What are the 12 Jyotirlingas and their significance in Hindu mythology?
Hinduism regards the 12 Jyotirlingas as the most sacred Shiva sanctuaries. These Jyotirlingas are linked to several myths and legends and are thought to be Swayambhu (self-manifested) manifestations of Lord Shiva. The list of the 12 Jyotirlingas and their significance in Hindu mythology are as follows:
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga is thought to be the oldest and most revered of all Jyotirlingas and is situated in the state of Gujarat. After worshipping Lord Shiva in this temple, the legend goes, Lord Shiva regained his lost lustre.
2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga, which can be found in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is linked to the myth that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came here to reconcile their disagreements following their marriage.
Third, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga This Jyotirlinga, which is situated in the Madhya Pradesh city of Ujjain, is linked to the legend of Lord Shiva defending the city from the demon Dushan.
4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga, which can be found in Madhya Pradesh on an island in the Narmada River, is linked to the legend of the demon Vindhya, who came to this location to worship Lord Shiva in order to become invincible.
5. Kedarnath Jyotirling: Situated in Uttarakhand, this Jyotirling is linked to the legend of the Pandavas, who sought Lord Shiva's blessings here when they were in exile.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga, which is situated in the state of Maharashtra, is linked to the legend of the demon Bhima, who worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple and was endowed with great power.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga, which is situated in the sacred city of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is linked to the legend of Lord Shiva revealing his actual appearance to his devotee, the ruler of Kashi.
8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga is situated in the state of Maharashtra and is connected to the myth of Lord Shiva cleansing himself after slaying Tripurasura the demon.
9. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga: This Jyotirlinga is located in the state of Jharkhand and is linked to the legend of the demon Ravana, who worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple in order to become everlasting.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirling: This temple in Gujarat is home to a mythology about a demon by the name of Daruka, who was slain by Lord Shiva there.
11. Rameshwaram Jyotirling: This temple in the Tamil Nadu state is known for being the place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva before constructing the bridge to Lanka.
12. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirling: This temple in the state of Maharashtra is where a woman by the name of Kusuma is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva and received a son as a result.
Last but not least, in Hinduism, the 12 Jyotirlingas are regarded as the most sacred sanctuaries to Lord Shiva. They are connected to numerous myths and folklore and are thought to signify
