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Articles: Devotion | Dwadasa Jyotirlingaas
- Sanvi Sarma
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SAURASHTRA SOMNATHAM CHA SHRISHAILE MALLIKARJUNAM ||
UJJAINYAM MAHAKALOMKARE MAMMALESHWARAM ||
PARLYAM VAIJNATHAM CHA DAKINYAM BHEEM SHANKARAM ||
SETU BANDHE TU RAMESHAM NAGESHAM DARUKA VANE ||
VARANASYA TU VISHWESHAM TRIBAKAM GAUTAMITATE ||
HIMALAYE TU KEDARAM GHURMESHAM CHA SHIVALAYE ||
AETANI JYOTIRLINGANI SAYAM PRATAHA PATHENNARAHA ||
SAPTA JANMA KRITAM PAPAM SMARANEN VINASHYATI ||
Somnath in Saurashtra (Kathiawad)
Mallikarjun in Shrishailam
Mahakal in Ujjain
Omkar in Mammaleshwaram
Vaijnath in Parli
Bhima Shankar in Dakini
Rameshwaram in Setubandha
Nagesh in Darukavana
Vishweshwar in Varanasi
Trimbakeshwar on the banks of river Gautami
Kedarnath in Himalayas
Ghurmeshwar in Shivalaya
One who recites these 12 names regularly in the morning and evening he washes all the sins committed in the previous 7 births and attains all the powers and Siddhis.
SOMNATH
This Jyotirlinga is situated in the Veraval in (Prabhas Kshetra) Kathaiwad district. There is an interesting story associated with the emergence of this Jyotirlinga, mentioned in the Purana.
According to the Shiva Purana Daksha Prajapati had 27 daughters (Ashwini, Bharani, Kritika, Rohini) who wedded Chandrama, the moon god. Amongst all his wives, he had special love towards Rohini. Seeing the negligence of Chandra towards his other wives Prajapati Daksha cursed Chandra that he would lose his beauty and radiance, Because of a moon devoid of radiance and beauty the entire world became lifeless. On the advice of Brahmaji, Chandrama started worshipping Lord Ashutosh. Pleased by his devotion Lord Ashutosh appeared before him and gave him the blessing of immortality, He blessed him that he would undergo waxing and waning accordingly in a month.
On the request of the Chandrama and other gods Bhagwan Shankar assumed the name Somchandra (Jyotirlinga) and resided there eternally. He became famous by the name Somnath in the three worlds. It was the Prabhas Kshetra where Bhagwan Shri Krishna performed all his Lilas. In this temple there is a small cave in which a lamp burns continuously.
SHRI MALLIKARJUNA
This is situated on mountain named Shri Shaila by the banks of the Patal Ganga, Krishna river in the state of Andhra Pradesh of Southern India. It is also known as Kailash of the south. It is said that by merely seeing the tip of mountain one is emancipated from all his sins and worries. The person becomes free from the vicious cycle of life and death. This Jyotirlinga is situated on the divine Shiv Shaila Mountain. The architecture of the temple is very beautiful and intricate. Every year there is a fair organised on account of Mahashivratri, Just adjacent to the temple is another holy shrine of Goddess Jagdamba. Here she is known as Bhramaramba.
According to Shiva Purana, when Shri Ganesh was married of before Kartikeya, and because of this Kartikeya became angry, and despite being stopped and consoled by his parents Shiv-Parvati, went away to the Kraunch Mountain. Even the Gods went and tried consoling Kartikeya, but all their efforts were in vain, because of all this Shiv-Parvati were very sad and both decided that they would to Kraunch mountain themselves. When Kartikeya came to know that his mother-father have arrived he went away. Eventually Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirlinga and resided on that mountain by the name of Mallikarjuna. Mallika means Parvati, while Arjuna is another name of Shiva. In this way both Shiva and Parvati reside in this linga. The people who visit this Jyotirlinga are emancipated from all their sins and fulfill all their desires. It is for the welfare and well being of one and all.
SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
Amongst the 7 holy places that can liberate a human in Ujjain. It is important Shaivite place of North India. This Jyotirlinga is situated in the Mahakal forest in Ujjain, by the banks of the Kshipra river. The name Avanti or Avantika pleases Lord Shiva. It is considered as very holy and pure place. One comes across a number of stories in the Puranas associated with the Mahakaleshwar Linga.
According to a story, a five year old boy named Shrikar was enthralled seeing the devotion of king Chandrasena of Ujjain towards Lord Shiva. He took a stone and by considering it a linga started worshipping it regularly. Others thought that his worship as merely a game and tried to dissuade in all ways. But all the efforts went in vain. On the contrary the devotion of Shrikar increased day by day. Pleased by the boy’s devotion Lord Shiva assumed Jyotirlinga form and resided in the Mahakal forest.
The temple courtyard of Bhagwan Mahakaleshwar temple is very big. The temple is itself grand and beautiful. This Jyotirlinga is situated below the ground in a Garbha Griha. The linga is quite big in size and is encircled by a snake of silver. On one side of the linga there is the idol of Lord Ganesha, on the another side is the idol of Parvati and Kartikeya are installed. The Kumbha mela that is organised every year on the banks of the Kshipra river is very famous. All devotees take a holy water from the Kshipra river and seek blessings of Lord Mahakaleshwar.
SHRI OMKARESHWAR
This Jyotirlinga 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 2 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 2 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.
Amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas Omkareshwar is undoubtedly considered but another name which often comes in this context is Mammaleshwar. Not only the name but the existence of these two are also thoroughly different. The temple of Maleshwar is situated south of the river Narmada, but both the forms of Shiva have been counted as one.
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 lings. In one he resided as the Pranav or Omkar and assumed the form of Omkareshwar and Bhagwan Sadashiva, Parameshwar, Amareshwar or Amaleshwar assumed form from the Partivlinga.
SHRI VAIDHYNATH / VAIJHNATH
In the south west of Keeul Station situated on the Patna-Calcutta railway route 150 km away, Vaijnatheshwar, this Jyotirlinga is situated, The associated story is as follows. With the burning desert for power, might and strength Ravana started worshipping Lord Shiva with mind and soul. During summers he would Partake Panchagni and during winters he would stay in water. During the rains he would stay in the open fields and practice serve penance.
Even after long penance when Lord Shiva did not appear he made a Parthivlinga and installed it. He dug a pit near it and lighted fire just beside it. Accordingly to the Vedic scripture he performed worship of Shiva front of the fire. He started cutting his heads one by one and offered it as oblation to the Lord. Because of Shiva grace the moment he would cut his head and offer it, it was come back to its original place. In this way he offered his head 9 times. When he was about to offer his 10th head to the God immediately Lord Shiva appeared and Said – O Ravana! I am pleased with your devotion you ask me for a boon you desire.
Ravana asked for invincibility and tremendous might and power. Lord Shiva blessed him accordingly. Ravana requested Lord Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. At that time Shiva handed over to him a linga and warned Ravana that if you keep this Lings anywhere on earth it shall fix itself to the ground and shall remain there for eternity. He thanked Lord Shiva and holding the linga carefully started of to the Lanka. Because of Lord Shiva’s Maya Ravana felt like answering nature’s call, which was uncontrollable. He gave the linga to a small boy standing beside and told him to hold it. The small boy could not withstand the weight of the linga and he kept it on the ground. No sooner he had done so the linga affixed itself strongly to the ground for eternity. Despite all his efforts Ravana could not lift it and in despair Ravana returned home. This Shiva linga itself is the Jyotirlinga named Vaijnath.
Releasing the truth, all the gods along with Brahmaji appeared there. They took the blessing of Lord Shiva and started singing his praises.
By worshipping Vaijnath Jyotirlinga one can eliminate all his/her worries and miseries It is also a giver of Moksha and all types of happiness. Devotees carry ‘Kanwars’ on their shoulders and complete their travel here.
SHRI BHIMASHANKAR
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated in the north of Pune, on the Sahayadri, by the banks of the river Bhima. It is from here that the Bhima River flows. It is believed that Lord Shiva was pleased by the devotion of a king named Bhimak of the sun Dynasty and is called the Jyotirlinga in the place. But according to the Shiv Purana the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated on the Mountain Brahmapur, district Kamrup of Assam. Lord Shiva had incarnated so that he could destroy the demons and protect his devotees and for the welfare of one and all.
It is believed that once upon a time in the place called Kamrup a great devotee by the name of King Kamrupeshwar would reside. He would be constantly abandoned in the worship of Shiva. During the same a demon named Bhima emerged and started harassing the people. He had heard many a things about the sublime devotion of Kamrupeshwar. He wanted to kill King Kamrupeshwar. No sooner he attacked the king absorbed in worship, his sword fell on the linga instead of the king. Instantly Lord Ashutosh appeared and destroyed Bhima along with his army.
Seeing this, all were elated. On the sincere request of the gods and sages he agreed to reside there eternally by the name of Bhimashankar.
SHRI RAMESHWARAM
Another Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is situated on the peninsular tip Rameshwaram. It was Lord Rama who installed this Linga there, when he was on his way to attack Ravana he reached this place where he made a linga of sand and worshipped it. It was also believed that when Lord Rama was drinking water on the seashore there was a celestial proclamation – 'You are drinking water without worshipping me'. Listening to this Lord Rama made a linga of sand and worshipped it and asked to be blessed so that he could vanquish Ravana. Lord Shiva blessed him accordingly. He also requested Lord Shiva to reside eternally here so that entire mankind should benefit from it. Shiva then manifested himself are the Linga and got installed there for eternity.
SHRI NAGESHWARNATH(RAMESHWARAM)
On the way from Gomati Dwarka to Bait Dwarkas nearly 13 miles in the north east Shri Nageshwarnath Jyotirlinga is situated. According to the Shiv Purana there was a she-demon by the name Daruka in ancient times. Before of Parvati’s blessings had turned proud and obstinate. A mighty demon named Daruk was her husband. He had collected a huge army of demons and had started harassing all the innocent people there. He would destroy all the religious sacrifices performed there. On the western bank of the ocean there was a forest which was abundant with all the good things. The forest was spread across 192 kms. Wherever Daruka would go, the forest with all its good things would go along with her.
Goddess Parvati had appointed Daruka as the caretaker of the forest. Daruka and her husband Daruk both would stay there and terrify people there. People tired of this terror went to Maharishi Aurva and told them their sorrow. Aurva for the security of the refugees cursed the demons that if they would harass people or destroy religious sacrifice they would instantly die. When the gods came to know about this they attacked the demons. Even though the demons would kill the gods they became frightened because, they could get killed because of the curse of the sage. If they did not kill they would get defeated. Seeing the state of the demons Daruka said because of the blessing of Bhavani I can take this forest whenever I want. He went and entered the sea. Now all the demons started residing in the sea and started harassing creatures there also.
Once many a boats having many people seated came there. All the demons caught hold of the people and put them in prison. Amongst the prisoners there was a prisoner by the named Supriya. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He advised all prisoners to recite the mantra ‘AUM NAMAHA SHIVAYA.’ When Daruk came to know about this he ran to kill Supriya. Supriya out of right started to call out to Lord Shiva the Saviour. Instantly Lord Shiva appeared through a small hole and a beautiful temple with wall was formed. In the middle of the temple a lustrous Jyotirlinga was installed. Lord Shiva destroyed all the demons and saved the life of Supriya. Here Demons Daruka started praying to Goddess Parvati for mercy. The Goddess was pleased with the devotion and blesses her. In this way Lord Shiva stays and resides there eternally by the name of Nageshwar and Goddess Parvati by the Nageshwari. According to the Shiv Purana who ever with devotion reads the birth and greatness of this Jyotirlinga. He shall be get all material happiness and shall get divine status in the end.
SHRI VISHWESHWARNATH
This Jyotirlinga is situated in Kashi and famous by the name of Shiv Vishwanath Kashi this holy place is very dear to Lord Shankar. It is said in the scriptures than this place was forever destroyed when the earth was submerged under water (Pralaya). It is so because Lord Shiva holds this place by his Trishul. Those who come and die here attain liberation. It is said that Lord Shiva gives the Tarak Mantra to the one’s who is going to die, here. He resides here and is the giver of liberation and happiness. The one who prays and worships Vishweshwar with devotion attains all his desires and one who incessantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets liberated .
In Kashi, in the north, the Durkarkhand with south, Kedar Khand, in the middle, Vishweshwar Khand are situated. In this Vishwanath is situated. The original Jyotirlinga of Kashi Vishwanath is a not available. The old temple was destroyed as a result of the mughal invasion and Aurangazeb built a mosque in place of it. The ancient idol of Vishweshwar is situated in Jnana-Vapi.
The new temple was built at a distance from the original one by the Queen of Indore Queen Ahilyabai. Other than this Shri Karpati constructed a new temple near the Ganges. One can stand a bit far from the place and worship Lord Vishweshwar.
SHRI TRIMBARKESHWAR
Shri Trimbakeshwar is situated in the district Nashik of Maharashtra state, Near this is the mountain named Brahmagiri from which the river named Godavari flows. What importance Ganga is ascribed to the North India, the same importance is given to Godavari in south India. It is the penance of the great sage Rishi Gautama that materialized on being blessed by Lord Ashutosh. Just as Ganga is known as Bhagirathi in the same way, Godavari is also known as Gautami Ganga.
When the planet Jupiter enter the Leo Sign a fair is organised on a very large scale, Devotees take a holy bath in the Gautami Ganga and then such the blessings of Trimbakeshwar. Accordingly to the Shiv Purana it is because of the earnest request of Godavari, Gautam Rishi and other gods that Lord Shiva agreed to reside here and assumed the famous name Trimbakeshwar.
Once upon a time there lived a sage name Gautam with his wife named Ahilya. The ultimate aim of their life was penance and good of others. Once there was a drought. Altruistic Gautam Rishi made a pit and filled it with water by appeasing Varuna Deva. Seeing this, all were very happy but the wives of other sages staying in the vicinity started feeling jealous. They made a conspiracy by persuading their husbands, to drive Gautam Rishi and his wife out of the area. All the sages came together and started worshipping Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha pleased with their devotion assumed form and being told the boon to be granted dissuaded the sages from doing so. But when the sages did not listen he blessed them accordingly and vanished.
Accordingly Lord Ganesha assumed form of a cow and entered the courtyard of Gautam Rishi’s house and started eating grass and plants. Incidentally Rishi Gautam came there and started eschewing the cow with a thick stick. As soon as the stick touches the cow, the cow dropped down dead. Unfortunately, that moment the other wicked sages came there and criticised Gautam Rishi for his cruelty. They told him to leave this place and go away. Gaumtam Rishi humbly told them that he was ready to take the punishment for the crime committed. The sages suggested that he should circumambulate the earth thrice, the Mountain Brahmagiri 100 times, holy bath in the Ganges and worshipping of 1 crore Shivalingas. After performing this penance, Lord Ashutosh appeared before them. Sage Gautam asked to be freed from the crime. Lord Shiva said'O Sage Gautam you were always innocent and pure. The other sages in reality made a conspiracy against you.
Listening to this Sage Gautama was surprised, but said that those Sages have done a lot of good in the disguise of bad. If, I wouldn’t have done this penance, I would not see you. After this Gautam Rishi asked Ganga from Lord Shiva. Shiva requested Ganga to flow down and make Sage Gautam pure. After that Ganga flowed down. Lord Shiva told Ganga to stay there eternally for the good of all the people. All the Gods started singing the praises of Gautam Rishi, Ganga and Lord Shiva. On the request of all the Gods, Lord Shiva resided by the river Gautami by the name Trimbakeshwar (one of the Jyotirlingas.). This Jyotirlinga named Trimbak, is the one which fulfills everyone’s desires. It emancipates all from their sins and miseries.
SHRI KEDARESHWAR
Shri Kedareshwar is situated on the Himalayas, on a mountain named Kedar. Before the mountains, on the banks of the Alakanada Badrinarayana is situated. And on the west, on the banks of Mandakini Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is situated. This place is approximately 150 miles away from Haridwar and 132 miles north of Hrishikesh. Nar Narayan the incarnation of Lord Vishnu has performed severe penance in Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand. He would regularly pray to the Shivirlinga and Lord Shiva used to be present there in the linga.
After some time Lord Ashutush appeared before Nar Narayan and said – I am very pleased with your undeterred faith and devotion, so you may ask a boon for yourself. Nar Narayan, said that if you are really pleased then O’ Devesha please assume form and reside here eternally so that all people who worship you shall be freed from their miseries. Granting the boon, Lord Shiva assumed form of a linga and was installed in Kedar Mountain. After that Nar Narayan worshipped him ardently and then after he was named Kedareshwar.
By praying to Kedareshwar, one can get all his desires fulfilled. Upamanyu had prayed to Lord Shiva in this place, in Satayuga. In Dwapar the Pandavas had worshipped Lord Shiva here.
SHRI GHRISHNESHWAR
The Jyotirlinga named Ghrushmeshwar, Ghurmeshwar or Ghushmeshwar is situated in a village called Verul which is 20 km away from Daulatabad and approximately 100 kms from Manmad station. The Shivpuran speaks of the emergence of the linga through the following story.
In the southern direction, on a mountain named Devagiri there lived a Brahmin named Brahmavetta SudharmAlong with his wife Sudeha. He was a scholar of the Vedas, the scriptures and used to teach many students. But they did not have a child of their own because of which Sudeha was sad. She would often pray for a child. She tried all the possible remedies but all efforts went in vain. She got her sister Ghushma married to her husband by forcing her purposely. She would serve Sudharm along with Ghushma her sister. On advice by her sister Ghushma used to make 101 lingas and worship them. She used to discharge the lingas in the lake, near by.
By the blessing of Lord Shiva she was blessed with a beautiful fortunate baby boy. Because of this, Ghushma became proud and Sudeha started feeling jealous towards her sister. Out of jealously, one night she took Ghushma’s son and killed him and threw him in the lake where Ghushma used to discharge the lingas.
On the next Ghushmas got up and got involved in her daily ablutions. Sudharm also was involved in daily prayers etc. Alike other Sudeh also got up and started performing her daily choirs. When Ghushma’s daughter-in-law saw stains of blood on her husband bed and parts of the body drenched in blood, she was horrified. She came to her mother-in-law Ghushma crying and told her everything. Ghushma was absorbed in worshipping Shiva. So she did not deter. Even her husband Sudharma did not move an inch. When Ghushma saw the bed drenched in blood she did not break down. She said, he who has given me this child shall protect him, and started reciting ‘Shiva-Shiva’ continuously. When she went to discharge the Shivalingas after prayers she saw her son coming. Seeing her son he was neither happy nor sad. At that time Lord Shiv appeared before her and said – I am pleased with your devotion. Your sister had killed your son.
Ghushma prostrated before Shiv and told Lord Shiva to forgive Sudeh and emancipate her. Lord Shiv asked her another boon. Ghushma said that if he was really happy with her devotion then he should reside her eternally for the benefit of the multitudes in form of a Jyotirling and may you be known by my name. On her severe request he manifested in form of a Jyotirling and assumed the name Ghushmeshwar and the kale was named as Shivalaya thereafter.
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