Gujarat
Somnath
Standing on the Arabian Sea shore at Prabhas Patan, Somnath is honoured as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Jyotirlinga 7 of 12
Ramanathaswamy, Rameswaram
On Pamban island between the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka, the Ramanathaswamy temple is the southernmost Jyotirlinga and one of the Char Dham.
LocationRameswaram island
State / RegionTamil Nadu
Worshipped asRamanatha
Best time to visitOctober to April
Religious significance
The temple is famous for its pillared corridors, often described as the longest temple corridors in India. Pilgrims bathe in the 22 theerthams (holy wells) within the temple before darshan.
Traditional story
Tradition holds that Rama worshipped Shiva here. Hanuman was sent to bring a linga from Kailash; when he was delayed, Sita fashioned a linga from sand — the Ramalingam. The linga Hanuman brought, the Vishwalingam, was installed beside it and is worshipped first.
Legends are presented as they are told within the tradition; they hold spiritual meaning for devotees and are not offered as historical record.
Visitor guidance
- The theertham bath is usually done early in the morning; carry a change of clothes.
- Visit Dhanushkodi at the island's tip.
- Respect the dress code inside the temple.
Continue the journey
More 12 jyotirlingas
Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna, Srisailam
High in the forested Nallamala Hills above the Krishna river, Srisailam is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha.
Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain
In the ancient city of Ujjain, Shiva is worshipped as Mahakala — Lord of Time and of death itself.
Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar
On Mandhata island in the Narmada — an island said to be shaped like the sacred syllable ॐ — Omkareshwar is one of the most beautiful settings of any Jyotirlinga.
From the library
Related reading
Planning a Jyotirlinga Yatra: A Practical Guide
How to group the twelve Jyotirlingas into practical regional circuits, when to go, and what to prepare.