The rules regarding darshan (viewing) and physical contact vary across the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. In some temples, devotees are permitted to directly touch or worship the sacred Shivling, whereas in others, touching the Shivling is prohibited, and darshan must be performed from a designated distance. These rules are subject to change based on festivals, special rituals, heavy crowds, security arrangements, or directives from the temple administration. Read about
12 Jyotirlinga.
❀ Somnath Jyotirlinga – Touching the Jyotirlinga is not permitted/prohibited. General darshan (viewing) takes place from a designated area.
❀ Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh – Touching the Jyotirlinga is permitted for a limited time. Direct seva (ritual service) is available, and traditional attire is required for performing the service.
❀ Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – Touching the Jyotirlinga is not permitted/prohibited. This temple is renowned for the famous Bhasma Aarti.
❀ Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh – Touching the Jyotirlinga is not permitted/prohibited. Depending on the temple's established arrangements, the facility to offer water in the sanctum sanctorum may be available.
❀ Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand – Touching the Shivling is permitted for a limited time, generally from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
❀ Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra – Touching the deity (Sparsh Darshan) is permitted for a limited time.
❀ Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Touching the Jyotirlinga is permitted between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
❀ Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra – Touching the Jyotirlinga is permitted between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
❀ Baidyanath / Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Deoghar, Jharkhand – Touching the Jyotirlinga is permitted on ordinary days, though the practice may be restricted during the month of Shravan. Kanwariyas traditionally offer holy water.
❀ Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, near Dwarka, Gujarat – Touching the Jyotirlinga is permitted between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
❀ Rameswaram / Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu – Touching the Jyotirlinga is not permitted. This temple is renowned for its sacred wells and ritual baths.
❀ Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra – Traditionally, touching the Shivling is permitted, though this depends on the temple's current conditions and regulations. According to available information, devotees can touch the Shivling and offer Panchamrit.