జ్యోతిర్లింగం (Jyotirlinga)
12 sacred shrines of Lord Shiva representing his infinite light
Overview
Jyotirlinga (pillar of light) refers to the 12 most sacred Shiva temples in India where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a 'lingam of light'. According to Shiva Purana, Shiva pierced through the three worlds as an endless pillar of light. These 12 sites represent where that light manifested.
ఆచరణలో అర్థం
Visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas is considered highly auspicious and believed to grant moksha (liberation). Each Jyotirlinga has its own story and significance. Mahashivaratri is the most important time to visit these shrines.
ఉదాహరణలు
- Somnath (Gujarat) - First Jyotirlinga
- Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh) - On Srisailam hill
- Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) - Only south-facing Jyotirlinga
- Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi) - Most visited