A Guide To Plan a Trip: The 12 Jyotirlinga

Going on a journey to the 12 Jyotirlinga is more than a religious affair; it’s an exploration of India’s deep spiritual heritage. Spiritual significance of Jyotirlingas in Hinduism holds substantial weight. Planning a trip like this demands thoughtful preparation because this pilgrimage covers an enormous geographical distance. 

This trip will offer travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant collage of legends and traditions that surround these sacred shrines. If you are motivated by faith and have a desire to experience distinct cultures, then a well-planned trip to these holy sites promises an experience that will transform you and give you innumerable memories.

Let’s get into how you can effectively plan a Jyotirlinga Yatra so that you can enjoy a hassle-free journey and a trip full of scenic beauty and serenity. 

Location of these Shrines 

Name	Location
Somnath	Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
Mallikarjuna	Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar	Ujjain, MP
Omkareshwar	Mandhata Island, MP
Baidyanath	Deoghar, Jharkhand
Bhimashankar	Pune, Maharashtra
Rameshwar	Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Nageshwar	Dwarka, Gujarat
Vishwanath	Varanasi, UP
Trimbakeshwar	Nashik, Maharashtra
Kedarnath	Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Grishneshwar	Ellora, Maharashtra

Modes of Transportation and Routes

Here are some transportation methods for the 12 Jyotirlinga trip: 

• By Road: Buses and taxis are available for temples that are remotely located; avoiding self-driving on the roads can be challenging in hilly areas.
• By Train: Indian Railways gives access to almost all the Jyotirling cities. Opting for trains is a cost-effective option and suitable for overnight journeys. 
• By Air: Major cities near Jyotirlingas are very well connected through flights. For example, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai etc. 

Deciding the route for your journey is the cornerstone of an enriching and all-encompassing experience. These sacred shrines are spread across India, ranging from the Himalayas in Uttarakhand to Tamil Nadu. A thoughtfully selected route will save time and enhance your spiritual adventure. 

You can choose which direction you want to begin from. Here are a few suggestions:

• North to South: This route begins at Kedarnath, which is nestled in the Himalayan mountain range, and culminates at Rameshwaram in South India. For context, the distance is over 2700 km.
• West to East: Many pilgrims kick off their journey at Somnath in Gujarat, which is the westernmost. They travel eastwards and conclude at Badiyanath in Jharkhand. The distance between these two is around 2050 km by road. 

Best Time to Visit 

Choosing the right time to the 12 Jyotirlinga travel can elevate your journey’s overall satisfaction level. The finest month to commence the journey can lie anywhere between the months of October to March. The weather of the landscape is balmy during these times.

If you wish to experience the jovial festive spirit, then you can choose the day of Maha Shivratri to seek blessings from the temple of interest. But, expect an enormous amount of crowd.  

Avoid the monsoon season as the hilly areas become prone to landslides, and you might face extreme accessibility issues during this time.

By keeping these suggestions in mind, you will be well on your way to planning a smoother and rewarding pilgrimage.

Places to Stay

• Guesthouses offered by temple trusts: Many of these temples offer basic and clean accommodations at an affordable rate. For example, Lilavat Atithi Gruh is near Somnath, and Gayatri Atithi Gruh is around Nageshwar. The temple trusts offer many dharamshalas (economical stays) for stay, which are located nearby. Kalyan Bhavan of Trimbakeshwar temple, Shri Mahakaleshwar Bhakt Niwas by the Mahakaleshwar temple, is easily accessible in Ujjain. 
• Homestays: For a more immersive local experience, you can try homestays like Grineshwar Ellora Om Siddeshwar Bhakta Nivas, and Amraai Homestay for Kedarnath
• Hotels: Numerous options are available for every budget. For luxury, you can consider The Divine Resort, and for a pocket-friendly option, you can go for Hotel Sikhar Darshan.

Nearby Attractions 

Each of the 12 Jyotirlinga are surrounded by intriguing sites. Here are a few places you can go to:

•  Prabhas Patan Museum, Gir National Park near Somnath.
•  Mandhata Island, Mamleshwar Temple, is close to Omkareshwar.
• Vasuki Tal, Chorabari Glacier, is a famous destination around Kedarnath.
• Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort are frequented by travelers on their pilgrimage to Grishneshwar.
• Dhanushkodi, Pamban Bridge is a popular destination when visiting Rameshwaram.

Packing essentials and travel tips

Here is a list of must-haves for your Yatra (trip):

• Clothing must be modest when visiting the temple.
• Footwear should be easy to remove, as temples only allow bare feet  
• Carry ID proof 
• Reusable water bottle, to avoid plastic and potential littering.
• Basic toiletries 
• Chargers

Few things to keep in mind:

• Research well in order to make an effective plan
• Respect local culture and act accordingly.
• For high-altitude Jyotirlings, consult a doctor before if you have any health concerns. 
• Carry water and snacks for remote areas during travel.
• For solo/female travellers, keep an emergency contact handy at all times.
• Avoid scammers, cross-check your guides and the shops you buy from.

Concluding thoughts

Deciding to go on a pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlinga is a challenging yet rewarding quest. A well-planned itinerary that offers the best-suited route and accommodations is the way to have a fulfilling journey. This expedite will not only deepen your connection with Lord Shiva but also uplift your mind, body, and soul. 

This holistically enriching yatra will open up your heart to the limitless energy of the deity, and the snapshots of the vistas will embellish your photo albums like no other. Pack your bags and venture on a journey of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions