ‘Anna’ (Rice and so on) to devotees when there was a famine and Lord Siva Himself asked for ‘Anna’ in the disguise of a Beggar! There is a Neelakantha Temple with Deities of Vishnu, Avikuntha Vinayaka, Virupakshi Gauri, Saniswara and clusters of Five-some Lingas. A separate shrine dedicated to Kala Bhairava is present too in the courtyard. On the five km long banks of Ganga are situated hundreds of ‘Ghats’ or areas specified for many purposes like Sacrifices or Yagnas and Homams, some for bathing, or some even owned privately. For eg.  ‘Dasasvamedha’ Ghat where Brahma performed Yagnas and even now Brahmanas perform Agni Sthomas, Homas to please Devas and so on; ‘Manikarnika Ghat’ where Brahama executing penance and Vishnu’s earrings were lost at the disbelief of the former’s strengh to do it so seriously and shook His earrings fast and lost these while Devi Parvati pretended that Her earrings were lost so that Siva would stay back to search the lost earrings forever and thus tie Him up to Kasi and such other beliefs. Besides the Manikarnika Ghat, where dead bodies are brought for the favour of cremation to attain mukti (salvation), there is the Harischandra Ghat where the Illustrious King Harischandra was posted as a slave and cremated dead bodies with the same belief of attaining salvation. It is common knowledge that the King stood for truthfulness and endured the most severe tests of life of selling off his family and Son, became a life-long slave and finally attained Salvation.

There are many other Ghats like ‘Man Mandir Ghat’ near Someswara Linga Temple, Lalitha Ghat near by Pasupatinath Temple, Tulasi Ghat where Tulsidas scripted Ramayana and so on. Ranging from Kings and Queens, Foreign Plunderers, Great Saints like Adi Shankara, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda, Dayananda, Tulasidas and GuruNanak; Educationists, Artistes, Disbelievers, Non Hindu Followers, and even modern Pandas-anybody be named and be found- are all attracted to this Memorable City for their reasons of Salvation, Religion, wordly fulfilments, mischief or mere curiosity: but Maha Deva Blesses them all whatever may be the motive!

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling

Located thirty kilometers away frim Nasik in Maharashtra, the renowned Jyotirlinga of  Lord Siva’s materialization called Tryambakeswar attracts thousands of Pilgrims round the year providing boons of material and spiritual nature.The ‘Punyakshetra’ or the Hallowed Land is the source point of  the Holy River Godavari  basically owing to the Bhagiradh-like efforts of Sage Gautama and his highly pious wife Ahalya. By virtue of the Sage’s penance and prayers, Lord Varuna was pleased to supply water and food grains in abundance but this boon turned out as a basis of jealousy of co-Sages and their spouses who created a cow to plunder the grains. Sage Gautama destroyed the cow, but as a result of a sin in killing the cow, the Sage-couple was banished to a hermitage on the mountain of Brahmagiri. Gautama Muni made relentless ‘Tapasya’ to Bhagavan Siva who endowed Gautama with the double desires of bringing River Ganga near his hermitage and also stay on its banks along with Bhagavati in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Lord Siva granted both the wishes that Ganga was brought near Gautama’s hermitage as River Godavari and His manifestation as Tryambakeswara Jyotirlinga in the vicinity of the River Godavari / Gautami. In parallel to this, another legend related to the formation of a Jyotirlinga at Brahmagiri was the interface of Lords Brahma and Vishnu vis-à-vis an appearance of a Fire Column whose height and depth could not be ascertained by both of them; Brahma’s cover-up story was that he found out the height of the Column and cited a Ketaki flower as a witness. Bhagavan Siva gave a curse to Brahma that there would not be worship of the former and Brahma gave a return curse that Lord Siva would be pushed underground. Hence the manifesation of Tryambakeswara under the Brahmagiri. The Jyotirlinga is of a small size in a depression on the floor with water oozing out constantly from the top. The force of waves of the River appears to be as per the intensity of the prayers of Sage Gautama according to the conviction of devotees in the Temple! Major Tirthas (Tanks) in the Temple are named Gangadwara representing the source of Ganga (Godavari), Varaha Tirtha where Lord Vishnu had a bath in the River in Varaha Rupa (appearance as Boar) and Kushvartha Tirtha considered as the most significant as Sage Gauthama spread across Kusha or Darbha Grass while securing the waters of Ganga. There are also other Tirthas like Gangasagara, Bilva Tirtha, Indra Tirtha, Vishwanath Tirtha, Mukund Tirtha, Prayag Tirtha, Rama Kund, Lakshmana Kund and so on. Among the Shrines are Kedarnath, Rameshwar, Gauthameshwar, Kasi Viswanatha, Jareswar, Kanchaneswar, Tribhuneswar, Venkateshwar, and Hanuman. There are daily worships at the Main Temple thrice and the nightly ‘arthies’ are special. On Mondays there are special ‘abhishekas’ and ‘arthies’ as also ‘Parikramas’. Kartika month worships are important, especially Kartika Purnima. Gangavatarana is celebrated in the month of Magha. Simhasta Parvani is held once in twelve years.

Somnath Jyotirling

Prajapati Daksha married away twenty seven of his daughters to Chandra Deva (Moon) but Chandra had great infatuation for Rohini to the neglect of other wives. Daksha warned Chandra about this but to avail. Finally Daksha cursed Chandra who appealed to Lord Brahma, and in turn asked to perform Tapasya to Bhagavan Siva. Chandra observed p enance at Prabhasa on the banks of River Sarasvati. On His appearance Lord Siva sorted out the problem with a compromise that the first bright fortnight of a month (Sukla Paksha) Moon would wax and the ‘Krishna Paksha’Moon would wane. He also blessed Moon to be near Him and Parvati always. Being a ‘Sparsha’(Touch) Jyotirlinga-Somachandra- stated to be the first in the series, it  would remove away all physical ailments particularly tuberculosis and leprosy and bathing in the Water body ‘Chandra kund’ washes off all the sins committed by human beings. Known as Prabhat Kshetra [near Veraval in Kathiawad District of Saurashtra in Gujarat], Lord Krishna is believed to have performed his Leelas (Miracle Acts). [An ever burning light in a cave of the Temple is witnessed till date].

Srisailam

Stated to be the Second in the Series of Jyotirlingas on the Sri Parvat ( in Andhra Pradesh, some 230 Km. from Hyderabad) on the banks of River Krishna, Lord Siva’s manifestation as Mallikarjuna along His Spouse Devi Bhramaramba is famed mythologically as the place of penance when Kartikeya was unhappy and felt cheated as Ganesha was wedded earlier despite the Agreement that whoever arrived first after full ‘Bhu Pradakshina’ (circumambulation of the World) would win, but Ganesha took advantage of a Provision of the Scriptures and performed a ‘Pradakshina’ of his parents and attained the advantage of the Pradakshina. Siva and Parvati visited the Krouncha Mountain to pacify Kartikeya but to no avail and thus moved over to the Mountain from Kailasa.As Vrishabha Deva –Siva Parvati’s Carrier-did Tapasya to the Maha Devas, they appeared as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba at this Holy Spot. Lord Rama is said to have installed a Sahasralinga and Pandavas set up Pancha Pandava Lingas in the Temple surroundings. In a tiny hole inside the temple of Devi Bhramaramba, one could still hear the buzz of bees as the Devi assumed the form of bees all over Her Body and killed Mahishasura. Adi Shankara is reputed to have scripted his well known Work named ‘Sivananda Lahari’ at this Temple.

Mahakal Jyotirling Ujjain

The only ‘Svayambhu’ (Self-born) Jyothirlinga of Lord Siva in the form of Mahakal originating ‘Mantra Shakti’ (Power of Mantras) from within is indeed a unique specimen among all the Jyotir- Lingas on the banks of River Kshipra. This is the only Temple of various Jyotirlingas maintained on Tantrik Principles.  While Mahakaleswar faces south as a Dakshina murthi, the Idols of Ganesh, Parvati, Kartikeya and Nandi are installed on West, North, East and South respectively. Shree Yantra is perched upside down at the Ceiling of Garbha Griha where the Main Linga is situated. The Temple has five levels including an underground and on the third level is installed the idol of Nagchandreswar open for public view only on Nag Panchami days. Experience at the time of very early morning ‘Bhasmabhishekhas’or the spread of ash along with the loud chanting of Mantras  of the Deity and with the thrilling and reverberating  sounds of various percussion and bronze gong instruments takes one to devotional ecstasy. [It is stated that the Bhasmabhishekas are performed by using the ashes of the first dead bodies of the previous day, sanctified by Mantras from the holy waters of River Kshipra. Ladies are not allowed to enter the Sanctum at the time of the Bhasmabhishekas although they could witness the proceedings on Close Circuit TVs.]

The mythological background of the Temple was that there was a pious Brahmana well versed in Vedas and Scriptures had four learned sons named Devapriya, Priyamedha, Survita and Suvrata. A demon named Dushana lived nearby on a hill Ratnamala who could not tolerate the very concept of Vedas and its applications and particularly hated the Brahmana brothers. One day the Demon decided to destroy the brothers who were unfazed and continued their worship of Maha Siva. As the Demon and his cruel followers were about kill the brothers there was such a ‘Hunkar’or roaring sound of Mahakal which itself took away the breath of the entire band of Danavas headed by Dushan instantly. The Brahmana brothers prayed to the Lord who appeared on the spot and implored  His manifestation of ‘Mahakala’ to stay put for the greatest benefit of posterity and conducted daily worship from generation to generation.[ Ujjain, the erstwhile Capital of Avanti, had considerable importance of India’s ancient history ruled in the past by Mauryas and Guptas. Memories of King Vikramaditya still linger in the City till date.His Nine Gems of Poets especially Kalidasa who scripted famed Works like Megha Sandesam, Abhijnana Shakuntalam and so on, the other Gems being Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Sankhu, Vetala Bhatta, Ghatakopara, Varahamihira and Vara Ruchi. Bhartruhari the step brother of King Vikramaditya became an ascetic and the Caves of Bhartruhari are on the tourist map of the City as many believe that a person entering the maze of the Caves seldom returns! Kalbharava Temple too is an interesing feature; as much of liquor poured as Naivedya (offerings) in the Deity’s throat (in the form of a Dog), half of it is returned as ‘Prasad’!  Ujjain is one of the Seven ‘Mukti Sthalas’ (Salvation Places) of India, besides Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Benares, Kanchipuram and Dwaraka.]

Omkareshwar Jyotirling

Situated in the banks of River Narmada on the Mandhata (Shivapuri) Island formed in the shape of OM in Sanskrit, Omkareswar is one of the Jyotirlingas besides another Amareswar Linga. The Legend was that Sage Narada visited Vindhya Raja and the latter bragged that Vindya was the highest and most powerful Mountain in the entire World. Narada replied that perhaps Meru was the greatest in terms of height and might. Vindhya Raja felt jealous and executed severe ‘Tapasya’ and pleased Maha Siva and requested that He should always be present in the Vindhyas and establish a Linga of Bhagavan on the banks of Narmada near to Vindhya. Hence the Omkara Jyotirlinga there. Puffed by Siva’s presence there, Vindhya Raja grew taller and taller to compete with Sumeru. This obstructed Sun God’s routine circumambulation of the Universe and He had to return half way turning half of the Universe dark. Bhagavati asked Sage Agastya from Kasi to visit Vindhya Raja who out of veneration bent down to touch the feet of Agastya who asked Vindhya to be in that position till he returned and he never came again from the South!

Baidyanath Jyotirling ( At Deogarh / Parli / Jaageshwar?)

The legendary background of Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is related to Ravanasura the Epic Villain of Ramayana. The King of Lanka carried out a relentless meditation to Bhagavan Siva at Kailash Mountain for mighty supremacy and indomitability in the Three Worlds. But as Siva was still not responsive, he moved out from Kailasa to Vrikshakandhaka towards south of Kailasa. He dug up a pit and worshipped a Sivalinga even by sacrificing his ten heads, one by one and at the end Lord Siva became visible and gave away boons of supremacy as also to let a Sivalinga to carry to his Kingdom on the condition that he should reach Lanka directly without even a single halt, lest the Linga if kept down would never be pulled out! Devas became afraid that once Ravana turned unquestionable, there would be chaos in the Three Lokas and Dharma would be wiped out. Thus Devas prayed to Devi Parvati and Ganesha to somehow avert the risk of the Sivalinga to reach Lanka. Parvati appeared on way to Ravana in disguise and in collaboration with Varuna, tempted pure waters of major holy Rivers to quench Ravana’s thirst. The King’s stomach got bloated and he wished to stop over urgently for a relief and luckily for him, there was a lad whose assistance was sought to hold the Linga for a few moments without placing it on the Ground. By the time Ravana returned, the lad- Lord Ganesha-disappeared and the Linga was stuck to the Ground and no force applied by Ravana was a match to Bhagavan’s decision. That was the Jyotirlinga of Vaidyanath who was a ‘Vaidya’ (Physician) and he helped to piece together the slashed heads of Ravana at the time of his sacrificing them one by one.

‘Baidyanathdham’ (Baba dham) at Deogarh (Jharkhand) is some seven km from the Jasidhi Junction on Howrah-Delhi main line. It is 220 km away from Patna. The Baidyanath Shrine attracts lakhs of pigrims from all over a year normally, but they were in millions during the entire ‘Shravan’ month (July-August). Several of them carry Ganges water from Sultanganj to Deogarh- a distance of about hundred  km-to perform ‘Abhishekams’ to the Jyotirlinga, and many saffron clad Sadhus carry the Ganges water by walk barefooted covering this distance! Pilgrimage to ‘Babadham’ is considered incomplete without visiting Basukinath Siva Temple some distance away. A well maintained Nandi Temple edging the Nandan Pahad (hill) faces a beautiful lake on one side and the Siva Temple on the other. Sivaganga is a pond very near the Main Temple, where Ravana desired to wash but since there was no water nearby, he used his fist and hit the Earth and a pond appeared. Other places of interest at Deogarh include Naulakha Mandir, Satsang Ashram of Radha Swami, Tapovan with many caves where Valmiki is said to have stayed for penance, Rikhia Ashram of Yoga, Hamira Jori where Ravana handed over the Holy Linga to Ganesh before his ablutions and Trikut Parvat with a Maha Deva Temple. Inside the huge complex of Babadham itself are situated some 22 Temples viz. Neelkantha and Parvati before Babadham and on either side a cluster of Shrines devoted to Sri Ram, Ananda Bhairavi, Ganga, Gauri Shankar, Tara, Maha Kali, Annapurna, Lakshmi Narayana, Surya Narayan, Bhavani, Sandhya, and so on.

There is a controversy about the location of Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga at Parli in Maharashtra called Kantipur (Madhyarekha Vijayanti or Vijayanti), which is some 26 km from Ambejoga in the Beed District. One legend of this Temple often heard in the vicinity was that Amba Yogeshwari of Ambejoga wedded Maha Deva Vaidyanadha and the marriage party arrived late after the ‘Muhurtha’ (the precise time) for the wedding and Devi was waiting for long; She cursed the members of the Party to turn into stone statues. Another Story was that after the churning of Ocean for Amrit ( nectar), fourteen gems emerged among which were Dhanvantari and Amrit which were hidden inside the Shivalinga, but as Demons tried to take them forcibly, huge flames came out and they had to retreat. Till date, devotees have strong faith that Amrit and Dhanvantari or disease killing medicinal flows emerge from the Abhisheka waters.Thus Lord Lingamurthi is called as Amritamurthi and Dhanvantari. In fact, all the devotees-irrespective of caste or creed-are allowed touching the Linga and performing Abhishekas by themselves. Daily Rudra Parayana Mantras are reverbrated in the entire Complex. This Sacred Temple is also believed to be the Place where Lord Vishnu as Mohini distributed Amrit to Devas, and hence is called Vijayanti. The other legend associated with the Temple is that of Ravana’s carrying the Linga as described above.Incidentally, the surrounding mountains, forests and rivers are stated to abound medicinal sources. Over the last hundred years or so, considerable construction was made around the Swayambhu Linga by way of strong walls, Enclosures, ‘Mahadwara’ (the Main Gate) and several other Gates, a number of windows (one of which allows morning Sunrays inside one Enclosure by means of which Sun God is worshipped), minarets, lighting and various facilities to lakhs of Visitors. This Temple is a hallowed place particularly to Vira Shaiva Lingayats and devotees of Lord Harihara.There is a Harihara Teertha in the vicinity. Many festivals connected with Siva, Krishna and Bhagavati are celebrated with fervour; Mondays, Fridays, Ekadasis, Chaitra Padava, Dussehras, Tripura Pournami, the entire Kartika month, Sivaratris, Sravana month and so on are observed with reverence. A  Pond in the Area is associated with Markandeya’s  extraordinary devotion to embrace the Linga firmly defying Yamaraja’s order of death and Bhagavan’s subsequent appearance giving His blessing of immortality to the devotee. A Vateswara Temple reminds the devotees of a ‘Vata’ or Banyan Tree around which was the Story of Satyavan and Savitri over Yama’s sanction of long- life to the couple.

Nageshwar Jyotirling

(Dwaraka/ Naganath/ Almora’s Jageshwar ) Nageswaraavataarasthu dasamahaparikeerthitah /Aaavirbhutah swabhaktartha dushtaanam danda sada / Hatva Daruka namaanam Rakshsah Dharmaghatakum / Swabhkata Vaishwanaam cha prarakshat Supriyabhidam / 

Bhagavan’s tenth manifestation (of Jyotirlinga) is popular in save His devotees; a Demon named Daruka who obstructed virtue was destroyed to save His devotee Vaishaya Supriya. While this was the Statement of Siva Purana’s ‘Koti Rudra Samhita’ establishing that Nageswara Jyotirlinga was no doubt evident but there are atleast three claimants of Its Location viz. Nageswara Temple at Dwaraka, Gujarat; Naganath Temple at Aoudhya, Maharashta; and Jagasewara Temple at Almora, Uttarakhand. Happily, all are winners!The legend was that there a demon couple named Daruka and Daruki and the latter secured a grant from Devi Parvathi that wherever the Demoness went, the entire forest would accompany her. The Demons were spoiling Yagnas and all Spiritual tasks, there were protests from the harassed Brahmanas to Sage Ourva and the Sage cursed the demons and followers that they would all be destroyed on earth; the Demons had thus no alternative excepting to move into the Sea. Daruki’s boon from Parvati became ineffective since the forests were all submerged in the Sea. The Demons thus restricted only in the Sea and resorted to pirating the Ships moving in the Seas and one of extremely devoted Bhakta of Lord Siva named Supriya-a Vaiasya- was thrown into a prison on the ship. Bhakta Supriya who was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva made sincere prayers and Bhagavan appreared, killed all the Demons and released the prisoners especially Supriya. Commemorating this joyous moment, the Lord blessed that a Swayambhu Nageswara Jyorirlinga be manifested on the Sea Coast as the memorable Nageswara Jyotirlinga.

Dwaraka Jyotirling

Some 18 km from Dwaraka, the Temple is situated in a large scrub landscape with a huge Siva idol beckoning outside the Holy Shrine with high Sikhara. The Sacred Linga of raw yellow stone is quite small of size (40cm  high and 30cm dia) set underground of 3-4 steps in a spacious Hall of pillars; the Linga which could be touched by all Hindus.The Sivalinga is facing South and a Gomukham ( Face of a Cow) is facing East. Sant Namdeva desired to sing a Bhajan while simultaneously Rudra Parayana (Recital of Rudra Hymns) was being performed and thus the Namdeo party was asked to go to the back of the Temple and when they did so, the Lingam turned towards where the Sant was singing and as this miracle happened the Brahmans begged the Sant for forgiveness. It is said that as the Temple closes, live snakes hover with their hoods open around the Sivaliga as though they were gaurding the premises. Naganatha linga is believed to possess supreme Spiritual Powers; a Naga (serpent) is indicative of the nerves of human body.The ‘Sushumna Nadi’ or ‘Naganatha’indicates the energy channel under the spine. The power of Kundalini which normally lies inactive in Mula Dhara Chakra or the Root Chakra at the bottom of the Vertebral Column is also known as ‘Naganatha’. The snake-like Kundalini Shakti is akin to the brilliance of Soul (Lord Siva) Himself.Thus the Jyotirlinga is the symbol of Spiritual Radiance. Also the Temple of Dwarakadhish dedicated to Lord Krishna is quite popular in Dwaraka; it is some five hundreds old, remodelled and renovated from time to time.  It is granite-built beautiful structure of seven stories of 51 m. height and is a tall land mark in the Township. Krishna and His entire clan shifted to Dwaraka from Mathura although the vestiges were submerged in the Arabian Sea.

Naganath Jyotirling

 Situated at Audha in Prabhasa Kshetra [Prabhasa Railway Station on Manmadi-Nanded Line] Naganath Jyotirlinga was referred to as follows by Adi Shankaracharya:  Yame( South)Sadanga ( old name of Audh) Vibhushitangam vividhaischa bhoga bhogai/ Satbhakti muktipradameesa mekam /Sri Naganatham saranam prapadye / The legend of Aunda Naganatha Temple is that during ‘Aranya Vasa’ (Forest life of twelve years) by Pandavas pursuant to their defeat in a Game of Dice with Kauravas lived in a hermitage and their cows taking water from a river nearby were automatically giving milk back into the same river and finding this miracle act, Bhima found that the middle part of the River was hot compared to the rest of water. Bhima with his mace broke the middle portion of the River seeking to find out as to how had this happened; there was blood gushing out and when dug up to the great surprise Pandavas discovered a Jyotirlinga full of radiance. The Story of Demons Daruka and Daruki as also of Supriya the great Devotee of Bhagavan was also ascribed to Nageswara Temple at Dwaraka in Gujarat was referred to Naganath Temple at Audh in Maharashtra also. The architectural beauty of the Audha Temple of Prabhasa is distinctive, as was built by Pandavas originally with heavy stones and spacious corridors and halls. The Court Hall is oval shaped supported by strong pillars and the Jyotirlinga of Naganatha Deva is in a Garbhagriha which is in a small internal area. While there is no Idol of Nandi before the Main Deity, there is a separate Shrine for him behind the Main Temple. On all the four sides of the Main Temple are separate shrines dedicated to Twelve Jyotirlingas, besides Vedavyasa linga, Bhadreswara, Nilakantheswara, Ganapati, Dattatreya, Murali Manohar, and Dasavataras- totalling 108 Shiva Temples and 68 Shrines, interestingly including Mothers in law and Daughters in law! Also interestingly, there is a picturisation of a Scene depicting a sulking Devi Parvati and a pacifying Lord Siva! It is said that Aurangazeb ordered to plunder the Temple and swarms of bees drove away the soldiers.

Jagdeshwar Jyotirling (Almora)

Till date, devotees pray to Bhagavan Siva as Bal Jagdeswar as connected to a legend of the Area. In Daruka Vana, there were ‘Balakhilyas’ a group of  Sages of dwarf size performing severe penance for years. Bhagavan Siva sought to test the depth of the Dwarf Sages and appeared as a tall, hefty and handsome personality, a ‘Digambara’ or completely naked, covering His body with snakes. The house wives of the Area were so attracted to the Stranger that they were not only inquisitive but got hypnotised neglecting their house chores. The Sages got frustrated and approached Devas to save the confusion.  When Devas meditated Lord Siva in desperation, He manifested as a Bal Jagdeswar, who has no Physique, Gunas (Characretistics), Tatvas, Sex, Age, Time, Distance,  yet, He has all of these too! Thus materialized as a ‘Swayambhu’ (Self-born) Linga eversince! The Main Temple in the Complex is dedicated to Tarun Jagdeswar and the Dwarpalakas are Nandi and Skandi. The Sanctum is of two parts, the larger area being of Jagdeswara Jyotirlinga and the smaller area being of Devi Parvati. There is an ‘Akhanda Jyoti’ or Everlasting Lamp.The biggest Shrine in the Main Temple is dedicated to Mritunjaya or the Saviour of Death.The distinction of this Linga is that it has an opening of an Eye. Recitation of Mrutunjaya Mantra would yield immediate reliefs of troubles, health problems, mental disturbance and Spiritual solace. The Mantra is from Sukla Yajur Veda:Aum Trayambakam Yajamahe / Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam / Urvarukamiva Bandhanaan /Mrityor Mokshiye Maamritaat -We pray to Lord Siva whose eyes are the Sun, Moon and Fire. May He protect us from disease, poverty, and fear and bless us with prosperity, longevity and good health. Another important Shrine in the Complex is of Pushti Bhagavati. Outside the Complex are Vinayak Kshetra, Jhanker Saim Mahadev (who was meditatated and instructed His Ganas to destroy the Demons who were disturbing His Tapasya), and Briddha Jagadeswar (in the Form of Old Jagadeswar).

Rameshwaram

The Temple town of Bhagavan Siva’s emergence of the penutimate Jyotirlinga of Ramalingesa happens to be celebration point of Lord Rama’s glorious victory over Ravana paying Rama’s dutiful homage to Bhagavan. Having crossed ‘Setu Bandhan’ across the Sea on the triumphant return journey from Lanka en route Ayodhya, Lord Rama despatched Hanuman to visit Varanasi to pray Viswesvara and bring a replica of the Linga from Kasi for consecrating it on the Sea coast but since Hanuman could not return by the appointed auspicious time, Sita Devi improvised a Sand Linga and installed it formally amid Vedic Mantras. Hanuman was upset and wished that the Linga blessed at Kasi Viswanadha be substituted instead and tried hard to pull it out but the so called temporary Sand Linga was ever lasting, blessing millions of devotees eversince. The Kasilinga or Hanumanlinga too was installed nearby which too is worshipped by devotees. It would be appropriate therefore that worship to Rameswara or Rathnaswami be performed after the homage to the Kasilinga or Hanumanlinga. Spread over some 15 acres of land, the Temple could boast of rich architectural heritage of high Raja- Gopurams on the East (126 feet high) and the West side, massive walls, a huge Nandi (18 feet tall and 22 feet long) and a 4000 feet long Corridor with 4000 carved granite pillars on raised platforms on either side- perhaps the longest in the World.  [It is gathered that in the initial stages, the Rameswara Jyotirlinga was kept in a thatched abode till the 12^th Century but royal patronage of passing centuries of the Kings of Travancore, Ramanadha -puram, Nagercoil and Pudukkotai helped improve the Temple Complex.]There are some thiry six Teerthas ( Water Springs) with considerable medicinal amd mineral properties – twenty of them being in the Temple Complex itself- most of the devotees bathing bucketfulls in all the twenty two Wells dotted all over the surroundings and walking along into the Sanctum drenched and then only perform the worship to the Jyotirlinga in queues! Festivals at the Rameswara Temple are celebrated in ‘Ani’ Masa (June 15- July 15) signifying Lord Rama’s victory worship to Bhagavan Siva and two ‘Brahmotsavas’ or Annual Principal Celebrations are observed in ‘Adi’ and ‘Masi’ months as per local customs. Six worships commence from 5 am each day and Special  worships are on Fridays. [Among the experiences  include a memorable journey approaching or leaving Rameswaram across the Ocean preferably by train or by a road journey over a high bridge and a commanding view of Area atop the Gandhamadan Hill where a Shrine and Rama’s revered foot- prints are witnessed as also a Place in the vicinity of the Temple a heavy mineral-laden stone floating on water, apparently due to its high phosphatic content; the stone was a sample with which Setu bridge was constructed by Vanara Sena or Monkey Brigade! ]

Grishneshwar Jytorling

On a mountain called Devagiri, there were a pious Brahmana named Sudharma and his wife Sudeha but she was barren and had no child. Sudeha proposed that her younger sister, Ghushma or Kusuma who was a staunch devotee of Parameswara be wedded to Sudharma. Sudharma agreed and in course of time, they had a male child due to Lord Siva’s blessings. Ghushma was in the habit of daily worship by creating Sivalingas of clay and immerse them after Puja and Abhisheka in a pond nearby. Sudeha got jealous of her younger sister as she was blessed with a son. One night Sudeha killed the child out of jeaulosy and threw away the child in the same pond where the Sivalingas were immersed by her. The latter no doubt wept over the tragedy but continued her daily worship of Siva none-the-less. The dead body of the child floated in the pond where Ghushma used to immerse the lingas and there was commotion in the family and indeed in the village. Ghushma still continued her prayers to Lord Shankara who finally stood before her and desired to kill Sudhrama, but she requested not to do so out of her extreme kindness. Lord Siva brought back the child from death and also asked Ghushma for any boon and she requested Him to stay in pond and the Lord agreed to do so and hence the formation of Ghrishne- shwara as a Jyotirlinga. Alternative names of the Place are Ghushmeswar or Kusumeswar. This Temple is situated in the Village of Verul or Yelur where River Yala flows and is some 30 km from Aurangabad. [From Aurangabad, Ellora is 30 km, Ajanta is 106 km and Shirdi is 130 km.]

The Temple Complex is quite spacious (240 X 185 feet) enclosed by strong outer walls and the Garbha griha (Sanctum) admeasuring 17 feet X 17 feet are the Jyotirlinga of Lord Ghrishnaswara and Idol of Goddess Ghrishneswari; a Nandikeswara is facing the Deities in the Court Hall of the Sanctum. It is believed that long ago, the Patel of the Village discovered a treasure in a snake pit and the amount was spent on the basic construction of the original Temple and the Holkar Royal family renovated with Dasavataras and various other carvings in red stone were addded besides a lake named Sikharashingarapur. [Ellora and Ajanta caves which are World Heritage Sites are firmed up on the Tourist map of India].

Prasiddha Shiva Lingas

Following Twenty Four Shiva Lingas are reckoned as significant:

1) Pashupati Nath-Nepal 2) Sundare -shwar at Madurai 3) Kumbheshwar at Kumbhakonam 4) Brihadeeshwar at Tanjore 5) Pakshi Teertha at Chengalput 6) Maha Baleshwar near Pune 7) Amarnath Ice Linga at Jammu & Kashmir 8) Vaidhya nath at Kangra 9) Tarakeshwar at West Bengal; 10) Bhuvaneshwara at Odisha 11) Kangra Shiva at Kajuraho, 12) Eka Linga at Udaipur 13) Gourishankar at Jabbalpur 14) Harishwar near Manasarovara 15) Vyaasheswar near Varanasi 16) Madhameshwar at Kashi 17) Hatakeshwar at Vadnagaru 18) Mukta Parameshwar at Arunachala 19) Pratigjneshwar at Krouncha Mountain* 20) Kapaleshwar at Krouncha Mountain 21) Kumareshwar at Krouncha Mountain 22) Sarveshwara Linga near the ‘Jaya stambha’ or the Victory Pillar at Chittod of Rajasthan 23) Stambheshwar also near the Jaya Stambha and finally 24) Ajaya Amareshwara Shiva Linga on Mahendra Parvata in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha.

*Krouncha Giri is 10 km away from Sandur in Bellari District of Karnataka, where there is a Kumara Swami Temple Complex and near by the Swami Malay Forest Range full of Peacocks and serpents, with Devi Parvati and Ganesyha Idols too were installed by Chalukya Kings; but women are strictly forbidden  to enterb the Concecrated Temple!

Upa Lingas

While describing The Upalingas at the beginning of Koti Rudra Samhita, Suta Muni explained the Upalinga which emerged from Someswara linga is Antakesh where Earth and Ocean converge. The Upalinga of Srisailam’s Mallikarjuna is Rudreshwar and that of Ujjain’s Mahakal is Dugdheswar. Kardameswar is the Upalinga of Omkareswar while Bhuteswar is that of Kedareswar.Upalingas of Bheemashankar, Nageshwar, Rameshwar and Bhumeswar respectively. There are other significant Shivalingas like Kirtikaveshwar, Tilmandeswar, Bhukteswar,  Pureswar, Siddha Nateswar, Shringeswar, Gopeswar, Rangeswar, Rameswar, Ganeswar, Sukreswar, Chandrasekhara,  Kuntinatha and Andhakeswar.A few other Upalingas are mentioned herebelow:

Atrishwar Linga

Sage Atri and Sati Anasuya performed atonement of rigorous nature in a forest named Kamda at Chitrakuta moutain when they decided to save people from the grip of a prolonged drought for some fifty years.They did not take a morsel of food during the period of penance. Once Atri felt almost fainted because of thirst and Anasuya went in search of water;  Devi Ganga appeared and offered water from a spring dug up by Anasuya into a pit which was taken by Anasuya in a ‘kamandalu’for storing water and rushed it to quench  Atri’s thirst. It was this pit from where water sprang up and became the origin of River Mandakini. But Devi Ganga demanded the full ‘Punya’ (Virtue) of Anasuya in return and the latter sacrificed gladly to save the suffering people. Lord Siva was impressed as Atri conducted a Maha Yaga and appeared in the form of Atriswar Linga recognising the sacrifices of the Atri-Anasuya Couple.

Mahabaleshwara Linga

The Holy Place Gokarna (Ear of the Cow) in Karnataka State is believed to have been formed as Earth’s ear was squeezed soon after her Creation by Maha Deva Siva.  Ganesa tricked Ravanasura to place down on Earth the ‘Atmalinga’ of Mahadeva which was secured by the latter after severe penance to the Lord. Once fixed on the Earth, it became impossible for Ravana to pull it out and in the process of pulling it forcefully by breaking it, three parts fell down and got scattered mainly at Gokarna and also Murudeswar, Dhareswar and Gunavanthe where too the Temples are venerated.  Mahabal Linga’s presence of a devotee at Gokarna, especially on the eighth or fourteenth day of ‘Arudra Nakshatra’ falling on a Monday destroys all sins and opens Gates of Kailasa after one’s demise. It is believed that worship of Mahabal Siva on ‘Magha Krishna Chaturdasi’ is highly fruitful and devotees in large crowds are attracted to the Temple on this particular day. Obeisance by Puja and ‘Abhisheka’ by milk and Bilwa leaves at the Temple on that day is said to be a sure step towards Salvation.

Batukanath Linga

A Brahmana named Dadhichi was a relentless worshipper of Lord Siva everyday unfailingly but had to entrust the worship to one of his sons Sudarshan for some time. Sudarshan too was performing the ‘Pujas’ dutifully. On a ‘Sivarathri’ which is the most sacred night for Bhagavan too, along with his entire family kept fast and performed the Pujas. But he did the sinful union with his wife that night and even without observing physical cleanliness continued the worship on that most Sacred night. Lord Siva was furious and there were frequent hurdles in the Pujas all through the Sivaratri. Sudarshan’s father realised this most unfortunate happening. Sudarshan performed the most rigourous penance possible for years and Devi Parvathi asked the Lord to pardon, absolve the sin and liberate Sudarshan. Pleased by his sincere self-punishment, the Lord manifested Himself in Batu linga and directed the devotee to worship it. [It is no doubt unconfirmed but came to light that Batuknath Temple and linga of 1.2 meters height was worshipped at Tahab Village, district Pulwama some 32 km of Srinagar, Kashmir, nearby a 40 feet square spring called Vatuksar Nag, along with a Jagnnath Bhirav Temple nearby-now under Muslim domination]. Unfortunately, it was gathered that the high linga which was worshipped in the years of yore, was pulled out and used by Muslim women of the villages around to pound grains to split from the husk!

Haatakeshwara Linga

This Linga is a manifestation of Purusha-Prakriti combine. A group of Sages were observing worship to a Sivalinga very religiously at a Siva Temple in Daruka forest and a few of them including their wives visited the forest interior to locate firewood, darbha, flowers, fruits and such othe Puja material when they encountered a hefty person who was completely naked. When they questioned about his whereabouts, he did not reply. The Sages cursed the person that his phallus would fall on the ground. There was an earth quake and rumbling storm broken with loud thunders and lightning as this incident happened and such oppressive heat was produced like an inferno. The Sages ran to Lord Brahma out of fright and guilt and the latter confirmed that the Personality who gave the curse was Bhagavan Himself and no power in the Three Worlds could save them as also the very existence of the Universe was threatened. The only possible way out could be to meditate Devi Parvati and for sure she might ease the situation .The Sages prayed to Devi Parvati who manifested as a female part on the spot and the Haatkeswar Linga as well. Eversince then worship of Phallus as a manifestation of Bhagavan Siva came into vogue. At Naimisharanya (Uttar Pradesh) near Lucknow, there is a Rishishwar Linga, which is worshipped by Rishis; those who were alleged murderers or who actaully committed murder but regretted having committed would be free from their troubles. At Mishra Tirtha, there is a Dadhikeshwara Linga  which was worshipped by Sage Dadhichi. At Devaprayaga on way to Kedareswar, Laliteshwara Linga is worshipped by devotees in the transit on either way up or down.

Pashupatinath

In Nayapalpuri [Khatmandu, Nepal] the very famous Pashupatinath Linga attracts lakhs of devotees which has the distinction of being called a ‘Linga Sirsha’ and the Temple doors are four-sided thus enabling four separate queues of devotees simultaneously manned by four priests.

Not far from Pasupathinath Temple is Mukti Linga which is worshipped for mental peace and happiness.

Harishwara Linga

The formation of Harishwar Linga was a consequence of Lord Vishnu’s worship to Bhagavan Siva by thousand lotus flowers each of these by chanting the ‘Siva Sahasranamas’ or Thousand Names of Siva. During the Worship Siva was desirous of Vishnu’s concentration and stole one of the lotus flowers and there was a shortage of one flower in the count. Unnerved by the lapse, Lord Vishnu gave away one of His eyes in sacrifice and completed the worship.

Bhagavan Siva was thrilled and fully satisfied; He asked Vishnu for a boon and as desired, Lord Siva gifted a very powerful Sudarshana chakra which is put to great use often as a last resort to annihilate powerful Demons. Besides the Chakra, Bhagavan Siva was pleased to materialize Himself as Harishwar Linga for the benefit of generations to come.

Ashtottara Shata Shiva Kshetras

Following are hundred and eight Shaiva Kshetras and names of the respective names of Shiva Murtis:

1) Kaivalya Shaila: Shri Kantha; 2) Himalaya Parvata:Kedareshwara 3) Kashipura : Vishwanadha 4) Shrishaila: Mallikarjuna; 5) Prayaga: Nilakanthesha; 6) Gaya: Rudra; 7) Kaalanjar: Nilakantheshwara; 8) Draaksharama: Bhimeshwara; 9) Maayura/Mayavaram : Ambikeshwara; 10) Brahmavarta: Deva Linga;11) Prabhasa: Shashi Bhushan;12) Shwetahastipura: Vrishadhvaja; 13) Gokarna: Gokarneshwara; 14) Soma- nadha:Someshwara; 15) Shrirupa: Thyagaraja; 16) Veda: Vedapurishwara; 17) Bhimarama: Bhimeshwara 18) Manthana: Kaalikeshwara; 19) Madhura; Chokkanatha; 20) Manasa: Madhaveshwara; 21) Shri Vaanchaka: Champakeshwara 22) Panchavati: Vateshwara; 23) Gajaaranya: Vaidhya natha; 24) Tirthaa chala: Tirthakeshwara 25) Kumbhakona: Kumbheshwara; 26) Lepakshi: Paapanaashana: 27) Kanvapuri : Kanweshwara;28) Madhya: Madhyaarjuna; 29) Hariharapura: Shankara Narayaneshwara; 30) Virinchipura: Margesha; 31) Panchanada: Girishwara; 32) Pampapuri: Virupaksha; 33) Somagiri: Mallikarjuna; 34) Tri- makuta: Agasteshwara; 35) Subrahmanya: Ahipeshwara; 36) Mahabala Parvata: Mahabaleshwara; 37) Dakshinaavarta: Ankeshwara as worshipped by Surya Deva directly 38) Vedaranya : Vedaranyeshwara; 39) Somapuri: Someshwara; 40) Ujjain: Rama Lingeshwara; 41) Kashmira: Vijayeshwara; 42) Maha Nandipura: Maha Nandeshwara; 43) Koti Tirtha: Koteshwara; 44) Vriddha Kshetra: Vriddhaachaleshwara; 45) Kukkud Parvata: Gangaadhareshwara; 46) Chamaraja nagara: Chamarajeshwara; 47) Nandi Parvata:Nandeshwara; 48) Badhirachala: Chandeshwara; 49) Gurapura: Nanjundeshwara; 50) Shata -shringa Parvata: Adhipeshwara; 51) Ghanaanada Parvata: Someshwara; 52) Nallur; Nimaleshwara’ 53) Needa naatha pura: Needa natheshwara; 54) Ekanta: Rama Lingeshwara; 55) Shri Naaga: Kunadale -shwara; 56) Sri Kanya : Tri Bhungeshwara; 57) Utsanga: Raghaveshwara; 58) Matsya Tirtha: Tirthesh -wara 59) Trikuta Parvat: Tandaveshwar; 60) Prasanna puri : Marga Sahaayeshwar; 61) Gandaki: Shiva naabha; 62) Shripati : Shripateshwar; 63) Dhamapuri: Dharma Linga; 64) Kanya kubja: Kalaadhara; 65) Vaanigrama: Virinjeshwar; 66) Nepala: Nakuleshwar’ 67) Jagannaadha puri: Markandeshwar; 68) Narmada Tat: Swayambhu; 69) Dhamasthala :  Manjunatha; 70) Tri Rupa: Vyaseshwara; 71) Swanavati: Kalingeshwar; 72) Nirmal: Pannageshwar: 73) Pundarika: Jaiminishwar; 74) Ayodhya: Madhureshwar; 75) Siddhavati: Siddheshwar:76) Shri Kurmaachala: Tripurantaka; 77) Manikundala: Manimuktaa –nadeshwara; 78) Vataatavi: Kritthivaashewara; 79) Triveni Tata: Sangameshwara; 80) Stanita Tirtha: Malleswara; 81) Indrakeela Parvata: Arjuneshwara; 82) Sheshachala Parvata: Kapileshwara; 83) Pushpagiri: Pushpagirishwara; 84) Chitrakuta: Bhuveneshwara; 85) Ujjain : Maha Kaaleshwara; 86) Jwala- mukhi: Shula tanka; 87) Mangali: Sangameshwara; 88) Tanjapuri: Brihadishwara; 89) Pushkar : Rameshwar; 90) Sri Lanka: Matseshwar; 91) Gandhamaadana: Kurmeshwar; 92) Vindhya Parvat: Varaaheshwar; 93) Ahobila: Nrisimha swarupa; 94) Kurukshetra :Vaamaneshwara; 95) Kapila Tirtha: Parashu Rama Tirtha; 96) Kurukshetra: Vaamaneshwar; 97) KapilaTirtha : Parashurameshwara; 98) Setu bandhana: Rameshwar; 99) Saketa: Balarameshwar; 100)  101) Vaaranaavata: Bouddheshwara 102) Tatwa Kshetra: Kalkeshwara; 103) Mahendrachala: Krishneshwar; 104) Mandapalli : Shaneshwara; 105) Nepal : Pashupati natha; 106) Tenkashi: Kashinatha; 107) Hampi- Virupaksha and 108) Vemulavaada: Nilalohita