One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the most sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most important spiritual destinations for Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Vishwanath or "The Ruler of the Universe." This temple is not just a place of worship—it’s a powerful energy center and a must-visit for every pilgrim. People believe that a visit to Kashi Vishwanath and a dip in the holy Ganga can free the soul from the cycle of birth and death. Every year, millions of devotees and tourists from around the world visit this temple to seek blessings and experience its spiritual power. The temple, located close to the Ganga River, offers a divine mix of heritage, faith, and calmness. It is now a part of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, which has made the experience even smoother and more accessible.
Important Timings
|
Activity |
Timings |
|---|---|
|
Temple Opens |
3:00 AM |
|
Mangala Aarti |
3:00 AM – 4:00 AM |
|
General Darshan |
4:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
|
Evening Aarti |
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
|
Shayan Aarti (Night) |
10:30 PM |
Booking and Entry Fees
- Entry Fee: Free for general darshan
- Special Darshan: ₹500 (optional, to avoid long queues)
- Online Booking: https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org/
- Mobile Phones, cameras, and bags are not allowed inside. Cloakrooms are available.
History and Legacy
The history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple dates back thousands of years. It is said to have been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current structure was built in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Indore. Despite repeated attacks during Mughal rule, the spirit of the place remained strong, making it a symbol of resilience and devotion. The temple houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, which is considered one of the holiest in India.
The city of Kashi itself is believed to be created by Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that dying in Kashi and getting cremated near the temple grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). Over centuries, saints like Adi Shankaracharya, Goswami Tulsidas, Swami Vivekananda, and many others have visited this temple. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, inaugurated in 2021, has beautifully connected the temple to the Ganga River, creating an open and divine pathway for pilgrims.
Nearby Destinations
|
Destination |
Distance |
Travel Time |
Mode of Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dashashwamedh Ghat |
400 m |
5 mins |
Walk/Rickshaw |
|
Assi Ghat |
3.5 km |
15 mins |
Auto/Taxi |
|
Sankat Mochan Temple |
4.5 km |
20 mins |
Auto/Taxi |
|
Bharat Mata Mandir |
3 km |
15 mins |
Auto/Taxi |
|
Banaras Hindu University |
6 km |
25 mins |
Auto/Taxi |
Tourist Guidelines & Tips
- Arrive early for Mangala Aarti or choose non-peak hours for a smoother experience
- Wear modest, traditional clothing (preferably Indian attire)
- Mobile phones, cameras, and bags are not allowed—use the cloakroom facility
- Try booking darshan or pooja slots online to avoid long queues
- Follow the temple queue and respect the local customs
- Beware of touts near the temple premises
Top Things to Buy Near Varanasi Sarnath
- Rudraksha malas and spiritual items
- Banarasi silk sarees and dupattas
- Brass idols, puja thalis, and Ganga jal bottles
- Handcrafted wooden toys
- Books on Hindu mythology and Varanasi history
Top Things and Places to Eat Nearby
- Kachori Sabzi and Jalebi at local street stalls
- Blue Lassi Shop – famous for fruit-flavored lassi
- Deena Chat Bhandar – popular for chaats
- Baati Chokha Restaurant – for traditional UP-Bihar cuisine
- Sri Annapurna Restaurant – near the corridor for clean vegetarian meals
