Sawan Special: The Fortunate Link Between 12 Jyotirlingas and 12 Zodiac Signs!
As per the Shiv Mahapuran, Lord Shiva has been the originator, sustainer, and dissolver of the cosmos since the timeless ages, predating even the existence of planets. He emerged from his own being (Swayambhu), pervading every element of the universe in the form of a linga and resonating through the sound of ‘Omkaar’. Interestingly, NASA has substantiated that the fundamental and unceasing sound reverberating throughout the farthest reaches of the Universe is “Omkaar.”
As per the Shiv Mahapuran, Lord Brahma undertook the creation of both Nature and human beings, while the role of overseeing the functioning of the universe falls upon Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva bears the significant responsibility of purposefully dismantling the universe during the occurrence of ‘Pralay’ or cosmic dissolution. The harmonious union of these three deities is credited as the source from which the sacred syllable “OM,” also referred to as the ‘Pranav Akshar,’ originates.
The Inception of the Primary and Eternal Jyotirlinga
As Lord Shiva holds the status of an eternal deity, a moment arrived when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu sought to establish their supremacy over each other. Lord Brahma, being the creator, and Lord Vishnu, the operator, engaged in this debate.
To resolve this contention, Mahadev transformed himself into an infinite pillar of light, a Jyotirlinga, spanning the three realms. This marked the advent of the first Jyotirlinga, its origin and culmination remaining enigmatic.
In a bid to ascertain the start and end of this colossal Jyotirlinga, Lord Shiva directed Lord Brahma to ascend and Lord Vishnu to descend. Despite their efforts, neither could discern the extremities. Deceptively, Lord Brahma claimed to have discovered the origin, presenting the Ketki flower as evidence. Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu truthfully acknowledged his inability, admitting defeat.
Subsequently, Lord Shiva manifested as a second pillar of light, severing one of Brahma’s four heads and cursing him to be worshiped only in one place—Pushkar, Rajasthan. Vishnu was blessed with ubiquitous worship across the world.
According to Shiv Mahapuran, on the fourteenth night of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun, Lord Shiva materialized as an endless pillar of light, pervading the cosmos to establish the formless regulator of the universe, the Jyotirlinga. This event gave rise to the celebration of MahaShivratri.
Scriptures enumerate a total of 64 Jyotirlingas, of which 12 hold special significance in Kalyuga, known as “Dwadasha Jyotirlingas.” These shrines are where Lord Shiva manifested as a pillar of light. Each of these twelve Jyotirlingas represents a distinct manifestation of Lord Shiva.
The Connection Between Dwadasa Jyotirlingas and the Twelve Zodiac Signs
- Aries (Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga): During his period of exile, Lord Rama established the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga. Being of the Suryavanshi lineage, Lord Rama’s connection with the Sun is symbolized by this Jyotirlinga. The exaltation of the Sun in Aries correlates with this shrine. Worshipping the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga enhances marital harmony and strengthens the bond between couples.
- Taurus (Somnath Jyotirlinga): The Somnath Jyotirlinga is associated with the Taurus zodiac. Situated in Gujarat’s Somnath district, it is considered the Earth’s first Jyotirlinga. According to ancient texts, the Moon deity established this Jyotirlinga after intense penance to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Worshiping this shrine is believed to alleviate health issues, including tuberculosis, as per the myth of Raja Daksh’s curse on the Moon. Individuals born under Taurus should visit and worship the Somnath Jyotirlinga, offering Panchamrat (a mixture of milk, Gangajal, honey, desi ghee, and curd).
- Gemini (Nageshwar Jyotirlinga): Rahu’s connection with serpents (nagas) makes it symbolically linked to the Gemini zodiac, where Rahu is exalted. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in the Dwarka district of Gujarat is representative of this connection. Gemini natives should offer Genda flowers, Shami leaves, and Bilva leaves while meditating on the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga or any other Jyotirlinga.
- Cancer (Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga): Cancer, associated with wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality through its exalted planet Jupiter, resonates with the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. This south-facing shrine on Mandhata Island in Madhya Pradesh embodies the divine syllable “OM” or ‘Omkaar.’ The flowing rivers on the island create an OM-like figure. Worshiping or meditating on this Jyotirlinga by offering Bilva leaves, water, and milk, and chanting the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra can enhance spiritual growth and maturity.
- Leo (VaidyaNath Jyotirlinga): Leo, ruled by the Sun, is aligned with the VaidyaNath (Baidyanath) Jyotirlinga in the Deoghar district of Jharkhand. Legend has it that Demon Ravana, a devout worshiper of Lord Shiva, established this shrine. Worshipping the VaidyaNath Jyotirlinga is believed to alleviate various challenges in health, business, family, and politics. This Jyotirlinga also grants blessings related to children and the mantra Siddhi.
- Virgo (MallikArjun Jyotirlinga): The exalted Mercury in Virgo signifies communication, business, and education. The MallikArjun Jyotirlinga, situated on ShreeShail mountain peak along the river Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, resonates with Virgo natives. Worshiping this shrine can grant benefits in speech, business, and education.
- Libra (Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga): Saturn’s exaltation in Libra aligns with the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Worshiping this Jyotirlinga is believed to ensure good health and protect against untimely death. Saturn’s alternate name, ‘Kaal,’ adds to the significance of this shrine.
- Scorpio (Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga): Scorpio, ruled by Mars and influenced by Ketu, finds its alignment with the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. Grishneshwar, named after a devoted worshiper of Lord Shiva, is situated in Maharashtra. This shrine is particularly beneficial for individuals facing challenges from Mars and Ketu. Consecrating this Jyotirlinga with saffron-mixed milk during Shravan can bring positive results.
- Sagittarius (Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga): Jupiter’s rulership of Sagittarius signifies life (Jeeva) and Ketu’s exaltation symbolizes liberation (Moksha). The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi guides individuals on the path of spiritual enlightenment. Consecrating a nearby Shivlinga with milk and water while meditating on Kashi Vishwanath can bring auspicious results.
- Capricorn (Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga): Mars’ exaltation in Capricorn aligns with the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Pune, Maharashtra. Capricorn natives, especially those affected by Mars’ placement in Cancer or the 7th House, should worship this Jyotirlinga. Offerings of milk and water while meditating on Bhimashankar can be beneficial.
- Aquarius (Kedarnath Jyotirlinga): Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, situated in Uttarakhand, resonates with the Aquarius sign. Visiting Kedarnath or meditating on it while consecrating a nearby Shivling with Panchamrat (mixture of GangaJal, milk, curd, honey, sugar, and desi ghee) can bring auspicious results.
- Pisces (Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga): Venus’ exaltation in Pisces signifies luxury, comfort, and pleasures. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Nasik, Maharashtra, embodies the power of Venus. Worshiping this Jyotirlinga by meditating on it and offering Jaggery-mixed Gangajal can enhance material comforts.
This comprehensive understanding of the connection between the Dwadasa Jyotirlingas and the twelve zodiac signs offers a spiritual path for each native to follow. By aligning with the appropriate Jyotirlinga, individuals can enhance their spiritual journey and seek blessings for various aspects of life.
