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Over
and above these holy Ashtamurtikshetras, there are twelve
Saivakshetras equally famous and immensely popular, and they are
called Dwadasa Jyotirlinga kshetras. By virtue of several unique
features connected either with their origin, or installation by men
of superior eminence, gained by devotion or super human powers, they
have been luring devout bhaktas since their emergence, dating back
to the Vedic times. All of them are Swayambhu lingas -- self
manifested ones only. But materialized and offered to the devout
people by Bhagavan Maheswar Himself at their earnest appeal,
consequent on being freed by the formidable demonic forces
subjecting them to untold hardships. And remain unaffected by the
Pralayas. Sivapurana embodies exhaustive accounts, envisaging the
cause for their emergence, salient features and miracles produced by
the august divinities on occasion more than once at these places.
There is a belief current that one rids himself of the evil
influences of Satanic forces by visiting and worshipping at these
holy places. Though some of them are located in inaccessible places
through out the year, and their doors are kept open only for a few
months in the year, the influx of the theists and their anxiety to
avail the darsan eludes description. Braving the vagaries of
weather, traveling in all sorts of vehicles, and trekking scores of
miles in the icy regions to reach the sannidhis by both old and
young reflect the glory of the kshetras and man's yearing for
Bhagavaddarsan. The ordeals of Kedarnath Kshetra yatra can be
singled out as an outstanding example for the point in question.
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