Jyotirlinga
or Jyotirling or Jyotirlingam is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva where
Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam or "Lingam of
Light". There are said to be twelve Jyotirlinga shrines in India
although their location is not consistently identified. The Jyotirlingas
look like any other
Shiva Linga.
However, it is believed that a person who has attained a certain degree
of spirituality sees these lingas as columns of fire piercing through
the earth.
The Twelve Jyotirlingas
There are 12 famous Jyotirlingas where Lord Shiva appeared in the form
of light (Jyothi) lingam. These have been worshipped from time
immemorial. They are mentioned in the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Stotra and are
enshrined in following temples. Please click on the links to know more
about the significance of each of these Jyotirlingas.
Legend of Jyotirlinga
According to a legend of Lingodbhavamurthy narrated in Linga Purana,
once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma were fighting to prove who was the
Supreme Being. At this point, Lord Shiva appeared as a flaming Linga and
challenged the duo to measure the gigantic Linga (phallic symbol of Lord
Shiva). Brahma and Vishnu decided to find one end each and declared that
whoever returned first would be acknowledged as supreme. Vishnu assumed
the form of a boar and went down. Brahma, in the form of a swan, flew
upwards. They searched for days but in vain and returned to the starting
point exhausted and bewildered. At that moment, the central part of the
pillar split open and Shiva revealed himself in his full glory. Brahma
and Vishnu realized their mistake and acknowledged Shiva as the Supreme
Being.
Since it was on the 14th day in the dark half of the month of Phalguna
that Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a Linga, the day is
especially auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivaratri. Worshipping
Shiva on this day is believed to bestow one with happiness and
prosperity. Also read
The
Legend of Shiva Linga
Significance of Jyotirlingas
Jyotirlinga shrines are held in great reverence in Hinduism. Puranas
talk in detail about the significance of greatness of the Jyotirlingas.
It goes on to say that by reciting the name of 12 Jyotirlinga a devotee
can eliminate all the sins. Besides, the devotee becomes calm, chaste
and pure as he becomes illuminated and enlightened with supreme and
divine knowledge. The names mentioned for the benefits of all are:
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 ||
Hindus believe that a sincere devotee who recites these 12 names
regularly in the morning and evening washes all the sins committed in
the previous seven births and attains all the powers and Siddhis.
