12 Jyotirlingas: One should definitely visit these 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva once in their lifetime. It is believed that visiting these pilgrimage sites destroys sins, brings mental peace, and makes the attainment of moksha (liberation) possible.
The tradition of Shiva devotion in India is ancient and rich. Lord Shiva is known by many names such as Rudra, Mahadeva, and Bholenath. The Shivapurana and other mythological texts mention 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, which are considered the major pilgrimage sites and forms of Shiva. But do you know that along with these 12 Jyotirlingas, the Shivapurana also describes their Uplingas, which are considered symbols of another special presence of Shiva?
Knowing and understanding these Uplingas can be a profound and religious journey for Shiva devotees. Let's find out which Jyotirlingas have Uplingas mentioned and where they are located.
Information on the 12 Jyotirlingas
The names of the 12 major Jyotirlingas established in India are Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Tryambakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwaram, and Ghushmeshwar. These places are considered the main abodes of Shiva, and it is said that visiting them leads to the attainment of moksha.
Where the Uplingas are Mentioned
The Kotirudra Samhita of the Shiva Mahapurana mentions the Uplingas of the Jyotirlingas. However, only 9 Jyotirlingas' Uplingas are mentioned in it. The Uplingas of Vishweshwar (Kashi), Tryambak (Tryambakeshwar), and Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga are not described in it. Information on the remaining 9 Uplingas is as follows:
1. Uplinga of Somnath: Antakeshwar
The Uplinga associated with the Somnath Jyotirlinga is called Antakeshwar. Its location is said to be at the confluence of the Mahi River and the sea. This place is believed to destroy sins and grant liberation at the time of death.
2. Uplinga of Mallikarjuna: Rudreshwar
The Uplinga named Rudreshwar, which emerged from the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, is said to be located in the Bhrugukaksh area. Its specialty is that it provides happiness and peace to the devotees.
3. Uplinga of Mahakaleshwar: Dugdheshwar
The Uplinga of Mahakaleshwar is called Dugdheshwar or Dudhnath. It is believed to be situated on the banks of the Narmada River. Its worship is said to liberate one from all types of sins.
4. Uplinga of Omkareshwar: Kardameshwara
The Uplinga that originated from Omkareshwar is known as Kardameshwara or Karmadesh. It is said to be located in Bindu Sarovar, and this Uplinga is believed to fulfill all desires.
5. Uplinga of Kedarnath: Bhuteshwar
The Uplinga that originated from the Kedareshwar Jyotirlinga is called Bhuteshwar. Its location is considered to be on the Yamuna coast. It is believed to be capable of destroying even the greatest sins of the devotees.
6. Uplinga of Bhimashankar: Bhimeshwar
The Uplinga that emerged from Bhimashankar is famous by the name Bhimeshwar. It is said to be located on the Sahyadri mountain. Its worship is considered to increase strength and morale.
7. Uplinga of Nageshwar: Bhuteshwar
The Uplinga associated with the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is also named Bhuteshwar, which is said to be located at the confluence of the Mallika and Saraswati rivers. Its darshan (viewing) completely destroys sins.
8. Uplinga of Rameshwaram: Gupteshwar
The Uplinga that emerged from Ramnathswami or Rameshwaram is called Gupteshwar. This place is considered mysterious, and its worship removes all kinds of physical and mental suffering.
9. Uplinga of Ghushmeshwar: Vyaghreshwar
The Uplinga associated with Ghushmeshwar is known as Vyaghreshwar. This Uplinga is considered particularly fruitful for those devotees who perform difficult vows and penances.
Uplingas that are Not Mentioned
As stated in the Shivapurana, the Uplingas of Vishweshwar (Kashi), Tryambakeshwar, and Vaidyanath Jyotirlingas are not mentioned in the texts. However, some scholars have identified Uplingas associated with them.
- Sharanyeshwar is considered as the Uplinga of Vishweshwar.
- Siddheshwar is mentioned as the Uplinga of Tryambakeshwar.
- Vaijnath is considered as the Uplinga of Vaidyanath.
These places are not confirmed in the scriptures, but they are worshiped according to local traditions and beliefs.
