Jyotirlingas

1. Somanatha Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva relieving Chandra deva from the disease of consumption:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 14)

► सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथम् (Saurashtre Somanatham)

• Meditation: I meditate on Somanatha Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva relieved Chandra deva from the disease of consumption due to the curse of Daksha.

• Daksha cursing Chandra deva: Daksha married his 27 daughters to Chandra. However, of all the 27 wives, Chandra only loved Rohini and neglected the others. The other wives with sorrowful heart went to their father and narrated their sorrows. Daksha felt sad hearing their tales. He went to Chandra and told him to be kind towards all his wives. He told not to repeat such impartial behaviour in future. Chandra however became overpowered by Shiva Maya and did not follow the advice of Daksha. Being attracted towards Rohini, he did not honour the other wives as before. Daksha arrived at the abode of Chandra and cursed him to suffer from Kshaya Roga (disease of consumption). The curse took immediate effect and Chandra became infected with the disease of consumption.

• Chandra deva performing penance at Prabhasa Kshetra: All the sages and gods became worried. They went to Lord Brahma and sought his refuge. Lord Brahma told them about the earlier misdeeds of Chandra (like abducting Tara, the wife of Brihaspati) and said that this suffering will check his misconducts. Lord Brahma also told about the remedy. If Chandra goes to Prabhasa Kshetra and worships Lord Shiva by performing Mrityunjaya Puja, then by the grace of Lord Shiva, he can get rid of this ailment. According to the advice of Lord Brahma, Chandra went to Prabhasa Kshetra. The gods and the sages had earlier invoked all tirthas there including Saraswati for the tapas of Chandra. Chandra performed tapas there for six months uninterruptedly by worshipping the Vrishabha Dhwaja (the one with bull as the emblem, i.e. Lord Shiva) with Mrityunjaya Mantra. He recited the Mrityunjaya Mantra ten crores of times and meditated on that mantra with a still mind.

• Lord Shiva giving boon to Chandra deva: Lord Shiva became pleased with his tapas and appeared before Chandra. Shiva told him to ask for a boon. Chandra asked the Lord to rid him of the disease of consumption. Shiva relieved Chandra from the curse. He (Shiva) said that in one paksha (fortnight) his kala will get reduced gradually, and in the next paksha his kala will increase gradually. All the gods and sages reached there and blessed Chandra. Then they offered their salutations to Lord Shiva. Chandra deva also eulogised the Lord. The gods and sages requested Lord Shiva to stay there with Devi Parvati. Shiva became pleased with them and stayed there in the form of Someshwara (Somanatha Jyotirlinga) which became famous in the three worlds. Those who worship Lord Shiva there becomes relieved from diseases like consumption, leprosy etc. The gods created a kunda there known as Chandra Kunda. Persons who take bath there becomes free from all sins. By taking bath in that kunda for six months, a person gets cured from incurable diseases like consumption. Performing pradakshina (circumambulation) of Prabhasa Kshetra is equivalent to performing parikrama of the whole world. The person becomes shuddhatma (of pure mind) and after death goes to heaven. By looking at the Soma Linga, a person gets freed from all sins. His desires are fulfilled and after death goes to heaven.

- Somanatha Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 14)
- Prabhasa Somnath (Prabhasa Sea shore, Triveni Sangam) (Gir Somnath district, Gujarat)

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga: Shiva-Parvati coming to meet their son Kumara and abiding as Jyoti:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 15)

► श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् (Shrishaile Mallikarjunam)

• Meditation: I meditate on Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga where Shiva-Parvati came to meet their son Kumara and abided as Jyoti.

• Kumara leaving Kailasha: When Kumara (Kartikeya) reached Kailasha after going around the entire earth, Devarshi Narada arrived there and told Kumara about the marriage of Ganesha and other events. Narada also indicated that Kumara was deliberately sent to take a round around the earth. Hearing this, Kumara saluted his parents and left towards Krauncha mountain inspite of his parents trying to prevent him.

• Shiva-Parvati going to meet Kumara: Getting separated from Kumara, his mother Girija became very sorrowful. Shiva tried to console her but Parvati did not listen. Then Shiva sent the gods, sages and ganas to bring back Kumara. But Kumara out of arrogance did not listen to them. Then Shiva and Parvati both felt sorrowful. They went to the place where Kumara was abiding. Kumara knowing about the arrival of his parents, left Krauncha mountain and moved to a place three yojanas away. After the departure of Kumara from the Krauncha mountain, both Shiva and Parvati abided there in the form of Jyoti. Out of their love for their son, Shiva and Parvati continued to go there to see their son, Shiva during Amavasya and Parvati during Poornima. From that day, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga became famous in the three worlds. Whoever sees this Jyotirlinga becomes free from sins and all his desires are fulfilled. He does not have to take birth again from the womb. He becomes prosperous in this world with foodgrains and riches.

- Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 15)
- Shrishailam Mallikarjuna Bhramaramba (Shrishaila Mountain) (Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh)

3. Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva protecting devotee Veda Priya and brahmanas from the atrocities of demon Dushana:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 16 to 17)

► उज्जयिन्यां महाकालम् (Ujjayinyam Mahakalam)

• Meditation: I meditate on Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva protected devotee Veda Priya and brahmanas from the atrocities of demon Dushana.

• About brahmana Veda Priya: In the city of Avanti there lived a brahmana who was very noble. He studied and followed the Vedas. The brahmana (Veda Priya) was a devotee of Shiva and used to worship Shiva daily by making a Parthiva Linga. Veda Priya had four sons - Deva Priya, Parama Priya, Sukrita and Suvrata. The sons were also noble and devoted to Shiva. Due to the nobleness of these brahmanas the entire city was filled with Brahmateja.

• Demon Dushana tormenting the brahmanas: A demon named Dushana lived in the Ratnamala mountain. By getting boon from Brahma he became very powerful. He defeated the devas and drove them out of their abodes. He was of evil nature and was intent upon destroying the Vedic Dharma. To destroy the Vedic Dharma at Avanti, Dushana arrived there with a huge army. He called four of his demons and told them to punish the brahmanas who follow Vedic Dharma. Either the brahmana should leave the Vedic Dharma and worship of Shiva or their lives will be in danger. The four demons started spreading terror in the city.

• Brahmanas worshipping Lord Shiva: The brahmanas did not get distracted and continued to worship Lord Shiva. The people of Avanti became terrified and took refuge of the brahmanas. The brahmanas told them that they neither have weapons nor the strength to face the demons. But they have taken refuge of Shiva. So their disgrace will be the disgrace of Shiva. Therefore let Shiva protect them. So saying they continued to worship Shiva.

• Lord Shiva appearing as Mahakala: Dushana ordered the demons to bind all the brahmanas and beat them. The brahmanas still did not bother and continued to meditate on Shiva. When the demons tried to harm the brahmanas, a pit formed near the Parthiva Linga with a loud sound. Out of that hole Shiva arose assuming the terrible form of Mahakala. Shiva declared that he as Mahakala had come to destroy the wicked. Thus speaking he gave out a Humkara. Dushana and part of his army became reduced to ashes. Part of the army fled. The gods played musical instruments and rained flowers from heaven. The brahmanas offered their salutations to their Lord. Shiva became pleased and told the brahmanas to ask for a boon. The brahmanas requested the Lord to redeem them and abide there for the welfare of all. Shiva bestowed salvation to the brahmanas at his Feet and abided there in the form of a Linga (Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga). From that day Shiva became famous as Mahakaleshwara. By seeing this Linga, a person does not have to face misery. His desires are fulfilled and he finally attains moksha.

- Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 16 to 17)
- Ujjain Mahakaleshwar (Shipra) (Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh)

4. Omkareshwara Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva granting boon to Vindhya mountain:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 18)

► ॐकारं अमलेश्वरम् (Omkaram Amaleshvaram)

• Meditation: I meditate on the Omkareshwara Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva granted boon to Vindhya mountain.

• Vindhya mountain performing penance: Once Narada worshipped the Shiva Linga at Gokarna with great devotion. Then he went to Vindhya mountain and worshipped Shiva there. The Vindhya mountain appeared before Narada thinking with pride that he possessed everything and did not have any deficiency. To dispel his pride Narada told him that Sumeru mountain was higher than him and is considered as god. Vindhya mountain was pained hearing this, and decided to perform penance worshipping Lord Shiva. Vindhya mountain went to Omkareshwara and created a Parthiva Linga. He worshipped Lord Shiva for six months uninterruptedly at the same place.

• Lord Shiva giving boon to Vindhya mountain: Shiva became pleased with his tapas, appeared before him and told him to ask for a boon. Vindhya mountain asked for the buddhi to accomplish his task. Shiva thought that Vindhya mountain will use the boon for his own purpose causing harm to others, so how can the boon be made beneficial to others. Shiva however gave the best boon that the Vindhya mountain could do whatever he liked. At that time the devas and sages came there and worshipped Shankara. They requested Shiva to stay there for the welfare of all. The earlier Linga named Omkara became of two forms. Shiva abiding in the Omkara Linga became known as Omkara Shiva (Omkareshwara Jyotirlinga). Shiva abiding in the Parthiva Linga became known as Parameshwara (Omkareshwara Jyotirlinga). Both the Lingas fulfill the desires of the devotees and bestows prosperity and salvation. Whoever worships Shiva does not have to be reborn again from the womb of a mother.

- Omkareshwara Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 18)
- Omkareshwar (Narmada) (Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh)

5. Kedarnatha Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva granting boon to devotees Nara and Narayana:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 19)

► हिमालये केदारम् (Himalaye Kedaram)

• Meditation: I meditate on the Kedarnatha Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva granted boon to devotees Nara and Narayana.

• Nara and Narayana worshipping Lord Shiva: Nara and Narayana, two incarnations of Hari, performed tapas in Bharata Khanda at Badaryashrama. They worshipped Lord Shiva in a Parthiva Linga. Shiva used to come there daily since he is subservient to his devotees. They continued to worship Shiva for a long time.

• Lord Shiva giving boon: Shiva became pleased and one day appeared before them and told them to ask for a boon. They requested Lord Shiva to abide there so that they can worship him. Lord Shiva abided there in that snow-clad Kedara mountains in the form of a Jyotirlinga. This Linga worshipped by Nara and Narayana removes all sorrows and sins. Lord Shiva fulfils the wishes of the devotees there. One who sees this Jyotirlinga in the Badari forest becomes free from all sins and finally becomes liberated.

- Kedarnatha Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 19)
- Kedarnath (Garhwal Himalayas, Mandakini) (Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand)

6. Bhimashankara Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva protecting devotee Sudakshina from the atrocities of demon Bhima:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 20 to 21)

► डाकिन्यां भीमाशंकरम् (Dakinyam Bhimashankaram)

• Meditation: I meditate on the Bhimashankara Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva protected devotee Sudakshina from the atrocities of demon Bhima.

• About demon Bhima: In earlier times there was a demon named Bhima. He was born from Kumbhakarna and Karkati in the Sahya mountain. He was living with his mother. One day Bhima asked his mother about his father. His mother told about Kumbhakarna who was killed by Rama. She also told about her other husband Viradha who was also killed by Rama. She further told about her father and mother - Karkata and Puskasi, who were reduced to ashes by sage Suteekshna, the disciple of sage Agastya. Thus she was living alone under the protection of her son. Hearing her story Bhima became enraged and decided to cause trouble to Hari.

• Bhima performing penance: Bhima undertook severe tapas for thousands of years meditating on Brahma, and secured the boon of strength beyond measure.

• Bhima imprisoning king Sudakshina: Thereafter Bhima overpowered the devas and removed them from their abodes. He also defeated Vishnu and conquered the nether world. Then Bhima went to the Kamarupa country, fought with king Sudakshina and defeated him. Bhima imprisoned the king of Kamarupa who was a great devotee of Shiva.

• Sudakshina worshipping Lord Shiva: Sudakshina made a Parthiva Linga and started worshipping Lord Shiva in the prison. He eulogized Ganga and mentally bathed in her holy waters. He worshipped Shiva by stotras, mudras, asanas and the Panchakshari Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya). Queen Dakshina also worshipped a Parthiva Linga of Lord Shiva at home. In the meantime the devas and sages lead by Brahma and Vishnu started invoking Lord Shiva on the bank of river Mahakoshi. They made a Parthiva Linga and worshipped Shiva. Shiva became pleased, appeared before the devas and told them to ask for a boon. The devas requested Shiva to kill demon Bhima. Shiva assured them that he would kill the demon. He also sent the gods to Sudakshina to assure him that Bhima would be killed and he should continue his worship.

• Lord Shiva appearing as Bhimeshwara: Sudakshina continued to worship Lord Shiva in the prison. Bhima thought that the king was performing some sort of magical rites against him. He told the king to tell truthfully what he was doing. Sudakshina having faith in the protective power of Shiva told the truth. Bhima commanded the king to stop the worship of Shiva. Sudakshina did not listen and continued his worship as before. Bhima became angry and threw his sword towards the king. Instantly Shiva appeared there and declared that he was Bhimeshwara who has come to protect the devotees and destroy the evil. Shiva destroyed the sword of Bhima. Bhima threw many other weapons towards Shiva and Shiva destroyed them all. A fierce battle ensued between the Shiva ganas and the demons. The entire earth became shaken up by that fight. The gods and sages became highly disturbed. Finally Narada arrived and prayed to Shiva to cut short that terrific battle. All the gods eulogized Shiva. Shiva became pleased and reduced Bhima and his army into ashes by a humkara. The fire of the anger of Shiva spread from forest to forest along with the ashes of the demons. Several oshadhis grew there. Then the gods and sages prayed to Lord Shiva to abide there as Bhimashankara. Thus Shiva abided there as the Bhimashankara Jyotirlinga.

- Bhimashankara Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 20 to 21)
- Bhimashankar (Bhima) (Pune district, Maharashtra)

7. Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva creating Kashi and establishing it in the mortal world by placing it from his trident; then abiding there as Avimukteshwara Linga:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 22 to 23)

► वाराणस्यां विश्वेशम् (Varanasyam Vishvesham)

• Meditation: I meditate on Lord Shiva creating Kashi and establishing it in the mortal world by placing it from his trident; then abiding there as Avimukteshwara Linga.

• Lord Shiva creating Kashi: Shiva, in the form of Chidananda (Consciousness and Bliss), who is without vikaras (modifications), who is advitiya (one without a second) and sanatana (eternal), once willed of becoming saguna (with attributes). It split into male and female forms. The male form is known as Shiva (as saguna) and the female form is known as Shakti. Thereafter a divine voice emerged from the nirguna Paramatman which told them (Purusha and Prakriti) to perform tapas for starting the creation. Purusha and Prakriti told the (nirguna) Shiva: There is no place to perform tapas, so where should we perform tapas as commanded by You? Then the (nirguna) Shiva from the essence of its tejas created a beautiful city extending five kroshas.

• Lord Vishnu performing penance in Kashi (Manikarnika): Then Shiva established Vishnu in that city for creation. Vishnu performed tapas there for a long time. By that tapas several streams emerged. At that time everything was shunya and nothing else was visible. Vishnu saw this strange sight (of nothingness) and shook his head (in surprise). Then a mani (gem) fell from his ear. That mani turned into a great tirtha known as Manikarnika.

• Lord Shiva holding Kashi on the tip of his trident: When the streams of water flowed and spreads upto five krosas, Shiva held the city on the tip of his trident.

• Emergence of Lord Brahma and creation of Lokas: Then Vishnu slept there with Prakriti as his wife. By the command of Shiva, from the navi (navel) of Vishnu was born Brahma seated over a lotus. By the command of Shiva, Brahma created fourteen lokas in the Brahmanda.

• Lord Shiva establishing the Avimukta Linga: The living beings born within the lokas of Brahmanda are bound by karma. So how can they attain me? Thus thinking Shiva separated the Panchakrosi (holding it on his trident). This place bestows auspiciousness, destroys the karmas, and thus reveals the illumination of Moksha. The place bestows divine knowledge and is very dear to Shiva. Shiva the Paramatman established the Avimukta Swayambhu Linga in that kshetra (in the tip of his trident) and said: This kshetra is part of my amsha (part), so I will never leave it.

• Lord Shiva placing Kashi on the mortal world (with Avimukta Linga): Thus uttering Shiva placed Kashika from his trident on the mortal world. Kashi does not get destroyed even after a day of Brahma. At that time, Shiva holds it on his trident. When Brahma again recreates, Kashi is again established on the earth. The Avimukteshwara Linga of Kashi liberates one from grave sins. At other places, one attains only Sarupya Mukti while at Kashi one attains Sayujya Mukti. Kalagni Rudra and Avimukta prayed to Lord Shiva to abide in Kashi for the welfare of all. Thereafter Shiva for the benefit of the people abided in Kashi. The city then became greater than ever before. Devi Parvati asked about the greatness of Kashi to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva said that anyone who dies in Kashi will get liberation irrespective of them being saints or sinners. However, the sinners will have to suffer for their sins before getting liberated.

- Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 22 to 23)
- Kashi Vishwanath (Ganga, Varana, Asi) (Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh)

8. Tryambakeshwara Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva relieving sage Gautama from the false accusation of brahmanas and releasing river Ganga (Gautami Ganga or Godavari) from his matted hairs:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 24 to 27)

► त्र्यंबकं गौतमीतटे (Tryambakam Gautami-Tatte)

• Meditation: I meditate on the Tryambakeshwara Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva relieved sage Gautama from the false accusation of brahmanas and released river Ganga (Gautami Ganga or Godavari) from his matted hairs.

• Sage Gautama creating perennial water source through penance: In ancient times there lived a famous sage known as Gautama with his chaste wife Ahalya (who subsequently performed tapas for thousand years in the Brahmagiri Mountain). Once there was no rainfall for hundred years. All living beings suffered greatly. Sage Gautama performed tapas with pranayama for six months and pleased Varuna deva. As a boon Varuna deva filled a pit dug by Gautama with perennial water. Due to this perennial water supply, the ashrama of Gautama became filled with various foodgrains, trees, flowers and fruits. Knowing about this, thousands of sages, animals, birds and other beings arrived there. The place developed into a beautiful forest.

• Other sages driving out sage Gautama through false accusation: Once when the disciples of sage Gautama went to the water pit to fill water, the wives of the other sages rebuked them saying that they were entitled to fill water first, being the wives of the sages. The disciples returned and told this to Devi Ahalya. When she accompanied them and got the water, the other wives rebuked her also. Thereafter those wives instigated their husbands to drive away sage Gautama. The sages in delusion invoked Ganeshwara and asked for the boon of getting Gautama driven out of the ashrama. Ganeshwara tried to abstain them from their intentions in various ways, warning them that this will bring about their downfall. However the sages remained adamant. Ganeshwara took the form of a skeleton cow and entered the field of the ashrama. Gautama took a straw to drive out the cow but the cow instantly fell down and died. The other sages took this opportunity and blamed Gautama for killing a cow. They asked him to leave the ashrama.

• Sage Gautama performing penance at Brahmagiri mountain: Gautama left the place and built an ashrama one krosha away. He asked the sages for the method of repentance. The sages told him to circumambulate the Brahmagiri Mountain one hundred eight times, bring Ganga on earth and have a bath in that, and worship Lord Shiva by making one crore Parthiva Lingas. Thereafter taking bath in the Ganga, go around the mountain eleven times, and then bathe the Parthiva Lingas in Ganga water hundred times. Gautama went round the Brahmagiri Mountain and then made a Parthiva Linga and started worshipping Lord Shiva. He was accompanied by Devi Ahalya.

• Lord Shiva giving boons to sage Gautama: Lord Shiva became pleased and appeared before sage Gautama. Shiva told Gautama to ask for a boon. When Gautama told the Lord to relieve him of the sins, Shiva revealed the conspiracy of the sages and told that Gautama is always pure. Sinful persons become pure by looking at him. So Shiva told Gautama to ask for another boon. Gautama thought that the news of his sin has spread everywhere and his intention of purification should be carried out. He therefore requested the Lord to make Ganga flow there. Shiva granted the boon and made the remaining water of the Ganga flow down the Brahmagiri Mountain. The gods arrived there and eulogized Lord Shiva and Devi Ganga. They requested them to stay there permanently. The gods told that when Guru (Jupiter) will come in Simha Rasi, all the gods will also arrive there. At the request of gods and sage Gautama, Ganga flowed there by the name Gautami, and Lord Shiva abided there as Tryambakeshwara Jyotirlinga. Both of them wash away great sins. he flow of Ganga started in Brahmagiri Hills from Udumbara branches. Sage Gautama took bath there. The place is known as Gangadwara and washes away all sins. When the sages who hatched conspiracy against Gautama came there for bath, river Ganga disappeared. Gautama out of mercy told the sages to perform repentance by circumambulating the mountain hundred and one times. After the completion of their repentance, at the request of sage Gautama, river Ganga appeared there again from Kushavarta, a place below Gangadwara. A person taking bath there is relieved of all sins.

- Tryambakeshwara Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 24 to 27)
- Nashik Tryambakeshwar (Brahmagiri Hills, Godavari) (Nashik district, Maharashtra)

9. Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga: Where the Shiva Linga given by Lord Shiva to Ravana got fixed while carrying to Lanka:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 28)

► परल्यां वैद्यनाथम् (Paralyam Vaidyanatham)

• Meditation: I meditate on Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva gave his Linga to Ravana which got fixed while Ravana carried it to Lanka.

• Ravana performing penance at Kailasha: Once Ravana, who was full of pride worshipped Lord Shiva in the Kailasha mountain. When he could not please Shiva, he performed more severe tapas. Thereafter he performed tapas at Siddhisthana on the southern side of the mountains within a cluster of trees. He dug up a pit, lighted fire in it, and placing the Shiva Linga nearby, performed homa. In summer he performed tapas in panchagni (five fires), during rainy season he sat on the bare earth, and during winter he performed tapas in water. But even then Shiva was not pleased, because Shiva is not pleased with evil-minded persons. Thereafter Ravana became noble and started offering his heads to Shiva, one by one daily.

• Lord Shiva giving Shiva Linga to Ravana: After offering nine heads, when he was about to offer his tenth head, Shiva appeared and prevented him. Shiva also restored all his other heads and bestowed on him immense prowess. Also, as a boon Ravana wanted to take Lord Shiva himself to Lanka. Shiva instead gave him a Shiva Linga and told him that wherever he kept it on the ground, it will get fixed there.

• The Shiva Linga getting fixed while Ravana was carrying it to Lanka: While carrying the Shiva Linga, Ravana felt a great urge to ease himself due to Shiva Maya. Seeing a cowherd boy, he gave him the Linga to hold for sometime. But the cowherd boy was unable to bear the weight of the Linga for long, and placed it on the ground. The Linga got fixed there and became known as Vaidyanatheshwara. It bestows both worldly prosperity and salvation, and removes sins by a mere look. After Ravana left, the gods came there, worshipped that Shiva Linga and returned to their respective abodes.

- Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 28)
- Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga is identified with several places:
1. Deoghar Vaidyanath Dham (Deogarh district, Jharkhand)
2. Parli Vaijnath (Beed district, Maharashtra)
3. Kangra Baijnath (Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh)

10. Nageshwara Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva protecting devotee Supriya from the atrocities of demon Daruka:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 29 to 30)

► नागेशं दारुकावने (Nagesham Darukavane)

• Meditation: I meditate on the Nageshwara Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva protected devotee Supriya from the atrocities of demon Daruka.

• About demon Daruka: There was a demon called Daruka living with his wife Darukaa and other demons in a vast forest (Darukavana) spreading over sixteen yojanas on the western coast of the ocean. Daruka was of evil nature and harassed people by destroying their yagnas. • Boon of demoness Darukaa: Demoness Darukaa was a devotee of Devi Parvati. Darukaa obtained a boon from Devi Parvati, because of which wherever she moved in the forest, that part became full of trees and other requisites. Darukaa was also able to carry the entire forest with her wherever she liked.

• Sage Aurva cursing the demons: The noble people who were terrorised by the demons took refuge of sage Aurva and requested him to protect them. Sage Aurva pronounced a curse on the demons that if they try to kill the people on the earth, they will themselves be killed inspite of them being powerful. The gods came to know of this curse and by taking this opportunity started preparing for a war with the demons. The demons came to know of the intention of the gods and became worried. In case they fight, they will perish; in case they do not fight, they will still perish. In case they stay as they are, what shall they eat?

• Demoness Darukaa carrying Daruka Vana within the ocean: When they were thus worried, demoness Darukaa told them that she has a boon from Devi Parvati by means of which she can carry the entire forest wherever she liked. Then she carried the entire forest within the ocean. Due to the curse of sage Aurva, the demons did not return on earth, but roamed about on the surface of water. They engaged themselves in harassing the sailors.

• Demons imprisoning devotee merchant Supriya: Once, several boats arrived there. The demons made the people captive and imprisoned them in their city. The leader of those people was Supriya, a vaishya and a great devotee of Shiva. Supriya was a vaishya (merchant class) and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He worshipped Lord Shiva daily and applied ashes over his body and wore a Rudraksha rosary. The day on which he failed to worship Lord Shiva, he did not take food on that day.

• Supriya worshipping Lord Shiva: Inside the prison, Supriya worshipped Lord Shiva in a Parthiva Linga. He also taught other people how to worship Shiva. In this manner six months passed. Then one day Daruka came to know of this and enquired Supriya about the object of his meditation. Supriya told that he knew nothing. Daruka became angry and ordered the demons to kill Supriya. Supriya closed his eyes and meditated on Lord Shiva.

• Lord Shiva protecting Supriya by giving Pashupata astra: Lord Shiva appeared from within a pit and gave the Pashupata astra to Supriya. Supriya killed all the demons with it. Shiva then granted a boon to the forest that the four castes (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras) will flourish in that forest. Excellent sages and devotees of Shiva will live there and not persons of tamashika nature.

• Demoness Darukaa protecting demon race through Devi Parvati: In the meantime, demoness Darukaa who was a devotee of Devi Parvati invoked the goddess through hymns. Devi Parvati appeared and gave her a boon that her race will be protected. There was a mild conflict between Shiva and Parvati due to their conflicting boons. However the conflict got resolved in a loving manner. Devi Parvati said that the boon of Shiva will take effect after the end of the yuga. Till then there will be tamashik creation. Else there will be a pralaya. Demoness Darukaa who is her own shakti will rule over the rakshasas, and their descendants will collectively stay in the forest. Shiva thereafter said that he would stay in the forest and lovingly protect the devotees.

• Shiva-Parvati abiding as Nageshwara and Nageshwari: Then Shiva took the form of the Jyotirlinga Nageshwara and Parvati became known as Nageshwari. The Nageshwara Jyotirlinga fulfills all the desires of the people.

- Nageshwara Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 29 to 30)
- Nageshwara Jyotirlinga is identified with several places:
1. Dwarka Nageshwar (Devbhoomi Dwaraka district, Gujarat)
2. Hingoli Aundha Nagnath (Hingoli district, Maharashtra)
3. Almora Jageshwar (Almora district, Uttarakhand)

11. Rameshwara Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva granting boon to Sri Rama for victory against Ravana:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 31)

► सेतुबंधे रामेशम् (Setubandhe Ramesham)

• Meditation: I meditate on the Rameshwara Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva granted boon to Sri Rama for victory against Ravana.

• Sri Rama worshipping Lord Shiva: When Sri Rama came to know that Devi Sita was in Lanka, he marched with a huge army of vanaras and camped on the shore of the Southern Sea. There, Sri Rama made a Parthiva Linga and worshipped Lord Shiva with sixteen types of ritualistic worships. He prayed to Lord Shiva with great devotion to bless him for the victory of his mission against Ravana (who was also a devotee of Shiva). Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva again and again; he recited mantras, meditated and danced before the Lord. His heart was overwhelmed with devotional love.

• Lord Shiva giving boon to Sri Rama: Shiva became very pleased and appeared before Rama. He told Rama to ask for a boon. Sri Rama eulogized Lord Shiva and prayed for victory against Ravana. Shiva granted him the boon. Sri Rama further requested Shiva to reside in the Linga for the welfare of all people. Shiva took the form of a Linga and resided there. The Linga became famous in the world as Rameshwara. This Linga fulfils the wishes of the devotees and grants prosperity and salvation. Whoever worships this Shiva Linga with Ganga water with great devotion becomes a Jivanamukta.

- Rameshwara Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 31)
- Rameshwaram (Rameshwaram Sea shore) (Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu)

12. Grishneshwara Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva reviving the son of devotee Ghushma who was killed by his step-mother:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 32 to 33)

► घुश्मेशं शिवालये (Ghushmesham Shivalaye)

• Meditation: I meditate on the Grishneshwara Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva revived the son of devotee Ghushma who was killed by his step-mother.

• Brahmana Sudharma and Sudeha without a son: A brahmana named Sudharma lived near Devagiri mountain. He was well-versed in the Vedas, performed the Vedic rites and taught Vedas to his pupil. He was a great devotee of Shiva. His wife Sudeha was devoted to her husband and also followed Shiva Dharma. However they were not blessed with a son. Sudharma did not grieve about this and engaged himself in the worship of Lord Shiva. However Sudeha was mentally distressed and often implored her husband to strive for a son.

• Sudharma knowing the will of Lord Shiva: Once Sudeha went to a marriage ceremony of a neighbour. There, a woman called her a barren woman who has no one to inherit her wealth. It is a disgrace to her wealth and honour. Sudeha became very depressed and narrated this story to her husband. Sudharma consoled her not to be worried because what will happen will happen. But Sudeha insisted that he should somehow beget a son. Due to persistent demand from his wife, once Sudeha prepared two flowers to offer in the sacrificial fire. He mentally marked one flower to be yielding a son. Then Sudharma told his wife to choose a flower. Sudeha picked the other flower which was not mentally marked to yield a son. Sudharma became relieved knowing the will of the Lord and told his wife to shed false hope for a son and instead devotedly serve the Lord.

• Sudharma marrying Ghushma at the instance of Sudeha: Sudeha could not leave her desire to get a son. One day she requested her husband to marry her younger sister Ghushma to beget a son. Sudharma did not agree initially but Sudeha brought her younger sister immediately and persisted with her demand. Sudharma warned her that the birth of a son from Ghushma will make her jealous. Sudeha assured him that she will never be jealous of her sister. At the instance of his wife, Sudharma married Ghushma.

• Ghushma worshipping Lord Shiva by daily making Shiva Lingas: After marriage Sudharma told Sudeha to look after her younger sister with loving care. He himself continued to engage himself in the worship of Lord Shiva. Sudeha looked after her younger sister with loving care without any jealousy. Ghushma engaged herself in worshipping Lord Shiva daily by making one hundred and one Shiva Lingas. She worshipped those Lingas and then consigned them daily in a nearby lake. Performing daily worship in this way, she completed the worship of hundred thousand Lingas.

• Ghushma giving birth to a son: Then, by the grace of Shiva, Ghushma gave birth to a son, who was beautiful and virtuous.

• Sudeha killing the son due to jealousy: After the birth of the son from her younger sister, Sudeha became jealous of Ghushma. Her heart started burning like a fire. When people praised the son, she was not able to tolerate this. Once a brahmana arrived there and gave his daughter in marriage to the son. Sudharma and Ghushma became happy but Sudeha felt her heart burning. Sudeha's heart kept burning with the fire of jealousy, which finally she could not bear. She decided to kill the son to extinguish the flame in her heart. So, one night, when the son was sleeping with his wife, Sudeha killed him with a big knife and cut off his limbs in pieces. She carried those body parts and threw them in the lake where Ghushma daily consigned the Shiva Lingas.

• Ghushma continuing to worship Lord Shiva inspite of the news of her son's death: Next morning, Ghushma got up early and as usual started worshipping Lord Shiva by making the Shiva Lingas. The wife of the son screamed by seeing blood and flesh on the bed of her husband. Sudeha also pretended to cry. Ghushma heard the news but did not discard her daily worship. Her mind was unperturbed. She completed her worship in noon and said that the one who has given the boy will also protect him. She carried the Shiva Lingas to the lake and consigned them as usual.

• Lord Shiva reviving son of Ghushma: Then she found that her son was standing on the bank of the lake. The son declared that he was brought back to life by the grace of his mother and Lord Shiva. Ghushma did not feel too much elated by seeing her son alive, just as she was not perturbed to hear about his death.

• Lord Shiva giving boons to Ghushma: Lord Shiva appeared before her and told her to ask for a boon. Lord Shiva also revealed that Sudeha had killed the son and now he is going to kill that woman with his trident. Ghushma asked the boon to save her sister. Lord Shiva became greatly pleased with Ghushma due to her devotion and non-attachment. He told Ghushma to ask for another boon. Ghushma requested the Lord to stay there in her name and protect the world. Shiva then abided there as Ghushmeshwara Jyotirlinga. The lake which was a store house of Shiva Lingas consecrated by Ghushma became known as Shivalaya as also the place. Sudeha arrived there and became repentant. The three of them (Ghushma, Sudharma and Sudeha) circumambulated the Shiva Linga hundred and one times. Their minds became free and they feel great joy. By looking at or worshipping this Linga, joy increases in a person.

- Grishneshwara Jyotirlinga (Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 32 to 33)
- Aurangabad Grishneshwar (Aurangabad district, Maharashtra)