Shri Kashi Vishwanath | Eternal Jyotirlinga

Kashi Vishwanath: The Supreme Abode

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. Situated in the ancient city of Varanasi, on the western bank of the holy Ganga, it is known as the Golden Temple due to its gold-plated spire. A single darshan of Baba Vishwanath is believed to grant Moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The current temple structure was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, and its golden domes were donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835 (using 800 kg of gold). Millions of devotees visit each year to seek blessings and experience the divine vibrations of Lord Shiva.

Location

Varanasi, UP (Near Ganga)

Current Temple

1780 AD by Ahilyabai Holkar

Jyotirlinga

1st of 12 Jyotirlingas

Darshan Timings

2:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Historical & Spiritual Legacy

The original temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times by invaders. The present Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as a symbol of resilience. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar constructed the current structure in 1780, and later Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold for the two domes. The Gyan Vapi (Well of Knowledge) inside the complex holds the original Jyotirlinga hidden during invasions. Saints like Adi Shankaracharya, Tulsidas, and Swami Vivekananda have meditated here, reinforcing its eternal sanctity.

According to scripture, Lord Shiva himself established the first Jyotirlinga in Kashi, making it the holiest city for Hindus.

Spiritual Significance

Moksha Puri

Varanasi is the city of liberation. Dying here grants eternal freedom from rebirth.

Ganga Snan

Holy dip in Ganga before temple darshan purifies soul and washes away sins.

Manikarnika Ghat

Lord Shiva whispers Tarak Mantra into the ears of departed souls.

Daily Rituals & Aarti Timings

Ritual / Aarti	Time
Mangala Aarti (Morning)	3:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Bhoga Aarti	11:15 AM – 12:20 PM
Sandhya Aarti (Evening)	7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Shringar Aarti	9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Shayana Aarti (Night)	10:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Rudrabhishek

Vedic chanting with milk, honey, bel leaves

Bel Patra Offering

Offering bel leaves to Shiva is highly meritorious

Jyotirlinga Abhishekam

Panchamrit abhishek with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey

Shravan Month Puja

Special Monday fasts & Kanwar Yatra (July-Aug)

How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath

By Air

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) – 26 km. Taxi/cab available.

By Train

Varanasi Junction (BSB) / Kashi Station. Auto to Godowlia Chowk.

By Road

Well-connected by NH19 & NH31. Regular buses from Lucknow, Prayagraj.

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Jyotirlingas (1st)

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Annual Devotees

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Years of Sanctity

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KG Gold on Spire

Pilgrim’s Essential Guide

✔️ Dress modestly (traditional attire preferred).
✔️ Mobile phones are restricted inside main sanctum.
✔️ Special darshan passes available for VIP / senior citizens.
✔️ Best time to visit: Oct-March (pleasant weather) & during Mahashivratri.
✔️ Prasad and Bel Patra can be offered at temple counters.
✔️ Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a must-see after temple visit.

"Baba Vishwanath blesses all who come with pure heart."

Plan Your Sacred Visit to Kashi Vishwanath

Book online darshan, aarti tickets, and accommodation near the temple corridor.

Book Darshan Tickets

श्री काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर