The month of Sawan is considered the most sacred time for worshipping Lord Shiva. During this period, huge crowds of devotees flock to Shiva temples and Jyotirlingas across the country. If you reside in Delhi or the NCR and are planning to visit a Jyotirlinga during the auspicious occasion of Sawan, it is important to first know which Jyotirlinga is closest to Delhi.

The good news is that you can visit a famous Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva without traveling too far from the capital. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, making a visit feasible even during a weekend trip or a short getaway of a day or two.

In this article, we will tell you which Jyotirlinga is closest to Delhi, the easiest way to reach it, the travel time involved, and the things to keep in mind during your visit.

Which Jyotirlinga is closest to Delhi?

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (Uttarakhand) is considered the closest Jyotirlinga to Delhi. However, considering the road distance and the challenges of the journey, many people also regard Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh) as a convenient option due to excellent rail and air connectivity. Nevertheless, in terms of aerial distance, Kedarnath is among the 12 Jyotirlingas located nearest to Delhi.

How to reach Kedarnath (approximately 450 km away)?

By Road

You can travel from Delhi to Gaurikund via Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Sonprayag. From there, a trek of approximately 16–18 kilometers is required. Helicopter services are also available for devotees.

By Rail

Travel by train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there, you can reach Sonprayag and subsequently Gaurikund by taxi or bus.

By Air

Take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. From there, proceed to Gaurikund by road. You can also avail of helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sirsi if you wish.

**Things to keep in mind during the Kedarnath pilgrimage:**
*   Ensure you register (either online or offline) before setting out on the journey.
*   Plan your trip only after checking the weather forecast.
*   Carry warm clothes, a raincoat, and comfortable trekking shoes.
*   Pay special attention to your health in high-altitude areas and consult a doctor if necessary.
*   Facilities such as palanquins, horses/mules, and helicopters are available for the elderly and young children.

**Visit Ujjain instead of Kedarnath**

If a trip to Kedarnath seems too difficult, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh) is considered the closest such shrine to Delhi. Located approximately 780–800 kilometers from Delhi, it is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Direct trains run from Delhi to Ujjain; alternatively, pilgrims traveling by air can fly to Indore Airport and then cover the remaining distance of about 55 kilometers by road to reach the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Thanks to excellent connectivity and the availability of *darshan* (worship) throughout the year, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most popular choices for pilgrims from Delhi and the surrounding regions.

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