The Somanath Temple, one of the 12 most sacred Jyotirlingas in India, stands magnificently on the coast of the Arabian Sea in the state of Gujarat. It is said that the temple was originally built by Soma, the Moon God, in penance and worship of Lord Shiva who had laid a curse upon him. Ransacked and destroyed several times by many invaders like Muhammad of Ghazini in 1025 A.D. and later by Allaudin in 1296 A.D., the present structure was once again rebuilt, this time in the original spot by a committe that was appointed after Independence. The temple was once decorated with gold and silver, but only the stone remains to display it's beauty. In the recesses of the balconied corridor, the mutilated form of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva can be found. Srisailam - Mallikarjunam - Mallikarjuna
Mallikarjuna is located on the banks of the river Krishna, in the state of Andhra Pradesh on a mountain called Shri Shaila. Fort walls 6 meters high enclose this ancient temple. The temple faces the East was built in Dravidian style. The center mandapam has several pillars with a huge idol of Nadikeswarar. With spacious courtyards and numerous statues and monuments, the temple sculptures narrate in stone the epics from the great Hindu epics - Ramayana Mahabharata. The last photo of a stone carving, shows the serpent form of Shiva and goddess Shakti, courtesy of Martin Grey.
Mahakalam - Ujjayinyam - Ujjain
This Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain by the Mahakal forest on the right banks of the river Kshipra. The temple courtyard is dominated by the shikhara soaring into the sky. There are five levels, four above ground and one underground, lit with brass lamps. The last photo is of Shiva in his form as Mahakaleshvar, the "Ruler of Death," photo courtesy of Dr. James G. Lochtefeld, Assoc. Prof. of Religion, Carthage College, Kenosha, WI.
Omkaram - Amalesvaram - Omkareshwar
This Jyotirlinga is located on the Narmada river on the sacred island of Omkareshwar. The white dome of the temple is constructed of soft soap stone displaying intricate carvings on the upper portions and stone roof of the temple. Verandhas with columns which are carved in circles, polygons and squares encircle the shrine. The tower or Shirkhar was built in Nagara style and consists of 5 layers, each representing a different deity.
Vaidyanatham ca - Paralyam - Vaidyanath
This Jyotirlinga is located at Deogarh in Bihar. The temple complex consists of twenty two other temples. The courtyard is bounded by stone walls and the main temple consists of several huge pillars. The top of the Shiva Lingam is slightly broken, keeping with the legend that it was chipped away when Ravana tried to uproot it.
Bhimshankaram - Dakinyam - Bhimashankar
This Jyotirlinga is located at a village called, Bhuvanagiri in the Puna district of Maharashtra. This temple built in the Nagara style is surrounded by the thick forest of the Bhimashankar Wild Life Sanctuary. Also found inside the temple are gorgeous carvings.
Ramesam - Setubandhe tu - Rameshwaram
This Jyotirlinga is located on the eastern side of the island Rameswaram, at the extreme south eastern point of the Indian peninsula. The temple structure, known for its 1200 gigantic columns, has three parakarams and several mandapams with mini shrines to many other deities. Night time photo of Rameshwaram Temple photograph courtesy of Martin Grey.
Nagesam - Darukavane - Nageshwar at Dwarka
The Nageshwar Temple in Gujarat , is currently being renovated, this image shows the upper section of the temple. It was originally constructed in the Nagara Style with its splendid‘shikharas’(steeples) and samrans’(pyramidal roof) that reaches a height of 110 ft above the ground. The architectual drawing below shows the complete temple design by Subhash Bhoite and Associates, Temple Architects.Visvesam - Varanasi
This Jyotirlinga is located at Kasi Viswanathar in Uttar Pradesh. According to legend, the Lord himself declared this spot as his Royal residence. The original temple was destroyed as a result of the mughal invasion. It was reconstructed in the 18th century with gold plating added in the 19th century on the Shikhara (steeple).
Tryambakam - Gautamitate - Trimbakeshwar
This Jyotirlinga is located at Trimbakeshwar, in Maharashtra. The construction of the temple was done in the Nagara style of architecture. It is surrounded by a massive stone wall and adorned with many sculptures. The structure today is a result of reconstruction done during the 18th century by the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao. The sanctum tower is crowned with a giant amalaka and a golden kalasha. Inside you will find Lord Shivas mount, the bull called Nandi.
Kedaram - Himalaye tu - Kedarnath
This Jyotirlinga is located in the Himalayan mountains, in the Gharwal district of Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that this temple is very ancient, having renovations over the centuries. The entrance holds a statue of Nandi, the divine bull. The temple interiors are filled with many exquisite carvings.
Ghrishneshwar - Kusmesam - Sivalaye
This Jyotirlinga is located at Devagiri near Ellora caves in Maharashtra. This
ancient 18th century temple was built by Ahilyabhai Holkar, who also reconstructed other temples. This Shiva temple is rich, with beautiful carvings and exquisite architecture in red sandstone.
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