The Jyotirlingas are the twelve most sacred representations of Lord Shiva where He appeared as a pillar of light. From Somnath in the West to Vishwanath in the East, and Kedarnath in the North to Rameshwaram in the South, these shrines form a spiritual map of India.

Each Jyotirlinga has a unique story of how Shiva appeared to save His devotees. For example, in Mahakaleshwar, He appeared to destroy the demon Dushana, and in Omkareshwar, He manifested from the vibration of the Om sound. Visiting these shrines or even remembering them clears one of all sins and brings one closer to Mahadeva.