THE 12 JYOTHIRLINGA SHRINES OF SHIVA

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northernmost is located in the snowy heights of the Himalayas at Kedarnath.

These temples are closely linked with legends from the puranas and are rich in

history and tradition. Saurashtre Somanaatham Cha Sree Saile

MallikarjunamUjjayinyaam Mahaakaalam Omkaare MamaleswaramHimalaye to Kedaram

Daakinyaam BhimashankaramVaaranaasyaam cha Viswesam Trayambakam

GowtameethateParalyaam Vaidyanaatham cha Naagesam Daarukaavane

Arial">Setubandhe Ramesham Grushnesam cha Shivaalaye || SOMNATH is the foremost

of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva, held in reverence throughout India and

is rich in legend, traditions and history. It is located at Prabhas Patan in

Saurashtra in Gujarat.

FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Somnath at Somnath Patan, near Veraval in Gujarat is a

pilgrimage center held in great reverence throughout India. Somnath is

considered to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Somnath is

situated on the south coast of Saurashtra. The Skanda Purana, in a chapter on

Prabhasa Khanda, describes Somnath. Legend has it that Shiva in the previous

aeons was referred to as Mrityunjaya, Kaalagnirudra, Amritesa, Anamaya,

Kritivasa and Bhairavanatha at Somnath. Legend has it that the

Kalabhairava Shivalinga (Bhairavanatha) at Prabhasa was worshipped by the moon,

and hence Shiva here is referred to as Somnatha. The Skanda Purana describes

the Sparsa Linga of Somnath as one bright as the sun, the size of an egg,

lodged underground. The Mahabharata also refers to the Prabhasa Kshetra and the

legend of the moon worshipping Shiva. Legend goes that the moon was married to

the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. He was partial to Rohini, his favorite

and neglected the others. An angered Daksha cursed him to wane into

nothingness. A disturbed Chandra, came down to Prabhasa with Rohini and

worshipped the Sparsa Linga of Somnath after which he was blessed by Shiva to

grow and shine in the bright half. As the

moon regained his light here, this town came to be known as Prabhasa. Bhrama,

one of the trinity, installed the Bhramasila, and paved way for the

construction of the temple. The glory and wealth of Somnath was described by

the Arab traveller Al Biruni, and his accounts prompted a visit by Mahmud of

Ghazini who ransacked and destroyed the temple in 1025 CE. It was immediately

rebuilt by King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoja of Malwa. This temple was

destroyed again by Alaf Khan, the general of Allauddin Khilji in the year 1300

CE. It was rebuilt again by King Mahipala of the Chudasama dynasty.This shrine

was destroyed again and yet again in 1390, 1490 , 1530 and finally in 1701 by

Aurangazeb. It was rebuilt with perseverence each time after it was destroyed.

In the year 1783, Queen Ahilyabhai Holkar built a new temple nearby, and in

1951, the president of India re-installed the Jyotirlingam of Shiva on the same

Bhramasila on which earlier temples had been built. It is to be noted that Queen

Ahilyabhai Holkar rebuilt the Kasi Viswanatha temple at Benares and the Vishnu

Paada temple at Gaya, which had been destroyed earlier. Entrance to the town of

Somnath is through the Junagadh Gate (through which Mahmud entered the town).

There are also the remains of an ancient Sun temple at Somnath. To the east of

the town is the Bhalka Theertha connected with the legend of Krishna's

Swargaarohanam. UJJAIN - MAHAKALESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA SHRINE The ancient and

historic city of Ujjain or Avanti in Madhya Pradesh is home to the Jyotirlinga

shrine of Mahakaleshwar. Ujjain, a historic capital of Central India in Madhya

Pradesh is a venerated pilgrimage center enshrining Mahakaleshwara, one of the

Jyotirlinga manifestations of Shiva. The Skanda Purana describes the glory of

Ujjain (Mahakaala Vana) in great detail. Ujjain was the capital of Avanti and

it was here that King Udayana married princess Vasavadatta. Ujjain played an

important role during the period of the Mauryas and the Guptas.

justify">King Vikramaditya Chandragupta of the Gupta period ruled with Ujjain as

his capital, and the nine gems (Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Sanku,

Vetala Bhatta, Ghatakharpara, Varahamihira, Vararuchi and Kalidasa) adorned his

court. The Mahakaleshwar Temple has also been referred to in the tamil hymns of

the Nayanmar saints of the 1st millennium CE. Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar,

Benares, Kanchipuram, Dwarka and Ujjain are considered to be the 7 Mukti Stalas

of India. Ujjain is home to the Kumbha Mela, when Jupiter resides in the zodiac

sign of Scorpio. The Mahakaleshwar temple at Ujjain is located near a lake; it

has five levels, one of which is underground.The temple itself is located in a

spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls. The shikhara is adorned with

sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is

believed that prasada offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all

other shrines.

10pt">Legend has it that a demon by name Dushana tormented the residents of

Avanti and that Shiva appeared from the ground and vanquished the demon, and

then upon the request of the inhabitants of Avanti, took up permanent abode

here as Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga. Also in Ujjain is the temple to Parvati -

Harasiddhi Devi temple. BHIMASHANKAR - Jyotirlinga Shrine is associated with

the legend of Shiva destroying the demon Tripurasura.

Bhimashankar is located in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, accessed from

Pune. Bhimashankar in Maharashtra is an ancient shrine, enshrining

Bhimashankara one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Bhimashankar is located in

the village of Bhavagiri 50 km north west of Khed, near Pune. It is located

110 km away from Pune in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. Bhimashankar is

also the source of the river Bhima, which flows south east and merges with the

Krishna river near Raichur. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are

Tryambakeshwar and Grishneshwar. This temple is closely associated with the

legend of Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura associated with the invincible

flying citadels Tripuras. Shiva is said to have taken abode in the Bhima form,

upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat

that poured forth from his body after the battle is said to have formed the

Bhimarathi river. The

Temple: The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and the new structures

and is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It is a modest temple yet

graceful temple and it dates back to mid 18th century. The shikhara of the

temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is also

said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of

worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a

lower level. Although the structure here is fairly new, the shrine

Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature

dating back to the 13th century CE. Saint Jnaneshwar is said to have visited

Tryambakeshwar and Bhimashankar. Other temples and shrines: There is a shrine

to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of

Parvati, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was

worshipped with offerings of lotus flowers by Bhrama. Shaakini and Daakini the

Shivaganas who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon are also honored

and worshipped here. The Mokshakund thirtha is located behind the Bhimashankara

temple, and it is associated with the rishi Kaushika. There are

also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to

flow eastward, and the Jyanakund. Worship: Three worship services are offered

each day. Mahashivratri is a season of greate festivity here. It is to be

noted that the Rudrasamhita sloka in its reference to Bhimashankar says,

Daakine Bhimashankaram. There is also a Bhimashankar temple at Bhimapur hill

near Guwahati in Assam where legend holds that a demon by name Bhima who

inflicted havoc upon the beings in the area, was slain by Shiva, as he tried to

kill a king enaged in Shiva worship.

This is a legend similar to that where Shiva emerged from a Shivalingam to

vanquish Yama the Lord of death. The Shiva Purana and the Koti Rudra Samhita

refer to Bhimashankar temple in the Kamarupa country. However there is also a

reference to Mount Sahya, where it is stated that Shiva - Bhimashankara

appeared on the Sahayadris. There is also a Bhimashankara temple at Kashipur

near Nainital, which was referred to as Daakini country in ancient days. It is

believed that Bhima the Pandava prince was married to Hidamba, a Daakini here.

Mahashivaratri is celebrated in great splendour here too. This temple also has

shrines to Bhairavanath and Devi, and a temple tank by name Shivaganga.

TRYAMBAKESHWAR - The origin of the river Godavari is intimately linked with

this Jyotirlinga shrine near Nasik in Maharashtra. Tryambakeshwar located near

at a distance of about 30 km from Nasik in

Maharashtra is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

Tryambakeshwar is the source of the river Godavari. This is an ancient shrine,

however the current structure is a result of the reconstruction efforts

undertaken by the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao in mid 18th century. The other

Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Bhimashankar and Grishneshwar.

10pt">Legend has it that Gowtama muni resided on the Bhramagiri hill here with

his wife Ahalya, and by virtue of his devotion received from Varuna, a

bottomless pit from which he received an inexhaustible supply of grains and

food. The other rishis, jealous of his fortune, arranged for a cow to enter his

granary, and caused it to die as Gowtama attempted to ward it off with a bunch

of Darbha grass. Gowtama therfore worshipped Shiva, to bring the Ganga down to

his hermitage to purify the premises. The Ganga came down as Godavari, and Shiva

took up an abode here in the form of Tryambaka. Interestingly, locals refer to

the river here as Ganga and not as Godavari. (Shown above is an image of the

Ganga at Haridwar).

All the heavenly Gods promised to come down to Nasik, once in twelve years, when

Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Leo. The legend relating to the

Lingodbhava manifestation of Shiva also prevails here. Legend has it that

Bhrama and Vishnu searched in vain to discover the origin of Shiva who

manifested himself as a cosmic column of fire. Bhrama lied that he had seen the

top of the column of fire, and was hence cursed that he would not be worshipped

on earth. In turn Bhrama cursed Shiva that he would be pushed underground.

Accordingly, Shiva came down under the Bhramagiri hill in the form of

Tryambakeshwar. Circumambulating the Bhramagiri hill is considered sacred.

(Please also see the Arunachala Hill, and the legend

associated with the Origin of Linga worship). Tryambakeshwar has been referred

to in the Padma Purana. The Bhramagiri hill in Tryambakeshwar is referred to in

the literature of Marathi saints. This shrine enjoyed of the patronage of the

Peshwa rulers. The Temple: This templebuilt of blak stone in the Nagara style

of architecture is enclosed in a spacious courtyard. The sanctum internally a

square and externally a stellar structure houses a small Shivalingam -

Tryambaka. The sanctum is crowned with a graceful tower, crowned with a

giant amalaka and a golden kalasha. In front of the garbagriha and the antarala

is a mandap with doors on all four sides. Three of these doorways are covered

with porches, and the openings of these porches are ornamented with pillars and

arches. The roof of the mandapam is formed by curvilinear slabs rising in steps.

The entire structure is ornamented with sculptural work featuring running

scrolls, floral designs, figures of gods, yakshas, humans and animals. The

Shivalingam is seen in a depression on the floor of the sanctum; water

constantly oozes out from the top of the Shivalingam.Usually, the Shivalingam

is covered with a silver mask, and on festive occasions with a

golden mask with five faces, each with a golden crown. The sivler mask is

equivalent to the processional images seen in South Indian temples. Thirthas:

Legend has it that the Ganga (Godavari) appeared and reappeared several times

in response to the pleas of Gowtama Rishi, and there are several thirthas

associated with these legends. The Gangadwara thirtha is believed to be the

site where Ganga emerged. Varaha thirth is where Vishnu in the form of Varaaha

took a bath in the Ganga (Godavari). The Kushavarta thirtha is a tank with

flights of steps on all sides, with pillared aisles with highly ornate arches.

This is

considered to be the holiest of all the thirthas here, and is believed to be the

spot where Gowtama Rishi finally secured Ganga on earth by spreading the Kusha

or the Darba grass around her. The structure around this thirtha was

constructed by Raoji Abaji Parnekar (of the Holkars of Indore) in late 18th

century. Other thirthas here are the Gangasagar the Gautamalaya, Bilva

thirtha, Indra thirtha, Vishwanath thirtha, Mukund thirtha, Prayag thirtha,Rama

Kund, Lakshmana Kund etc. The confluence of the rivers Ahalya and Godavari is

also held in reverence. Other shrines: Kolhambika is a temple dedicated to

Parvati, where she is

believed to have slain the demon Kolhasura who had swallowed the Ganga river.

Also here is the Ganga Devi temple enshrining a white marble image of Ganga.

This temple was built in 1879. Other shrines here include those to Kedarnath,

Rameshwar, Gowtameshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Jareshwar, Kanchaneshwar,

Tribhuvaneshwar, Rama, Parasurama, Krishna, Balaji, Lakshmi Narayan and

Hanuman. Worship services: Three worship services are carried out each day.

During the nightly worship service sheja-aarti is carried out and the silver

mask is placed in a bed in the hall of mirrors. Each Monday, the silver mask

of Tryambaka is placed in a

palanquin and taken in procession to Kushavarta theertha and given an abhisheka

there. This procession with the special golden mask, happens also on Shiv

ratris, full moon day in the month of Kartika and during other festive

occasions. Simhasta Parvani which occurs once in every 12 years, when Jupiter

enters the zodiac sign of Leo, is a time of great festivity when it is believed

that all sacred waters gather in the Kushavarta thirtha. The Ganga avatarana

festival is celebrated in the month of Magha. RAMESWARAM: This vast temple in

the island of Rameswaram, in Southern Tamilnadu enshrines Ramalingeswarar, and

is revered as the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of India. This

Shivastalam is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India. It

represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India and has been a

time honored pilgirmage center held on par with Banaras. The island-temple town

is located off of the Sethu coast of Tamilnadu (south eastern). This shrine

is regarded as the 8th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu.

This temple is assocated closely with the Ramayana and Rama's victorious return

from Sri Lanka. Rameswaram is an interesting temple both from the standpoint of

its association with Rama and from a structural standpoint. A. huge temple in

the island of Rameswaram (reached via the Pamban bridge across

the sea), Rameswaram is known for its long ornate corridors and towers and 36

theerthams. Legend has it that Rama worshipped Shiva in the form of a Shiva

Lingam made of earth by Sita, while returning to Ayodhya. Legend has it that

Hanuman was entrusted with the task of bringing an image of Viswanathar from

Benares. Anticipating delay in Hanuman's return from Benares, Rama is said to

have offered worship at a pre-chosen auspicious moment to a Shivalingam

fashioned out of earth by Sita. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam and

the town is known as

Rameswaram. There is yet another Shivalingam here - Viswanathar said to have

been brought by Hanuman from Banares. This Shivalingam is referred to as

Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Prayers are offered to Viswanathar before they are

offered to Ramanathaswamy. Legend has it that Rama worshipped Tilakeswarar at

Devipatnam nearby enroute to Sri Lanka.

10pt">There is also a shrine to SethuMadhava and Lakshmi in Rameswaram. Sethu

Madhava is also referred to as Sweta Madhava, the term Sweta referring to the

white stone with which the image is made. The Gandamadana parvatam: is a hill

on the island which bears a small shrine containing imprints of Rama's feet

held in worship . Architecture and History: This temple, spread over an area of

15 acres , has lofty gopurams, massive walls and a collossal Nandi. Rameswaram

also boasts of a 4000

feet long pillared corridor with over 4000 pillars, supposedly the longest in

the world. The carved granite pillars are mounted on a raised platform. What

is unique about this corridor is that the rock is not indigenous to the island

and it was brought in from elsewhere in Tamilnadu across the sea. The eastern

Rajagopuram towers to a height of 126 feet and it has nine levels. The Western

Rajagopuram, though impressive is not as tall as the Eastern one. The stuccoed

image of Nandi is about 18 feet tall and 22 feet in length. It is

believed that the ancient shrine was housed in a thatched hut until the 12th

century and that the 1st ever masonry structure was built by Parakrama Bahu of

Sri Lanka. The Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the

temple. Some of the temple vimaanams resemble the Vimaanams of the Pallava

period. Much of the additions were carried out between the 12th and the 16th

centuries. The long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back only to the 18th

century. The Gandhamadhana Parvatam (hill) provides a good view of the temple.

This temple has received royal patronage from several kingdoms such as

Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore and Pudukkottai.

Worship: Six worship services are carried out each day, the first being at 5am.

Special worship services are carried out every Friday. Festivals: Rama's worship

is commemorated in the month of Aani (June 15-July 15); two annual

Bhrammotsavams are celebrated in Aadi and in Maasi. Theertham

10pt"> (Water springs): There are 36 Theerthams in Rameswaram of which 22 are in

the temple and these waters are said to possess medicinal properties. Bathing in

these is considered to be of great significance. The Agni theertham refers to

the ocean while the Koti theertham is located within the temple itself. Other

points of interest: The Gandamadana parvatam (hill) provides a commanding view

of the island. It also bears a shrine said to bear the footprints of rama.

Dhanuskoti (struck by a ravaging cyclone in the 20th century) is the

easternmost tip of the island, where legend has it that Rama with the tip of

his bow destroyed the bridge that he had built between the island and Srilanka,

during his victorious return. There is a

Kodandarama temple located on the way between Dhanushkoti and the Ramanatha

temple. Tiruppullaani nearby represents the site where Rama sojourned on his

way to Lanka. Devipatnam is home to the Navapaashaanam stones installed by

Rama. OMKARESHWAr: an island in the course of the river Narmada in Madhya

Pradesh is home to the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga shrine and the Amareshwar

temple. Omkareshwar located in Madhya Pradesh, on the Mandhata hill on the banks

of the Narmada is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is

located at a distance of about 12 miles from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. The

river Narmada branches into two and forms an island Mandhata or Shivapuri in

the center. The shape of the island resembles that of the

visual representation of the Omkara sound, Om. There are two temples here, one

to Omkareshwar and one to Amareshwar. Legend has it that the Vindhya mountain

prayed to Shiva - Omkareshwara and was blessed here. Legend also has it that

upon the request of the Devas, the Shivalinga split into two, one half being

Omkareshwara and the other Amaleshwara or Amareshwar. King Mandhatha of the

Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshipped Shiva here. Govinda Bhagavatpaada,

the guru of Sankaracharya, is believed to have lived in a cave

here. The temple can be reached by ferry from the banks of the river. The

Omkareshwar temple built in the Nagara style is characterized by a lofty

shikhara. There are also shrines to Annapurna and Ganesha here. VAIDYANATH

TEMPLE AT DEOGARH The ancient pilgrimage town of Deogarh in the Santal Parganas

area of Bihar is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. This shrine

represents one of the 12 Jyotirlingams of Shiva held in reverence throughout

the country. Vaidyanath is located at Deogarh in the Santal Parganas region of

Bihar. The twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva are Somnath in Gujarat, Bhimeshwar,

Grushneshwar, Nageshwar and Triyambakeshwar in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath in

Deogarh (or in Parali

in Andhra Pradesh), Sree Sailam in Andhra Pradesh, Rameswaram in Tamilnadu,

Benares in Uttar Pradesh, Ujjain and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh and

Kedarnath in the Himalayas. Deogarh is also known as Vaidyanath, Haritaki Vana,

Ketaki Vana, Ravana Vana, Chitabhoomi and Hardapeetha. Some schools of thought

believe Vaidyanath near Parali in Andhra Pradesh to be the Vaidyanatha

Jyotirlingam. Other schools of thought claim that Kiragram in Punjab and Dabhoi

in Gujarat are the Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga temples. The Vaideeswaran Koyil

temple in Tamilnadu (which is not a Jyotirlingam temple) enshrines

Vaidyanathar.

10pt">Legend has it that Ravana meditated upon Shiva, and requested him to come

over to Sri Lanka, in order that his capital may become invincible. It is said

that he attempted to lift Mount Kailash and take it with him to his capital;

however Shiva crushed him with his finger, and Ravana prayed to him and sought

his mercy, after which Shiva gave him one of the twelve Jyotirlingams with the

condition that if it was placed on the ground it would take root immediately.

Ravana carried the Jyotirlingam and began his trek back to his capital. Varuna

the God of water, entered his belly, and caused him to feel the need to relieve

himself. Vishnu then came down in the form of a lad and volunteered to hold the

Jyotirlingam as he relieved himself. Before Ravana returned, Vishnu placed the

Jyotirlingam on the ground, and it became rooted to the spot. A disappointed

Ravana offered severe penances to Shiva here, and cut off nine of his heads.

Shiva revived him and joined the heads to the body, as if by the work of a

Vaidya or a physician, hence this Jyotirlingam goes by the name Vaidyanath. The

same legend holds at Gokarnam in Karnataka. Another legend has it that this

temple was re-discovered by a cowherd Baiju, and hence the name Baijnath.

10pt">Vaidyanath is also considered to be one of the 52 Shakti Pitha shrines of

Sati. It is believed that the heart of Sati fell here, when her half burnt body

being carried by Shiva at the end of Daksha's yagna, was chopped to pieces by

Vishnu's discus. The temple: The temple is situated in a spacious courtyard

bounded by stone walls. In the temple complex are twenty two other temples. The

Baijnath or Vaidyanath temple faces east. The top of the Shiva Lingam is

slightly broken, keeping with the legend that it chipped away when Ravana tried

to uproot it. Near the temple is the Sivaganga lake. The Chandrakoopa well, near

the main entrance is said to have been built and consecrated with

water from several thirthams by Ravana. SREE SAILAM - SREE SAILAM NEAR KURNOOL

enshrines Mallikarjuna in an ancient temple rich in architectural and

sculptural wealth. Aadi Sankaracharya composed his Sivanandalahiri here. This

is one of the greatest Saivite shrines in India and it constitutes one of the

12 Jyotirlingam shrines of Shiva. The presiding deities here are Mallikarjuna

(Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi). This is an ancient temple with fort like

walls, towers and a rich endowment of sculptural work. This huge temple built

in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards is one of the

finest specimens of Vijayanagar architecture. The Satavahanas of the 2nd

century AD have referred to it and the Saivite Tamil Saints have sung its

glory. The Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagar kings (esp Krishnadevaraya) have made

several endowments here. This temple is of immense religious, historical and

architectural significance. Antiquity The origins of this temple are buried

in antiquity. The Skanda Purana has a chapter dedicated to it. The great

religious leader Aadi Sankara is said to have visited this shrine and composed

his immortal Sivananda Lahiri here. Praise of this temple has been sung by the

Tamil Saint poets of the past millennium. The shrine dedicated to Bhramaramba

is considered to be of great significance. Legend has it that Durga is said to

have assumed the shape of a bee and worshipped Shiva here, and chose this place

as her abode.

FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Temples in the vicinity: 1. Tripurantakam

to the east of Sree Sailam. 2. Siddavatam of Cuddapah district to the South

3. Alampur Navabhrama temples in Mahboobnagar district to the West 4.

Umamaheswaram in Mahboobnagar district to the North. 5. Paladhara Panchadara -

the spot where Adi Sankara is said to have meditated. 6. Hatakeswaram: another

Shiva temple near Paladhara Panchadara where the lingam was originally made of

gold. 7. Sakthi Ganapathi temple: It is considered important to visit this

temple before visiting Sri Sailam. 8. Kailasa Dwaram: The main entrance to Sri

Sailam for those trekking to the temple 9. Sikharam: There is a hill temple

dedicated to Shiva at a height of 2850 feet above sea level in the Nallamalai

hills 10. Patalaganga: is where the bathing ghats associated with Sri Sailam

are located. (Krishna river). Tripurantakam, Siddavatam, Alampura and

Umamaheswaram are considered to be the four gateways to Sri Sailam. KEDARNATH -

THE NORTHERNMOST OF THE JYOTIRLINGAS. Kedarnath, nestled in the snow clad

Himalayas is an ancient shrine rich in legend and tradition. It is accessible

only on foot, six months in a year. This is one of the best known Shivastalams

in India and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of

the country, located in the lofty Himalayas. It is revered as one of the 12

Jyotirlingams - the Northern most

one, while the Southernmost one is Rameswaram. The spiritual leader Adi

Sankaracharya is closely associated with Kedarnath. Kedarnath is a shrine

steeped in antiquity, rich in legend and religious significance. Four Himalayan

shrines dedicated to Shiva have been glorified by the Tamil Tevaram Hymns

composed by the Nayanmars of the 1st millennium CE. These shrines are

Indraneela Parvatam in Nepal, Gowrikund, Kedarnath and Mount Kailash in Tibet.

Although none of the Nayanmars visited Kedarnath, Sambandar sang its praises

from Kalahasti. The Tamil hymns of the Nayanmars refer to Kedarnath as

Tirukkedaram. Kedarnath is the fourth of the Tevara Stalams hailed by the Tamil

hymns of the Nayanmars, located outside of Tamilnadu/Kerala/Karnataka i.e. in

Vada Naadu (the northern lands). The Temple: Located

in the Himalayas at a height of 12000 feet in awe inspiring surroundings, this

small shrine is accessible by foot, only 6 months a year. The temple at

Kedarnath enshrining the Jyotirlingam of Shiva opens only when the sun enters

the zodiac sign of Aries and it is closed when the sun enters Scorpio. The

priests then go to Ukhimath, where the worship of Kedareshwara is continued

during the winter season. Kedarnath is located on a ridge which juts out at

right angles from below the 23000 feet high snowy peak of Mahapanth. Kedarnath

is located on the Rudra Himalaya range. The Rudra Himalaya range is also known

as the Pancha Parvata; its five peaks are Rudra Himalaya, Vishnupuri,

Bhramapuri, Udgari-Kanth and Swargarohini. It is

believed that four of the Pandavas died on the last of these peaks. Legend has

it that Parvati worshipped Kedareshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar.

Kedara Munivar is also said to have established this shrine visited by the

Pancha Pandavas. Legend also has it that Nara and Narayana - two incarnations

of Vishnu practised severe penances at Badrikashramam, in front of a

Shivalingam fashioned out of earth. When Shiva appeared in front of them, they

requested him to take up a permanent abode as a Jyotirlingam at Kedarnath.

Legend also has it that the Pandava princes were advised to visit Kedarnath

after the great Kurukshetra battle. Shiva upon seeing the Pandavas, assumed the

form of a male buaffalo and entered the earth. It is believed that the rear of

its body remained here, as Kedareshwar. The front part is believed to be in

Nepal. This legend says that when Shiva entered the ground, he became five fold

- his hind remained at Kedar, his arms Tunganatha, his face Rudranatha, his

belly Madhyameswara and his Jata Kalpeswara. These five shrines together as

known as the Pancha Kedara.

justify">The Pandavas are believed to have visited this area several times.

Arjuna is believed to have come here to pray to Shiva to obtain the coveted

Pasupataastra. The other Pandavas are believed to have come here in search of

him, where Draupadi came across the heavenly lotus Kalyana Saugandikam, and

requested Bhima to bring here some more of the same. It was during his

venturing out to seek these flowers that Bhima met Hanumaan. Tradition has it

that pilgrims first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and bring with them the holy

waters from the sources of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga and offer abhishekams to

Kedareshwara. The traditional pilgrim route is Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devaprayag

- Tehri - Dharasu - Yamunotri - Uttar Kashi - Gangotri - Triyugnarayan -

Gowrikund and Kedarnath. Alternatively, the route to Kedar from Rishikesh is

via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. Near Kedarnath is the

source of the river Mandakini. Mandakini joins Alakananda at Rudraprayag.

VARANASI - THE MOST CELEBRATED PILGRIMAGE SITE IN INDIA

The Vishwanath temple in Benares in Uttar Pradesh is the goal of the thousands

of pilgrims that visit this ancient city. The Vishwanath shrine is revered as

one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva Varanasi - Benares - Kaasi is

considered to be the holiest of all pilgrimage sites in India. It is considered

home to Shiva - Visweswara. Benares is also known as Kaasi because it is

beleived that Supreme brilliance shines there, and lights the way to salvation

(Kas - to shine). Varanasi is located between two rivers Varana and Asi, and

hence the name Varanasi. This place is said to give the greatest delight to

God and hence the name Anandakanana; the five elements lie in this great

cremation ground as will all dead bodies at the time of the final deluge and

hence the name Mahasmasaanam. Benares has been a pilgrimage center since time

immemorial. It is believed that the fifth head of Bhrama which clung to Shiva's

palms came unstuck only after he reached Varanasi. Varanasi has been mentioned

in the Tamil Tevaram hymns of the

first millennium CE. Kasi is mentioned repeatedly in the scriptures such as the

Bhramanas, Upanishads, Kavyas and Puranas. It is the oldest center of learning,

and is vibrant with centuries of tradition. Benares houses the Kaasi Visweswara

(Viswanatha) temple, enshrining one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Shiva. This

temple was desecrated and rebuilt several times. The latest structure dating

back to the 18th century (thanks to the efforts of Rani Ahilyabhai Holkar) is

the center of attention of the millions of pilgrims who converge here, to

perform an abhishekam to the sacred Jyotirlingam, with water from the Ganges.

Arial; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Benares is also considered to be one of the Shakti

Peethas of India. It is believed that the left hand of Sati fell at Varanasi,

and that Annapurna or Visalakshi represent the Shakti Peetham here. Apart from

these temples, there are five other sacred spots in Benares. The Asi-Ganga

sangamam, at Lolarka houses a temple to the Sun God. The rivers Ganga and

Varana converge at a spot where there is a shrine to Kesava. The Panchaganga

Ghat houses a temple to Bindu-Madhava. It is believed that five rivers Kirana,

Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati and Dhuta-papa converge here. The Dasaswamedha Ghat

where it is believed that the ancient kings performed the aswamedha sacrifice

ten times and took a dip in the Ganga.

The last of the sacred spots is the Manikarnika Ghat. Legend has it that Vishnu

dug a pit with his chakra, and the sweat created during his meditation filled

the pit. Shiva shook his head and his jeweled earring fell into the pit, hence

the name Manikarnika. Tradition has it that those that die at Benares and get

cremated at the Manikarnika ghat, get liberated from the cycle of life and

death. Hyuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller visited Varanasi in the 7th century.

His travel accounts speak of the grandeur of the city and of its temples. This

writer describes a hundred feet high statue of Shiva Maheshwara made of brass

that

adorned the city. Several other temples and shrines adorn the city of Benares.

Virtually every block houses a shrine here. Mention must be made of the modern

shrine to Kaasi Viswanatha elsewhere in the city. Shivaratri in the month of

Aquarius is a season of great festivity at Benares. NAGESHWAR near Dwarka in

Gujarat is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Nageshwar is regarded

as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva. It is located on the route

between Dwarka and the Bet Dwarka island, on the coast of Saurashtra in

Gujarat. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase

'Daarukaavane Naagesham'. Legend has it that a devotee by name Supriya, was

attacked by a demon Daaruka, while in a boat and that the demon imprisoned him

along with several others at his capital Daarukaavana, where he resided with

his wife Daaruki. Shiva appeared in the form of a Jyotirlingam and vanquished

the demon with the Paasupata Astram. This Jyotirlinga manifestation is

worshipped as Nageswara, at this shrine on the way to Bet Dwarka from Dwarka.

Two other sites in India, one near Audhgram near Purna in Andhra Pradesh and

another near Almora in Uttar Pradesh also enshrine temples to Nageswara

Jyotirlingam.

center">GRISHNESHWAR Jyotirlinga Shrine is a temple located in the vicinity of

the tourist town of Ellora, which has several rock cut monuments from the 1st

millennium CE. Grishneshwar is an ancient pilgrimage site revered as the abode

of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. It is located at a distance of 11 km

from Daulatabad near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Daulatabad

was once known as Devagiri. Located nearby are the popular tourist attractions

Ellora - featuring ancient rock cut monuments from the 1st millennnium CE, and

Ajanta known for its exquisite cave paintings again from the 1st millennium CE.

The Grishneswar temple was constructed by Ahilyabhai Holkar who also

re-constructed the Kasi Viswanatha temple at Benares and the Vishnu Paada

temple at Gaya. Grishneshwar is also known as Ghushmeshwar. Legend has it that

a devout woman Kusuma offered worship to Shiva regularly by immersing a

Shivalingam in a tank, as a part of her daily ritual worship. Her husband's

first wife, envious of her

piety and standing in society murdered Kusuma's son in cold blood. An aggrieved

Ksuma continued her ritual worship, and when she immersed the Shivalingam again

in the tank, her son was miraculously restored to life. Shiva is said to have

appeared in front of her and the villagers, and then on is believed to have

been worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlinga Ghusmeshwar. Courtesy:

http://www.templenet.com

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