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प्रार्थनम्PRARTHANAM

Shiva Circuit · 12 stops

Dwadash Jyotirlinga

Pilgrimage to the 12 self-manifested shrines of Lord Shiva — where the divine pillar of light (Jyotirlinga) is said to have first emerged. Completing this circuit is considered the ultimate Shiva pilgrimage.

Pan-India (Gujarat to Tamil Nadu) October to February 3–4 weeks

Pilgrimage Stops (12)

1

Somnath

Somnath
Temples

First and most revered Jyotirlinga. On the western coast of Gujarat. Evening light-and-sound show. Somnath temple rebuilt 1947.

2

Mallikarjuna

Srisailam
Temples

Deep in the Nallamala forests of AP. Both Jyotirlinga (Mallikarjuna) and Shakti Peetha (Bhramaramba) at one site.

3

Mahakaleshwar

Ujjain
Temples

In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The only Jyotirlinga facing south (Dakshinamukhi). Famous Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM.

4

Omkareshwar

Khandwa

On the sacred Mandhata island formed by the Narmada river in MP. Both Omkareshwar and Amareshwar lingas on the island.

5

Kedarnath

Rudraprayag

In the Himalayas at 3,583 m. 16 km trek or helicopter from Phata. Shrine open May–November only.

6

Bhimashankar

Pune
Temples

In the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, ~120 km from Pune. Also the source of the Bhima river. Rhesus monkeys abound.

7

Kashi Vishwanath

Varanasi
Temples

In the holiest city on the Ganges. Visit at dawn for Mangala Aarti. Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat afterwards.

8

Trimbakeshwar

Nashik
Temples

Source of the Godavari river near Nashik, Maharashtra. Major Kumbh Mela (Simhastha) site every 12 years.

9

Vaidyanath

Deoghar

In Deoghar, Jharkhand. Huge Shravan Mela every monsoon — millions of kanwariyas carry Ganga water 105 km on foot.

10

Nageshwar

Dwarka
Temples

Near Dwarka in Gujarat. Modest but important. Combine with Dwarka Dwarkadhish visit.

11

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram

On Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before crossing to Lanka. 22 theertham (holy wells) inside the temple.

12

Grishneshwar

Aurangabad
Temples

Near the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. The last Jyotirlinga. Modest in size but deeply sacred. Combine with Ellora day trip.

Planning Tips

  • ✦Best time: October to February (avoid Shravan rush if you prefer quieter darshan)
  • ✦Duration: 3–4 weeks for the full circuit. Budget extra time for mountain circuits as weather can disrupt plans.
  • ✦Book accommodation and transport well in advance for major festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Shravan and Navratri.
  • ✦For Himalayan circuits, carry warm clothing year-round — temperatures drop sharply after sunset.

Other Pilgrimage Circuits

🏵️

Char Dham Yatra

4 stops · 10–14 days

🔱

Pancha Kedar

5 stops · 10–14 days (requires moderate trekking fitness)

🏵️

Sapta Puri (Seven Sacred Cities)

7 stops · 2–3 weeks

🐘

Ashtavinayak Yatra

8 stops · 3–4 days (circular route from Pune)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does the Dwadash Jyotirlinga take?▾

The Dwadash Jyotirlinga typically takes 3–4 weeks. This can vary depending on your starting city, mode of transport, and how much time you spend at each stop. Plan extra days as a buffer for weather and crowd conditions.

What is the best time to visit for the Dwadash Jyotirlinga?▾

The best season for the Dwadash Jyotirlinga is October to February (avoid Shravan rush if you prefer quieter darshan). Avoid peak festival periods if you prefer quieter darshan.

How do I plan the Dwadash Jyotirlinga?▾

Start by booking accommodation at the first stop, then work stop by stop. Book train/bus connections between cities in advance. Carry a copy of this guide, valid ID, and comfortable walking shoes.

Which is the most important stop on the Dwadash Jyotirlinga?▾

All 12 stops are considered equally sacred as part of the complete circuit. However, Somnath is typically the first stop and sets the spiritual tone for the yatra.