My Jyotirlingas Journey

I feel truly blessed and humbled to have embarked on a journey that allowed me to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas temples, an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

As I sit here, attempting to put my emotions into words, I find that no combination of words can truly capture the overwhelming love and reverence I have for Supreme Shiva. It is as if my heart overflows with devotion, and these humble words can only hope to convey a fraction of that deep-seated spirituality.

Supreme Shiva has always been an integral part of my life, ingrained in the very fabric of my being. Raised in a family where faith held the highest significance, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a spiritual atmosphere from an early age. My beloved grandmother, a woman of unwavering devotion, played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of GOD and Holy Scriptures.

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I can still vividly recall those precious moments spent with my grandmother as a wide-eyed five-year-old child. Each morning, before the sun painted the sky with its golden hues, I would eagerly sit by her side. With great tenderness, she would recite the sacred verses of the Ramacharitmanas, immersing me in the epic tale of Lord Ram’s divine journey. In the tranquil evenings, the atmosphere would be filled with an aura of devotion as we embarked on the recitation of the revered Sunderkaand. These cherished rituals not only instilled in me a sense of discipline but also deepened my connection with the divine. It was through my grandmother’s unwavering devotion that I was introduced to the profound worship of Supreme Shiva.

And so, with every step I took on this remarkable pilgrimage, I felt an inexplicable connection with the divine energy that permeates these holy sites. From the icy expanse of Kedarnath to the ancient splendor of Somnath, each Jyotirlinga left an indelible mark on my soul. As I stood before the awe-inspiring lingams, gazing at the intricate carvings and feeling the divine energy pulsating through the sanctum sanctorum, I couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate tapestry of faith that unites devotees from all walks of life. It was a testament to the universality of devotion and the profound impact that Supreme Shiva has on the hearts of his followers.

Embarking on a spiritual quest at a tender age of three, I accompanied my parents to the sacred city of Banaras, where the divine Kashi Vishwanath temple resides. Little did I know that this initial visit was just the precursor to an extraordinary journey that would span across the vast expanse of our wondrous land, connecting me with the divine energies of all 12 Jyotirlingas.

Since 2011, I have made it a yearly tradition to visit the holy Kashi Vishwanath Temple, immersing myself in the sacred aura that surrounds the abode of Supreme Shiva. Each year, as I step into the temple’s hallowed grounds, I feel a deep sense of reverence and connection, grateful for the opportunity to seek the divine blessings of Supreme Shiva in this sacred place.

In 2012, my journey led me to the magnificent Mahakaleshwar Temple, where I have since returned every year. This temple, situated in Ujjain, holds a special place in my heart, as it is here that I have experienced profound moments of spiritual awakening and witnessed the divine presence of Supreme Shiva in all His glory.

The year 2013 marked a significant milestone in my Jyotirlinga journey, as I had the privilege of visiting three revered shrines. The first was the ancient Trimbakeshwar Temple, located at the foothills of the majestic Brahmagiri Mountain. Here, I witnessed the union of Supreme Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a serene and picturesque setting. The divine energy permeating the air filled my heart with peace and devotion.

During the same year, I also had the opportunity to visit the sacred Bhimashankar Temple, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Sahyadri Mountains. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, I felt an overwhelming sense of spiritual connection and experienced the power of Supreme Shiva’s presence in this tranquil abode.

Another highlight of that year was the visit to the resplendent Grishneshwar Temple. This Jyotirlinga, located near the ancient city of Ellora, exemplifies the divine grace of Supreme Shiva. Standing in awe before the grandeur of the temple’s architecture, I was humbled by the immensity of the divine energy that resides within its sacred walls.

In 2018, I had the privilege of visiting the Mallikarjuna Temple, nestled amidst the enchanting Srisailam hills. This Jyotirlinga represents the divine union of Supreme Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As I stood before the sacred shrine, I was overwhelmed by a sense of spiritual serenity and the eternal bond shared by the divine couple. This Jyotirlinga represents their divine union and exemplifies the power of eternal love and balance in the universe.

I have also made it a practice to visit Omkareshwar, alongwith Mahakaaleshwar Temple, as it is conveniently located near Ujjain. This divine abode, situated on the serene island of Mandhata, holds a special place in my heart. With each visit, I deepen my connection with Supreme Shiva, experiencing the profound energy that pervades this sacred place.

At the age of 18, I had the life-changing opportunity to visit Rameshwaram during a college trip. Here, I encountered the first of the Jyotirlingas, the ethereal Ramanathaswamy Temple. This revered shrine, nestled on the sacred island of Rameshwaram, holds immense significance as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama worshipped Supreme Shiva to absolve himself of the sins committed during the great battle with Ravana. The sanctity of Rameshwaram reverberates through its holy waters, where devotees partake in purifying rituals and seek blessings for spiritual liberation. This sacred land, where Lord Rama sought penance and redemption, left an indelible mark on my soul. The spiritual significance of Rameshwaram resonated deeply within me, and I vowed to return. And I returned, at the age of 30, to once again immerse myself in the divine energy of this holy place.

In 2017, I embarked on a journey to the Somnath Temple alongwith my mother, which stands as a symbol of resilience and devotion. This Jyotirlinga has witnessed a tumultuous history of destruction and reconstruction, yet it continues to inspire millions with its unwavering spirit. Legend has it that Supreme Shiva himself established this sacred shrine, blessing it with his divine presence and showering devotees with his boundless grace.

During the same visit, I had the blessed opportunity to visit the Nageshwar Temple in Gujarat. This Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of the demon Daaruka, who was defeated by Supreme Shiva, liberating the devotees from the clutches of darkness and fear. The temple’s picturesque coastal location and the divine serpent energy symbolize the eternal cosmic power of Supreme Shiva, reminding devotees of their inherent strength and protection.

In the midst of the global pandemic in 2020, I undertook a journey to Kedarnath, nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. This Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of the Pandavas, who sought redemption from Supreme Shiva after the Kurukshetra war. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I was greeted by the awe-inspiring beauty of the temple and the resplendent lingam of Supreme Shiva. Since then, it has become an annual pilgrimage, a testament to my unyielding devotion and the indomitable spirit of my faith.

The most recent addition to my Jyotirlinga journey was the visit to the Vaidyanath Temple in Deoghar in 2021. This sacred abode, also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham, is associated with the legend of Supreme Shiva as the divine healer. Devotees believe that a visit to this Jyotirlinga can bring about spiritual and physical well-being, offering solace and rejuvenation. With this, I completed My Jyotirlingas Journeys at the age of 42, the journey that started at the age of 3, from Kashi Vishwanath, in Banaras.

Each temple had its own unique charm and aura, yet they all shared a common thread—an ethereal sense of sanctity that enveloped me with every visit. It was as if time stood still, and the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual blurred into insignificance. This sacred journey not only allowed me to witness the grandeur of the Jyotirlingas but also offered me an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection. With every passing day, I discovered new facets of my own faith, delving deeper into the reservoirs of my soul. Now, as I sit here penning down my experiences, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the privilege of undertaking this remarkable pilgrimage, gratitude for the unwavering guidance of my grandmother, and above all, gratitude for the divine presence of Supreme Shiva in my life.

The Jyotirlingas have become an integral part of my spiritual journey, guiding me towards self-discovery and awakening. Each pilgrimage has offered me unique insights, spiritual growth, and a profound connection with Supreme Shiva. These sacred journeys have not only shaped my beliefs but have also transformed me from within, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and devotion.

As I continue on this lifelong odyssey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness the divine energies that reside within each Jyotirlinga. May my devotion and reverence for Supreme Shiva continue to guide me, and may these sacred pilgrimage experiences inspire others to embark on their own spiritual quests. May the love and devotion that flowed through my veins during this extraordinary journey continue to guide me on the path of righteousness. May it serve as a constant reminder of the boundless grace bestowed upon me, and may it inspire others to embark on their own spiritual odysseys, discovering the profound beauty that lies within the embrace of Supreme Shiva—the embodiment of supreme consciousness and eternal bliss.

Let me share with you the essence of each Jyotirlinga, where the divine energies of Supreme Shiva reside in all their resplendent glory.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi: Legend has it that Supreme Shiva himself resides in Kashi (Varanasi) as the ruler and protector of the universe. The temple is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism and is believed to grant liberation (moksha) to devotees.
• Somnath Temple, Gujarat: According to the legend, the moon, known as Chandra, was once cursed by Daksha, a powerful Prajapati. The curse caused Chandra’s appearance to wane, affecting his radiance and beauty. In order to alleviate the curse, Chandra prayed to Supreme Shiva at the site where the Somnath Temple now stands. Pleased with Chandra’s devotion, Supreme Shiva appeared and granted him the boon of waxing and waning in a cyclic manner, restoring his luminous form. As a result, the moon regained its splendor and became an integral part of the cosmic cycle.
• Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam: The legend behind this Jyotirlinga tells the story of Supreme Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s divine union. It signifies the harmony between the male and female energies in the universe.
• Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain: According to the legend, a demon named Dushana wreaked havoc, and Supreme Shiva manifested as Mahakaleshwar to vanquish the demon and protect the devotees. The temple holds significance as the ruler of time and is believed to grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh: The legend behind this Jyotirlinga revolves around the Vindhya Mountains seeking redemption from the curse of sage Agastya. Supreme Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar to provide solace and blessings.
• Vaidyanath Temple, Deoghar: This Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of Supreme Shiva’s cosmic dance (Tandava) and his manifestation as the divine healer. Devotees believe that a visit to Vaidyanath Temple can bring about physical and spiritual well-being.
• Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra: Legend has it that Supreme Shiva manifested as Bhimashankar to eliminate the demon Bhima, who was wreaking havoc. The temple is believed to bless devotees with strength and courage.
• Rameshwaram Temple, Tamil Nadu: This sacred place is associated with the legend of Lord Rama and his divine intervention to seek forgiveness for the sin of killing Ravana. The temple is known for its holy waters and is believed to grant salvation.
• Nageshwar Temple, Gujarat: The legend behind this Jyotirlinga revolves around the demon Daaruka, who was causing distress to devotees. Supreme Shiva manifested as Nageshwar and defeated the demon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
• Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand: According to Cosmology, the Pandavas sought Supreme Shiva’s forgiveness for the Kurukshetra war and received his blessings here. The temple is located amidst the breathtaking Himalayan ranges and is considered one of the holiest places for Supreme Shiva’s devotees.
• Trimbakeshwar Temple, Maharashtra: The legend associated with this Jyotirlinga tells the story of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Supreme Shiva converging into one divine form. The temple is situated at the origin of the sacred GODavari River.
• Grishneshwar Temple, Maharashtra: The legend behind this Jyotirlinga revolves around a devout woman named Kusuma, who worshipped a lingam hidden in the forest. Supreme Shiva appeared before her as Grishneshwar and blessed her devotion, making this place sacred.

In the embrace of these 12 Jyotirlingas, I discovered the true essence of devotion, the profound connection between the human and the divine, and the eternal presence of Supreme Shiva. Each pilgrimage brought me closer to the universal energy that resonates within us all, reminding me that beyond the boundaries of time and space, lies a realm where faith merges with divinity and souls find solace in the eternal embrace of Supreme Shiva, the supreme consciousness.