Phalguna · Feb–Mar
Very high
Maha Shivratri
The great night of Shiva, and the temple's biggest day.
At the temple: Night-long darshan, special aartis and a Shiva baraat procession through the city.
Related guide →Kashi Vishwanath at a glance
Last updated: September 2026Temple timings
3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Daily; closes briefly around aartis
Morning darshan
4:00 AM – 11:00 AM
After Mangala Aarti
Evening darshan
12:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Resumes after Bhog Aarti
Aarti timings
5 daily aartis
Mangala at 3:00 AM · see schedule
Entry fee
Free general darshan
Paid Sugam Darshan available
Visit duration
1.5 – 3 hours
Longer on Mondays & festivals
Photography
Not permitted inside
Allowed in the Dham corridor
Footwear
Deposit before entry
Free counters near gates
Dress guidance
Modest, traditional
Shoulders and knees covered
Accessibility
Wheelchairs available
Corridor has ramps; ask at gate
Nearest railway
Varanasi Jn · ~6 km
Also Banaras station · ~5 km
Nearest airport
LBS Airport · ~25 km
Babatpur, 45–60 min by road
Temple timings and visitor policies can change during festivals and special occasions. Visitors should verify current information before travelling.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
श्री काशी विश्वनाथ मन्दिर
Kashi Vishwanath is a temple to Lord Shiva on the western bank of the Ganga in Varanasi — the city devotees still call Kashi, "the luminous". Shiva is worshipped here as Vishwanath, Lord of the Universe, in the form of a Jyotirlinga: one of the twelve shrines where he is believed to have manifested as a pillar of infinite light.
For centuries the temple has been the spiritual centre of the oldest living city in India. Pilgrims come for darshan, for the aartis that mark the temple's day, and for the belief that Kashi itself is a threshold to moksha. Today the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor links the sanctum directly to the ghats, so the walk from river to Jyotirlinga is one continuous approach.
Discover the Story of Kashi Vishwanath →Why Kashi Vishwanath is sacred
Explore the 12 Jyotirlingas →ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Among the twelve shrines where Shiva is believed to have appeared as an endless column of light — and for many, the most revered of them.
काशी
The City of Shiva
Tradition holds that Kashi rests on Shiva's trident and was never abandoned by him — the city itself is his home.
विश्वनाथ
Vishwanath
Vishwa, the universe; Natha, lord. Here Shiva is worshipped as the ruler of all that exists.
मोक्ष
Kashi and Moksha
Hindu belief holds that those who die in Kashi are granted liberation, with Shiva himself whispering the Taraka mantra.
गंगा
The sacred Ganga
The temple sits above the ghats, part of a sacred geography where river, cremation ground and shrine form one pilgrimage.
The deity of the temple
Meet Kashi Vishwanath
In the sanctum, Shiva is present not as an image but as a Jyotirlinga — a small, dark stone Lingam set in a silver altar. Devotees understand it as Shiva himself: formless, luminous, the ruler of the city and of everything beyond it.
Main deity
Lord Shiva
Form
Jyotirlinga — the Lingam of light
Meaning of Vishwanath
Lord of the Universe
Sacred symbols
Lingam, Trishul, Nandi, Damru
Mythology
The pillar of light; Shiva's eternal abode in Kashi
Through centuries of faith
Documented history only. Where historians differ on dates or interpretation, we say so — mythology and legend follow in their own section.
Ancient
Textual
References in sacred literature
Kashi and its Shiva shrine are praised in the Skanda Purana's Kashi Khanda and other texts; a Vishweshwara temple is referred to from early centuries CE.
11th–12th c.
Dates debated
Early temple traditions
Historians record a major temple standing in this period and its destruction during the upheavals that followed; exact dates vary across sources.
1585
Documented
Rebuilding under Raja Todar Mal
A grand temple was reconstructed with the support of Raja Todar Mal and the scholar Narayan Bhatt.
1669
Documented
Destruction of the earlier temple
The temple of that period was demolished; the Gyanvapi mosque stands adjacent to the present complex.
1780
Documented
Ahilyabai Holkar's reconstruction
The present temple was built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, beside the earlier site.
1835
Documented
The golden shikhara
Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold to plate the temple's spires — the origin of its "Golden Temple" name.
2021
Documented
Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor
A redeveloped corridor connecting the temple directly to the Ganga ghats was inaugurated in December 2021.
Stories that surround Kashi
Tradition & mythology
Why Shiva chose Kashi
The city he would never leave, even at the end of time.
Read Story →
The legend of Vishwanath
How the Lord of the Universe came to rest on the Ganga.
Read Story →
Kashi and Moksha
The whisper that grants liberation at Manikarnika.
Read Story →
The pillar of light
Brahma, Vishnu and the column with no beginning or end.
Read Story →
Ganga and Shiva
The river that fell from heaven into his hair.
Read Story →
Visitor guide
Planning your darshan
Everything to know before joining the queue — timings, what you can carry, and how long it takes. Operational details change; confirm on the official temple website before you go.
Temple opens
Verify
3:00 AM, with Mangala Aarti
General darshan
Verify
Through the day between aartis
Best time
Tip
Right after opening, or 1–4 PM on weekdays
Busy periods
Info
Mondays, weekends, public holidays
Festival crowds
Info
Shivratri & Shravan queues can run 6+ hours
Special darshan
Verify
Sugam Darshan (paid, faster queue) via official site
Entry gates
Verify
Gate 1 (Gyanvapi), Gate 2 (corridor / Lalita Ghat) and others
Security
Info
Airport-style check at every gate
Allowed
Info
Flowers, Bel Patra, prasad bought nearby
Restricted
Verify
Phones, cameras, leather, electronics, large bags
Mobile phones
Verify
Not allowed — use lockers near the gates
Bags
Info
Deposit in lockers; carry only offerings
Footwear
Info
Free deposit counters before security
Senior citizens
Tip
Separate queue at some gates; ask volunteers
Time required
Info
45 min on a quiet weekday; 2–3 hrs typical
Aarti & rituals at Kashi Vishwanath
View Complete Aarti Schedule →3:00 AM
approx. 3:00 – 4:00
Mangala Aarti
The first aarti, waking the Lord before dawn.
Visitors: Yes, limited
Booking: Ticket required
11:15 AM
approx. 11:15 – 12:20
Bhog Aarti
The midday offering of food to Vishwanath.
Visitors: Yes
Booking: Ticket for inside
7:00 PM
approx. 7:00 – 8:15
Saptarishi Aarti
Performed by priests representing the seven sages.
Visitors: Yes
Booking: Ticket for inside
9:00 PM
approx. 9:00 – 10:15
Shringar Aarti
The Lingam is adorned for the night.
Visitors: Yes
Booking: Ticket for inside
10:30 PM
approx. 10:30 – 11:00
Shayan Aarti
The final aarti, as the Lord retires.
Visitors: Yes
Booking: Ticket for inside
Indicative timings — the temple trust revises schedules seasonally and for festivals. Verify before attending.
Poojas at Kashi Vishwanath
Explore the poojas and rituals traditionally associated with worship at Kashi Vishwanath.
Coming soon
Want to perform a pooja at Kashi Vishwanath?
GetMyPooja will soon help devotees discover and arrange trusted pooja services associated with the temple.
01
Select Pooja
02
Select Date
03
Add Sankalp Details
04
Pay
05
Pooja Confirmation
Offerings for Lord Shiva
Carrying offerings inside: flowers, Bel Patra, milk and prasad are usually bought from the licensed stalls along the approach and are permitted. Large bags and outside containers may be stopped at security — buy close to the gate.
Visiting for the first time?
A walk-through of the whole visit, from your hotel door to the ghats.
01
Before you leave
- ·Check timings for the day
- ·Carry a photo ID
- ·Dress comfortably and modestly
- ·Leave phones and bags if you can
02
Arriving in the area
- ·Vehicles stop near Godowlia or Maidagin
- ·Walk or take an e-rickshaw the last 500 m
- ·Deposit footwear and lockers
03
Entering the temple
- ·Join the queue at your gate
- ·Security check
- ·Follow the marked darshan route
04
Darshan
- ·A few moments before the Jyotirlinga
- ·Offer water or Bel Patra
- ·Move gently; the queue keeps flowing
05
After darshan
- ·Collect prasad
- ·Visit Annapurna next door
- ·Walk the corridor down to the ghats
How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Temple address
Lahori Tola, Domari, Varanasi,
Uttar Pradesh 221001
Uttar Pradesh 221001
Landmarks
Near Godowlia Chowk and Dashashwamedh Ghat; the Dham corridor opens onto Lalita and Manikarnika Ghats.
By air
LBS International Airport · ~25 km
- Babatpur, northwest of the city
- 45–60 min by taxi
- Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru
By train
Varanasi Jn · ~6 km
- Banaras (Manduadih) · ~5 km
- Pt. DDU Jn (Mughalsarai) · ~17 km
- Well connected across India
By road
NH19 & NH31
- Prayagraj · ~120 km
- Lucknow · ~300 km
- Gorakhpur · ~210 km
From the airport
Step by step
- Prepaid taxi or cab app to Godowlia
- Walk or e-rickshaw to your gate
- Allow extra time in the morning rush
From the station
Step by step
- Auto or cab to Godowlia / Maidagin
- 20–30 min depending on traffic
- Walk the final stretch through the lanes
When should you visit?
October – March
Recommended
Pleasant days and cool mornings — the most comfortable time for long queues and walks along the ghats. Dev Deepawali falls in this window.
Weather: Pleasant
Crowds: Moderate
April – June
Plan ahead
Hot afternoons, often above 40°C. Visit at opening or late evening, carry water, and avoid the midday queue.
Weather: Very hot
Crowds: Lower
July – September
Shravan
Monsoon — and Shravan, the month most sacred to Shiva. Deeply meaningful, but expect the largest crowds of the year, especially on Mondays.
Weather: Humid, rain
Crowds: Very high
Best time of day
Early morning
Lighter
The quietest, most atmospheric darshan — cool air, the sound of bells and the city just waking.
Daytime
Moderate
Weekday afternoons can move quickly; weekends and Mondays build through the day.
Evening
Busy
Crowded, but beautiful — pair darshan with the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh.
When Kashi comes alive
Explore Maha Shivratri →Before you enter
A few gentle notes for anyone unfamiliar with the temple — the priests and volunteers are used to guiding first-time visitors.
Clothing
Traditional or modest clothes are appreciated — shoulders and knees covered.
Photography
Not permitted inside the sanctum; the open corridor is fine for photos.
Phones
Leave phones in lockers before security — they aren't allowed inside.
Footwear
Remove before entering; free deposit counters are near each gate.
Queues
Move with the line; volunteers will guide you at each turn.
Rituals
If an aarti is under way, pause and wait — it is the temple's rhythm.
Offerings
Offer only at designated points; buy from licensed stalls nearby.
Cleanliness
Carry nothing you'll need to discard; the Dham is kept spotless.
Inside the sanctum
A quiet moment, a folded hand — the space is shared by thousands each hour.
Continue your spiritual journey in Kashi
~0.5 km
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The liveliest ghat and home of the evening Ganga Aarti.
Explore →
~0.5 km
Manikarnika Ghat
The sacred cremation ghat at the heart of Kashi's moksha tradition.
Explore →
Adjacent
Annapurna Temple
The goddess of nourishment, traditionally visited right after Vishwanath.
Explore →
~2 km
Kaal Bhairav Temple
The guardian of Kashi — pilgrims seek his permission to stay.
Explore →
~5 km
Sankat Mochan Temple
A beloved Hanuman temple founded by Tulsidas.
Explore →
~3.5 km
Assi Ghat
Quieter mornings, Subah-e-Banaras and a slower pace.
Explore →
~0.5 km
Ganga Aarti
Lamps, conch and chant on the river every evening.
Explore →
A spiritual itinerary
One day in Kashi
River at dawn, Jyotirlinga by morning, the lanes by afternoon and the Ganga Aarti after dark — the day most pilgrims remember.
5:00 AM
Morning Ganga experience
A boat ride as the sun rises over the ghats.
7:00 AM
Kashi Vishwanath darshan
Before the day's crowds build.
9:00 AM
Annapurna Temple
Next door — the traditional second stop.
11:00 AM
Explore old Kashi
The lanes, silk weavers and a kachori breakfast.
Afternoon
Rest or local exploration
Sarnath or a quiet hour in the heat.
Evening
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Find a place on the steps early.
7:00 PM
Ganga Aarti
The day ends in lamps and chant on the river.
Staying near Kashi Vishwanath
Explore Areas to Stay →Walking distance
Near the temple
Best for pilgrims prioritising proximity — simple guesthouses in the lanes.
~0.5 km
Godowlia
Convenient access to temple and ghats, with markets all around.
~3.5 km
Assi Ghat
For travellers wanting a broader, calmer Varanasi experience.
~6 km
Cantonment
Easier road access and conventional hotels near the station.
Prasad & food around the temple
Temple prasad
Laddoos and sweets offered at the shrine and returned as blessing — available at the official prasad counter.
Sattvik food
Many devotees eat simple vegetarian meals without onion or garlic, especially on fasting days.
Banarasi flavours
Kachori-sabzi for breakfast, malaiyyo in winter, lassi in clay cups and the famous Banarasi paan.
Where devotees eat
The lanes around Godowlia and Vishwanath Gali are lined with vegetarian eateries and sweet shops.
Temples near Kashi Vishwanath
Complete your Jyotirlinga journey
Explore the 12 Jyotirlingas
01
Somnath
Gujarat
02
Mallikarjuna
Andhra Pradesh
03
Mahakaleshwar
Madhya Pradesh
04
Omkareshwar
Madhya Pradesh
05
Kedarnath
Uttarakhand
06
Bhimashankar
Maharashtra
07
Kashi Vishwanath
Uttar Pradesh
08
Trimbakeshwar
Maharashtra
09
Baidyanath
Jharkhand
10
Nageshwar
Gujarat
11
Rameshwaram
Tamil Nadu
12
Grishneshwar
Maharashtra
People also ask
Where is Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
In the old city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, near Godowlia and Dashashwamedh Ghat on the Ganga.
What are Kashi Vishwanath Temple timings?
Generally 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with brief closures around aartis. Verify on the official website.
Which God is worshipped at Kashi Vishwanath?
Lord Shiva, as Vishwanath — Lord of the Universe — in the form of a Jyotirlinga.
Is Kashi Vishwanath one of the 12 Jyotirlingas?
Yes — it is among the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the most revered.
How much time is required for darshan?
About 45 minutes on a quiet weekday, 2–3 hours typically, and much longer on festivals.
What is the best time to visit?
October to March for weather; early morning for the lightest crowds.
Are mobile phones allowed?
No — deposit phones in lockers near the gates before security.
What should I wear?
Modest, comfortable clothing covering shoulders and knees; traditional wear is appreciated.
Can foreigners visit Kashi Vishwanath?
Yes, visitors of all backgrounds may take darshan; carry your passport as ID.
How far is the temple from Varanasi railway station?
About 6 km from Varanasi Junction — 20–30 minutes by road.
Which airport is closest?
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur — about 25 km away.
Which poojas can be performed?
Rudrabhishek, Mahamrityunjaya Jaap, Laghu Rudra, abhishek and shringar pooja, among others.
How can I book Rudrabhishek?
Through the official temple trust today; GetMyPooja pooja booking is coming soon.
When is Mangala Aarti?
Around 3:00 – 4:00 AM daily. A ticket is required; book early.
What should I offer Lord Shiva?
Bel Patra, Ganga jal, milk, flowers and prasad — bought from licensed stalls nearby.
What places can I visit near Kashi Vishwanath?
Annapurna Temple, Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika Ghats, Kaal Bhairav and the evening Ganga Aarti.