The word Jyotirlinga is composed of two words, Jyoti + Linga. Jyoti means light and linga means endless pillar symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva. Wherever Shiva appeared as fiery pillar of light in India those places are known as Jyotirlinga temples in India. These 12 Jyotirlingas are mapped with the 12 Zodiac signs (Rashis). One can worship a particular Jyotirlinga depending upon which aspect of the birth chart one wishes to strengthen.

Shiva is known to give the boon of life to any dying native -Rishi Markandeya is a classic example who was supposed to die at the age of 12 years but Shiva blessed him with long life. Similarly, if any planet is debilitated in the birth chart or in Maransthan (dead position) one can worship the corresponding Jyotirlinga where the effected planet gets exalted to reap the benefits in life. Examples of Maransthan for planets is Sun in the 12^th House, Moon in 8^th House, Mars in 7^th House, Mercury in 12^th House, Jupiter in 10th House, Venus in 6^th House, Saturn in 1^st House, Rahu in 9^th House and Ketu in 3^rd House. By worshipping the corresponding Jyotirlinga planet one can strengthen the debilitated planet. Say for example, someone has Sun in 12^th house then that native should worship Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga as it represents Aries and Sun is exalted in Aries.

Shiva is like a Guru who will guide you at every step and help you navigate through the ups and downs in life. Someone in search of Guru should worship the Jyotirlinga corresponding to the zodiac sign wherever Bhatrikarak (planet with the third largest degree excluding Rahu and Ketu) is placed in the Navamsha chart (Divisional Chart 9).

Sun represents Dharma and Courage. If one wishes to get these virtues then the native should worship the Jyotirlinga corresponding to the sign where Sun is placed in the birth chart.

If one aspires growth in career, one should worship the corresponding Jyotirlinga pertaining to the Zodiac Sign in the fifth house of Dashamsha chart (D-10 Divisional Chart).

Now let us understand which Jyotirlinga represents which Zodiac Sign.

The twelve Jyotirlingas are Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwar and Grishneshwar.

1. Aries (Mesha) – Rameshwaram

This Jyotirlinga was established by Lord Rama during his exile period. Lord Rama was Suryavanshi and represents Sun. Sun is exalted in the Aries sign. Hence Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga is linked to Aries.

2. Taurus (Vrishabha) – Somnath

This Jyotirlinga was established by Lord Krishna. Krishna as we all know was Chandravanshi and represents Moon. Moon is exalted in Taurus and hence Somnath Jyotirlinga is linked with Taurus.

3. Gemini – Nageshwar

Rahu represents Naga which means serpent. Rahu is exalted in the sign of Gemini and hence Nageshwar Jyotirlinga represents Gemini.

4. Cancer (Karka) – Omkareshwar

This Jyotirlinga represents Dakshinamoorthy and the divine syllable “Om”. Om in turn represents knowledge and wisdom of self. This is the sign where Jupiter gets exalted and hence Cancer represents Omkareshwar.

5. Leo (Simha) -Vaidyanath

This Jyotirlinga represents mool trikona sign of Sun which is Leo. This Jyotirlinga should be worshipped by natives who want children, intellect, mantra siddhi, etc. as it represents the natural 5^th house.

6. Virgo (Kanya) – Mallikarjun

This is the sign where Mercury gets exalted. So, any native who wants to reap the benefits of Mercury which is speech, business, education, etc. should worship Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga

7. Libra (Tula) – Mahakaleshwar

Saturn get exalted in the sign of Libra. The other name of Saturn in “Kaal” (death inflicting or time). Hence Libra is linked to Mahakaleshwar. Native desirous of health and long life should worship Mahakaleshwar.

8. Scorpio (Vrishchik) – Grishneshwar

This sign has dual ownership. It is owned by both Ketu and Mars. Native facing the ill effects of Ketu or Mars should worship this Jyotirlinga.

9. Sagittarius (Dhanu) – Kashi Viswanath

Jupiter which represents Jeeva (life) has its Mool Trikona sign as Sagittarius and Ketu which is Mokshakarak gets exalted here. Hence Jyotirlinga Kashi Vishwanath is known to send Jeeva towards Moksha. Jupiter also represents Gold. This is one of the Golden temples.

10. Capricorn (Makar) – Bhimashankar

Mars is the planet which gets exalted in Capricorn. Hence natives with Mars in the weaker sign of Cancer or with Mars in 7^th house should visit this Jyotirlinga to reap the exalted effects of Mars.

11. Aquarius (Kumbha) -Kedarnath

This sign has dual ownership -Rahu and Saturn. Rahu represents deep philosophy. Lord Shiva is believed to have given the knowledge of Vedas (deep knowledge or philosophy) at Kedarnath hence the connection.

12. Pisces (Meena) – Tryambakeshwar

This is the sign where Venus gets exalted. Venus also has the power to give re-birth (Sanjeevani Vidya). The native who has Venus in their sixth house should worship this Jyotirlinga.