Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Jyotirlinga Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it a highly significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is believed to be the spiritual center of the universe, where devotees seek liberation (moksha) and divine blessings.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Features
Explore this list for the features of Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
Sacred Jyotirlinga: The Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, considered the holiest among Shiva shrines.
Golden Domes: The temple features gold-plated domes, enhancing its divine aura.
Gyanvapi Well: Located within the temple complex, it is believed to contain the original Shiva Lingam hidden during invasions.
Spiritual Atmosphere: The chanting of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, the scent of incense, and the evening Ganga Aarti create a mesmerizing experience.
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: The newly developed Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor connects the temple with the Ganga River, making darshan more accessible for devotees.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Location
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is situated in the heart of Varanasi, on the western bank of the River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 5 km from Varanasi Junction railway station and around 25 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The temple is easily accessible by road, with multiple entry points for pilgrims.
Kashi Vishwanath Mandir History
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has a long and complex history, dating back to ancient times. It has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to invasions. The current structure was rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donated one ton of gold, which was used to gild the temple’s towering spires, giving it the name “Golden Temple of Varanasi.”
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Nearby Attraction
Check out some nearby attractions of Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
Dashashwamedh Ghat (500 meters): Famous for the Ganga Aarti, held every evening.
Manikarnika Ghat (700 meters): One of the most sacred cremation grounds, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (5 km): A revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Sarnath (10 km): The place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Tulsi Manas Temple (4 km): Dedicated to Lord Rama, with inscriptions from the Ramcharitmanas.
Nearby Attraction of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most iconic ghats in Varanasi, located just 500 meters from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is renowned for the grand Ganga Aarti held every evening, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Timings: Open all day; Aarti at 6:30 PM (timing may vary).
Entry Fees: No entry fee.
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat, around 700 meters away, is one of the holiest and oldest cremation ghats in India. It symbolizes moksha (liberation) and the eternal cycle of life and death.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
Timings: Open all day.
Entry Fees: No entry fee.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, located about 5 km from the temple, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Devotees visit for blessings to overcome obstacles and ward off evil.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; Tuesdays and Saturdays are especially auspicious.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Entry Fees: No entry fee.
Sarnath
Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, is the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It houses stupas, monasteries, and the famous Ashokan Pillar.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fees: ₹25 for Indian citizens, ₹300 for foreigners (museum charges separate).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings?
The Kashi Vishwanath is open daily from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with different timings for Mangala Aarti, Darshan, and other rituals.
Where is Kashi Temple?
Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is a holy city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
What is Kashi Vishwanath Temple Story?
The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where Lord Shiva appeared in a fiery column of light. It has been a sacred site for centuries, attracting millions of devotees.
Why is Kashi Vishwanath Temple so famous?
It is considered one of the most sacred Shiva temples, located on the banks of the Ganga River, and is believed to offer moksha (liberation) to devotees.
What is not allowed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Mobile phones, leather items, and cameras are not allowed inside. Strict security and dress codes are followed.
Other Jyotirlinga to Explore near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Located in Trimbak, near Nashik, Maharashtra, the Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is uniquely known for having three lingams representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Located in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, the Bhimashankar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is surrounded by dense forests and is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers.
Located on Rameshwaram Island in Tamil Nadu, this temple is one of the Char Dham and among the 12 Jyotirlingas. It holds a special connection to Lord Rama’s journey to Lanka.