Question

How many Jyotirlingas are traditionally established across India?

• A. 10
• B. 11
• C. 12
• D. 18

Hint:

{Total Jyotirlingas = 12}.
They are sacred shrines representing the divine light form of Lord Shiva.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu tradition and the {Shiva Purana}, these temples represent places where Lord Shiva manifested as a column of divine light (Jyoti).
Step 1:Meaning of Jyotirlinga.
The term Jyotirlinga is derived from two Sanskrit words: [ \text{Jyoti (light)} + \text{Linga (symbol of Shiva)} ]
Step 2:Traditional number of Jyotirlingas.
Hindu tradition recognizes twelve Jyotirlingas located across different regions of India.
Step 3:Examples of Jyotirlinga temples.
Some of the famous Jyotirlingas include:

• Somnath (Gujarat)
• Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh)
• Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain)
• Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
• Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
• Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi)

These twelve temples hold immense religious significance in Shaivism. Thus, the number of Jyotirlingas traditionally established across India is 12.