What are the darshan timings of the 12 Jyotirlingas?
Each temple publishes its own hours. Across the twelve, darshan begins between 2:30 AM and 7:00 AM and ends between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM, and eight of them close for a break in the afternoon. The table at the top of this page lists every temple’s windows, with a live open-or-closed status.
Which Jyotirlinga opens earliest for darshan?
Kashi Vishwanath, where darshan begins at 2:30 AM and runs until 11:00 PM — one of the longest darshan days of any temple in India.
Which Jyotirlingas close in the afternoon?
Mallikarjuna (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM), Omkareshwar (12:20 PM – 1:15 PM, 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM), Kedarnath (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM), Bhimashankar (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM), Vaidyanath (3:30 PM – 6:00 PM), Nageshwar (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM), Ramanathaswamy (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) and Grishneshwar (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM). Somnath, Mahakaleshwar, Kashi Vishwanath and Trimbakeshwar have no fixed afternoon closure, although darshan can pause while a ritual is performed.
Is darshan free at all 12 Jyotirlingas?
Yes. Ordinary darshan costs nothing at any of the twelve; at most you queue for it. What is paid is the shortcut — quick-darshan passes at several temples — along with ticketed aartis and sponsored pujas. Each temple’s section above lists what it charges.
What time is the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar?
4:00 AM – 6:00 AM, every morning. Entry is free, but booking on the official portal is compulsory and capacity is small. Be at the gate by 2:30 AM — entry closes long before the ritual begins.
When is Kedarnath open for darshan?
Only during the yatra season: the portals open on 22 April 2026 and close on ≈ 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj). Inside the season, darshan runs 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Outside it the shrine is closed and the deity is worshipped at Ukhimath.
Do darshan timings change during Shravan and Maha Shivaratri?
Yes, substantially. Several temples stay open through the night of Maha Shivaratri, Grishneshwar opens as early as 3 AM and closes at 11 PM during both, and Vaidyanath’s hours stretch for the Shravani Mela. Treat the published hours as ordinary-day hours and check the temple’s own notice before a festival visit.
What is the best time of day for darshan?
Early morning, almost everywhere, on a weekday that is not a Monday. Queues are shortest from 6 to 8 AM at Kashi Vishwanath, from 6 to 7 AM at Somnath and at 6 AM at Grishneshwar; at Rameswaram, arrive by 4:30 AM. Mondays, Shravan and festival days are the ones to avoid if your dates are flexible.
How accurate are these timings?
They are compiled from each temple’s official portal and were last verified on 13 August 2026. Temples change their hours at short notice, so confirm on the official portal — linked in every temple’s section — before you travel.
