Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The holiest shrine of Lord Shiva, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
Sacred Presence & Atmosphere
Religious Significance
It is believed that Varanasi is the place where the first Jyotirlinga manifested as a pillar of infinite light. Worshiping Lord Shiva here bestows Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
Historical Background
The temple has been mentioned in ancient Puranas, including the Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana. Rebuilt several times throughout history, the current structure was erected by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donated 1 ton of pure gold to plate the temple spires in 1835.
Timeless Lore
According to legend, Lord Shiva himself resides in Kashi and recites the Tarak Mantra in the ears of anyone passing away here to grant them instant salvation.
Beneath the temple complex lies the sacred Gyanvapi well, where the original Shiva Linga was sheltered during medieval times.
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
Designed in classic Nagara style architectural structure with golden spires (Shikhara), intricate stone carvings, and a recently constructed grand corridor (Vishwanath Dham) connecting the temple directly to the Ganga ghats.
Daily Puja & Aarti Timetable
View City-Wide Schedule →Mangala Aarti
03:00 AM – 04:00 AMThe sacred early morning awakening ritual of Lord Vishwanath.
Bhog Aarti
11:15 AM – 12:20 PMMid-day offering of delicious bhog sweets and rice to the deity.
Sandhya Aarti
07:00 PM – 08:15 PMGrand evening ritual with incantations, damru reverberations, and ghee lamps.
Important Visitor Instructions
Dress Code
Modest Indian traditional attire (Dhoti/Kurta for Men, Saree/Salwar for Women)
Photography Rules
Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the main shrine.
Identification & Lockers
Carry government identity card. Mobile lockers are available at Vishwanath Dham Entry Gate 1.
Location & Pilgrimage Directions
Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
How to Reach Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
From Sacred Ghats (River Route)
Direct walking entrance via the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor from Lalita Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. Devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges can walk straight through the corridor ramp into the sanctum sanctorum (~300 meters).
Local E-Rickshaw & Auto Drop
Vehicles cannot enter the ancient pedestrian alleys (galis). Take an auto or E-rickshaw to Godowlia Crossing (from Cantt) or Maidagin Chowk. From Godowlia, take a pleasant 5-minute pedestrian walk through Vishwanath Gali directly to Gate 1.
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 Shri Kashi Vishwanath 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 03:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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Address & Directions Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Get Directions (Google Maps)
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Best Visiting Time October to March (Early morning Mangala Aarti)
