About Vishalakshi Temple
The Vishalakshi Temple stands in a narrow lane near Mir Ghat in Varanasi, a short walk from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ganga. Goddess Vishalakshi, the wide-eyed one, is worshipped as a form of Parvati and the consort of Lord Vishwanath. Many pilgrims to Kashi make it a point to visit her after darshan of Vishwanath, and she is especially dear to visitors from South India.
The temple is counted among the Shakti Peethas and is named in the hymn of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. Tradition says that an earring of Sati fell here, and some accounts say her eyes; as with many peethas, the traditions differ, and some link the earring instead with nearby Manikarnika Ghat. The Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana praises Vishalakshi as one of the important goddesses of the sacred city. The present building was renovated in the late 19th century with support from South Indian devotees, which explains its southern style.
The temple is small and built in the South Indian style, with a modest gopuram and carved pillars, quite different from the North Indian shrines around it. Two images are worshipped in the sanctum: a small older image of the goddess and a larger image placed in front of it in later times. Married women pray here for the well-being of their families, and many offer bangles, sindoor and red cloth. During Navratri the lane becomes crowded with devotees, and the shrine is decorated with flowers and lamps. Because it is tucked away in the old city, many visitors walk past without noticing it, so it is worth asking for directions.
Vishalakshi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 5:00 AM) to about 11:00 AM and again from about 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Vishalakshi Temple
By air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, is about 25 km away.
By train
Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) is about 5 km away; Banaras station is a similar distance.
By road
Vehicles cannot enter the old city lanes. Take an auto or cycle-rickshaw to Godowlia or the Vishwanath area, then walk through the lanes towards Mir Ghat.
Festivals at Vishalakshi Temple
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Kajari TeejAug/Sep
- Dev DeepawaliNov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- The temple is reached through narrow lanes; ask locals for Mir Ghat or Vishalakshi Gali.
- Combine the visit with Kashi Vishwanath and Annapurna temples, which are close by.
- Phones and bags may be restricted near Vishwanath; plan where to keep them.
- Early mornings are less crowded than evenings.
Places to visit near Vishalakshi Temple
- Kashi Vishwanath TempleJyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, about 0.5 km away
- Annapurna Devi TempleTemple of the goddess of food, about 0.5 km away
- Dashashwamedh GhatMain ghat famous for the evening Ganga aarti, about 0.5 km away
- SarnathPlace of the Buddha’s first sermon, about 12 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Vishalakshi Temple a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. It is counted among the Shakti Peethas and named among the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. Tradition says an earring of Sati fell here, though some accounts mention her eyes.
Where is Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi?
It is near Mir Ghat, a short walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat in the old city.
What are the Vishalakshi Temple timings?
It usually opens early in the morning and closes for a few hours around midday, reopening in the late afternoon until night. Check locally for exact times.
Why does the temple look South Indian?
It was renovated in the late 19th century with the support of South Indian devotees, and was built in the southern style.
What is the aarti time at Vishalakshi Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Vishalakshi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
How to reach Vishalakshi Temple?
By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, is about 25 km away. By train: Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) is about 5 km away; Banaras station is a similar distance. By road: Vehicles cannot enter the old city lanes. Take an auto or cycle-rickshaw to Godowlia or the Vishwanath area, then walk through the lanes towards Mir Ghat.
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