About Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Shiva is worshipped here as Vishwanath, Lord of the Universe. Varanasi, also called Kashi, is believed to be Shiva's own city and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Hindus believe that a visit to this temple and a bath in the Ganga bring great spiritual merit, and that dying in Kashi brings liberation (moksha).
Kashi is praised in the Puranas as the city Shiva never leaves. The original temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries; in 1669 it was demolished on the orders of Aurangzeb, and the Gyanvapi mosque stands beside the site. The present temple was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. In 1835 Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold to cover its domes, earning it the name Golden Temple of Varanasi. In 2021 the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor opened, linking the temple directly to the Ganga ghats.
The temple has a modest sanctum where the linga sits in a silver altar, with domes and a spire plated in gold above. Several smaller shrines surround it. The new corridor has wide courtyards, galleries and a direct path down to Lalita Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat on the Ganga, so pilgrims can bathe and walk straight up for darshan.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM, closing briefly during aartis. Times may vary on festivals and in Shravan; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | About 3:00 AM |
| Bhog Aarti | About 11:15 AM |
| Saptarishi Aarti | About 7:00 PM |
| Shringar Bhog Aarti | About 9:00 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | About 10:30 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple
By air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, is about 25 km away.
By train
Varanasi Junction (Cantt) is about 5 km away; Banaras station is about 4 km away.
By road
The old city lanes are narrow; take an auto or e-rickshaw to Godowlia or Maidagin and walk to the temple gates, or reach by boat via the ghats.
Festivals at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Rangbhari EkadashiFeb/Mar
- Shravan MonthJul/Aug
- Dev DeepawaliOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- General darshan is free. Tickets for aartis and Sugam (quick) darshan can be booked through the temple trust. Mobile phones, cameras and bags are not allowed inside.
- Leave phones, bags and leather items at the lockers before joining the queue.
- Book aarti tickets in advance, especially for Mangala Aarti.
- Early mornings are less crowded than evenings.
- End your day at the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Be wary of touts offering faster darshan; use only official counters.
Places to visit near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Dashashwamedh GhatFamous for the evening Ganga Aarti, about 1 km away
- Annapurna Devi TempleShrine of the goddess of food, right beside the temple
- Kaal Bhairav TempleGuardian deity of Kashi, about 2 km away
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman TemplePopular Hanuman temple, about 5 km away
- SarnathWhere the Buddha gave his first sermon, about 10 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Kashi Vishwanath temple timings?
The temple usually opens around 3:00 AM for Mangala Aarti and closes around 11:00 PM, with short closures during aartis.
How do I book Mangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath?
Tickets are booked through the official Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, usually online, and are limited in number.
Are mobile phones allowed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
No. Phones, cameras and bags must be left in lockers before entering.
Who built the present Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
It was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, and its domes were later gold-plated with gold given by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Is there a dress code at Kashi Vishwanath?
There is no strict code for general darshan, but modest traditional clothing is recommended.
How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, is about 25 km away. By train: Varanasi Junction (Cantt) is about 5 km away; Banaras station is about 4 km away. By road: The old city lanes are narrow; take an auto or e-rickshaw to Godowlia or Maidagin and walk to the temple gates, or reach by boat via the ghats.
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