Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the country.
This revered temple is located on the western bank of the River Ganges and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is venerated here as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara, the "Ruler of the World."
According to Hindu philosophy, paying homage at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and taking a dip in the sacred waters of the River Ganges are crucial steps on the path to spiritual liberation, known as moksha. Consequently, devotees from all corners of India endeavor to visit the city of Varanasi at least once in their lifetime.
Mythology
The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest places on Earth for the worship of Lord Shiva. The temple's origins are rooted in a legendary tale.
It all began when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu engaged in a dispute to prove their supremacy. In this divine trial, Lord Shiva manifested as a radiant beam of light that traversed through three worlds.
He challenged them to find the source of this light, declaring that the one who succeeded would be deemed the most powerful.
Lord Brahma mounted a horse to search for the light's origin, while Vishnu transformed into a pig and began to dig deep into the earth to uncover it.
The twelve Jyotirlingas represent the points where Shiva's divine light pierced the Earth, and this temple is one of them. A pilgrimage to this temple offers a profoundly spiritual experience and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath History
Kashi, one of the world's oldest cities, holds a unique status. It is referred to as "moksha nagri" in the Rig Veda because it is believed that those who pass away here instantly attain salvation.
The Kashi Khanda (section) of the Skanda Purana (fourth-fifth century) contains references to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
This sacred Jyotirlinga in Varanasi has been visited by numerous revered saints, including Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, Goswami Tulsidas, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, and Guru Nanak.
Best Time To Visit
Best Season - Oct to March
☀️Summer (April to June)
For those who can't tolerate extreme heat, April, May and June should be avoided. During these months, the daily temperatures reach an average of 39 and 40°C (102 and 104°F) respectively. Early June can be even hotter, but later in the month, heavy rainfall provides relief from the heat.
However, some travelers opt to visit during these seasons due to fewer tourists and attractive discounts.
⛈️Monsoon (July to Sep)
The months of July and August experience the most substantial rainfall in Varanasi. If you prefer to avoid rainy weather, it's advisable to steer clear of this period.
❄️Winter (Oct /Nov to Feb / Mar)
The best time for visiting Varanasi is from October / November to February/March , as these months typically offer dry, clear, and pleasantly cool to warm weather.
Temple Website & Contact Details
Official Website - https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org/
Live Darshan - https://shrikashivishwanath.org/online/live_darshan
HelpLine Number: +91 6393 131 608
For Any query Call: 7080292930
Whatsapp number: +91 6393 131 608
How To Reach
To immerse yourself in the splendor of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you have several convenient transportation options available:
✈️ By Air
The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur serves as the closest airport to the temple, approximately 25 km away, which is less than an hour's drive. You can take a flight to Varanasi airport and then continue your journey to the temple via taxi or bus.
🚝 By Train
Varanasi is well-connected by trains from major cities and metropolitan areas across the country, making it easily accessible by rail. The temple is situated in proximity to several railway stations, with Varanasi Junction being the closest at about 6 km away.
The farthest railway station, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Junction, is approximately 17 km away, while Banaras station is around 4 km from the temple.
Most of these stations offer convenient rail connectivity from India's major cities. From these railway stations, you can reach Vishwanath Gali using various road transport options.
🚗 By Road
You can reach the temple easily by autorickshaws or taxis, following the famous Vishwanath Gali, a bustling street in Varanasi adorned with shops selling sweets, puja items, clothing, and fashion jewelry.
If you prefer taking a bus, the Chaudhary Charan Singh bus stand, located 3 km away, is the nearest one to the temple.
Distance from Temple to Railway Stations:
Distance between Varanasi City and Kashi Vishwanath Temple is approx. 3 km.
Checkout other details.
Varanasi Junction: 6 Km
Mughalsarai Junction: 17 Km
Banaras Railway Station: 4 Km
Opening/ Pooja Timings
The Pooja Timings at Kashi Vishwanath Temple are as follows:
Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM (Morning)
Bhoga Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 AM (Day)
Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM (Evening)
Shringara Aarti: 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM (Night)
Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM ti 11:00 PM (Night)
- Cameras, mobile phones, and electronic devices are prohibited within the premises and should be stored in lockers located outside.
- Foreign visitors have the option to use Gate number 2 for entry, bypassing the queue of Indian visitors.
- There is a sacred well named Jnana Vapi or Wisdom Well within the temple complex, which is accessible exclusively to Hindu devotees.
- Dress Code - Visitors to the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple are required to adhere to a specific dress code. Men are expected to wear Dhoti-Kurti, while women should wear Sarees.
- This dress code is now mandatory for devotees who wish to perform sparsh darshan (entering the temple sanctum), as per the recent decision made by the Kashi Vishwad Parishad. However, those dressed in Western attire will still be permitted to worship the deity outside the sanctum.
- Time Required to visit approx. 1-3 hours
- Entry Fee : Free
FAQs
Q1: What is the cost of a VIP ticket at the Kashi Vishwanath temple?
A1: The VIP Darshan ticket at the Kashi Vishwanath temple is priced at 300 rupees per person.
Q2: What is the meaning of Sugam Darshan?
A2: Sugam Darshan is an early darshan procedure designed to help individuals avoid large crowds. It was introduced for devotees who may not have the time to wait in long queues or who have physical disabilities that make queuing challenging.
Q3: Why is the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir famous?
A3: The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is renowned as one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva.
Q4: Where is the original Kashi Vishwanath temple located?
A4: The original Kashi Vishwanath temple is situated in Vishwanath Gali, within the city of Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. A replica of the Kashi Vishwanath temple stands within the campus of BHU.
Q5: What is the 5000 Rs Kashi Yatra?
A5: The Karnataka government initiated the Kashi Yatra Scheme, which provides individuals wishing to visit Varanasi with a subsidy of 5,000 rupees towards their trip.
Q6: What is the dress code for Kashi Darshan?
A6: To have physical contact with the lingam, male visitors are required to wear a dhoti, while female devotees must wear a sari. Visitors dressed in trousers, shirts, jeans, or suits will only be able to view the deity.
Q7: What is VIP break Darshan?
A7: VIP break Darshan offers the quickest access to the temple. When regular visitors purchase VIP Darshan tickets, they gain access to the same areas of the temple as VIPs.
Q8: When is the Kashi Vishwanath temple less crowded?
A8: Although the temple remains crowded throughout the day, visiting early in the morning can help you avoid the long queues.
Q9: Is booking required for the Kashi Vishwanath temple?
A9: No, there is no entrance fee for the Kashi Vishwanath temple. However, if you wish to have a hassle-free darshan or perform specific rituals, you may need to purchase tickets.
Q10: How much does Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan cost?
A10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train from Bengaluru. Each person who booked a ticket received a special deal of 5,000 rupees.
The individual ticket cost was 20,000 rupees, making the entire trip cost 15,000 rupees per person. During its 8-day journey, the train stops at significant religious sites in Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
Q11: Why did Lord Shiva come to Kashi?
A11: Several stories are associated with Lord Shiva's presence in Kashi. After their marriage, Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati chose to reside in the "Land of Siddhas," leading them to come to Kashi.
Q12: What is the old name of Kashi?
A12: Kashi is the ancient name of the city, which is now known as Varanasi.
Q13: When is the best time for a Kashi Yatra?
A13: The ideal time to explore Varanasi is from November to February, during the winter season. Despite the cold weather, this period offers the best conditions for visiting the holy city without experiencing excessive fatigue.
Q14: Can I wear jeans in Varanasi?
A14: Yes, you can wear jeans or attire of your choice while in Varanasi.
Q15: Are mobile phones allowed in Kashi Vishwanath?
A15: Mobile phones, cameras, belts with metal clips, shoes, Gutka, cigarettes, and lighters are not permitted on the temple premises.
Q16: Is there any Dress Code:
A16: Yes, Men are expected to wear Dhoti-Kurti, while women should wear Sarees. This dress code is now mandatory for devotees who wish to perform sparsh darshan
Q17: What is the distance between Varanasi City and Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
A17: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located approx. 3 km away from Varanasi City.
