About 12 JOYTHIR-LINGAS

Lord SHIVA

Lord Shiva is one of in Tridev, Destroyer of Negative energy soon he will get pleased that’s why he called “BHOLENATH” ( very Innocent). Worshiped by Dev and Danav (demon) a yogi also called by some people, being “sanasari” (family man) also living like yogi. Without any ornaments, living in  Mountain of Himalaya ( mountain of Ice), There are 12 Jyothirlingas in Bharath (India). Let us see one by one what is important of each one ..

1.Sri Sourashtra Somanatha:

                     Somanth is first Jyothi lingas of 12, its locates in Gujarat Viraval port, also called Prabhas Pattan of Gujarath. Its swayambhu (self-born).On the bank of Arabian Sea western coast of Gujarat. This Jyothirlinga considered as most important in twelve Jyothirlingas, Prabhas-Kshetra called because of Chandra ( moon) got his Radiance from this place. 

                   This place is considered as most important pilgrimage center in India. Because This is related with Mahabhartha also there is reference Pandavas were visited this place.

Sthal Purana / how manifested Somanath Joythirlinga :

                    Somanatha Means “God of Moon” soma means Moon and Natha means Lord, about this mentioned in Shiva purana and Prabhasa Khanda in Skandha Purana,. Prajapathi Dhaksha had 12 daughters all were married to Chandra, out of 12 chandra very attracted towrds Rohini , he gives more caring, listening to Rohini, neglecting by other 11, they complained to Pajapati dhaksha, Dhaksha told to Chandra treat equally all 12 as wife, but Chandra did not listened to his Father In law, so Dhaksha got angry cursed Chnadra to lose his effulgence. (blaze).

                        By losing his brightness its impacted on nature with great calamities becoming imbalance in nature, by seeing bad condition of earth all sages were went to  seek help towards Lord Brahma, Lord Brahma advised to Chandra go and seek help of Lord Shiva because Prabhasa Khsethra austerities under him . by taking suggestions from Lord Brahma’s all sages and demigods took Chandra to Prabhas Khsethra .Then they made Shiv-Linga there . worshiped with water of Saraswathi river and the other  holy rivers and left Chandra to perform the penance.

       After doing six months penance for pleasing Lord Shiva appear him awarded him a boon. Chandra requested to Lord shiva to continue his effulgence in any matter, Lord Shiva awarded to Boon Chandra that he would reduce every 15 days, day by day and rise again fifteen days, day by day. They were very happy by hearing this and requested all demigods to Lord Shiva stay that place only and get worshiped by devotes and bless pilgrims who visited there. 

        Then Shiv-linga called Somanatha or Someshwara. Chandra built a temple of Gold for Somantha, and In Treta-Yuga Ravana Rebuilt a temple Of Silver , and In dwapar-yuga Lord Krishna Rebuilt a Sandalwood temple for Shiva. And In Kali-Yuga King Vikarmaditya Reconstructed it..

2. Shrishaila Mallikarjuna :

                  Second JyothirLinga is Shrishaila Mallikarjuna locates at Shrishailam, Kurnool district ,state of  Andra Pradesh. Lord Shiva called as Mallikarjuna and Parvati devi called as Bramarambika. One of most sacred places for Hindu, and it called as Kashi also one who visited Shrishailam he will attained Mukthi (Mokash) as per Records.

Sthal Purana:  

                 Once Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi decided marriage for Karthikeya and Ganesha they put one competition who will comes first by complete round of  world he will get married first. As soon as heard this karthikeya went complete the task on his Vahana Peacock , and ganesha waited for minutes and around lord Shiva and Devi Parvati because they themselves as world so , by doing this Ganesha wins this task and married with BUDDHI (Intellectual), RIDDDHI (Wealth), SIDDHI (Enlightenment). 

           When Karthikyea returned to Kailash Mountain he got angry and left kailash and came to Cruvanga Mountain also called Srihailam.

              Lord Shiva Devi Parvathi Both came Shrisahilam mountain to console karthikeya , but he did not listen them and told he will go to another mountain ,all Deva requested to Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati to stay there only so, on full moon day Devi Parvathi visit to see Kumar and Moonless day Lord Shiva visited see him believe is there.

   One of Shakti Peeta :

                 In Shrishail Sathis’s  Dakshina Talpa means Right Anklet fell down , here worshiped Devi in the name of ‘Bramarambika Devi’ / ‘Sri Sundari’ and ‘Bhairava’ as ‘sundarandand’.as per tradition one should worship Maa Shakti and then God Bhairava in Shakti-peetas to earn Grace. Devi Sri Sundari is so beautiful eyes were not take off from  her.

3.UJJAIN MAHAKALESHWAR :

                The Third Joythir-Linga Is Ujjian’s Mahakaleshwar. This Jyothir-Linga Locates Ujjain the ancient city of Madhya Pradesh. One of seven cities where a soul can Moksha (salvation).This is full of Holy city. It contains 28 Teerthas and 7 sagara  teerthas, whole city has 30 shiva-lingas among them most Important one is Mahakaleshwar Jyothir-linga.

Sthal Purana:

                   In the city of Ujjain a brhamin lived who had four sons, there were all devotees of Lord Shiva. Dushan was demon king of that place received boon from Lord Brahma, and he was using that boon giving trouble for good people. Even he started attacking on Brahmins also but they were so engrossed in the worship of lord Shiva that they were not affected at all. But he persisted and kept attacking on them..

            He made Lord Shiva very angry on this, he continues attacking on Brahmins while the time of attack earth got cracked and Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Mahakala. And gave warning to Dushan but he did not listen him, This enraged Lord Mahakhala and therefore he burnt Dushan ashes with just grunt .

    Lord Mahakala angry did not calm down  lord Vishnu, lord Brahma  and other gods appeared and prayed to lord Shiva to be calm down.

Another Story of Boy Shrikhar.:  

                   A boy named Shrikhar lived in city of Ujjain. He was ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. King of Ujjain Chandrashekhar was performing Lord Shiva pooja. Boy shrikhar wanted to join entourage but was  turned away.Saddened, he ran to forest and started to Prayer. It was then that overheard a few of people talking about attack on Ujjain city with huge army.

      So he started to prayer Lord Shiva to protect Ujjain city from enemies, it is said that, then Lord Shiva Appeared and promised to save all the time.

4.Omkareshwar Jyothir-linga , (Madhya Pradesh) :

       Fourth Joythir-linga  locates banks River of Narmada , between Indore & Khandwa,which encircled by the Narmada River. The island is known as Mandhata island. Interest thing is about island is its inn shape of OM symbol. two temple of one is  Omkareshwar  Mamaleshwara or Amareshwar.

 Stahl Purana :

                   This is about Vindhya Parvatha ( Mountain), once Narada visited Vindhya with spicy way , Narada told to Vindhya about the greatness of Mount Meru. This made Vindhya jealous about Meru and decided to bigger than Meru.

    Vindhya started worshiping Lord Shiva , penance did for severe to please Lord Shiva along with worshipped  Prathvi-linga ( A Linga made from  Physical material ) Omkareshwara for six months. Lord Shiva Pleased with Vindhya and appears in front of him and blessed with him desired Boon. On request ofd all sages and devas Lord Shiva divided linga in two parts One is called Omkareshwara and second in is mamaleshwara or Amareshwara

            Lord Shiva gave boon for Vindhya to grown and took promised from him that never trouble to Devotees of Shiva.Vindhya began to Grow and forget word of Lord Shiva, even became obstacle for the SUN and MOON. All sages were approached to Agasthya Muini regarding Vindhya . Agasthya came with his wife and to Vindhya and told not to grow until return of Agasthya and his wife. 

           Vindhya was very obedient for Agasthya Muni so he listened Agasthya Muni and his never returned they stayed at Srishailam also called Dakshina Kashi.

5.B(V)aidhyanatha / Vaijanatha Jyothir-Linga :

It is located at Deogarh in the Santal Parganas region of Jharkhand.

Sthal Purana :

           In purana Ravana Did Hard Penanace many years for pleasing lord Shiva. Lord Shiva pleased him, Ravana invited Lord Shiva to Lanka to be forever , Lord Shiva listened him gave him Linga  along with instruction that should not touch Ground at any condition, if incase it touches ground  there I will stayed , Ravana agree and journey begins to Lanka.

        By seeing this all Devas came to know that first of all Ravana is demon if Lord Shiava stayed with it is impossible to kill him, so all went to  Lord Vishnu seek help, Lord Vishnu made one plan to interrupt Ravana plan.

           Lord Vishnu became a boy and instructed to Varaun dev (God of Rain) enter in his stomach , as soon as Varundev entered his stomach Ravana felt to do nature call but in his hand Sacred Linga is there so he can’t hold in his hand , so he was started to searching someone to hold Shiva-Linga. A boy was in the passing through that way Ravan had called that boy and told him to hold Shiv-Linga and not put on ground. That boy told to Ravan he can’t wait more he has to look after his cows and you have to come within count of three. And it is heavy too I can’t hold it more time. 

           Ravana agreed and went for his finishing his nature call. As soon as Ravana  gone from there boy kept That Shiva-Linga on ground , then it got formed there only. Ravan came to know that Shiva-Linga Touched ground and it is impossible to lift it from there , he tried all the way to get it that he strikes on Shiva-Linga. Still you can see that mark of Ravana fist on Shiva-Linga.

          Also it is called Shakti-peeta, Sathi’s Heart was fallen here while Lord Shiva was carrying her in his hand That’s what it called Hrudaya Peeta.

6.BhimaShankar, (Maharastra) :

              Bhima-Shankar locates Sahayadri Mountain range north west of  Pune, Maharastra . Bhimarathi river flows southeast and merge with Krishna in Raichur. The temple is very old, the water continuously pour  from the idols there are two pools behind temple. In the village of Bhavgiri.

Sthal Purana :

                         In the dense forest of Daikini, there lived a demon called Bhima with his mother Karkati. He was giving tortured go everyone he asked once to his Mother Karkati about his father detail. Karkati told that your son of Kumbhakarna Younger brother of Ravana king of Lanka, both his father and uncle slain by Lord Ram, and told that Lord Rama was Incarnation of Lord Vishnu. By hearing this Bhima infuriated on Lord Vishnu and decide and vowed to take  avenge on Lord Vishnu.

    Bhima performed hard penance,to please Lord Brahmma , Bhima’s Penance got success Lord Brahmma appeard and gave him boon of very strong man. becoming very strong he he captured Indra and Vishnu too. They were in his control .After this he becomes victory of Shiva devotee Kamarupeshwar. Bhima kept him in prison Kamrupeshwar did not stopped worshipping Lord Shiva in prison also, along with his wife too, another side Lord Vishnu and other gods started to requesting Lord Shiva to deliverance from the demon Bhima.

         Bhima told to Karupeshwara worship him instead of Lord Shiva, when Kamrupeshwara refused him to do so, then Bhima raised his sword to strike on Shiva-Linga asa soon as he raised sword on Linga, Lord Shiva appeared in-front of him in magnificence. War held between lord Shiva and demon Bhima. sage Narada requested to Lord Shiva end the war as per request of Narad Lord Shiva finished war turning Bhima into ashes concluded time of tyranny. Sage Naraad and all other gods were appeared then requested to Lord Shiva make this his place adobe.Thus Lord Shiva manifested himself as in the form of  Bhima-Shankar Jyothirlinga.

7.Triambikeshwara , Nasik, Maharastra

   This Trimbakeshwara jyothir-linga is very unique among the 12 jyothir-lingbas. Because its swayambhu and huge.this Shiva-linga not has Pindi (Banda) , but it has hole in the middle and inside of hole is there are three pindies of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh symbolically.

       Miracle is on, Lord Shiva’s Pindi Varun deva continuously does Abhishek by pouring water.Nobody know that where that water comes from. As per Shiva Purana it is because of the earnest request of Godavri. Gautam Rishi and other gods that Lord Shiva agreed to reside at Triambikeshwara..

Sthal Purana :

       Gautam Rishi was resided at Brahmgiri hill with his wife Ahilya. By virtue of devotion Gatam rishi blessed with Varundev, a bottomless pit from which he receives inexhaustible supply of grains and food. By seeing this other Rishis were jealous from Gatam Rishi and made a plan of Gohathya , so they arranged one cow which entering at granary and caused it to die as Gautam Rishi attempted to ward it off with a bunch of Dharba (Grass).

      All were started you killer of cow you should leave this place. Therefore Gautam Rishi started worshipping Lord Shiva to bring Ganga down to release from gohathya , purify to his hermitage and premises. As per request of Gautam Rishi Lord Shiva sent Ganga to  flow down and make Sage Gautam Rishi pure. Lord Shiva instructed to Ganga Stay there with eternally good for the everyone. All gods were started prasing Lord Shiva Ganga and Gautam Rishi. Gautam Rishi requested to Lord Shiva stay at Gauthami river with Triambikeshwara Name.

8.Kedarnath, Uttarakhand :

           Kedarnath is about 1,200 old year,located in snow place and framed with MANDAKINI River such wonderful place of India with more active vibrations of positive and make everyone who visit that place gives immense pleasure. There is believe that  Kedarnath temple built by Pandavas. And restored by Adi Shankarcharya shrine of glory in the 8^th century A.D.

   The hump of the bull was found in kedarnath, the naval emerged in Madhya-Maheshwar, two forelegs appeared in Tunganath, the face in Rudranath, and the hair in Kalpeshwar. These are collectively called the Paunch Kedar- Five sacred places most amazing news is that Temple was under snow for 400 hundred years.

      Sthal Purana:

          Nara and Narayana two incarnations of Lord Vishnu performed severe penance in Badrikashraya of Bahart Khand, in front of a Shiva-Lingam fashioned out of earth. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in front of them and said to ask boon. Nara and Narayana requested Shiva to take up a permanent adobe as a Jyothirlingas at Kedarnath, so that all people who worship you shall be freed from their sufferings.

               There is another legend of Kedarnath from Mahabharatha, after kurukshetra Pandvas were felt guilt themselves for killing their relatives , so they sought to meet Shiva seeking for forgiveness for what they had done. Lord Shiva was unhappy with them and refused to give darshan for them and left for Kashi. His adobe he appeared as nandi the Bull in GuptaKashi. But the pandavas found out, and tried to catch hold of Nadi. Shiva escaped and this time, reappeared  in five different parts in different places- the face at Rudranath, Arms at Tunganath, Navel and Stomach at Madhyamaheshwar, the locks at Kalpeshwar and Hump at Kedarnath.

9. Kashi Vishwanath :

                        One of the world’s oldest cities is ‘VARANASI’ there were about 22 different types of definitions available to describe Varanasi I that Markandeya was lived in that city which one of the great Shiva Bhakta. There are some cities which are respected at the very mention of their name. Period. We are talking about Varanasi.. However, do not go to this city, if you are not a worthy traveler. The city is old, and still retains the ancient charm of paying respect to God via the traditional methods and the cremation of dead bodies at the Ghats. It has a history of 3600 years.

Some important places in Kashi:

Ø  Near Varanasi, there is an area known as Sarnath. Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.

Ø  Adi Shankaracharya has written Kasi Panchakam, a tribute to the city.

Ø  This city holds prominence as being the birthplace of at least four Jain Tirthankaras. They are Suparshvanath (7th), Chandraprabhu (8th), Shreyanshnath (11th) and Parshvanath (23rd).

Ø  Tulsi Das composed the evergreen Hanuman Chalisa and Ramcharitmanas in Kashi.

Ø  The guardian deity of Kashi is Kaal Bhairav. His image – a thick mustache, vahana is a dog, has a tiger skin as cloth, holds a sword by the right hand and the head of a demon on the other hand.

        Evening Aarti – 

               The very most activity that a traveler should never miss is the glorious Evening Arati of Kashi ( Varanasi). It is one moment that you will cherish forever. The rituals unfolding for the Lord is a treat to watch. The lamps (made of brass) come to 4.5 kilograms.

Weavers Village – 

          One of the famous saris of this city is the Banarasi,Saree made of gold, silver and popular for its zari.

 The city stands on the Trident of Shiva

There is another myth which states that the city stands on the trident of Shiva. In short, Kashi is not on Mother Earth, it stands above the ground. There are three temples which act as the three points for the trident. They are Aumkareshwara in the North, Vishweshwara in the middle and Kedareshwara in the South.

As per local folklore, there are eight Kaal Bhairavs who guard the city; Ashta Dikkugalu. The temple for these Gods are present in eight cardinal directions and protect the sanctity of the Kashi Vishwanath temple.  In fact, this city is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. It is widely rumored that before death, Lord Shiva whispers Tarak mantra in the dead man’s ears to attain salvation. 

Name and Timings of Arati:

Mangala Aarti – At 3 AM in the Morning. It extends till 4 AM

Bhoga Aarti – From 11.15 AM to 12.20 PM

Sandhya Aarti – As the name suggests – it takes place in the evening. 7 PM to 8.15 PM

Shringara Aarti – it extends after evening from 9 PM to 10.15 PM.

Shayana Aarti – In the last hours of the evening. 10.30 PM to 11 PM

 

10) Rameshwara Jyotirlinga,Tamil Nadu:

        This has Longest corridor among all Hindu Temples.The primary deity of the temple is Ramanath swamy ( Lord Shiva).There are two lingas inside the sanctum, one built by Devi Sita, and from sand , residing as the main deity, Ramanathlinga, another one established by Lord Hanuman from kailash called Vishwalingam. Rama instructed that vishwalingam should be worshiped first since I was brought by lord Hanuman - Still that tradition continues today.

                     According to the Hindu mythology Lord Rama performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Shiva after his triumph over the demon king Ravana. It is mainly because of this reason that Rameshwaram attracts Vaishnavites and Shaivites alike. Sri Lanka is at a distance of 24 kilometres from Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram happens to one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. The Rameshwaram Island occupies an area of about 61.8 sq km and is conch shaped. 

            .   

 *Attractions of Rameshwaram* :

 

Ramanathaswamy Temple :

The famous Ramnathswamy temple was built in the 17th century and is situated close to the sea on the eastern side of the Rameshwaram Island. The Ramnathswamy temple is famous for its 1200 massive granite columns. The temple has 54 meter tall gopuram (gate-tower) and 1220 meters of magnificent corridors. 

Agnitheertham:

The Agniteertham is located at a few meters from the Ramnathswamy temple. It is believed to be located at the same spot where Rama worshiped Lord Shiva. 

Dhanushkodi:

Dhanushkodi is located at the eastern end of the island. It is named after Lord Ram's bow and is at a distance of 8 km from Rameshwaram. The boulders in the sea between Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi are known as Adam's bridge. It is believed that Lord Hanuman used them to reach across Sri Lanka. 

Erwadi:

At a distance of 24 km from Rameshwaram, Erwadi is an important place of Muslim pilgrimage. The tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Auliya is located at Erwadi. Muslims from across the globe visit Erwadi, especially during the month of December to participate in the annual festival held to pay tribute to the saint.

   According to the Indian mythology, Rameshwaram is old as the epic saga, Ramayan. It is said that in this place Rama made lingam worshipped Lord Shiva to defeat Ravana. According to the religious text, that Lord Rama was asked by sage to establish a Shivalinga to be free from the sins of Killing who was born as Brahmin. Lord Anjaneya was sent away to bring a lingam from Kailash Mountain but did not return on time. So Sita made the ShivaLinga with sand and named Ramalinga. When Lord Hanuman returned from kailash mountain was dispointed.Hence Rama oinstructed that the VIshwalingam which bought from Lord Hanuman that also get worshiped as Ramalingam.

 

11)  Nageshwar Joythirlinga  (Gujrath):

        Sthal puran: Nageshwar Mahadev Shivlinga facing towards South while the Gomugam is facing esat. There is story why Shivlinga facing towards south, A devotee called Namdeva was singing bhajans in front of Shivlinga, other devotee were told him to stand aside not hide Shivaling.

   After this Namdeva asked them suggest one direction where god cannot exists. So that he can stand there. The enraged devotees carried him and left him, on the south side.

  Later all got astonished face of the Shivlinga turned face in the direction of Namdeva on Southside. With Gomugam was facing towards East. Speciality of this Linga made of Dwarka Shila which small chakras on top of Shivlinga where other Shivlinga made up of black and neat pillar rounded  off at the top. Its look like 3 mukhi Rudakasha.

 

 

12) Grishneshwara Jyotirlinga  :

     This Shivllinga considered last in Dwadashi Jothirlingas. And it is known as many names like kusumeshwara, grusmeshwara, grishneshwara, ghushmeshwara. And this temple located at village of verul.11 km from Daulathabad (Devgiri) 30 km from Aurangabad, which is near Ajantha and Ellora caves.

Sthal Purana: Once Parvati Devi was mixing vermilion and saffron with water to apply on her hair. ( a Symbol of married woman ) She kept them in her left palm and mixed water of shivalay in it. With right thumb she started mixing them both. Shiva appeared in form of light on her palm. The light turned into Lingam which she named Grishneshwara as it was formed with the friction (grishan) between  her finger and palm.

      According to Shiva purana in the southern direction, on mountain  Devagiri lived a Brahmin called Brahmavetta  sudharm along with his wife Sudeha. The couple had no child frustrated  this Sudeha .he prayed and done all then remedies to get child but ultimately result did not get. Sudheha go to her sister Ghushma and told get marry with her husband. Ghushma used make 101 ShivLingas worshipped them with devotion and discharged them lake. Lord shiva pleased by devotion. She got blessing of Lord Shiva in the form of baby boy. By this Ghushma became proud herself and started feeling jealous towards her sister. One night in jealous, she killed son and thrown into same lake where Shivalingas got discharged      

.           in the next morning even after hearing everything was absorbed in worshiping Lord Shiva . she did not break down and said he who has given me child shall protect him and started chanting Shiva mantra. when she went to discharge the shivalinga after her prayer she saw  her son is coming . Lord Shiva appeared in front of her and pleased by her devotion. Ghushma told to forgive sudeha.. pleased with her generosity, For this Lord Shiva happy and told her to ask another boon. Ghushma said that if he was really happy her devotion he reside here eternally for the benefit of multitudes in the form of Joythirlinga. With her reference name became Gushmeshwara.

*OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA*