Kashi Vishwanath Temple
About Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is among the holiest of Shiva temples. Situated in the sacred city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganga, the temple has been a centre of worship, pilgrimage and spiritual learning for thousands of years. The current structure was rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, and the gold plating on the tower was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. The temple complex was recently expanded as part of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, providing a grand approach path from the Ganga ghats directly to the temple.
Historical Significance
The original Vishwanath temple was destroyed multiple times throughout history and rebuilt each time by devout rulers. The present temple was constructed by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780 on an adjacent site. In 1839 Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 1,000 kg of gold for plating the temple's dome, giving it the popular name 'Golden Temple'. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor inaugurated in 2021 transformed the precinct into a world-class pilgrimage destination.
Architecture
The temple features a three-part structure comprising a spire, a gold dome and a gold pinnacle atop the sanctum housing the Shiva lingam. The 15.5 metre tall gold-plated spire is visible from across the Ganga. The new Kashi Vishwanath Corridor adds 23 smaller temples, a museum, and a multipurpose hall in an area spanning 5 lakh square feet.
Spiritual Significance
The temple holds one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas and is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva first manifested as an infinite column of light. It is said that a single visit to Kashi Vishwanath liberates the devotee from the cycle of birth and death. Varanasi itself is considered the spiritual capital of India, and the temple sits at the heart of this ancient city.
How to Reach
Temple Offerings & Pujas
Rudrabhishek
₹1,100Sacred water and milk offering to the Shiva Lingam with Vedic chanting
Shringar
₹501Decoration of the deity with flowers and ornaments
Prasad
₹51Temple prasad consisting of pedha, laddu, and belpatra
Aarti Darshan
Special close darshan during the Ganga Aarti ceremony
Seek Divine Blessings
Book an authentic online puja at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, performed by expert Acharyas.
Quick Facts
- Best Time to VisitOctober to March
- Entry FeeFree
- Dress CodeTraditional or modest clothing recommended. Devotees must remove shoes before entering.
Temple Timings
- Mangla Aarti3:00 AM – 4:00 AM
- Morning Darshan4:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Afternoon Darshan12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Evening Aarti7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Shayan Aarti9:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Location
Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
