The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism (2 Vol Set)

Jyotirlinga

Jyeshth

According to the lunar calendar, by
which most Hindu religious festivals are
determined, Jyeshth is the third month
in the lunar year, usually falling in
May–June. This is considered the first
month in the hot season: The weather in
this month is scorchingly hot and bone

dry. The major holidays in Jyeshth are

Achala Ekadashi, Savitri Puja, Ganga

Dashahara, and Nirjala Ekadashi.

Jyotirlinga

(“linga of light”) In several different

mythic sources, the first manifestation

of the god Shivais described as a giant

The Mahakaleshvar Temple in the city of Ujjain. This site contains one of the twelve jyotirlingas,
pillar-shaped images that mark places where the god Shiva is believed to have appeared in a shaft of light.