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How Many Jyotirlinga in India? - Why Every Hindu Should Undertake 12 Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage Once In Lifetime?

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There are twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India. But there is controversy regarding location of two Jyotirlinga. Controversy or no controversy the answer to how many Jyotirling temple in India is always twelve. This is because there is a Stotra dedicated to the Jyotirlinga temples credited to Adi Shankara which names all the twelve temples.

The twelve Jyotirlinga Temples are:
  1. Somnath Temple at Saurashtra in Gujarat.
  2. Mallikarjun Temple in Srisailam, or Shrishailam, in Andhra Pradesh.
  3. Mahakal Temple, or Mahakaleshwar, in Ujjain Madhya Pradesh.
  4. Omkar Temple, or Amishvar, at Omkareshwar on the banks of Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.
  5. Kedarnath Temple or Kedareshwar in Uttarakhand.
  6. Bhimashankar Temple at Dhakini in Maharashtra.
  7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or Viswesh, at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
  8. Trimbakeshwar Temple near Nasik on the banks of Gautami River in Maharashtra.
  9. Baidyanath Dham or Vaidyanath Temple at Deoghar in Jharkhand.
  10. Nageshwar Temple near Dwarka in Gujarat.
  11. Rameshwaram Temple in Tamil Nadu.
  12. Grishneshwar Temple Near Ellora in Maharashtra.
There is controversy regarding Vaidyanath Temple as there are two other Vaidyanath Temples that claim to be Jyotirlinga one is located in Maharashtra and another in Himachal Pradesh.

Similarly there is a Nageshwar Temple in Maharashtra which claims to be Jyotirlinga Temple.

Why Every Hindu Should Undertake 12 Jyotirling Pilgrimage Once In Lifetime?

Undertaking the 12 Jyotirlinga pilgrimage holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. Here are a few reasons why many Hindus consider it a meaningful endeavor:

Religious Significance: Jyotirlingas are considered manifestations of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Each Jyotirlinga is believed to be a focal point of divine energy and represents different aspects of Lord Shiva's power. Visiting these sacred sites is an opportunity for devotees to connect with the divine and seek blessings.

Purification and Spiritual Growth: Pilgrimages are often seen as journeys of self-discovery and spiritual growth. By undertaking the Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, Hindus seek purification of their souls and hope to deepen their understanding of their faith. It's a chance to engage in introspection, prayer, and meditation in sacred surroundings.

Cultural Heritage: The Jyotirlinga pilgrimage is not only a religious practice but also a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage. Many of these pilgrimage sites are located in historically significant regions and boast stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and ancient rituals that reflect the diversity and depth of Hindu culture.

Unity and Community: Pilgrimages often bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and community among devotees. Hindus from various backgrounds and regions come together to embark on this journey, sharing in the collective experience of devotion and reverence.

Fulfillment of Tradition: For many Hindus, undertaking the Jyotirlinga pilgrimage is a tradition passed down through generations. It is believed that fulfilling this tradition brings blessings not only to the individual but also to their family and loved ones.

Seeking Blessings and Fulfilling Wishes: Devotees often undertake pilgrimages to seek blessings from the divine and to fulfill their wishes. It is believed that offering prayers and performing rituals at the Jyotirlinga shrines can help alleviate suffering, bring prosperity, and fulfill desires.

Overall, the Jyotirlinga pilgrimage holds profound significance for Hindus, offering them an opportunity for spiritual enrichment, cultural immersion, and communal bonding. It is viewed as a sacred journey that brings devotees closer to the divine and strengthens their connection to their faith and heritage.