Jyotirlinga Darshan Pilgrimage
Trip Overview
The Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra is a transformative spiritual pilgrimage across India, leading devotees through twelve sacred shrines where Lord Shiva’s divine energy manifests as radiant jyotirlingas. Rooted in the Shiva Purana and extolled in the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram, this journey symbolizes the seeker’s transcendence beyond samsara, dissolving ego and karmic bonds through devotion. Each jyotirlinga, from Somnath to Rameshwaram, holds unique mythological and metaphysical significance, offering spiritual purification and divine realization. Organized by Karnali Excursions, this meticulously curated 26-day journey spans eight states immersing pilgrims in India’s cultural and spiritual essence of 11 out of 12 Jyotirlingas. As the sacred hymn proclaims, remembering these jyotirlingas eradicates sins, and visiting them bestows divine grace, making this pilgrimage not just a journey but an awakening into Shiva-consciousness and ultimate liberation. As the sacred hymn forwards, Saptajanmakṛtaṃ pāpaṃ smaraṇena vinaśyati. (Śatarudra Saṁhitā, Ch.42/2-4). Saurāṣṭre Somnāthaṃ ca Śrīśaile Mallikārjunam |Ujjayinyāṃ Mahākālam Omkāram Amaleśvaram ||
This ancient chant, echoing through centuries, infuses the journey with profound spiritual energy, awakening the divine within.
Trip Highlights
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Pilgrimage to 11 Sacred Dwadasha Jyotirlingas: Visit 11 out of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas, the radiant embodiments of Lord Shiva, spread across eight Indian states. Each shrine offers a unique spiritual experience, filling your soul with peace, purity, and divine energy.
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Special Destinations Beyond the Jyotirlingas:
- Ram Janma Bhoomi & Guptesar Ghat (Samadhi Sthal): Explore the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama and the revered site of Guptesar Ghat, resonating with divine vibrations.
- Bodhgaya: Visit the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, a symbol of peace, wisdom, and spiritual awakening.
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Authentic Indian Cultural Diversity: Experience the vibrant mosaic of Indian cultures, lifestyles, cuisines, and traditions as you travel across the length and breadth of the country.
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Travel Across 8 States: Journey seamlessly through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh via buses, airplanes, and trains, blending comfort and convenience.
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Darshan of Other Iconic Attractions: Alongside the Jyotirlingas, visit other revered sites such as:
- Meenakshi Temple: Admire the architectural splendor of this Dravidian masterpiece dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
- Gangasagar: Witness the confluence of the sacred Ganges River with the Bay of Bengal, a site believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
- Belur Math: Experience the tranquility of the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, symbolizing harmony and spirituality.
- Four Out of Seven Puri Pilgrimages: Explore four of India’s sacred Puri sites, offering a glimpse into the timeless spiritual heritage of the land.
Detail Itinerary
- Arrival in Delhi
- Hotel Transfer and Hotel Check-in
- Flight from Delhi to Varanasi
- Experiencing the Ganga Aarti by boat, a celestial spectacle that epitomizes devotion
- Immersing yourself in the spiritual vibrancy of the ancient city
Distance: 670 km
Flight Duration: 1 Hour 20 Minutes - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Varanashi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan, a Jyotirlinga steeped in profound spiritual significance
- Annapurna Devi Mandir and Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir Darshan
- Drive to Ayodhya with a Spiritual Stop at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam
Distance: Around 220 km
Travel Time: 4 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Ayodhya
- Ram Janmabhoomi: Experience the divinity of Lord Ram’s birthplace and offer prayers at the grand Ram Mandir
- Hanuman Garhi: Seek blessings from Lord Hanuman, the protector of Ayodhya
- Guptar Ghat: Reflect on Lord Ram’s final journey and immerse in the sacred ambiance of the Sarayu River
- Ram and Lakshman Ghat: Relive the stories of Lord Ram’s life along the serene ghats
- Drive back to Varanasi
Distance: Around 220 km (Ayodhya to Varanashi)
Travel Time: 4 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Varanashi
- Drive from Varanasi to Bodh Gaya, reflecting on the transition from devotion to enlightenment
- Arrival in Bodh Gaya, the spiritual epicenter of Buddhism
- Evening meditation under the Bodhi Tree (site of Buddha’s enlightenment)
Distance: Around 300 km (Varanashi to Bodh Gaya)
Travel Time: 7 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Bodhgaya
- Pind Daan & Vishnupad Temple Darshan in Gaya
- Mahabodhi Temple & Bodhi Tree Meditation
- Visiting the International Monasteries
Distance: Around 15 km
Travel Time: 30 Minutes - Accommodation: Hotel in Bodhgaya
- Drive from Bodhgaya to Baijnath
Distance: Around 250 km
Travel Time: 3 Hours 30 minutes - Accommodation: Hotel in Baijanath
- Morning Darshan at Baijnath Jyotirlinga
- Train Journey to Kolkata
- Evening Arrival in Kolkata
Distance: Around 329 km
Travel Time: 5 Hours by Train - Accommodation: Hotel in Kolkata
- Holy Bath at Ganga Sagar
- Darshan at Kapil Muni Ashram
Optional Visits to Belur Math & Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Distance: Around 120 km (One Way)
Travel Time: 4 Hours by Bus (One Way) - Accommodation: Hotel in Kolkata
- Flight from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar
- Road Journey to Puri
- Darshan at Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra Temples
- Participation in temple rituals, chanting, and spiritual offerings
- Experiencing the Divine Mystery of the Nila Chakra
- Return to Bhubaneswar for Rest and Spiritual Reflection
Distance: Around 380 km (Kolkata to Bhubaneshwor)
Flight Time: 1 Hour 15 minutes
Distance: 65 km (One Way) (Bhubanaeshwor to Jagannath Puri)
Time: 1 Hour 15 minutes (One Way)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Bhubaneshwor
- Darshan at Lingaraj Mahadev – Witnessing the ancient spiritual grandeur of Odisha
- Flight from Bhubaneswar to Hyderabad – Transitioning across sacred lands
- Darshan of the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Linga
- Abhisheka at the temple invoking Shiva’s boundless blessings
- Witnessing the unique blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as both Lingaraj and Harihara
- Arrival at Srisailam – Immersing in the divine energy of Lord Mallikarjuna
Distance: Around 850 km (Bhubaneshwor to Haiderabad)
Flight Time: 1 Hour 35 minutes
Distance: 230 km (One Way) (Haiderabad to Srisailam)
Time: 5 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Srisailam
- Early morning Darshan at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga—one of the most powerful Shiva temples in India.
- Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Jyotirlinga with holy water, milk, and flowers, invoking Shiva’s grace
- Darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna in the sanctum sanctorum, where the divine energy radiates powerfully
- Offering special prayers to Goddess Bhramaramba, the presiding Shakti of the temple
- Immersing in the age-old legends of Lord Kartikeya’s penance and his parents’ visit, which sanctified this holy land
- Special prayers at Bhramaramba Shakti Peetha
- Exploring Patala Ganga, Sakshi Ganapati, Phaladhara Panchadhara and Adi Shankaracharya’s meditation site
- Scenic return journey through the Nallamala Hills to Hyderabad
Distance: Around 326 km (Srisailam to Mallikarjun)
Drive Time: 6 Hours 30 minutes
Srisailam to Haiderabad Distance: 230 km (One Way)
Time: Time: 5 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Hyderabad
- Afternoon flight from Hyderabad to Madurai
- Scenic drive to Rameswaram
- Visit the Ram Setu Karai
- Reflections on the divine significance of Rameswaram in the epic Ramayana
Distance: Around 838 km (Hyderabad to Madurai)
Flight Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Drive Distance: 170 km (Madurai to Rameshwaram)
Time: 4 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Rameshwaram
- Early morning Darshan at Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga
- Visit to Dhanushkodi
- Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple
- Scenic drive from Rameswaram to Madurai, soaking in the beauty of Tamil Nadu
- Evening Darshan at Meenakshi Temple, Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (an
incarnation of Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva)
Distance: 170 km (Rameshwaram to Madurai)
Time: Time: 4 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Madurai
- Morning flight from Madurai to Mumbai
- Drive from Mumbai to Pune
- Opportunity to visit Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Distance: 1165 km (Madurai to Mumbai)
Flight Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Distance: 150 km (Mumbai to Pune)
Time: 3 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Pune
- Drive through the Western Ghats
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Darshan, experiencing thedivine presence of Lord Shiva
- Exploration of Bhimashankar’s sacred surroundings, including Kamalaja Devi Temple and Gupt Bhimashankar
- Return to Pune
Distance: 123 km (One Way) (Pune to Bhimashankar Temple)
Time: 3 Hours 15 Minutes (One Way) - Accommodation: Hotel in Pune
- Sacred Darshan at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
- Participation in Abhishekam & Maha Aarti
- Exploration of the magnificent Ellora Caves, Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
- Exploration of the Hindu, Buddhist & Jain Caves
Distance: 211 km (Pune to Aurangabad)
Time: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 30 km (Aurangabad to Grishneshwar)
Time: 50 minutes - Accommodation: Hotel in Aurangabad
- Sacred Darshan at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
- Abhishekam and Pujas
- Holy dip at Kushavarta Kund
- Exploration of Panchavati, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa (Cave), Kapaleshwar Temple, Ram Kund
Distance: 197 km km (Aurangabad to Nashik)
Time: 4 Hours
Distance: 30 km (Traimbakeshwar to Panchavati)
Time: 55 minutes - Accommodation: Hotel in Nashik
- Sacred Darshan at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
- Abhishekam and Pujas
- Holy dip at Kushavarta Kund
- Exploration of Panchavati, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa (Cave), Kapaleshwar Temple, Ram Kund
Distance: 197 km km (Aurangabad to Nashik)
Time: 4 Hours
Distance: 30 km (Traimbakeshwar to Panchavati)
Time: 55 minutes - Accommodation: Hotel in Nashik
- Bhasma Aarti & Darshan at Mahakaleshwar
Journey to Omkareshwar - Darshan at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
- Return to Indore
Distance: 56 km (Indore to Mahakaleshwar)
Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
Distance: 78 km (Indore to Omkareshwar)
Time: 2 Hours 30 minutes - Accommodation: Hotel in Indore
- Flight from Indore to Ahmedabad
- Drive through Gujarat
Distance: 334 km (Indore to Ahmedabad)
Time: 1 Hour
Distance: 415 km (Ahmedabad to Somnath)
Time: 7 Hours 30 minutes - Accommodation: Hotel in Somnath
- Morning Puja & Darshan at Somnath Jyotirlinga
- Drive from Somnath to Dwarka
- Evening visit to Dwarka, the island kingdom of Lord Krishna
Distance: 235 km (Somnath to Dwarka)
Time: 4 Hours - Accommodation: Hotel in Dwarka
- Early morning Darshan of Dwarkadhish (Krishna)
- A sacred journey to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
- Powerful Abhishekam and prayers at the Jyotirlinga
- Shrine of Krishna – The place where Shri Krishna resided and ruled over Dwarka
- Sudama Setu – A bridge named after Krishna’s childhood friend, Sudama, symbolizing eternal friendship and devotion
- Matsya Avatar Temple – A sacred spot believed to be associated with Vishnu’s Matsya (fish) incarnation
- Accommodation: Hotel in Dwarka
- A heartfelt farewell to Dwarka, the divine kingdom of Krishna.
- An 8-hour reflective drive through the sacred land of Gujarat.
- Final prayers, gratitude, and spiritual discussions among fellow yatris.
- Official conclusion of the pilgrimage in Ahmedabad, carrying divine realization home.
- Dwarka to Ahmedabad Distance: 470 km
- Time: 8 Hours
- Package Price: US$ 5999 per person (on a twin-sharing basis)
- Single Supplementary: US$ 1699 (for single occupancy accommodation)
- All ground transfers including airport pickup and drops by private tourist buses. Hotel accommodation on a sharing basis inclusive of pure vegetarian meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as mentioned in the itinerary
- All domestic flights and 2t/3t A/c train tickets as per itinerary.
- Travel duffel bag
- Service of professional Karnali team leader and support crew.
- All guided sightseeing and Darshan
- Domestic flight tickets as specified in the itinerary.
- Comprehensive First Aid Medical Kit.
- International flight fares from/to your home country
- India Visa.
- Expenses of a personal nature, e. g. bar bills, bottled drinks, Internet, telephone, laundry, etc.
- Puja, Dakshina, and Darshan cost in temples.
- Travel and Medical insurance.
- Any other costs not mentioned in the cost include section but may incur due to unforeseen circumstances.
Resources
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- Essential Information
Essential Information Related to Jyotirlinga Darshan Pilgrimage Tour:
A. Must bring Documents:
- The most recent and valid passport
- Passport-size color photos
- Photocopies of the most recent and valid passport and OCI card or Indian Visa
- Cash-less travel and medical insurance policy
- Health certificate
B. Hotel and Power-Related Matters:
Infrastructures in some of the areas are not well developed. Thus, you should not expect or compare facilities to other more developed destinations. There may be occasional shortages of water and power in some regions. You may come across situations where water is supplied on a timed basis, morning and evening only. In some regions, the hotels may not have generator facilities. In case of any power failure, hotels will provide candles for light.
C. Flight Details:
Please send us your flight details as soon as you book your flights. If there are any last-minute changes, please notify us immediately by e-mail. This is very important, as we need to arrange for your airport pick-up in Delhi. Please look for the Karnali Excursions sign board as you come out of the Airport.
D. Passport, India Visa-Related Issues:
All foreign passport holders require a valid visa for India. Get this at home by contacting the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. Indian Passport holders or OCI cardholders do not require a valid visa in India but need to travel with a valid passport and OCI card. You must have a current passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your arrival date in India.
E. Remaining Balance:
The remaining balance is to be paid in USD (US Dollars) or equivalent GBP (Sterling Pounds) cash in Delhi upon arrival. Unfortunately, Karnali Excursions cannot accept any personal cheques
F. Additional Funds:
Please plan to bring approximately USD 1200 or GBP 950 per person for your personal use during the Yatra for phone calls, mineral water, souvenirs, Tips, etc.)
G. Travel Insurance –Mandatory:
Everyone must carry cash-less travel insurance which covers emergency rescue (both by Air and ground), repatriation, tour cancellation, and medical expenses. Please bring two hard copies of insurance containing the policy number and emergency contact details only. When you come to Delhi, please hand over one copy to our representative and keep the 2nd copy with you.
H. Preparation, Health, and Medical Related:
Although most of the trip will be done by vehicle, everyone must be relatively in good health. If you have any chronic health conditions, please consult your doctor before leaving for India. Medical facilities are available throughout the journey.
However, taking the health issues into proper consideration, Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. will provide a first aid medical kit. Remember to exercise and or hike/walk regularly. Form a habit of drinking at least three liters of water every day. This habit will be extremely helpful to keep you in good shape during the Yatra.
I. Karnali Staff:
Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. employs only experienced professional staff who have successfully led excursions over many years throughout India, Tibet, and Nepal. Each trip is staffed with an experienced guide who speaks English and Hindi, ensuring a pleasant and smooth journey for the group. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. is committed to providing the best and most reliable service for each group for the Journey of a Lifetime.
J. Risk and Liabilities:
Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd will make every effort to ensure that your journey is smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, please be reminded that all programs in India are strictly conducted under the rules and regulations of the Indian government. Therefore, neither Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. nor its Indian Agent shall be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances, including government restrictions, landslides, road blockades, flooding, snowfall, political disturbances, flight cancellations, illnesses or accidents. Any additional costs that may incur as a result of such circumstances shall be borne by the Yatris.
K. Yatra logistics:
- You will be picked up and dropped off at the airport, so please provide your flight details in advance.
- Every Yatri will be provided a reasonably sized duffle bag for the entire duration of Yatra. This bag will be provided on the evening of the arrival day. In addition, each yatri should have a personal backpack/rucksack to carry valuable personal belongings and handy items. Transfer your necessary travel items into this bag from the suitcase and remember the duffle bag number.
- Your normal baggage and suitcase will be stored at the hotel in Delhi or any other designated place until you return from the Yatra. You will need to bear the storage cost.
- Ensure that you have some snacks and minimal supplies along with you in your backpack for personal use as your duffle bag might travel separately with a support vehicle.
- Please bear in mind to bring the adaptor for 220-240 volts for charging any electronic devices.
- WIFI and Internet connection is available in Delhi. Local SIM cards can be bought at the Delhi You are welcome to use a home-based cell phone. Please make sure that India is in your roaming coverage area
L. Important Preparation Tips for a Successful and Memorable Pilgrimage:
- Get some hiking and breathing practices.
- Develop the habit of drinking plenty of water (at least 3 liters a day).
- Stay mentally focused and physically healthy for a memorable journey of a lifetime.
- Recommended Readings
Recommended Readings
01.India THE ROUGH GUIDE by David Abram, Devdan Sen, Harriet Sharkey and Gareth John Williams03.Footprint India by Matt Barret & Annie Dare02.India: A Travel Survival Kit
by Lonely Planet
Ready to make this journey your own?
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Budhanilkanta 44600, Nepal
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+977 9851035496
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Karnaliexcursions@gmail.com