Kashi Vishwanath Temple- A Complete Guide

Forget fancy, forget grand, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the heart and soul of Varanasi. It’s not just a temple, it’s a place where faith whispers promises and ancient rituals come alive.

Imagine this: you’re surrounded by chanting pilgrims, the air thick with incense, and the golden spire of the temple pierces the sky. You’ve just glimpsed the Jyotirlinga, a radiant symbol of Lord Shiva, and your soul feels lighter than a feather.

That’s Kashi Vishwanath for you. It’s a place that pulls you in, takes over you, and leaves you forever changed.

Darshan of Kashi Vishwanath

Be prepared for a sea of devotees, but don’t be overwhelmed! The collective energy is electrifying! Kashi is known for its peace found amidst chaos!

Think of it like this: you’re surrounded by thousands of souls, all united in their devotion. The air is thick with incense and the rhythmic chanting fills every corner, resonating deep within your core. Then, you catch a glimpse of the Jyotirlinga, its brilliance cutting through the swirling smoke, and suddenly, the world fades away. It’s just you, the divine light, and a sense of peace so profound you can almost touch it.

That’s the magic of darshan at Kashi Vishwanath.

It’s not just about seeing a sacred object; it’s about feeling the pulse of faith, the collective yearning of countless souls seeking connection with the divine.

It’s a moment that stays with you long after you leave the temple, a reminder of the power of belief and the beauty of shared experience.

So, yes, there will be crowds. And yes, it might be a little overwhelming at first. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Just breathe it in, let the energy flow through you, and prepare to be touched by something far greater than yourself.

Ticket

Entry to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is free of cost, however, be prepared to stand in a queue for hours on Mondays and on festivals. You can opt for Sugam Darshan which will cost you INR 300/ per person.

There are other rituals like Abhishekam, Pujan, etc performed by devotees and it is chargeable.

You can find the Poojan list here.

Arti at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Arti at Kashi Vishwanath temple takes place five times a day and it’s truly a divine experience.

If you want to attend the arti, you will need to book the slot beforehand. You can book these tickets online too. It can cost around INR 300/ per person.

Visit their official site if you want to know more about this temple and its history.

Timings

The temple opens at 4:00 AM and closes at 11:00 PM. Aarti timings are:

Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM

Shringaar Aarti: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Madhyaan Aarti: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Bhog Aarti: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Shayan Aarti: 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Entry to the temple is free, but special darshan tickets are available for a nominal fee. These provide quicker access to the sanctum during peak hours.

How to reach?

You can reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple by foot from major ghats like Dashashwamedh or Manikarnika. Cycle rickshaws are another convenient option. If you prefer a car, be aware of the narrow lanes and limited parking.

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Architecture of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a beautiful blend of different architecture styles showcasing different eras and dynasties.

The shikhar is built in Nagara Style with intricate designs all over.

Atop the shikhara sits a gleaming golden dome, symbolizing the universe and the cosmic egg. Its brilliance reflects the sun’s rays, adding a touch of divine grandeur to the temple.

History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath temple finds its mention in the Puranas. It is mentioned in the Kashi Khanda segment of the Skanda Purana.

To know more about the history of this temple click here.

The temple was invaded multiple times, ruthlessly, by the islamic ivaders.

Mahmud of Ghazni, an Islamic conqueror, looted and destroyed several temples in North India, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Raja Man Singh during Akbar’s reign (Mughal emperor) reconstructed the temple.

Raja Todar Mal and Vir Singh Deo undertook reconstructions in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively.

In 1669, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple & built Gyanvapi Mosque in its place!

Ahilya Bai Holkar, the Maratha ruler of Indore, in 1780 again reconstructed this temple on an adjacent site to the original temple.

The current Vishwanath Corridoor was inaugurated by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, in December 2021.

Right now, a local Varanasi Court has granted permission to Hindus to conduct prayers inside the Gyanvapi mosque.

Beyond Darshan

Due to social media, Varanasi is experiencing crowds, more than ever, especially during festivals and auspicious days. Dress modestly and respectfully. Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum.

Kashi transcends sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in the city’s soul, witnessing the cycle of life and death, and feeling the vibrant spiritual energy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Where is Kashi Vishwanath temple?
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

What is the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
The temple is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences like weather conditions, festival time or crowds.

Who built Kashi Vishwanath temple?
It is believed that King Vikramaditya built the original site of this temple. However, the Queen Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt the temple’s current structure in 1780. This was after the previous temple was destroyed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.

What are the timings and entry fees for Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
The opening time of the temple is 4AM to 11PM, everyday. There are no entry fee but if you want to skip the queue then you can buy a darshan ticket for a nominal fee.

What are some other places to visit near Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Ganga Ghat, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Ramnagar fort, boat ride, Ganga Arti at Assi ghat or Dashashvamedh ghat, etc.

Read Also-> 15 Temples in Varanasi You MUST Not Miss!

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