He is Natraj, the Mahakaal, the destroyer among the ‘Tridev’.
Before you get to know how I travelled 5 Jyotirlinga in a week, you must know what exactly is a Jyotirlinaga or Jyotirlinagam
A Jyotirlinga is a shrine where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a fiery column of light. ‘Jyoti’ means ‘radiance’ and Lingam, the Shiva Lingam-‘the mark or sign’ of the Almighty or the phallus symbol. Hence, Jyotirlingam means the radiant sign of the Almighty. It is believed that these 12 jyotirlingas are ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested. Lord Shiva manifested himself in these places just for his devotees. One aspect of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India that is beyond any science or logic is that all the twelve jyotirlingas are strategically distributed in the country. 12 Jyotirlingas with their location are following
1.Somnath. Veraval In Gujarat
2.Bhimashankar. Pune In Maharashtra
3.Nageshwar. Darukavanam In Gujarat
4.Trimbakeshwar. Nashik In Maharashtra
5.Baidyanath. Deoghar In Jharkhand
6.Grishneshwar. Aurangabad In Maharashtra
7.Mahakaleshwar. Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh
8.Kashi Vishwanath. Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh
9.Rameshwaram. Rameswaram Island In Tamil Nadu
10.Omkareshwar. Khandwa In Madhya Pradesh
11.Kedarnath. Kedarnath In Uttarakhand
12.Mallikarjuna. Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh
Read on to know more details about 5 temples of Lord Shiva which I visited in Mid-November for spiritual awakening and igniting the divine light around me.
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, Deoghar
The mythological narrative behind the formation of the Jyotirlinga here is based on Ravana's meditation to appease Lord Shiva. When Ravana tried to dislocate Mount Kailash to Lanka, Shiva was angered. In penance, Ravana begged for forgiveness and was entrusted with one of the jyotirlingas on the condition that wherever he placed the linga, it could be rooted there forever. On the way to Lanka, Ravana stopped at the place that is currently known as Deogarh to relieve himself. As a result, the Jyotirlinga was affixed for eternity here. Ravana, full of reparation, cut his nine heads which Lord Shiva revived, acting as a physician or a vaidya. Hence, the place got the name Baidyanath.
How To Reach- Nearest Airport is Deoghar Airport and nearest railway station is Jasidih Junction. Both are approx 10 km from temple. There are ample stays option nearby starting from 500 per night.
Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain3
Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the ancient city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, which means that it is facing the south. Also the lingam at the Mahakala is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself) deriving currents of power shakti from within itself.
Don't forget to book your hotel and Bhasma Aarti ticket in advance if you are visiting while Saavan or Mondays. Also newly built Mahakal corridor is must visit while night time which is nothing less than architectural marvel of India.
How To Reach. Nearest Airport is Indore Airport and nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction. In my case I took my train from Patna and it took approx 24 hrs to be there in Shiva land, Ujjain. The railway station is just a kilometer away from the main city center.
Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar Jyotrilinga situated on the bank of Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. The name “Omkareshwar” is based on the shape of the island, which appears to be Om. There are two main Lord Shiva temples here, Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar This is the second jyotirlinga shrine in Madhya Pradesh, first being Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain. And best part is its just 45 Km from Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar.
How to reach- So I booked a cab from Ujjain which costed me INR 3000. Local buses also run from Ujjain for Omkareshwar if going for cheaper option. Leave early morning from Ujjain and you can return back by late evening. If possible take overnight train same day to Veraval for Somnath Jyotirlinga.
Somnath Temple, Veraval
Believed to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, the Somnath temple is located in Veraval near Arabian sea. The history of Somnath Temple is kind of interesting as according to legend the temple was created by the Moon God himself. The scared place of worship has braved numerous attacks (destroyed 16 times and re-built) only to remain standing strong.
How to Reach - So overnight train from Ujjain took me to coastal area of Arabian sea where I deboarded at Veraval railway station. Somnath Jyotirlinga is around 7 Kms from Veraval station.
Nageshwara , Dwarka
Between Gomati Dwarka and Bait Dwarka in Gujarat lies the Nageshwar or the Nagnath Temple, a revered place due to the presence of one of the jyotirlingas in India. According to the Shiva Purana, Nageshvara Jyotirlinga is in ‘the Darukavana, an ancient name of a forest in India. The Jyotirlinga came into existence after Lord Shiva defeated the demon Daaruka who had imprisoned his ardent devotee, Supriaya.
How to reach - Taking overnight train from Veraval was best option as by early morning I was in Dwarka. You can opt for Cabs from Somnath aswell which may cost you INR 6000. The best part of hiring a cab is that you can enjoy sea view through out the journey from Somanth to Dwarka. After paying visit to Dwarkadhish temple you can hire a cab from Dwarka to Nageshwara Jyotirlinga which will cost you INR 1200.
Visiting all these Jyotirlinga in one go within a week made me confident enough that if you plan well and early, you can do all the 12 Jyotirlingas in a month or two. However personally I wont suggest that as it would be too hectic. In my case I utilized day time visiting temples and night i use to travel mostly via train. I travelled all these places in mid-november. Weather was good everywhere . You may experience strong heat in Somnath and Nageshvara as they are located around coastal region. You will also get to explore different culture, food and traditions. Wearing dhoti and saaree is must in order to touch these Lingas especially in Mahakaleshwar and Nageshwar. Rest leave everything on lord Shiva, he will take of you and your decisions.
Follow me on IG @ritz_himalayas for cheap and grounded travelling around India. Om Namah Shivaay!