Quick answer: The 12 Jyotirlingas are spread across eight states, from Kedarnath in the Himalayas to Rameshwaram on the southern coast. Most devotees complete them over several trips by following regional circuits, such as the five Maharashtra shrines, the two Gujarat shrines and the Ujjain and Omkareshwar pair. October to March suits most circuits, while Kedarnath opens only between late April or May and around Diwali.
The Jyotirlingas are the twelve most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, each revered as a place where Shiva appeared as an endless column of light. A Jyotirlinga yatra is a lifelong goal for many families. This guide explains where each shrine sits, how to combine them into practical journeys and how much time to set aside. For curated itineraries, explore the Jyotirlinga Yatra tour packages by House of Ullassa.
Where Are the 12 Jyotirlingas?
| Jyotirlinga | Location | State |
|---|---|---|
| Somnath | Prabhas Patan, near Veraval | Gujarat |
| Nageshwar | Near Dwarka | Gujarat |
| Mallikarjuna | Srisailam | Andhra Pradesh |
| Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain | Madhya Pradesh |
| Omkareshwar | Island on the Narmada, near Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| Kedarnath | Garhwal Himalayas | Uttarakhand |
| Bhimashankar | Sahyadri hills, near Pune | Maharashtra |
| Kashi Vishwanath | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
| Trimbakeshwar | Near Nashik | Maharashtra |
| Baidyanath | Deoghar | Jharkhand |
| Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy) | Rameshwaram island | Tamil Nadu |
| Grishneshwar | Near Ellora, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Maharashtra |
Some traditions identify Baidyanath with Parli Vaijnath in Maharashtra, and Nageshwar with Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra or Jageshwar in Uttarakhand. Many devotees visit both claimed sites out of respect, which is why Maharashtra yatras often include five shrines.
Is There a Single Tour That Covers All 12?
No single comfortable itinerary covers all twelve, and House of Ullassa does not recommend attempting one in a rush. The shrines lie thousands of kilometres apart, Kedarnath has a limited season and a long trek, and each temple has its own darshan rhythm. Regional circuits give every darshan the time it deserves, and together they complete the full set.
Grouping the Jyotirlingas into Circuits
Maharashtra Circuit: Five Shrines in About Six Days
Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar form the core, with Aundha Nagnath and Parli Vaijnath added by devotees who follow the Maharashtra tradition. The Panch Jyotirlinga Yatra, 6 Day Pilgrimage Tour from Mumbai covers this route by private road transfer, starting and ending in Mumbai, with Ellora close to Grishneshwar for a heritage stop.
Gujarat Circuit: Somnath and Nageshwar in Three to Four Days
Somnath stands on the Arabian Sea shore, and Nageshwar lies near Dwarka, home of the Dwarkadhish temple. The Gujarat Temple Tour: Dwarka, Somnath and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga combines both shrines with Dwarkadhish darshan and Bet Dwarka.
Madhya Pradesh Circuit: Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar in Two to Four Days
Ujjain and Omkareshwar are about 140 km apart, with Indore as the natural base. Mahakaleshwar is famous for the early morning Bhasma Aarti, which requires advance booking through the temple. Check the current booking rules before you travel.
Kashi Vishwanath and Baidyanath: Eastern Circuit in Four to Six Days
Varanasi pairs well with Deoghar in Jharkhand, and with Ayodhya and Prayagraj for families who want a wider Uttar Pradesh pilgrimage. Kashi Vishwanath darshan, a Ganga Aarti on the ghats and a morning boat ride make Varanasi a three day stop on its own.
Southern Circuit: Mallikarjuna and Rameshwaram
Srisailam is usually reached from Hyderabad, while Rameshwaram connects well with Madurai and Kanyakumari. Travelling between the two takes most of a day, so many devotees plan them as separate trips.
Kedarnath: A Himalayan Yatra of Its Own
Kedarnath sits at about 3,583 metres. The temple usually opens around Akshaya Tritiya in late April or May and closes around Bhai Dooj after Diwali. Reaching it involves a trek of roughly 16 km from Gaurikund, or a helicopter service subject to weather and booking. Registration with the Uttarakhand government is mandatory, so check current rules before planning. Many families combine Kedarnath with Badrinath and Haridwar.
Best Season for Each Circuit
- Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh: October to March brings pleasant weather. The monsoon from July to September turns Bhimashankar and Trimbakeshwar lush and green, though roads get slippery.
- Varanasi and Deoghar: October to March is most comfortable. Shravan, roughly July to August, draws very large crowds to Deoghar and Kashi.
- Srisailam and Rameshwaram: November to February avoids the strongest heat.
- Kedarnath: May to June and September to October, avoiding peak monsoon.
Maha Shivratri and the Mondays of Shravan are the most auspicious days, and also the busiest. Plan extra time and book early if you choose these dates.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Completing all twelve shrines through regional circuits takes roughly 25 to 30 travel days, spread over several trips. A practical sequence for many families looks like this:
- Maharashtra circuit: about 6 days.
- Gujarat circuit: about 4 days.
- Ujjain and Omkareshwar: about 3 days.
- Varanasi and Deoghar: about 5 days.
- Srisailam and Rameshwaram: about 6 days across two trips.
- Kedarnath: about 5 to 6 days from Haridwar.
Planning Tips for a Smooth Yatra
- Carry a government photo ID. Many temples ask for it for darshan passes and aarti bookings.
- Most major shrines restrict mobile phones and cameras inside the sanctum. Check current rules for each temple and use the official cloakrooms.
- Wear modest, comfortable clothing, and choose footwear that is easy to remove.
- Book special aartis, such as the Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain or Mangala Aarti in Kashi, only through official temple channels.
- Start darshan early in the morning, when queues are usually shorter.
Senior Travellers on a Jyotirlinga Yatra
For senior citizens, House of Ullassa arranges VIP darshan and queue free travel where available, with comfortable hotels and private transfers. Any VIP or priority darshan is subject to temple authorisation and availability, and it does not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times. Share mobility needs before booking so the itinerary matches your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jyotirlinga should I visit first?
Many devotees begin with Somnath, traditionally listed first, or with the shrine closest to home. A regional circuit near your city is the most practical starting point.
Does one tour cover all 12 Jyotirlingas?
No. The shrines are spread across eight states, and Kedarnath has a limited season. House of Ullassa arranges regional circuits that together cover all twelve over several trips.
How many Jyotirlingas are in Maharashtra?
Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar and Grishneshwar are in Maharashtra. Following the Maharashtra tradition, many devotees also visit Aundha Nagnath and Parli Vaijnath, making five.
What is the best month for a Jyotirlinga yatra?
October to March suits most circuits. Kedarnath is open only from about late April or May to around Diwali, with May, June, September and October being popular.
Is VIP darshan available at the Jyotirlingas?
Some temples run official special darshan or aarti bookings. Any VIP or priority darshan that House of Ullassa arranges is subject to temple authorisation and availability, and it does not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times.
Ready to begin your Jyotirlinga yatra? Message House of Ullassa on WhatsApp to plan a customised pilgrimage.