Journey to the 4 Jyotirlingas in 4 Days from Delhi
Embarking on a pilgrimage to visit the four Jyotirlingas is an enriching experience, and attempting it in just four days is both a spiritual and physical challenge. My journey began with meticulous planning, but unforeseen circumstances, such as heavy fog, delayed my trip significantly. Despite the challenges, the pilgrimage turned out to be an unforgettable spiritual adventure.
Day 1: Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh)
My journey started with a delayed train ride to Hyderabad, which arrived at 3:30 AM—22 hours behind schedule due to fog. Despite this setback, I was determined to stay on course. I boarded a bus to Srisailam at 5 AM. The road from Hyderabad to Srisailam is a scenic one, winding through the Nallamala Forest, and I reached Srisailam by 11:30 AM. Link
Srisailam is home to the sacred Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. After a few hours of rest, I had the darshan of Baba Mallikarjuna at around 2 PM. The temple’s serene environment, set against the backdrop of the dense forest, filled me with peace. I spent the rest of the day exploring the area, including a visit to the Pathala Ganga (a sacred reservoir of the Krishna River) and the nearby Akkamahadevi Caves. Jyotirlingas
By 6:30 PM, I concluded my exploration and boarded a bus back to Hyderabad at 7 PM, marking the end of a spiritually fulfilling first day.
Day 2: Bhimashankar (Pune, Maharashtra)
I arrived back in Hyderabad by 12:45 AM and had to quickly catch a bus to Solapur at 1:30 AM. After a long, overnight journey, I reached Solapur by morning and then took a cab to Pune, arriving around 12 PM. Despite the fatigue, I was eager to continue, and by 2 PM, I was on a bus to Manchar, a small town en route to Bhimashankar. I reached Manchar by 5:30 PM and then shared a cab with fellow travelers to Bhimashankar, arriving at 8 PM.
Bhimashankar, nestled in the Western Ghats, is another revered Jyotirlinga. Despite the long journey, the sight of the ancient temple, surrounded by dense forests, rejuvenated my spirit. I had my first darshan at 9 PM and spent the night at a nearby lodging to rest.
#### Day 3: Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra)
The next morning, I woke up early to visit the Bhimashankar temple for another darshan, absorbing the tranquil morning vibes of the temple. By 6 AM, I was on a bus heading to Nashik, via Manchar. The journey took me through the picturesque Sahyadri ranges, and I reached Nashik by 11:30 AM.
From Nashik, I headed directly to Trimbakeshwar, about 30 kilometers away, and arrived by 1 PM. Trimbakeshwar is not only home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas but also the origin of the Godavari River. The temple, set against the backdrop of the Brahmagiri hills, exudes a unique spiritual energy. I spent the afternoon exploring the town, visiting the Kushavarta Kund, a sacred pond considered the source of the Godavari. By evening, I had a peaceful darshan at 9:30 PM, before heading back to Nashik at 10 PM to catch a train to Aurangabad.
Day 4: Ghrishneshwar (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)
I reached Aurangabad by 4:30 AM and took a cab to Ghrishneshwar, the last Jyotirlinga on my itinerary, arriving by 5:30 AM. The temple, located near the famous Ellora Caves, is an architectural marvel. After a serene darshan at 8 AM, I explored nearby attractions, including the Ellora Caves, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
By evening, I headed back to Nashik, arriving by 9 PM, and thus concluded my intense yet rewarding 4-day pilgrimage to the Jyotirlingas.
Reflections
This journey was more than just a physical pilgrimage; it was a test of endurance, patience, and devotion. Despite the delays and long hours of travel, each visit to the Jyotirlingas filled me with a sense of peace and fulfillment. The temples, each set in unique and beautiful locations, provided a perfect balance of spiritual enrichment and natural beauty. This journey has left an indelible mark on my soul, and the memories will stay with me forever. click here