Thread by @VivanVatsa

When Bhagwan Vishnu (Preserver) & Brahma (Creator) ARGUED over who’s a SUPERIOR God.

That debate led to a grand ‘cosmic’ contest; Where Brahma CHEATED to win it.

So Shiva (Destroyer) confronted them with infinite power of 'Shivling', giving birth to 12 divine "Jyotirlingas"...

The Trimūrti

(Sanskrit: त्रिमूर्ति trimūrti, "three forms" or "trinity")

The trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism.

This is the story of Shiva’s infinite power in an infinite pillar of light ‘Lingodbhava’ and how 12 auspicious “Jyotirlingas” were born in Bharat…

“Jyotirlinga” is a devotional representation of Bhagwan Shiv. Derived from two Sanskrit words: "Jyoti" meaning light and "Linga" meaning mark or sign. The Jyotirlingas are considered highly sacred in Hinduism.

They are believed to be the places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light, signifying his limitless and eternal nature. Bhakts of Shiva believe that visiting these lingas and offering prayers can lead to spiritual liberation and fulfillment (moksha ki prapti).

According to the Shiva Purana, the story of "Shiva Linga" begins with a dispute between Brahma, the creator, and Vishnu, the preserver, over who was the supreme deity.

To resolve the conflict, Shiva appeared as an infinite column of light and challenged both Brahma and Vishnu to find the ends of the light. Brahma flew upwards to find the top of the light but failed, lied that he found the end of it.

Vishnu dived downwards to find the bottom but also failed, in his varaha avatar, he couldn’t find the end of the light beam.

Realizing the futility of their efforts, both gods acknowledged Shiva's supremacy. The places where Shiva manifested as a column of light are revered as Jyotirlingas.

Visiting the 12 Jyotirlingas is considered a highly meritorious act in Hinduism. It is believed that performing a pilgrimage (Yatra and yagyas) to these Jyotirlingas grants the devotee blessings, protection, and spiritual liberation for eternity.

Let’s virtually visit these "12 Jyotirlingas" that possess the power to purify your soul and guide you to your eternal truth...

1. Somnath (Gujarat)

Somnath is considered the first Jyotirlinga. According to legend, it was originally built by the Moon God, Chandra, after being cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The current temple, built in the Chalukya style, stands majestically on the Arabian Sea's shores. The temple's architecture reflects the skill and devotion of ancient craftsmen.

2. Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh)

Located on the Srisailam mountain, the Mallikarjuna temple is associated with the story of Shiva and Parvati's visit to this site to pacify their son Kartikeya, who had chosen to stay on the mountain. The temple's architecture is a blend of Dravidian and Chalukyan styles, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various deities and mythological stories.

3. Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh)

Situated in Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is associated with several legends, including one where Shiva vanquished a demon named Dushana who was tormenting the people of Ujjain. The temple's unique feature is the Bhasma Aarti, where the deity is worshipped with sacred ash. The temple's architecture is imposing, with towering spires and elaborate carvings.

4. Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)

Located on an island in the Narmada River, Omkareshwar is said to have been formed by the Vindhya mountains, which worshipped Shiva to atone for their sins. The island itself is shaped like the Hindu symbol "Om," adding to its spiritual significance. The temple's serene location and beautiful surroundings make it a major pilgrimage site.

5. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)

Kedarnath, situated in the Himalayas, is accessible only by trekking. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Shiva to atone for their sins. Shiva, in the form of a bull, tried to avoid them but eventually revealed himself at Kedarnath. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and its remote location adds to its mystical allure. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.

6. Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)

Bhimashankar is linked to the legend of Shiva's battle with the demon Tripurasura. After defeating the demon, Shiva is said to have rested at this site, and the sweat from his body formed the Bhima River. The temple is nestled in the dense forests of the Sahyadri hills, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting for devotees.

7. Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh)

Located in Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas. The city of Varanasi is considered the spiritual capital of India, and the temple has been a center of devotion for centuries. The temple's golden spire and the sacred Ganges River nearby make it a unique and revered site. The temple is an architectural marvel and a symbol of Hindu spirituality.

8. Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)

Situated near Nashik, the Trimbakeshwar temple is associated with the origin of the Godavari River. The legend states that the sage Gautama Rishi brought the river down from the heavens with Shiva's blessing. The temple's main attraction is its extraordinary architecture, which includes a sanctum with a three-faced Linga representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

9. Vaidyanath (Jharkhand)

Also known as Baidyanath, this Jyotirlinga is located in Deoghar. According to mythology, Ravana worshipped Shiva here to gain his blessings and strength. The temple complex is vast and includes several other shrines. The Jyotirlinga here is believed to have healing properties, and the temple is frequented by those seeking good health.

10. Nageshwar (Gujarat)

The Nageshwar temple, near Dwarka, is linked to the legend of a devotee named Supriya who was saved by Shiva from a demon named Daruka. The temple's serene location near the Arabian Sea and its giant statue of Shiva make it a significant pilgrimage site.

11. Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu)

Rameshwaram is associated with the Ramayana, where Rama worshipped Shiva to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana. The temple is situated on an island and is one of the Char Dhams. The temple is known for its magnificent corridors, massive sculptured pillars, and sacred water tanks. The architectural grandeur and spiritual significance make it unique.

12. Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)

Located near Ellora, Grishneshwar is the last of the 'twelve' Jyotirlingas. The temple's history is connected to a devout woman named Kusuma who worshipped Shiva here and was rewarded with the resurrection of her dead son. The temple's red sandstone structure and the intricate carvings are notable. Its proximity to the Ellora Caves adds to its historical and cultural significance.

If you visit all 12 Jyotirlingas; it is considered equivalent to achieving the highest form of spiritual fulfilment in Hinduism. It is believed that undertaking this pilgrimage purifies the soul, removes all sins...

And one step closer to your imperial reflection of 'YOU'.

Each Jyotirlinga is believed to bestow specific blessings, ranging from health and wealth to spiritual enlightenment and protection. Visiting all twelve shrines is seen as a comprehensive spiritual journey that encompasses various aspects of devotion, penance, and divine connection.

In Hinduism, Shiva is often depicted as the Supreme Being who transcends all creation, embodying the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. The term "Mahadeva" means the greatest god, highlighting Shiva’s position as the ultimate deity who is beyond time and space.

I recently visited the 8th Jyotirling in Nashik (that's why not able to write any 🧵s last week). Trimbakeshwar was a mystic experience. And my expedition didn't stop there: I experienced the remains of Bharat's ancient history with my naked eye and it felt like I was in fantasy land from the past. Visited Ram Kund, Sita Maa Gufaa, Panchavati, Godavari River, Dudhsagar waterfall, Mukhti Dham Mandir, Sri Kalaram Mandir, Shri Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir, Someshwar Temple, Ganga Ghat and so much more. Just exhilarating.

सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोंकारममलेश्वरम्॥

परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशंकरम्।
सेतुबंधे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥

वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यंबकं गौतमीतटे।
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥

एतानि ज्योतिर्लिंगानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः।
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥

॥इति श्री द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग स्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णं॥

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