The holiest Shiva temple in India and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, situated on the western bank of the Ganga in Varanasi.
📜 History & Origin
Referenced in the Skanda Purana and worshipped since Vedic times. The temple was demolished by Aurangzeb in 1669 CE and a mosque built on the site. Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore rebuilt the current temple in 1780. Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 1000 kg of gold for the spires in 1835. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was inaugurated by PM Modi in 2021, expanding the complex to 5 lakh sq ft.
🏛 Architecture & Structure
Nagara style with twin gold-plated shikhara spires. Over 1000 kg of gold covers the spires. Three domes and a main mandapa. The Jyotirlinga is enshrined in a silver-clad altar in the inner sanctum. The new corridor connects the temple directly to the Ganga ghats with 24 buildings housing galleries, facilities and dharamshalas.
🆣 Puja & Rituals
Five daily aartis: Mangala Aarti (3:00 AM), Bhog Aarti (11:15 AM), Sandhya Aarti (7:00 PM), Shringar Aarti (9:00 PM), Shayan Aarti (10:30 PM). Rudrabhishek, Laghu Rudra and Maha Rudra puja bookings available on official website. The Shivalinga is bathed with milk, curd, honey, ghee and Ganga water daily.
🎉 Major Festivals & Occasions
Mahashivratri (Feb/Mar) - over 3 lakh devotees; Shravan Somvar (every Monday July-Aug) - special pujas and abhishek; Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima) - 12 lakh diyas lit on ghats; Annakoot (day after Diwali); Navaratri.
🚌 How to Reach
Air: Varanasi Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (26 km, 45 min). Rail: Varanasi Junction (3 km) and Manduadih Station (4 km). Road: NH-19 from all major cities. Within Varanasi: walk or e-rickshaw from Godaulia Chowk (500 m). The temple is inside narrow lanes - no vehicles beyond Godaulia.
🏠 Where to Stay
Godaulia area has 200+ hotels from Rs. 500 to Rs. 15,000 per night. Heritage options: Brijrama Palace on Ganga ghat. Budget: Hotel Surya near Assi Ghat. IRCTC Retiring Rooms at Varanasi Junction. UP Tourism Yatri Niwas (budget, bookable online).
🏭 Nearby Temples
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings of Kashi Vishwanath Temple? +
3:00 AM - 11:00 PM (5 aarti sessions daily)
How do I reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple? +
Air: Varanasi Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (26 km, 45 min). Rail: Varanasi Junction (3 km) and Manduadih Station (4 km). Road: NH-19 from all major cities. Within Varanasi: walk or e-rickshaw from Godaulia Chowk (500 m). The temple is inside narrow lanes - no vehicles beyond Godaulia.
What is the entry fee for Kashi Vishwanath Temple? +
Free (VIP darshan Rs. 300)
What is the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple? +
October to March; Mahashivratri; Shravan month (July-August)
What is the dress code at Kashi Vishwanath Temple? +
Traditional attire required. No shorts or sleeveless. Non-Hindus restricted to outer courtyard.