Overview
“Jyoti” = light, “Linga” = sign. 12 most sacred Shiva shrines where Shiva appeared as infinite pillar of light. Spread from Kedarnath to Rameshwaram. Per Shiva Purana, Brahma & Vishnu argued supremacy. Shiva appeared as light pillar. Brahma lied about finding the top, Vishnu admitted he couldn’t find bottom. Shiva cursed Brahma, blessed Vishnu. These 12 spots are where the light manifested.
Top Highlights
- Morgaon - Mayureshwar: First & last stop. Only temple with Nandi in front of Ganesha.
- Lenyadri - Girijatmaj: Only Ashtavinayak in a mountain cave. 307 steps to Buddhist caves where Goddess Parvati did penance.
- Siddhatek - Siddhivinayak: Only temple on a hillock.
- Pali - Ballaleshwar: Only temple named after a devotee - boy Ballal.
