A Jyotirlinga shrine on the ghats of the Ganges, among the holiest of all Shiva temples.
A Jyotirlinga shrine on the ghats of the Ganges, among the holiest of all Shiva temples.
The current structure was rebuilt in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore after earlier temples were destroyed; the golden spires were later gifted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839.
A Nagara-style shikhara rises above the sanctum, with the temple now integrated into the newly developed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connecting it directly to the Ganges ghats.
Varanasi is believed to be Shiva's own city; dying within it is said to grant moksha, making Kashi Vishwanath one of the most spiritually significant Jyotirlingas.
Darshan | Start | End | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Temple opening | 3:00 AM | — | Open | Daily opening with Mangala Aarti |
General darshan | 4:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Open | Darshan available throughout the day except during major rituals |
Temple closing | — | 11:00 PM | Closed | Daily closing after Shayan Aarti |
Aarti | Time | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Mangala Aarti | 3:00 AM | Ticketed | Early morning awakening ceremony of Lord Vishwanath |
Bhog Aarti | 11:15 AM | Ticketed | Midday worship with food offerings |
Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM | Ticketed | Evening lamp ceremony with Vedic chanting |
Shringar Aarti | 9:00 PM | Ticketed | Ritual adornment of the Jyotirlinga |
Shayan Aarti | 10:30 PM | Ticketed | Final worship before the temple closes |
Darshan | Price | Waiting Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
General Darshan | Free | 30–120 min | Walk-in |
Sugam Darshan | ₹300 onwards | 15–30 min | Advance Booking / Temple Counter |
Mangala Aarti Entry | As Prescribed | Limited Slots | Advance Booking |
Special Aarti Passes | Varies | Slot Based | Advance Booking |
Seva | Time | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Rudrabhishek | Morning | ₹450 onwards | Sacred Abhishekam with Vedic Rudra chanting |
Maharudrabhishek | By Booking | ₹2,000 onwards | Elaborate Shiva worship performed by temple priests |
Laghu Rudra Pooja | By Booking | ₹1,000 onwards | Special ritual for peace, prosperity, and well-being |
Mahamrityunjaya Jaap | By Booking | ₹1,500 onwards | Chanting for health, protection, and longevity |
Archana | Throughout the day | ₹200 onwards | Personal worship offered in the devotee's name |
Festival | Month | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Maha Shivaratri | February–March | The temple's grandest festival featuring night-long worship, Rudrabhishekams, devotional processions, and lakhs of devotees from across the world. |
Shravan Month Celebrations | July–August | The entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva with special Monday poojas, Kanwar Yatra pilgrims, continuous Abhishekams, and spiritual programs. |
Dev Deepawali | November | The ghats of Varanasi are illuminated with millions of lamps while special prayers and Ganga Aarti create a spectacular spiritual atmosphere. |
Kartik Purnima | November | Holy dip in the Ganga, temple worship, and elaborate evening celebrations attract thousands of pilgrims. |
Makar Sankranti | January | Auspicious day marked by special Shiva worship and sacred bathing in the Ganga. |
Rangbhari Ekadashi | February–March | Celebrates Lord Shiva's ceremonial return to Kashi with Goddess Parvati through colorful processions and traditional festivities. |
Pradosham | Twice Every Month | Special Shiva Abhishekam and evening worship observed during every Pradosham with significant devotee participation. |
Prasadam | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
Laddu | ₹30–₹80 | Traditional temple sweet |
Panchamrit | ₹30–₹50 | Sacred mixture used during Abhishekam |
Dry Fruit Prasadam | ₹50–₹100 | Blessed assortment of dry fruits |
Bilva Leaves Prasadam | Free | Sacred Bilva leaves offered after worship |
Charanamrit | Free | Sacred holy water distributed after darshan |
Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), ~26 km. Varanasi Junction railway station is close to the ghats, with autos and e-rickshaws to the temple.
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Book your puja directly through Kashi Vishwanath Temple's own official temple portal — secure, and handled entirely by the temple administration.
Book Puja on Official Website ↗Good news — this temple is already part of one of our curated journeys: Kashi – Prayag – Ayodhya Tour, a 7-day trip starting at ₹16,900.
See the Full Itinerary📍 Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Planning to stay overnight? Find places to stay near Varanasi.
Search Hotels on Booking.comNumerous hotels and dharamshalas surround the ghats area, from budget lodges to premium riverside hotels.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort.
