Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Introduction

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi – the ancient city of Kashi, on the western bank of the holy Ganga in Uttar Pradesh – is one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Sri Vishwanath or Vishweshwara, the Lord of the Universe. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and Kashi itself is honoured as one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri) of India. For centuries, Hindus have hoped to visit Kashi and have darshan of Baba Vishwanath at least once in their lives.

Main Deity and Worship

The presiding deity is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, set in a silver base in the sanctum. Devotees offer Ganga water, milk, flowers and bilva leaves, and the temple resounds with chants of "Har Har Mahadev". Several aartis are performed each day, from the early-morning Mangala Aarti to the night-time Shayana Aarti, and the Saptarishi Aarti in the evening is especially beloved. The temple is managed by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, and darshan, aarti and seva bookings can be made through its official website.

Significance of Kashi

According to tradition, Kashi is so dear to Lord Shiva that he never leaves it, and the city is said to rest on the tip of his trident. It is believed that anyone who leaves this world in Kashi receives liberation (moksha), with Shiva himself whispering the saving mantra in their ear. For this reason Kashi is called Avimukta Kshetra – the place that Shiva never abandons – and pilgrims come here from all over the world to bathe in the Ganga, perform rites for their ancestors and seek the Lord's blessings.

History

The worship of Vishwanath in Kashi is extremely ancient. Over the centuries, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The present temple was built in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, the great temple-builder queen. In the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donated gold to cover the temple's domes and spire, which is why it is often called the Golden Temple of Varanasi.

Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor

In 2021 the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor was opened. This large redevelopment links the temple directly to the ghats of the Ganga, replacing the narrow lanes that once led to it with a broad, beautifully paved pathway and open courtyards. The project also uncovered and restored many old shrines that had been hidden among the buildings, and added facilities for pilgrims such as resting areas, a museum and amenity centres. Today pilgrims can bathe in the Ganga and walk straight up to Baba Vishwanath's temple.

Nearby Shrines

• Sri Annapurna Devi Temple: close to the Vishwanath temple stands the shrine of Goddess Annapurna, the Mother who feeds the world. Devotees believe she ensures that no one in Kashi ever goes hungry, and many visit her after darshan of Vishwanath.
• Sri Kala Bhairava Temple: Kala Bhairava is revered as the Kotwal – the guardian and protector – of Kashi. By tradition, pilgrims seek his permission and blessings as part of their visit to the city.
• Vishalakshi Temple: one of the revered Shakti Peethas, also near the main temple.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri (February–March): the greatest festival at the temple, with worship through the night and huge crowds.
• Rangbhari Ekadashi (February–March): celebrated a few days before Holi, when, according to tradition, Lord Vishwanath brings Goddess Parvati home after their wedding; the city celebrates with colours.
• Shravan month (July–August): the Mondays of Shravan draw lakhs of devotees, many of them kanwariyas carrying Ganga water to offer to the Lord.
• Dev Deepawali (Karthika Purnima, October–November): the ghats of Varanasi glow with countless lamps in one of the most beautiful sights in India.

Temple Timings

• The temple is open from the early-morning Mangala Aarti until the night-time Shayana Aarti, with short breaks during the aartis.
• Timings and darshan arrangements change on festival days. Please check the official temple website before your visit.

How to Reach

By Air: the nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), Varanasi, about 25 km away.

By Train: Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) and Banaras station are both a few kilometres from the temple. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (Mughalsarai), a major railway junction, is about 17 km away.

By Road: Varanasi is well connected by road with all major cities of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The temple area is pedestrian-friendly; autos and e-rickshaws can take you close to the corridor gates, and you can also arrive by boat from the ghats.

Visitor Information

• Dress code: traditional, modest clothing is recommended; dress codes may apply for certain sevas.
• Security: mobile phones, cameras, bags and electronic items are not allowed inside the temple. Lockers are available nearby.
• Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Early mornings are the least crowded.
• Crowds: Mondays, Maha Shivaratri, the Shravan month and public holidays are very busy; booking darshan or aarti in advance is recommended.
• Nearby places: Dashashwamedh Ghat (evening Ganga Aarti), Manikarnika Ghat, Annapurna, Kala Bhairava and Vishalakshi temples, Sarnath (about 10 km), and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.