Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi On the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi (Kashi) stands the Kashi Vishwanath temple, dedicated to Shiva as Vishwanatha—Lord of the Universe. It is counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas and is one of Hinduism's most sacred pilgrimage destinations. Sthala Mahatmyam Kashi is traditionally described as Avimukta Kshetra, the place Shiva never abandons. Sacred literature holds that the city rests under Shiva's special protection and that death in Kashi ca

Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan The magnificent Somnath Temple at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat, overlooking the Arabian Sea, houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. "Somnath" means Lord of Soma (the Moon). Sthala Mahatmyam According to tradition, Chandra (Soma) married the 27 daughters of Daksha but showed particular affection for Rohini. Angered by this partiality, Daksha cursed Chandra to lose his radiance. Chandra worshipped Shiva at Prabhasa, and Shiva relieved him of the c

Trimbakeshwar Temple, near Nashik The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, situated at Trimbak near Nashik in Maharashtra, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Surrounded by the Brahmagiri hills, the temple is associated with the origin of the Godavari, one of India's holiest rivers. The present temple, built largely of black stone, dates to the Peshwa period. Sthala Mahatmyam According to sacred tradition, sage Gautama Maharshi and his wife Ahalya performed penance here. Following circumst