Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi, today's Varanasi, is regarded as the city of Shiva, and the Vishwanath (Vishweshwara) lingam is its centre. The shrine is among the twelve Jyotirlingas and stands in the old lanes on the western bank of the Ganga, a short walk from the Dashashwamedh and Lalita ghats.

Pilgrims traditionally combine a Ganga bath with darshan here, and a visit to Kashi is considered incomplete without both. The temple's long and contested history is part of how it is understood today: the lingam has been worshipped here through repeated destruction and rebuilding, and the present building dates to the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar's reconstruction in 1780.

Originally destroyed and rebuilt many times, most notably by Aurangzeb, whose Gyanvapi mosque still stands beside it. The present temple was rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor opened in 2021.

The 1780 temple is a compact Nagara structure of stone with a tall shikhara. Two of its three spires were gilded with gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835, which is why it is known popularly as the Golden Temple of Varanasi. The inner sanctum holds a dark stone lingam set in a silver base.

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, opened in 2021, cleared a wide pedestrian approach between the temple and the Ganga ghats. It replaced a dense warren of houses with courtyards, galleries and visitor facilities, which changed how crowds move to and from the sanctum.

The day runs through five aartis, beginning with the Mangala Aarti well before dawn and ending with the Shayan (Shringar) Aarti at night. The Saptarishi Aarti in the evening is among the best known. Devotees pour Ganga water and offer bel leaves, milk and flowers on the lingam.

In the Shravan month and on Maha Shivaratri, the crowds are among the heaviest anywhere in India. Dev Deepawali, in November, is observed with lamps lit along the ghats.

• Maha Shivaratri
• Dev Deepawali
• Rangbhari Ekadashi

Security checks are thorough: expect to leave phones, bags and leather items in lockers outside before the queue. Arrive early for a shorter wait, and consider booking a sugam or special darshan slot through the temple trust's official website instead of paying a tout.

The old city is best covered on foot. Pair the darshan with a dawn boat ride on the Ganga, the evening Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and a visit to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple.

Varanasi has direct flights and trains from all major Indian cities. The temple is in the old city, best reached on foot from the Manikarnika or Dashashwamedh ghats.

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Where is Kashi Vishwanath Temple located?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located at Lahori Tola, Varanasi 221001, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The presiding deity at Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.

What are the timings of Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is generally open 02:30–23:00 (varies). Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Kashi Vishwanath Temple built?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple was established Present form 1780 CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is built in the Nagara style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The principal festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple include Maha Shivaratri, Dev Deepawali, Rangbhari Ekadashi. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

How can I reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Varanasi has direct flights and trains from all major Indian cities. The temple is in the old city, best reached on foot from the Manikarnika or Dashashwamedh ghats.

Why is Kashi Vishwanath Temple significant?

One of the most sacred Jyotirlingas, on the western bank of the Ganga at Varanasi. Its golden spire was gilded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835.

What is the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

October to March for comfortable weather; November for Dev Deepawali, though accommodation fills quickly.