The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Varanasi, also called Kashi, is among the oldest living cities in the world.
This article includes religious beliefs and traditions. Democratic Bharat Live does not claim to verify them.
History
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The present temple was built in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen of Indore. In the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold for plating its spire, which is why it is sometimes called the Golden Temple of Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Dham
The Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor was inaugurated in December 2021. It connects the temple directly to the Ganga ghats, with wide pathways, facilities for pilgrims and restored older temples found during construction. It has made access easier and increased the number of visitors greatly.
Aartis
The temple holds several aartis a day. These include:
- Mangla Aarti before dawn
- Bhog Aarti at midday
- Sapt Rishi Aarti in the evening
- Shringar or Bhog Aarti at night
- Shayan Aarti before closing
Timings change with seasons and festivals. Check the official website before planning.
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Online booking
Tickets for aartis, special darshan (such as Sugam Darshan) and rituals can be booked on the official website of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust. Avoid agents and unofficial sites.
Rules for devotees
- Mobile phones, cameras and electronic items are generally not allowed inside. Lockers are available.
- Dress modestly.
- Follow security checks and queue rules.
- Crowds are very heavy on Mondays, in Shravan, on Mahashivratri and on Dev Deepawali.
Nearby places
- Dashashwamedh Ghat, known for the evening Ganga aarti
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Kaal Bhairav Temple
- Sarnath, about 10 km away, where the Buddha gave his first sermon
Getting there
Varanasi has an airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport) and major railway stations, including Varanasi Junction and Banaras.
Bottom line
Kashi Vishwanath is a must visit for devotees. Book aarti and darshan on the official website and plan around peak days for a smoother visit.
Source / स्रोत: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, Uttar Pradesh Tourism
