Shiva the word meaning auspicious is one of the gods of the Hindu
Trinity, comprising of Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the
preserver and Lord Shiva or Mahesh, the Destroyer and Re-Producer of
life. Shiva is known by many names like "Shankar", "Mahesh",
"Bholenath", "Neelakanth", "Shambhu
Kailasheshwar", "Umanath", "Nataraj" and
others.
For few people, Shiva is "Paramatman", "Brahman",
the Absolute, but many more prefer to see Shiva as a personal God given
to compassion for his worshippers, and the dispenser of both spiritual
and material blessings. Related to the Absolute concept is Shiva as "Yoganath"
meaning the Lord of Yoga, wherein he becomes teacher, path and goal. As
such he is the "Adi Guru" or the Highest Guru of 'Sannyasins'
who have renounced the world to attain the Absolute. He is the most
sought-after deity amongst the Hindus and they pray to him as the god of
immense large-heartedness who they believe grants all their wishes.
Around him are weaved many interesting stories that reveal His
magnanimous heart. Not only this, but these stories and legends also
enrich the Indian culture and art. He is even refered to as the
'Mahakaal' symbolizing time, which is invisible and formless. Therefore
as per the Vedas He has manifested himself in the form of 'Lingum' to
make mankind aware of the presence of Eternal Time.
In our country there are twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Lord Shiva at twelve
places that are sacred to the Hindus. It is believed that all these
twelve Jyotilingas are 'Swayambhus' meaning that they sprung up by
themselves at these places and afterwards only temples were built. Every
Hindu believes that at least once in his lifetime he must visit these
twelve Jyotirlingas and then he will be absolved of all the sinful acts
he may have done.
These twelve Jyotirlingas are as follows:
