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Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga : One of 12 Jyotirlingas devoted to Lord Shiva
August 15, 2022 in Maharashtra, Pilgrimages
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is located in Trimbak, which is about 28 km from Nashik, Maharashtra, India. The Godavari River originates near Trimbak. There are three hills surrounding this temple – Brahmagiri, Nilagiri, and Katagiri.
History of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
This Shiva temple was built by the Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire, Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nana Saheb, in the mid-18th century.
The entire temple is built with black stone. The main feature of Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is that the jyotirlinga has three faces representing the gods – Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. They all exist within the hollow space within the Shivalinga. Hence the name Trimbakeshwara (Three Lords). They are covered by a jeweled crown that is believed to date to the era of the Pandavas. You will also find images of Rama, Krishna, Ganga, Parasurama, and Kedarnath among others. There are also monasteries of saints in this temple. The temple has a well called Amritavarshini. It also has a Kushavarta or sacred pond, which is believed to be the source of the Godavari.
The story behind Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
It is said that Gautama rishi lived on the Brahmagiri hills along with his wife, Ahalya. While there was famine everywhere else on the land, inside the rishi’s ashram, there were abundant food grains. This was because the gods had blessed him because of his steadfast devotion and regular prayers. The other rishis felt jealous of him and sent a cow into his fields.
When Gautama tried to frighten the cow away from his fields, it died. For the sin of killing a cow, Gautama worshipped Lord Shiva to release the Ganga River and let her flow into his ashram to purify it. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva released Ganga and told her to stay there. The Kushavarta or sacred pond that exists now is the source of the Godavari. (People worship the Godavari as Ganga.) The sage requested Lord Shiva also to make the site his abode, which the Lord did in the form of the jyotirlinga.
Interesting facts about Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
- In all the other sites of jyotirlingas, Lord Shiva is the main deity. This is the only place that also honors Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.
- The famous pilgrimage festival, Kumbh Mela, occurs here once every 12 years.
- Devotees believe that a visit to this temple will wash away their sins.
While you can visit this spiritual spot at any time in the year, it would be best to visit it during the winter months – between October and March. If you visit on a Monday, you will be able to see the weekly exhibition of the jeweled crown of the jyotirlinga.
Visiting this ancient and divine destination during Mahashivratri would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga : One of most famous 12 Jyotirlingas
August 15, 2022 in Pilgrimages, Uttar Pradesh
Situated on the western bank of holy river Ganga in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar meaning ‘the ruler of the universe’. The city of Varanasi, the cultural capital of India, is thus known as the city of Lord Shiva. The temple has 800 kg of gold plating on its tower.
History of Vishweshwar Jyotirlinga
The earliest mention of this temple is in the Puranas. It has been demolished by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in 1194 AD and then by other invaders over the centuries including the Mughal emperor, Aurangazeb, 1669, who built a mosque on its site.
It was re-built by various rulers including Mughal emperor Akbar’s general, Raja Man Singh, and his finance minister, Raja Todar Mal. The current structure was built on an adjacent site by Maratha ruler, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, of Indore, in 1777. The jyotirlinga is at the center of the sanctum on a silver altar. There are shrines to other gods such as Vishnu, Vinayaka, Kalabhairav, and Saneeshwara.
There is a well inside the temple, which is called the wisdom well or jnana vapi. It is believed that the linga was hidden here when the Mughals came to destroy the temple.
The spire or shikhara was plated with gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (who ruled the North-west of the Indian subcontinent) in 1835. Since its three domes are gold-plated, tourists call it the ‘Golden Temple of Varanasi’.
An incredulous story behind Vishweshwar Jyotirlinga
It is believed that Lord Shiva lived here but his mother-in-law was unhappy with his abode. To please his consort, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva requested the demon, Nikumbha to make the place suitable for his family at Kashi. Parvati was so pleased with the residence that she offered food to everyone and that is why she is worshipped as Annapoorani or Annapurna. Even Lord Shiva is believed to hold a begging bowl in front of her, seeking food.
Interesting facts about Vishweshwar Jyotirlinga
- It is believed that those who live or/and die in Kashi will attain Moksha or enlightenment. Any act of goodness here will eliminate all sins.
- Kashi is one of the oldest cities in the world.
- It is believed that if you see the golden spire and then make a wish, it comes true!
While you can visit this spiritual spot at any time in the year, it would be best to visit it during winters between October and March. Visiting this ancient and divine destination during Mahashivratri would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga : The 8th Jyotirlinga in Dwarka, Gujarat
August 15, 2022 in Gujarat, Pilgrimages
Nageshwar Temple situated in Dwarka is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. Also sometimes known as Nagnath Temple, the main deity here is Lord Shiva, also known as Nageshwar Mahadev. According to the Shiva Purana, those who pray at the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga become free from all poisons, snake bites and worldly attractions.
History of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya laid the foundations of his Western Math at Kalika Peetha here.
There is a huge statue (25m) of Lord Shiva in a sitting position, a large garden, and a pond in this temple. The linga is made of Dwaraka Shila and has small chakras on it. It is in the shape of a tri-Mukhi rudraksha (sacred beads representing Lord Shiva) and faces south, while the temple faces east.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga holds a unique story behind
The legend goes that there was once a demon called Daruk who lived in the forest along with his wife, Daruka. Because of a boon from Goddess Parvati, the demons had great powers which they abused to disturb festivities. They even captured and imprisoned a great devotee of Lord Shiva – a merchant named Supriya. Even in prison, Supriya continued his Shiva puja, wearing the holy rudraksha and chanting the Shiva mantra – Om Namah Shivaya. His devotion touched the Lord as he appeared before him, slain the demon, and saved him. The place where the demon was killed is called Daarukavanam. It is said that the Lord placed the Shiva Linga (called Naganath) there to establish his residence there. It is also believed that Lord Krishna himself used to worship Lord Shiva here; he is said to have performed the rudrabhishekam here.
Interesting facts about Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
- It is believed that those who worship Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and meditate here will be freed from all poisons – both physical and spiritual (like anger and temptation) ones.
- There is some confusion about the actual site of the jyotirlinga. There are two other temples that have shrines for Nageshwar – Nagnath at Audhgram near Purna in Andhra Pradesh, and Jageshwar temple near Almora in Uttar Pradesh.
- There is an interesting story behind why the linga faces south. Legend has it that a devotee called Naamdev was asked by other devotees to step aside and not hide the Lord while chanting his name. Naamdev asked the others to suggest a direction where the Lord does not exist. The angry devotees carried him to the south and left him there. They were astonished to find that the linga was also facing south!
- People also worship Goddess Parvati along with Lord Shiva here.
While you can visit this spiritual spot at any time in the year, it would be best to visit it during the winter months – between September and March. Visiting this ancient and divine destination during Mahashivratri would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga : The southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingas
August 15, 2022 in Pilgrimages, Tamilnadu
The Holy abode of the Hindu God, Shri Ram (addressed so with all respect & humility) is a virtual paradise for the devout. No Hindu’s journey is complete without a pilgrimage to both Varanasi and Rameswaram for the culmination of his quest for salvation and is hallowed by the epic ‘Ramayana’. Folklore mentions about God Ram’s presence in this land, after his 14-year exile.
History of Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
The ancient shrine is said to have been housed inside a thatched hut till the 12th century. Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka was said to have begun the masonry work here. The rest of the temple was built by the Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram.
The current structure of the temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century AD. Several royal families from Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore, and Pudukkottai have patronized the temple and added to its current beauty.
The temple is spread over 15 acres and has tall pyramidal towers (gopurams) and a huge Nandi. There are 4,000 carved granite pillars over a 4,000 feet corridor – said to be the longest in the world. Since the rock is not indigenous to the island, it makes the structure even more marvelous.
There are two lingas inside the sanctum – one built by Rama with sand (the main deity) and the other Shiva Linga brought from Mount Kailash by Hanuman – Vishwalinga.
There are 64 water bodies or tīrthas around the island of Rameshwaram, out of which 24 are considered sacred and bathing in them is believed to purge you of your sins. The main tīrtha is the Bay of Bengal called Agni Tīrtham.
There are also separate shrines for Ramanathaswamy and his consort goddess Parvathavardhini as well as shrines for Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Vishalakshi. There are also many halls in the temple such as the Setupati Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam and Nandi Mandapam.
A fascinating story behind Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
Legend has it that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva in this spot on his way back from Lanka – after defeating the demon king, Ravana. To atone for the sin of killing Ravana – a Brahmin and great Shiva devotee – Lord Rama offered prayers to Lord Shiva. Since there was no shrine for Shiva there, he sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva’s abode, to bring the linga.
However, Hanuman could not return before the auspicious time set to perform the puja, so Sita made a linga out of sand – Ramalinga that Rama worshipped. When Hanuman returned, he was disappointed that Rama had not waited for his linga. To pacify him, Rama instructed devotees to worship the linga brought by Hanuman, which he called the Vishwalinga before the Ramalinga.
Interesting facts about Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
- The Pamban Bridge is a railway bridge on the Palk Strait which connects the town of Rameshwaram on Pamban Island to mainland India.
- According to the Ramayana, the bridge between mainland India and Sri Lanka is said to be the Ram Setu Bridge that Rama built to reach Sri Lanka to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Subsequently, Ravana’s brother, Vibheeshana, the new king of Sri Lanka had asked Rama to destroy the bridge. He did this with just one end of his bow and hence the southernmost tip of the mainland in Pamban Island is called Dhanushkodi.
- Rameshwaram is one of the four main pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) that include Badrinath (Uttarakhand), Dwaraka, and Puri (Odisha).
- It is the southernmost jyotirlinga in India.
While you can visit this spiritual spot at any time in the year, it would be best to visit it post monsoons and during the winter months – between October and April. Visiting this ancient and divine destination during Mahashivratri would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga : One of 12 Jyotirlingas devoted to Shiva
August 15, 2022 in Maharashtra, Pilgrimages
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the village of Bhorgiri, about 125 km from Pune, in Maharashtra, India in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri Mountains. It is the place where the Bhima river’s source can be found. This river finally merges with the Krishna River.
History of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
The Bhimashankar temple is a testament to the skills of the Vishwakarma sculptors. It was built around the 13th century. Structures such as the shikhara (spires) were added by Maratha empire statesman, Nana Phadnavis, in the 18th century.
The Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is also believed to have facilitated worship here through his endowments.
It is believed that the ancient shrine was built around a swayambhu linga i.e. a linga that originated on its own. The linga is exactly at the center of the floor, in the temple’s sanctum. There are intricate carvings of divine and human beings on the pillars and doorframes of the temple. You can also see scenes from mythology depicted here.
There is also a shrine for Lord Shaneeshwara inside the temple. A statue of Lord Shiva’s mount, Nandi, can be found at the entrance of the temple as is common in Shiva temples.
The story behind Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
There are different legends associated with the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. Here are two of them.
According to one legend, a demon called Tripurasura performed penance in the Bhimashankar jungle to please Lord Shiva and ask him for the gift of immortality. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and granted him immortality on the condition that he would use his power to help the local people. Tripurasura agreed with Him. However, over time, he forgot his promise and began to harass both humans and the gods. When the gods begged Lord Shiva to do something to stop the ensuing chaos, the Lord prayed to his consort Goddess Parvati. Both of them appeared as Ardhanari Nateshwara and killed Tripurasura, after which peace prevailed.
According to another legend, in the Dakini forests on the ranges of the Sahyadri Mountains lived an asura (demon) named Bhima with his mother Karkati. He was, in fact, the son of Kumbharkarna, the younger brother of King Ravana. When he learned that Lord Vishnu had killed his father in his avatar as Rama, he was furious. He vowed revenge and performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma.
In return, Brahma blessed him with immense strength, which he used to terrorize the world. He imprisoned an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Kamrupeshwar, and demanded that he pray to him instead of Lord Shiva. When Kamrupeshwar refused to do so, Bhima raised his sword to destroy the Shivalinga. That is when Lord Shiva appeared before him and reduced him to ashes. The place where Lord Shiva manifested himself is the spot the Shivalinga is believed to be now.
Interesting facts about Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
- Bhimashankar has been declared a wildlife sanctuary; it is a reserved forest area, and as it is part of the Western Ghats, it is rich in flora and fauna.
- The state animal of Maharashtra, the Malabar Giant Squirrel, is a rare animal found here.
While Bhimashankar is accessible round the year, at 3,500 feet above sea level, it would be best to visit it post-monsoon as it experiences heavy showers in the monsoon period. You can also visit it in the winter months, so August to February is a good time for a visit. It would be ideal to visit this divine destination during Mahashivratri.
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga : The most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva
August 15, 2022 in Jharkhand, Pilgrimages
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple, also commonly referred to as the Baidyanath Dham, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga in India and is considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
History of Baidyanath Jyotirlinga
Baidyanath Dham has been famous since the rule of the last Gupta emperor, Adityasena Gupta in the 8th century AD. Mughal emperor Akbar’s brother-in-law built a pond at Deoghar known as Mansarovar. This temple appears to have maintained its importance even during the Muslim rule in India.
Along with the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, there are also 21 other temples. Some of the shrines you will find here are Parvati, Ganesha, Brahma, Kalabhairav, Hanuman, Saraswati, Surya, Ram-Lakshman-Janaki, Ganga, Kali, Annapurna, and Lakshmi-Narayan. The Maa Parvati temple is tied to the Shiva temple with red sacred threads.
The main temple has a pyramidal tower with three gold vessels set compactly. These were gifted by the Maharaja of Giddhaur, Raja Puran Singh. There are also five knives in a trident shape (Punchsula) as well as a lotus jewel with eight petals called Chandrakanta Mani. There is a huge Nandi, Lord Shiva’s mount, in front of the Lord.
An incredulous story behind Baidyanath Jyotirlinga
It is said that demon king Ravana prayed to Lord Shiva seeking boons that would make him omnipotent. As a sacrifice, he offered each of his ten heads one after another. This pleased Lord Shiva, who came down to earth and cured the injured Ravana. The act of curing made Lord Shiva equivalent to a doctor or vaidya/baidhya. Hence, the name Baidyanath.
Another version says that Ravana, one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva, requested him to make Lanka his home. The Lord could not acquiesce to that but said that the Shiva Linga would be as good as his presence. He placed the condition that while transporting the linga, Ravana must not put it down anywhere. If he did, the place where he put it down would be the site of the linga. As Ravana was transporting it to Lanka, the gods feared the consequences of the linga at Ravana’s kingdom and requested Lord Varuna, lord of the waters, to break his journey. Varuna entered Ravana’s stomach, making the demon king want to relieve himself. He descended to the ground and handed the linga to a Brahmin (Lord Vishnu in disguise) and asked him to hold it.
As soon as Ravana went to relieve himself, Lord Vishnu placed the linga on the ground and disappeared. When Ravana returned, he realized that he had been tricked. The linga was fixed to the ground. He tried with all his might to displace it. However, he could not. So, he paid obeisance to it right there. This spot is believed to be Deoghar.
This temple doubles as a Shakti Peetha as well. When Lord Shiva’s first consort, Sati immolated herself after her father Daksha’s yagna (sacrifice or offering), the grief-stricken Lord, roamed the world with her body. Lord Vishnu cut it up into 52 parts. It is said that her heart fell at Deoghar – making it a Shakti Peetha.
Interesting facts about Baidyanath Jyotirlinga
- Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is also known as Baidyanath Dham locally.
- Given how old the jyotirlingas and associated temples are, there is some variation in beliefs about their locations. Three different sites claim to house the real jyotirlinga – Baidyanath temple at Deoghar, Jharkhand, and Vaijnath temple at Parli, Maharashtra and Bajinath temple in Bajinath, Himachal Pradesh.
- Devotees are allowed to do Abhishek (anoint the linga with water) themselves on the jyotirlinga.
- Shravan Mela takes place here every July-August.
While you can visit this spiritual spot at any time in the year, it would be best to visit it during the winter months – between October and March. Visiting this ancient and divine destination during Mahashivratri would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga : The 4th and one of the highly revered Jyotirlinga
August 15, 2022 in Madhya Pradesh, Pilgrimages
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh has a large prayer hall with about 60 huge and elaborately carved stone pillars supporting it. It is a five-storied structure with each floor having a different deity. Above the Omkareshwar linga is the Mahakaleshwar temple. Sidhnath, Gupteshwar, and Dhwajeshwar temples are on the third, fourth, and fifth floors respectively. The temple also boasts of several lofty spires.
History of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The Puranas mention this sacred spot as an inhabited and spiritual place.
The aboriginal Bhil chieftains ruled Omkareshwar under the rule of the Parmar rulers of Malwa; this was from 10-13th AD and then by Chauhan Rajputs. The Marathas took over in the 18th century AD when many temples were built and renovated.
An incredulous story behind Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
One legend says that two sons of emperor Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed severe austerities and pleased Lord Shiva because of which the mountain is called Mandhata Mountain. And Lord Shiva manifested himself as a jyotirlinga.
Another legend says that Vindhya Parvat prayed to Lord Shiva performing severe penance to make the Vindhyas, His abode. Some say it was to become taller than Mount Meru. Lord Shiva was pleased with the penance and granted his wish by appearing as a jyotirlinga there.
At the behest of the gods and sages, Lord Shiva split the linga into two parts – one is at Omkareshwar and the other at Amareshwar or Mamleshwar. Therefore, devotees visit both these temples when they visit Mandhata.
It is said that Lord Shiva also allowed the Vindhyas to grow but only as long as he did not trouble the pilgrims. However, over time, Vindhya Parvat’s massiveness did cause problems for the devotees and so they sought sage Agastya’s help. The sage ordered the mountain to stop growing until he returned to it, which he never did, and hence he solved the devotees’ problem.
Interesting facts about Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
- There are two Shiva temples situated near each other, both of which are famous pilgrimage spots for devotees – Amareshwar Jyotirlinga on the mainland and Omkareshwar on the island.
- It is said that Mandhata Island, on which Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated, is in the shape of the sacred Om (ॐ) symbol.
- There are shrines to Panchamukhi Ganesha, and Annapoorani housed within this temple.
While devotees visit this temple throughout the year, it would be best to visit it in the winter months i.e. October to March. Visiting it during Mahashivratri (February 21st this year) would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga : The 3rd in line of 12 Jyotirlingas
August 15, 2022 in Madhya Pradesh, Pilgrimages
The Mahakaleshwar temple has been built in Maratha, Bhumija and Chalukya architectural styles. It has five levels, one of which is underground. There are images of Lord Shiva’s consort, Goddess Parvati (to the north), his sons, Ganesha (to the west) and Kartikeya (to the east) and his mount, Nandi (to the south).
On the second floor above the Mahakaleshwar linga is the Omkareshwara linga. Enshrined on the third floor of the temple is an image of Nagchandreshwar – with Lord Shiva and Parvati seated on a ten-hooded snake and surrounded by other statues. It has a tall spire (shikhara) with intricate and beautiful carvings.
History of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
The mention of this temple in the Puranas, where it is stated that Prajapita Brahma built it, is proof of its ancient existence. The temple is believed to be built in the 6th century AD by Kumarasena, the son of a former king of Ujjain, Chandpradyot.
It was further reconstructed in the 12th century AD under King Udayaditya and King Naravarman. Later, the Maratha commander Ranoji Shinde under Peshwa Bajirao-I renovated this temple in the 18th century AD.
A beautiful story behind Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Like all old structures and the stories that surround them, the legend behind Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga has many versions. One of them goes like this. It is believed that King Chandrasena of Ujjain was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. While he was praying, a young boy, Shrikhar wished to pray along with him. However, he was not allowed to do so and was sent away to the outskirts of the city. There, he overheard a plot to attack Ujjain by enemy kings Ripudamana and Singhaditya with the help of a demon named Dushanan.
He began to pray to Lord Shiva to protect the city. Vridhi, a priest heard his prayers and also prayed to the Lord to save the city. In the meanwhile, the rival kings attacked Ujjain. They were almost successful in conquering the city when Lord Shiva came in his Mahakal form and saved them. From that day on, at the behest of his devotees, Lord Shiva lives on in this famous Ujjain temple in the form of a linga.
Interesting facts about Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
- Since it is a self-originated linga, it derives power on its own. It does not require mantra shakti for power like the other lingas and moorthies (statues).
- It is the only jyotirlinga that faces south – dakshinamukhi. All the other jyotirlingas face east. This is because the direction of death is believed to be south. As Lord Shiva faces south, it symbolizes that he is master of death. In fact, people worship Mahakaleshwar to prevent untimely death – to enjoy a long life.
- Nagchadreshwar is opened to the public only one day in the year – on Nag Panchami day. It remains shut on all the other days.
- Bhasma aarti (offering with ashes) is a famous ritual here. As ash is pure, non-dual, imperishable and unchangeable, so is the Lord.
While devotees visit this temple throughout the year, it would be best to visit it in the winter months i.e. October to March. Visiting it during Mahashivratri (February 21st this year) would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga : The second of all the Jyotirlingas
August 15, 2022 in Andhra Pradesh, Pilgrimages
Srisailam, a hill town in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is home to the holy Malikarjuna Jyotirlinga and also one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of goddess Parvati. Situated on the banks of river Krishna, Srisailam is identified with a wildlife sanctuary and a dam.
History of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Several rulers contributed to the building and maintenance of the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. However, the first records appear in 1 AD in the books of the Shathavahanas empire builders.
Subsequently, Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Reddis, who were also followers of the Mallikarjuna Swami contributed to the temple. The Vijayanagara Empire and Chhatrapati Shivaji also improved the shrine and temple (building the gopuram in 1667 AD) respectively.
Worship was halted here during the Mughal era but resumed during British rule. However, it was only after independence that this temple came back into prominence.
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga holds an interesting story
Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati could not make up their minds as to which of their sons, Ganesha or Kartikeya should get married first. To determine who would be first, they set a contest for the two: whoever would go around the world first would be the winner.
Lord Kartikeya immediately set off on his mount, the peacock. Lord Ganesha, on the other hand, went around his parents claiming that they were the world to him. It is said that going around one’s parents is equivalent to going around the world. So, he outwitted his brother and won the race. The pleased parents married their son off to Siddhi (spiritual powers) and Riddhi (prosperity). In some legends, Buddhi (intellect) is also believed to be his wife.
When Lord Kartikeya heard about this on his return, he was upset and decided that he would remain unmarried. (However, in some Tamil legends he is said to have two wives.) He left for Mount Krounch and started living there. His parents visited him there and hence there is a shrine for both there – a linga for Shiva and a Shakti Peetha for Parvati.
Interesting facts about Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
- Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is special in that it is both a jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha (special shrine to Shakti Devi – there are 18 of them) – there are only three such temples in India.
- It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as Arjuna on Amavasya (No moon day) and Goddess Parvati as Mallika on Poornima (full moon day), hence the name Mallikarjuna.
- The temple is a work of architecture with its tall towers and beautiful carvings. It is also enclosed by tall walls that fortify it.
- Devotees believe that visiting this temple brings them wealth and fame.
- It is believed that Goddess Parvati fought the demon Mahishasura by transforming herself into a bee. Devotees believe they can still hear a bee buzzing through a hole in the Bhramaramba temple.
While this temple hosts visitors throughout the year, it would be best to visit it in the winter months i.e. October to February. Visiting it during Mahashivratri (February 21st this year) would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Visit MakeMyTrip for bookings. Also, have a look at our various monthly issues.
Somnath Jyotirlinga : The first place where Lord Shiva manifested himself
August 15, 2022 in Gujarat, Pilgrimages
Somnath Temple is the first among the 12 holy Jyotirlingas. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The word Somnath translates to ‘The Lord of the Moon‘ which is a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval port in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It is also called “The Shrine Eternal” because the temple was looted and destroyed six times in the past. However, it was gloriously rebuilt every single time after that.
History of Somnath Jyotirlinga
It is believed that the original temple was built by the Moon God with gold in the Satya Yuga; by Ravana in Treta Yuga in silver; and by Lord Krishna in Dwapara Yuga in sandalwood.
This temple has been looted and demolished many times by various invaders – including Mahmud of Ghazni (1024), Afzal Khan, and Ala-ud-din Khilji’s commander (1296), Muzaffar Shah (1375), Mahmud Begada (1451), and later Aurangzeb (1665).
Many rulers reconstructed the temple: Shri Vikramaditya of Ujjaini (about 2500 years ago), the Vallabhi kings (in the period 480-767 CE), Bhimadeva of Anhilawada (in 11th century AD), and Khangara, the king of Junagadh (in 1351 AD) among many others.
It has been reconstructed about 17 times! The modern structure has been constructed by India’s former deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel between 1947 and 1951 in sandstone.
An incredulous story behind Somnath Jyotirlinga
It is believed that Chandra, the moon god, was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. However, he favored Rohini over all the rest. This angered Prajapati, who insisted that he be impartial in his affections. When Chandra did not heed his warnings, Prajapati cursed him and made him lose his luster.
Without moonlight, the world became dark; so all the gods requested Prajapati to retract his curse. Daksha suggested that Chandra pray to Lord Shiva, which is why the Lord is referred to as Somnath or Someshwar, Lord of the Moon. It is said that Chandra also bathed in the Saraswati river to regain his luster, which is the reason for the waxing and waning of the moon and the tides in this seashore location.
Some interesting facts about Somnath Jyotirlinga
- In a chapter in the Skanda Purana, Prabhasa Khanda mentions this temple. It is also mentioned in the Rig Veda and the Bhagavat.
- The temple is built in such a location that there is no land in a straight line to its south till Antarctica. This is inscribed on one of the pillars – since 7 AD. This makes it a sea-protected site.
- It is believed that the Shivalinga was hidden within the hollowness of the Syamantak Mani or the philosopher’s stone (associated with Lord Krishna) – a stone with alchemic properties – able to produce gold. This stone was also believed to have magnetic properties which enabled the Shivalinga to remain suspended in mid-air!
While you can visit this pilgrimage center all through the year, winter (October to March) would be the ideal time to visit it. Visiting it during Mahashivratri (11th March this year) would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
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