About Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Story of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Golden Spires: In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donated 1,000 kg of pure gold to plate the temple's iconic domes, giving it the name "Golden Temple."
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: In recent years, the grand corridor project has transformed the temple’s landscape, connecting the holy Ganges directly to the shrine, blending ancient aesthetics with modern spaciousness.
What Makes Kashi Vishwanath Temple Sacred for Devotees
The Gateway to Moksha: It is said that Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of those who pass away here, granting them liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The Cosmic Center: The Jyotirlinga here represents the infinite, fiery pillar of light that Shiva manifested to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu.
Annual Festivals & Rituals at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Mahashivratri Celebrations at the Temple
The grandest celebration where the "Marriage of Shiva and Parvati" is celebrated with massive processions.
Dev Deepawali Celebrations at the Temple
Celebrated 15 days after Diwali, when the ghats are lit with millions of diyas, welcoming the gods to Earth.
Shravan Maas Celebrations at the Temple
During the holy month of monsoon, thousands of Kanwariyas bring Ganga water to offer to the deity.
Sacred Places to Visit Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Varanasi is a city of layers. Beyond the main shrine, explore :
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat : A spectacular ritual of fire and chants held every evening.
Annapurna Temple : Dedicated to the Goddess of Food, located just a few steps away.
Kaal Bhairav Temple : The "Kotwal of Kashi"; it is tradition to seek his permission before leaving the city.
Manikarnika Ghat : The sacred cremation ground that reminds us of the eternal nature of the soul.
Common Questions About Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Visitor Information
Darshan Timing
Address
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - 221001, India. Located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Notable Events
Inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham: The 2021 expansion has increased the temple area from 3,000 sq. ft. to 5 lakh sq. ft., making it a world-class pilgrimage hub. The Sparsh Darshan: A rare opportunity where devotees are allowed to touch the Jyotirlinga (restricted during peak hours for crowd control).
How to Reach the Temple
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is ~25 km away.
By Rail: Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Banaras Station (BSBS) connect to all major Indian cities.
By Road: Well-connected via NH2; local transport includes e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws (though walking is best in the narrow lanes).