Jyothir Lingams

By

TAMARAPU SAMPATH KUMARAN

 :
About the author
Mr T Sampath Kumaran is a freelance writer. He regularly contributes
articles on Management, Business, Ancient Temples and Temple
Architecture, and different cultures of people, to many leading Dailies
and Magazines.
His articles for the young is very popular in “The Young World section”
of THE HINDU. His books on Hindu Saints, and Temples of Pilgrimage
centers have been well received in the religious circle.
He was associated in the production of two Documentary films on Nava
Tirupathi Temples, and Tirukkurungudi Temple in Tamilnadu.

Acknowledgement
Google for the pictures and several authors for the information .
A Jyotirlinga or Jyotirlingam, is a devotional representation of the
Supreme God Shiva. Jyoti means 'radiance' and lingam the 'Image or
Sign' of Shiva; Jyotir Lingam thus means the Radiant Sign of Almighty
Shiva. There are twelve traditional Jyotirlinga shrines in India.
It is believed that these 12 jyotirlingas are 'Swayambhu' or self-
manifested of Lord Shiva.
Svayambhu is a Sanskrit word that means "self-manifested", "self-
existing", or "that is created by its own accord". Often, the word
swayambhu is used to describe a self manifested image of a deity, which
was not made by human hands, but instead is naturally arisen, or
generated by nature.
According to Śiva Mahāpurāṇa, once Brahma and Vishnu had an
argument over supremacy of creation. To settle the debate, Shiva pierced
the three worlds appearing as a huge Infinite Pillar of Light, the
Jyotirlinga which later cooled into the Holy Mountain Annamalai - on
which the Temple of Arunachaleshvara is located. Vishnu and Brahma
split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end
of the light in either direction. Brahma lied that he found out the end,
while Vishnu conceded his defeat. This lie of Brahma angered Shiva
making him curse Brahma that even though he is the creator of the
universe he would not be worshipped.

The jyotirlinga is the Supreme Siva, partless reality,

out of which Shiva appeared in another Form, Lingodbhava. The
jyotirlinga shrines are temples where Shiva appeared as a fiery column
of light.
Originally there were believed to be 64 jyotirlingas while 12 of them are
considered to be very auspicious and holy. Each of the twelve jyotirlinga
sites take the name of the presiding deity, each considered a different
manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is lingam
representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolising
the infinite nature of Shiva.
The twelve jyotirlinga are:
Somnath in Gir Somnath, Gujarat
Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleswar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Bhimashankar in Maharashtra
Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra
Baidyanath in Deoghar, Jharkhand
Nageshvara in Dwarka, Gujarat
Ramanathaswamy in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Grishneshwar in Aurangabad, Maharashtra
It is believed that Lord Shiva first manifested himself on Earth on the
night of the Arudra Nakshatra, thus the special reverence for the
Jyotirlinga.
There is no unique appearance to mark the Jyotirlingas. Many people
believe that you can see these lingas as columns of fire piercing through
the earth after you reach a high level of spiritual attainment.The 12
Jyotirlinga temples in India take the name of the presiding deity. Each
considered a different manifestation of Lord Shiva. The primary image
as all these lingas is the “lingam” representing the beginning and end
stambh pillar or the infinite nature of Lord Shiva.
12 Jyotirlingas in India are:
1. Somnath Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
Considered to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Somnath Temple in
Gujarat is situated near Veraval in (Prabhas Kshetra) Kathiawad district.
This jyotirling in Gujrat is a highly revered pilgrimage site in the
country.
Mylthology of Somnath Temple
The Skanda Purana, in a chapter on Prabhasa Khanda, describes
Somnath. Legend has it that Shiva in the previous aeons was referred to
as Mrityunjaya, Kaalagnirudra, Amritesa, Anamaya, Kritivasa and
Bhairavanatha at Somnath.
Legend has it that the Kalabhairava Shivalinga (Bhairavanatha) at
Prabhasa was worshipped by the moon, and hence Shiva here is referred
to as Somnatha. The Skanda Purana describes the Sparsa Linga of
Somnath as one bright as the sun, the size of an egg, lodged
underground. The Mahabharata also refers to the Prabhasa Kshetra and
the legend of the moon worshipping Shiva.
Legend goes that the moon was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha
Prajapati. He was partial to Rohini, his favorite and neglected the others.
An angered Daksha cursed him to wane into nothingness. A disturbed
Chandra, came down to Prabhasa with Rohini and worshipped the
Sparsa Linga of Somnath after which he was blessed by Shiva to grow
and shine in the bright half. As the moon regained his light here, this
town came to be known as Prabhasa. He became famous by the name
Somnath. Bhrama, one of the trinity, installed the Bhramasila, and paved
way for the construction of the temple.
The Somnath Jyotirlinga has been destroyed and rebuilt many times in
history.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh

The Mallikarjuna Temple is situated on the Shrishaila Mountain, on the

banks of the Krishna River in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh. It is
also known as “Kailash of the South” and is one of the greatest Shaivite
shrines in India. The presiding deities at this temple are Mallikarjuna
(Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi). According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva
and Parvati decided to find suitable brides for their sons, Ganesha and
Kartikeya argued as to who is to get married first. Shiva bade that the
one who goes around the world in Pradakshinam could get married first.
By the time Kartikeya could go round the world on his vahana, Ganesha
went round his parents 7 times (for according to Shastras, going in
pradakshinam round one's parents is equivalent to going once around the
world (Bhupradakshinam)). Siva got Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual
power), and Riddhi (prosperity) married to Ganesha.When Lord
Murugan returned to Kailash after completing his trip around the earth,
he heard about Ganesha’s marriage from Narada.which left Kartikeya
angered. Kartikeya was enraged and went away to stay alone on Mount
Kraunja in the name of Kumarabrahmachari. In spite of being restrained
by his parents, he touched their feet in obeisance and left for Krounch
Mountain. All the Gods tried to console him but in vain. Parvati was
very distraught at having to be away from her son, implored Lord Shiva
to look for their son. Ultimately Shiva-Parvati themselves travelled to
the mountain but were turned away by Kartikeya. Seeing their son in
such a state they were very hurt and Shiva assumed the form of a
Jyotirlinga and resided on the mountain by the name of Mallikarujna.
Mallika means Parvati, while Arjuna is another name of Shiva. From
that day, that place came to be known as Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. It is
believed that Shiva and Parvati visit this place on Amavasya (No moon
day) and (full Moon day) Pournami, respectively. Visiting the
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga not only blesses one with innumerable wealth,
but also name and fame and fulfills all the desires.It is believed by the
people that just seeing the tip of this mountain one is emancipated of all
sins and becomes free from the vicious cycle of life and death.
Once, a princess named Chandravati decided to go to the Jungle to do
penance and meditation. She chose Kadali Vana for this purpose. One
day, she witnessed a miracle. A Kapila cow was standing under a Bilwa
tree and milk was flowing from all of its four udders, sinking into the
ground. The cow kept doing this as a routine chore everyday.
Chandravati dug up that area and was dumb founded at what she saw.
There was a self-raising Swyambhu Shiva Linga. It was bright and
shining like the sun rays, and looked like it was burning, throwing
flames in all directions. Chandravati prayed to Shiva in the Mallikarjuna
Jyotirlinga. She built a huge Shiva Temple there. Lord Shankara was
very pleased with her. Chandravati went to Kailash wind borne. She
received salvation and Mukti. On one of the stone-inscriptions of the
temple, Chandravati’s story can be seen carved out.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Temple is located on the banks of the Kshipra River, in

the dense Mahakal forest in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This Jyotirlinga in
Madhya Pradesh is an important pilgrimage site in Central India.
There are a number of legends related to how this Jyotirlinga came into
existence. According to the Puranas, there was a five-year-old boy
Shrikar who was enthralled by the devotion of King Chandrasena of
Ujjain towards Lord Shiva. Shrikar took a stone and started worshipping
as Shiva. Many people tried to dissuade him in different ways, but his
devotion kept growing. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva assumed the
form of a Jyotirlinga and resided in the Mahakal forest. The
Mahakaleshwar Temple is considered significant for another reason. It is
among one of the seven “Mukti-Sthal” – the place that can liberate a
human.
Interestingly, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is Dakshinamukhi,
meaning it faces the south, unlike the rest of the Jyotirlingas. Temple
idols usually don't face the southern direction, and hence the speciality.
The main temple complex is a three-storeyed structure with the Lingas
of Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar and Nagchandreshwar installed in
lower, middle and upper tiers respectively. Devotees can worship the
Nagchandreshwar Linga only on Nag Panchgami, and it remains
inaccessible to the common public on a regular day. One can also find a
Kunda named Koti Teertha inside the temple complex. For the unversed,
the presence of a kunda (a small water body or a pond) is a common
feature in the ancient temple complexes.
This Jyotirlinga is famous for its Bhasma Aarti, meaning aarti with ash.
If you visit the Mahakaleshwar and return without witnessing the
Bhasma Aarti, then you would be missing out on a visually captivating
and spiritually enchanting sight. The aarti is one of the first rituals
performed at around 4 AM, to wake up the deity after Jal Abhishek. The
Bhasma Aarti, exclusive to the Mahakaleshwar temple, is conducted
with Vibhuti, sacred ash. The reason why the aarti is done after smearing
Bhasma could be because Mahakaleshwar means the God who controls
time, which is beyond man's control. A man is reduced to ash post-death,
and hence, it could symbolise the act of bowing in front of the Mahakal,
meaning the one who is the God of time.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar Temple is one of the highly revered Jyotirlinga and is
located on an island called Shivapuri in the Narmada River in Madhya
Pradesh. The word Omkareshwar means “Lord of Omkara” or the Lord
of the Om Sound! According to the scriptures, once upon a time, there
ensued a great war between the Devas and Danavas (Gods and Demons),
in which the Danavas won. This was a major setback for the Devas who
then prayed to Lord Shiva. Pleased with their prayer, Lord Shiva
emerged in the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated the
Danavas.
The Temple of Lord Omkareshwar is situated on the banks of River
Narmada, in between Indore & Khandwa. Lord Omkareshwar
Jyotirlinga Temple is situated by the banks of Narmada river in the
Malva area. Gods of all the Gods Lord Shiva's Omkareshwar linga is
situated on the mountain Mandhata.
The Shiv Purana speaks of the greatness of Omkareshwar and
Mammaleshwar. The two sons of the sun dynasty Mandhata (Ambarish
and Mucchkund), practiced severe penance and austerities here pleased
Lord Shiva. They had also performed great religious sacrifices here,
because of this the mountain is named Mandhata.
Before entering the temple one has to pass through two rooms. The
Omkareshwar is not affixed to the ground, but is naturally installed
there. There is always water around it. The significance of this linga is
that the linga is not situated below the cupola. The idol of Lord Shiva is
situated on the top of the temple. A huge fair is organised here on the day
of Kartik Poornima.
It is said that once upon a time Vidhya Parvat practiced severe penances
and worshipped Parthivarchana along with Lord Omkareshwar for
nearly six months. As a result Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed him
with the desire boon. On the sincere request of all the gods and the sages
Lord Shiva made two parts of the linga. In one he resided as the Pranav
or Omkar and assumed the form of Omkareshwar and Bhagwan
Sadashiva, Parameshwar, Amareshwar or Mamaleshwar assumed form
from the Partivlinga.

5. Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Jharkhand

.
Vidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple is located in the famous Devgarh place in
Jharkhand. Devghar is also called Baidyanath Dham due to being a holy
pilgrimage.. Due to being located in Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, this place
has got Deoghar name. It is said that all the wishes of those who come
here are fulfilled. Because of this, this Jyotirling is also called 'Kamna
Linga'.
According to the stories described in Shiva Puranas, King Ravan of
Lanka had realized that his capital will not be perfect and independent
unless Mahadev always lives in Lanka. He gave constant attention to
Mahadev. To make happy to Mahadev, he cut his head one by one
offering it to Shivling. As soon as Ravan was about to cut his tenth
head, Lord Shiva was pleased and allowed him to take mahadev self part
to Lanka. Mahadev told Ravana that wherever the Shiva Linga is first
placed on the earth, then this Linga will be established forever. Ravana
was happy and was taking Shivalinga to Lanka.
This incident started to worry about other Gods, if Ravana took
Shivalinga to Lanka and Ravan would be invincible. So all the gods
have requested Varun Deva to inspire them in the body of Ravana and
for the urination. Ravan wisingh to urinate, was searching for a man
whom he could temporarily hand over to Lingam. Then Lord Ganesha
was presented in the form of a Brahman and presented before Ravana.
Ravan was unaware of this, Ravana handed the Brahman to Lingam. The
Brahman kept the Lingam at this place and now it is Baidyanath Dham.
Ravan tried to remove the linga from the place where it was kept. But
Ravana could not even move an inch. Frustrated Ravan,went to Lanka.
came to this place everyday for the worship of Vaidyanath Jyotirling.
Every year on the Vaidyanath Dham, a fair is celebrated in the month of
Shravan (July-August), in which thousands of pilgrims come to visit
Baba Bholenath. All these pilgrims undertake tremendous hiking
journeys of several kilometers of Saltanganj with water from the holy
Ganges. After this, they keep Gangajal in their own kanvar and proceed
towards Baidyanath Dham and Basuknath. While taking holy water it is
taken care of that the character in which there is water will not touch
anywhere on the land. There is also a huge pond near the temple. The
main temple of Baba Baidyanath is the oldest, many other temples have
been built around it. The temple of Baba Bholenath is associated with
the temple of Lord Parvati ji.
Vasukinath is known for Lord Shiva temple. It is believed that the visit
of the Vaidyanath temple is considered incomplete till the Vasukinath is
not visit. But there is no such description in the Puranas. This temple is
situated near the village of Jarmundi, 42 kilometers from Devgarh.
6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra

The Bhimashankar Temple is located in the Sahyadri region of Pune,

Maharashtra. It lies on the banks of Bhima River and is considered to be
a source of this river..
The legend about the existence of this Jyotirlinga is related to
Kumbhakarna’s son Bhima. When Bhima learned that he was the son of
Kumbhakarana who was annihilated by Lord Vishnu in his incarnation
as Lord Ram, he vowed to avenge Lord Vishnu. He performed penance
to please Lord Brahma who granted him immense power. On achieving
this power, he started creating havoc in the world. He defeated the
staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, Kamrupeshwar and put him in the
dungeons. This angered the Lords who requested Shiva to descend earth
and to put an end to this tyranny. A war ensued between the two and
Shiva ultimately put the demon to ashes. All the Gods then requested
Shiva to make that place his abode. Shiva then manifested himself in the
form of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. It is believed that the sweat which
poured from Shiva’s body after the battle is what formed the Bhima
River
7. Rameshwar Temple, Tamil Nadu

Rameshwar Temple, the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is located

on the island of Rameshwaram, off the Sethu coast of Tamil Nadu. This
temple is popularly known for its architecture, more prominently the
long ornate corridors, towers, and 36 theerthams. This has been a time-
honoured pilgrimage centre considered by many at par with Banaras.
This Jyotirlinga is closely associated with Ramayana and Ram’s
victorious return from Sri Lanka. It is believed that Ram on his way to
Sri Lanka stopped at Rameshwaram and was drinking water on the
seashore when there was a celestial proclamation: “You are drinking
water without worshipping me.” Listening to this Ram made a linga of
sand and worshipped it and asked for its blessings to defeat Ravana. He
got the blessings from Lord Shiva who then turned into a Jyotirlinga and
resided at the place for eternity.
As per another legend a king ruling this region then, prayed to Lord
Shiva for child boon and performed a yajna. Through His voice, Lord
assured the king that Ambica would be his daughter. When the king set
out on hunting, he found four female children, who brought them up as
his own daughters. They were Shiva devotees by their very nature.
When they attained age, king begged Lord to marry them. Lord was
happy to grant king’s wish. They are the Ambicas in four places –
Sarivar Kuzhali in this temple, Vaaitha Tirukuzshal Nayaki in
Tiruchengattangudi, Karundhar Kuzhali in Tirupugalur and Vandar
Kuzhali in Tirumarugal.
They also bear the common name Shoolikambal as they helped a poor
pregnant woman deliver her child during the absence of her mother who
was stuck at the other bank of the river due to heavy floods. Shool or
Karu in Tamil means pregnancy.
The jyotirlingam was worshipped by Lord Rama to atone the sin of
killing Ravana. Hanuman flew to bring the Linga from Kailasa, for Lord
Rama to wroship. As it was getting late of the auspicious time,, Rama
worshipped the Lingam that was made of sand by Sita Devi. This
Lingam worshipped by Lord Rama is known as Ramanathar. When
Hanuman returned he was disappointed that his Lord had not used the
Lingam that he had brought. Lord Rama pacified Hanuman and named
this Lingam Kasi Viswanathar. Devotees have to worship Kasi
Viswanathar before worshipping Ramanathar

8. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat

The Nageshwar Temple also known as Nagnath Temple is located on the

route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast
of Saurashtra in Gujarat.
This Jyotirlinga holds special significance as it symbolises protection
from all types of poison. It is believed that those who worship at this
temple become free of all poisons.
According to the Shiva Purana, a Shiva devotee by the name Supriya
was captured by the demon Daaruka. The demon imprisoned her with
several others in his capital Daarukavana. Supriya advised all prisoners
to chant “Aum Namaha Shivaya” which enraged Daaruka who ran to kill
Supriya. Lord Shiva manifested in front of the demon and put an end to
him. Thus the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga came into being.

9. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the most revered site in the
world- Kashi! It is situated amidst the crowded lanes of the holy city of
Banaras (Varanasi). More than the Ghats and Ganga of Varanasi, the
Shivalinga remains the devotional focus of the pilgrims.
It is believed that Banaras is the site at which the first Jyotirlinga
manifested its supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth’s
crust and flared towards heaven. This temple is said to be the dearest to
Lord Shiva, and the people believe that those who die here achieve
liberation. Many believe that Shiva himself resided here and is the giver
of liberation and happiness. This temple has been rebuilt several times
but always continued to hold its ultimate significance.
The city of Varanasi finds mention in many Hindu Puranas like Garuda
Purana and Siva, Skanda Puranas. The first Jyotirlinga is said to have
been appeared out of the earth’s crust here and flared towards heavens in
the form of a huge column of Agni (fire) as Shiva manifested his
supremacy.
In the year 1669, Aurangzeb destroyed the temple to bits and pieces and
constructed a Mosque over the remains of the temple. He was so
illiterate that he did not know what name to be given to the mosque, so
he borrowed the name Gyanvapi (Well of Wisdom). The Gyanvapi was
the name of the well which existed in the temple, from where the water
was used for Abhisheka for the lord. So Aurangzeb named the mosque as
Gyanvapi mosque.

10. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Nasik

The Trimbakeshwar Temple is located about 30kms from Nasik in

Maharashtra near the mountain named Brahmagiri from the river
Godavari flows. This temple is considered to be a source of the river
Godavari which is known as “Gautami Ganga”- the most sacred river in
South India.
According to the Shiva Purana, it is on the earnest request of River
Godavari, Gautam Rishi and all the other Gods that Shiva decided to
reside here and assumed the name Trimbakeshwar. Gautam Rishi earned
a boon from Varuna in the form of a pit from which he received an
inexhaustible supply of grains and food. The other Gods were rendered
jealous by him and they sent a cow to enter the granary. The cow was
mistakenly killed by Gautam Rishi who then asked Lord Shiva to do
something to purify the premises. Shiva asked Ganga to flow through
the land to make it pure. Everyone thus sang praise for the Lord who
then resided beside Ganga in the form of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga.
Godavari River also referred to as River Gautami after the name of the
Sage Gautama is one of the four rivers which are believed to be
bestowed with the divine nectar, Amrit and thus its banks become the
hosting ground for Kumbha Mela.
The Peshwas are credited with the construction of the Shiva temple that
now steals the show. It is also said that the crown over the Linga made
of gold and precious jewels was installed by Pandavas of Mahabharata.

11. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand

One of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, the Kedarnath Temple is
located on the Rudra Himalaya Range at the height of 12000 feet on a
mountain named Kedar. It is approximately 150 miles from Hardwar.
The temple enshrining the Jyotirlinga opens only six months in a
year.This JyotirLinga can be visited only during six months in a year.
From the month of Vaisakha to Ashwin (Ashwiyaja) is the time when
pilgrims can make the journey to this. The rest of the year it is too cold
and the Himalayas are covered in snow. Therefore, the Kedarnath temple
remains closed for pilgrims.
\The tradition is that while embarking on a pilgrimage to Kedarnath
people first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and brings the holy water to
offer at Kedarnath. According to the legends, pleased by the severe
penance of the Nara and Narayana – two incarnations of Lord Vishnu,
Lord Shiva took up permanent abode in Kedarnath in the form of this
Jyotirlinga. People believe that praying at this site one gets all his desire
fulfilled.
During the month of Karthik, due to snowfall, Sri Kedareshwar idol is
brought out of the temple after lighting a ghee lamp, “Nanda Deepa”.
Then the temple is closed for the winter. From the month of Karthik to
Chaitra Sri Kedareshwar’s abode is shifted to the Urvi Math, which is in
the valley. In the month of Vaishakh, when the temple doors are opened
the lamp “Nanda Deepa” still keeps burning. People come to see this
glorious lamp and the Shiva devotees consider themselves blessed.
Some part of the journey is motorable and the rest has to be walked
upon. This part of the way through the Himalaya is very difficult. But
devotees go through all this with dedication and determination.
..
12. Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Aurangabad

The Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located in a village called Verul, which

lies 20 km from Daulatabad, near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. This
temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar who also rebuilt the Kashi
Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The Ghrishneshwar temple is also
known by other names like Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeswara,
Grushmeswara and Grishneswara.
According to the Shiva Purana, a couple named Sudharm and Sudeha
resided on the Devagiri Mountain. They were childless, and thus Sudeha
got her sister Ghushma married to Sudharm. They bore a son who
rendered Ghushma proud and Sudeha jealous of her sister. In her
jealousy, Sudeha threw the son in the lake where Ghushma used to
discharge 101 lingams. Ghushma prayed to Lord Shiva who ultimately
returned her the son and told her of her sister’s deeds. Sudharm asked
Shiva to emancipate Sudeha which left Shiva pleased with his
generosity. On Sudharm’s request, Shiva manifested himself in the form
of the Jyotirlinga and assumed the name Ghushmeshwa
The installation of the Jyotirlinga is credited to Kusuma, a devout Shiva
worshipper, whose devotion had won her the blessings of the Lord and
in whose request, as part of a boon, Shiva had installed himself as a
shivling in the pious land of Grishneshwar. The premises of the temple is
commodious and is guarded by a wall on its four sides. Halfway up the
temple, Dashsavatars are carved in red stone that have a really
impressive look. Carved-statues, art works and paintings can be seen
along the entire structure. The Garbhagriha houses the Jyotirlinga and
the Goddess, Grishneshwari. Built on 24 carved-pillars is the court-hall
which houses the gorgeous Nandikeshwara..
The meaning of a Jyotirlinga
1. The all-pervading Brahmatmalinga or all-pervading light.
2. In the Taittiriya Upanishad, the twelve Principles of Brahma, Maya,
the jiva, the mind, intellect, subconscious mind, ego and the
Panchamahabhutas have been referred to as the twelve Jyotirlingas.
3. The twelve sections of the Shivalinga.
4. In the Yadnyavedi (Pit where the ritual of sacrificial fires is
performed), the shalunka represents the pit of the fire and the linga the
flame of the fire.
5. A representation of the twelve Adityas (Species of Deities who are
designated into groups).
6. The sites of eruption of fire from the dormant volcanoes.