Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the ancient city of Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh, is one of the holiest Shiva temples in India and a major destination for Hindu pilgrims. It holds deep spiritual significance as the home of Lord Shiva, the lord of the universe and destroyer of evil.
Temple Location
- City: Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
- Situated on: Western bank of the sacred River Ganga
- Nearby Landmark: Dashashwamedh Ghat
Significance of Kashi Vishwanath
- The temple is dedicated to Shri Vishwanath, meaning “Lord of the Universe,” a form of Lord Shiva.
- It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva shrines in India.
- A belief held for centuries is that dying in Kashi grants moksha (liberation), and Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ear of the departing soul.
- The temple has been a center of spiritual knowledge, mysticism, and devotion for thousands of years.
Temple History
- The original temple has faced repeated destruction and reconstruction over centuries.
- The current structure was built in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of Indore.
- The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, inaugurated in 2021, has revitalized the entire complex, connecting the temple directly to the Ganga ghats.
Spiritual Journey & Rituals
A visit to Kashi Vishwanath typically includes:
1. Darshan of Lord Vishwanath (Jyotirlinga)
- The main sanctum houses the Jyotirlinga, a smooth black stone placed in a silver altar.
- Devotees offer bilva leaves, milk, honey, and Ganga water as abhishekam.
2. Rudrabhishek
- A powerful ritual to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings for health, peace, and prosperity.
3. Ganga Snan
- A holy dip in the River Ganga, especially before visiting the temple, is considered essential to purify the soul.
4. Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti is an unforgettable part of the pilgrimage.
- Priests perform synchronized rituals with lamps, incense, and chants in honor of Mother Ganga.
5. Visit to Annapurna Devi Temple
- Just near Kashi Vishwanath, the shrine of Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment, is another important stop.
Temple Timings
| Ritual/Event | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 3:00 AM |
| Mangala Aarti | 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM |
| General Darshan | 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Bhog Aarti | 11:15 AM – 12:20 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | 10:30 PM onwards |
Note: Special passes may be needed for Mangala and Bhog Aartis.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March is ideal due to pleasant weather.
- Maha Shivratri, Shravan Month, and Diwali are peak spiritual times, though extremely crowded.
Stay & Facilities
- Several dharmshalas, guest houses, and hotels are available in and around Varanasi.
- Tented accommodations are also available near Ganga ghats during festival seasons.
How to Reach
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), 25 km from temple
- By Train: Varanasi Junction and Kashi Railway Station are nearby
- By Road: Well-connected by road from major UP cities
Nearby Attractions
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Durga Temple (Durga Kund)
- Bharat Mata Mandir
- Tulsi Manas Temple
- Sarnath (where Buddha gave his first sermon)
Spiritual Takeaway
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is not just a place of worship — it’s a gateway to liberation, inner peace, and transformation. Walking the ghats of the Ganga, listening to chants, and watching the glow of thousands of diyas reflect in the water connects one to the eternal rhythm of life and death.
“Kashi ke Kankar bhi Shankar hain”
(Even the pebbles of Kashi are a form of Shiva.)
May your journey to Kashi be filled with devotion, serenity, and the blessings of Mahadev.
Let me know if you’d like:
- A custom itinerary for Kashi & nearby pilgrimages
- Details on puja bookings, rituals, or online darshan
- Dev Diwali 2025 dates and event guide
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Panchang Official