As per the Hindu religion, Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are source of immense power and energy. You must have heard of 12 Jyotirlinga darshan yatra, but in actual, there are 64 Shiva Jyotirlingas in the country. Out of 64, famous and highly revered are 12-located in different regions of India, where people visit for pilgrimage tour. Some of the pilgrims go for 12 Jyotirlinga tour in one go, but it is not possible for everyone and it is not necessary too. It is convenient to plan for yatra that covers temples in one region. As in this blog, we have come up with a complete guide for Jyotirlinga Temple Tour in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Order of Jyotirlingas to Visit in West India
Gujarat is home to two Jyotirlinga: Somnath and Nageshwar, while Maharashtra is home to three Temples: Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar and Grishneshwar.
The trip starting point can be Gujarat or Maharashtra depending on your convenience. Here is the route of this five Jyotirlinga darshan:
Nageshwar (Dwarka)- Somnath(Saurashtra)- Trimbakeshwar (nashik)- Bhimashankar( pune)-Grishneshwar (Aurangabad)
Jyotirlinga Temple Tour in Maharashtra and Gujarat: Trip Itinerary
Trip Duration: 6 Nights/7Days
Day 1: Arrival at Dwarka- Gujarat
Take a train to reach Ahmedabad or Dwarka directly. If your city has no direct connectivity with Dwarka, catch a train or flight to Ahmedabad and then hire a local taxi or bus to reach Dwarka city. It will take 7-8 hours to reach and cover 450 Km approx. Stay overnight in Dwarka.
Day 2: Darshan at Shri Dwarkadhish Temple and Visit to Nageshwar Dham
Visit one of the four adobes of Chardham Yatra- Shri Dwarkadhish Temple- devoted to Lord Vishnu. After darshan, puja and rituals, drive to Nageshwar Dham for darshan of your 1st Jyotirlinga. Come back and stay overnight in Dwarka city.
Day 3: Dwarka to Somnath
Check out from your hotel and drive to Somnath which will take 3-4 Hours to reach. A full day is enough for darshan and puja. So, hurry up and check in your hotel and go for darshan at temple. Stay overnight at Somnath Dham or depart for Nashik for an overnight journey.
Planning for Darshan of Barfani Baba? Read This: Amarnath Yatra Travel Guide to Know all Details
Day 4: Somnath to Nashik
This is a long journey of approx 16-17 hours via road, so it is suggested to take a break journey with stop at Surat or catch a train for Nashik. Post arrival, check-in your hotel and rest.
Day 5: Darshan at Trimbakeshwar Temple
Wake up early and go for darshan at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling Temple which is 30 km from city centre. Do the puja rituals and explore nearby places. Return to your hotel.
Day 6: Nashik to Bhimashankar Near Pune- Aurangabad
Drive towards Pune and enjoy your trip at Bhimashankar Mahadev Temple. It will take 4-5 hours to cover 210 km approx. Post arrival, do the prayers at temple and continue drive to Aurangabad. It will take 5-6 hours. Rest overnight at hotel.
Day 7: Aurangabad to Grishneshwar Temple
Go for darshan at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and make your departure from here to your onward destination by train or flight.
Do Not Miss: Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Yatra in Ujjain
Nearby Attractions to this Yatra Places
This is a 7-day yatra itinerary, which include darshan at only 5 revered sites and Dwarkdheesh Temples. You can also enhance your trip fun with adding nearby locations in your trip.
- Near Dwarka- Bet Dwarka, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dwarka Beach, Rukmini Devi temple
- Near Somnath- Gir National Park, Diu, Veraval Beach
- Near Nashik- Shirdi Sai Mandir, Nashik Vineyards
- Near Pune- Pune City and Ganesh Temple
- Near Aurangabad- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Suggested Read: Narmada River Parikrama Guide
Best Time to Plan Jyotirlinga Darshan Tour in West
If you want to make your yatra happening and enjoyable, choose pleasant weather between October and March. Temperatures in west India remain moderate in winter months with nit too cold and nor too hot.
Avoid peak summer months from April to June when daytime heat can be exhausting, especially around Bhimashankar and Somnath. Monsoon (July–September) brings beautiful greenery but also slippery roads. So, if you are travelling in these season, be cautious and allow buffer time for delays. In Savan months, there is too much crowd for darshan of Lord Shiva. So, be prepared and plan wisely.
Aarti Timings
All temples have its own aarti timings and opening, closing time. But mostly, you will observe Aarti timings on this schedule:
Morning Aarti: Between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM. This is when the temple doors open, and the first darshan happens.
- Madhyan Aarti (Midday): often between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM.
- Evening Aarti: Around 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, a beautiful time when the temples are lit up.
Morning aarti is mostly recommended to feel the bliss in pure environment.
For a smoother experience, mix both stay at a dharmashala for the spiritual atmosphere, then spend a night in a hotel if you want extra comfort.
FAQ
How to book a hotel near all Jyotirlinga places?
Be sure to book a hotel or Dharamshala at all places before the yatra date for convenience. During peak season, it is difficult to find good rates and vacant rooms.
Which is more convenient mode to do the yatra?
As the yatra is combined of long journeys, trains are preferred, but you will not find trains directly at each place and stay dependent on local taxi or train timings. If you prefer road trips, a vehicle on rent such as outstation tempo traveller is preferred with lots of amenities and luxury seating. For pilgrims starting from the capital, opting for Tempo Traveller Rent in Delhi is a comfortable and cost-effective option for group travel.
Is this yatra suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, this yatra is very simple with no treks involved. You have to travel a lot by train, bus or other vehicle.
How to travel in between cities?
You can book a tour package from local operator or rent a taxi to visit all pilgrim destinations. For small groups, choosing a 9 Seater Tempo Traveller in Delhi makes intercity travel comfortable, especially on long routes.
