Shri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram
Shri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Complete 12 verses praising the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in IAST English transliteration, Phalashruti, and English meaning.
Verses
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Stotram Name | Shri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shiva (12 Jyotirlingas) |
| Composer | Sri Adi Shankaracharya |
| Language | IAST English Transliteration |
| Source Text | Shiva Purana / Sri Adi Shankara Granthavali |
Introduction
Shri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram (literally meaning "Hymn to the Twelve Pillars of Radiant Light") is a holy 12-verse pilgrimage stotram composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
A Jyotirlinga (Luminous Lingam) is the supreme manifestation of Lord Shiva as an infinite pillar of cosmic light. According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva manifested Himself in 12 holy shrines across India:
- Somanatha (Saurashtra, Gujarat)
- Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh)
- Mahakaleshwara (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)
- Omkareshwara (Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh)
- Kedaranatha (Himalayas, Uttarakhand)
- Bhimashankara (Dakini, Maharashtra)
- Visveswara / Vishwanatha (Varanasi/Kashi, Uttar Pradesh)
- Tryambakeshwara (Gautami river bank, Nashik, Maharashtra)
- (Chitabhami / Deoghar, Jharkhand)
Verses
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Stotram Name | Shri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shiva (12 Jyotirlingas) |
| Composer | Sri Adi Shankaracharya |
| Language | IAST English Transliteration |
| Source Text | Shiva Purana / Sri Adi Shankara Granthavali |
Meaning
- Verse 1: Somanatha in Saurashtra, Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, Mahakala in Ujjain, Omkareshwara in Mandhata.
- Verse 2: Kedaranatha in Himalayas, Bhimashankara in Dakini, Vishveshwara in Varanasi, Tryambakeshwara on Gautami river.
- Verse 3: Vaidyanatha in Chitabhumi, Nageshwara in Darukavana, Rameshwara in Sethubandha, Ghrishneshwara in Shivalaya.
- Verse 4–12: Praise of each Jyotirlinga shrine and the promise of destroying 7 lifetimes of sin.
- Verse 13 (Phalashruti): Morning recitation destroys sins of 7 past births.
Spiritual Significance
The 12 Jyotirlingas represent the cosmic spine of India:
- Somanatha: The first Jyotirlinga, restored by Moon God (Chandra).
- : On Srisailam hill, where Shiva-Parvati reside for Kārtikeya.
Benefits
According to scriptural tradition and verse 13 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram grants the following blessings:
- Eradication of Sins of Seven Lifetimes: Destroys sins committed across past seven births (Saptajanma-Kritam-Papam).
- Merit of 12 Pilgrimages (Teertha Yatra Phala): Grants the spiritual merit of visiting all 12 Jyotirlinga shrines.
- Protection from Disease and Accidents: Shields against negative planetary impacts and untimely death.
- Attainment of Shivaloka: Cleanses the mind and leads the soul to liberation (Moksha).
Dvādaśaitāni-Nāmāni Prātar-Utthāya Yaḥ Paṭhet ।
Saptajanma-Kṛtaṃ Pāpaṃ Smaraṇena Vinaśyati ॥ 13 ॥
Meaning of Phalashruti
Whoever recites these Twelve Names of Lord Shiva every morning upon waking up will have all sins committed across seven past lifetimes instantly erased (Saptajanma-Kritam-Papam Vinasyati).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram be chanted?
Early morning upon waking up (Pratar Utthaya).
2. Does chanting this equal visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas?
Scriptatures declare that chanting this stotram with devotion yields the spiritual fruit of visiting all 12 Jyotirlinga shrines.