In Hinduism, the Jyotirlingas are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. There are twelve Jyotirlingas spread across different parts of India.

In Hinduism, the Jyotirlingas are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. There are twelve Jyotirlingas spread across different parts of India. These Jyotirlingas are believed to be self-manifested lingas (symbolic representations of Lord Shiva) that emit divine light (jyoti). Each Jyotirlinga is associated with a specific legend or mythological event related to Lord Shiva. Devotees consider pilgrimage to these Jyotirlingas highly auspicious and spiritually significant.

Here are the twelve Jyotirlingas:

1. Somnath in Gujarat: Located in the Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of the oldest and most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
2. Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh: Situated in the Srisailam hills of Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
3. Mahakaleshwar in Madhya Pradesh: Located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is known for its significance in Hindu rituals and the Mahakaleshwar temple.
4. Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh: Situated on an island in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is revered as one of the holiest sites dedicated to Lord Shiva.
5. Kedarnath in Uttarakhand: Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is a revered pilgrimage site associated with Lord Shiva and the epic Mahabharata.
6. Bhimashankar in Maharashtra: Situated in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is associated with various legends and is a popular pilgrimage site.
7. Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is located in the holy city of Varanasi and is considered one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
8. Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra: Situated near Nashik in Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with the source of the Godavari River and holds great significance in Hindu mythology.
9. Vaidyanath in Jharkhand: Located in Deoghar, Jharkhand, Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is highly revered and attracts a large number of devotees during the holy month of Shravana.
10. Nageshwar in Gujarat: Situated near Dwarka in Gujarat, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with the legend of a demon named Daruka and Lord Shiva’s victory over him.
11. Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu: Located on an island in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is associated with the epic Ramayana and Lord Rama’s worship of Lord Shiva.
12. Grishneshwar in Maharashtra: Situated near Ellora caves in Maharashtra, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is revered by devotees.

Pilgrimage to these Jyotirlingas is considered a sacred endeavour that offers spiritual merit and blessings to devotees. Each Jyotirlinga holds its own unique significance, history, and associated legends. Devotees visit these holy sites to offer prayers, seek blessings, and experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva.