If we split the word jyotirlinga, the word jyoti will mean radiance and the word linga means phallus. Lord Mahadeva is the destroyer, Brahma is the creator and Vishnu is the preserver.
As it is extremely evident Shiva’s jyotirlinga holds an important place in human hearts. It is a shrine where the Lord is worshipped in the form of Jyotirlingam. In other words, Jyotirlingam is a representation of the Lord Shiva and it means the light of Lord Shiva.
Jyotirlingas In India Legend
As the legend goes, once upon a time Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were debating regarding the power they possessed. Lord Shiva then produced a huge light beam and asked Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find the end. Lord Brahma lied that he had already found the end. Lord Vishnu conceded defeat. Lord Shiva was angry with Lord Brahma for lying so he cursed him that despite being a God, his puja would never be accepted on earth. He will never be worshipped by devotees. The Jyotirlingas in India are the pillars of light that have been totally transformed and are now worshipped as Shivlingas.
How many Jyotirlingas are there in India?
The number of jyotirlingas present in India is twelve. Lord Shiva had first manifested on earth on the date of Aridra Nakshatra which holds a special significance for Jyotirlingas. People believe that on attaining spiritual liberation these lingas appear like columns of fire. There is a total of 64 jyotirlingas out of which 12 Jyotirlingas In India are considered sacred. The 12 Jyotirlingas In India take their name after the presiding deities. Each of these jyotirlingas is considered to be a different manifestation of the Lord Shiva. The lingam represents the beginning and stambh represents the end, which once more shows the infinite nature of the Lord God Shiva
