12 Jyotirlings — Shiva's Radiant Forms

trade_routes:

• "Tamil Nadu Paadal Petra Sthalams corridor" connected_events:
  • event: "Nayanar saints' devotional hymns" significance: "One of the sacred Shiva temples glorified by the 63 Nayanar saints" vahana: "Nandi (sacred bull)" sacred_colours:
• white (Shiva)
• saffron
• ash grey connected_events:
  • event: "Temple founding and consecration" significance: "Original temple construction and prana-pratishtha ceremony" associated_kings:
• "Local ruling dynasty" sacred_flowers:
• lotus
• tulasi
• jasmine sacred_flowers:
• lotus
• tulasi
• champaka sacred_trees:
• peepal
• bilva (bael)
• tulasi sacred_animals:
• Nandi (sacred bull)
• peacock
• elephant sacred_colours:
• saffron
• white
• gold vahana: "Nandi (sacred bull)" primary_scriptures:
  • title: "Linga Purana" type: "purana" festival_dates:
• "Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar)"
• "Diwali (Oct–Nov)"

The 12 Sacred Jyotirlings

Legend of the Jyotirlingas

The Shiva Purana describes how once Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver) had an argument about their supremacy. To settle this, Shiva appeared as a blazing column of light (jyoti) stretching infinitely in both directions. Brahma searched for the top and found a lotus he claimed was from the light's crown. Vishnu admitted he found no end searching downward. Shiva then revealed that while Brahma had lied about finding the top (the lotus was actually from Vishnu's world), the Linga of light existed beyond their comprehension. He declared that those who worshipped this form would be freed from the cycle of rebirth.

Worship Practices

• Darshan: Morning 5 AM to Night 9:30 PM (varies by temple)
• Abhishekam: Milk, water, ghee poured on lingam
• Bhasma Arti: Ash smearing at Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain
• Pradosh Vrat: Twice monthly fasting for liberation