Kaal Bhairav Temple
The Kotwal (Chief Guardian Officer) of Kashi without whose permission no one can stay in the city.
Sacred Presence & Atmosphere
Religious Significance
Without taking the blessings of Kaal Bhairav, pilgrimage to Kashi is deemed incomplete.
Historical Background
Extremely ancient shrine rebuilt in its present form around the 17th century by Maratha rulers.
Timeless Lore
Legend states that Kaal Bhairav holds the ledger of every soul living in Kashi.
Black threads (Ganda) tied around the wrist here are believed to protect against evil spirits.
Sacred Chronicles & Stories of this Temple
Why Lord Shiva Picked Kashi as His Trident Tip
Legend holds that Varanasi does not rest upon the flat Earth, but is balanced gracefully upon the three tines of Lord Shiva’s divine Trishul...
The Mystery of Gyanvapi Well & The Eternal Linga
Deep inside the Kashi Vishwanath temple precinct lies the Gyanvapi Well, which translates to "Well of Knowledge". Historical records and ora...
Sanctuary Architecture
Traditional North Indian temple layout with a silver-faced deity adorned with garlands of black threads and flowers.
Daily Puja & Aarti Timetable
View City-Wide Schedule →Bhairav Shringar & Aarti
07:30 PM – 08:30 PMSpecial evening decoration with vermilion and flowers.
Important Visitor Instructions
Dress Code
Traditional clothes
Photography Rules
Photography allowed in outer courtyard only.
Identification & Lockers
Devotees offer mustard oil, liquor (symbolic Tantric offering), and black threads.
Location & Pilgrimage Directions
Bharonath, Visheshwarganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
How to Reach Kaal Bhairav Temple
From Sacred Ghats (River Route)
Nearest riverfront access is Scindia Ghat and Panchganga Ghat (~10 min walk through Visheshwarganj heritage alleyways).
Local E-Rickshaw & Auto Drop
Take an auto or E-rickshaw to Visheshwarganj Market / Maidagin Crossing. Walk 300 meters inside Bharonath lane to reach the shrine.
From Railway Terminals
- Varanasi Junction (BSB / Cantt): ~4.5 km (15–20 mins by auto/taxi)
- Banaras Railway Station (BSBS / Manduadih): ~5.5 km (20–25 mins)
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jn (DDU): ~16 km (40–45 mins via Malviya Bridge)
From International Airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS - Babatpur): ~25 km (approx. 45–55 mins via NH31 expressway). Pre-paid taxi counters and app-based cabs (Ola / Uber) operate 24/7 at airport arrivals.
Pilgrim Entry & Locker Advisory
Mobile phones, cameras, leather belts, and backpacks must be stored in digital lockers located at Entry Gate No. 1 and Gate No. 4 (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Gate). Free footwear counters are managed at each entrance.
Sacred Stories & Legends of Kaal Bhairav Temple
Why Lord Shiva Picked Kashi as His Trident Tip
The Mystery of Gyanvapi Well & The Eternal Linga
Sanctum Key Information
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Daily Timings 05:00 AM – 12:00 AM
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Address & Directions Bharonath, Visheshwarganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Get Directions (Google Maps)
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Best Visiting Time Early morning or late afternoon
