Kashi Vishwanath
( Uttar Pradesh )
Introduction
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the sacred city of Varanasi, is one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Standing proudly on the western banks of the holy Ganga, this temple is a symbol of liberation, light, and divine transformation.
The temple’s spiritual aura, the clang of temple bells, the voices of chanting devotees, and the fragrance of incense flowing through the air create an environment of deep peace and devotion.
Surrounded by narrow ancient lanes, bustling markets, vibrant ghats, and the newly built grand Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, this ancient holy site stands as the heart of Varanasi’s timeless spiritual energy. Visiting Kashi Vishwanath is not merely a temple darshan — it is a divine journey into India’s ancient heritage and spiritual soul.
Quick Info Box
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Temple Timings | 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Multiple Aartis Daily) |
| Darshan Options | General Darshan, Sugam Darshan (Paid), Rudrabhishek Booking |
| Entry Fee | Free (Special Puja & VIP Darshan Paid) |
| Best Time to Visit | October–March (pleasant), Shravan Month & Mahashivratri (spiritually powerful) |
| Ideal Duration | 2–3 Days for darshan, ghats, temple circuits & sightseeing |
| Famous For | Jyotirlinga, Ganga Aarti, Ghats, Kashi Corridor, ancient heritage |
| Photography | Not allowed inside the main temple |
| Nearest Airport | Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (25 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Varanasi Junction (4.5 km), Banaras Station (6 km) |
| Language | Hindi, Bhojpuri, English |
| Currency | Indian Rupees |
Temple Overview
Kashi (Varanasi) is the spiritual capital of India, known for its divine ghats, ancient temples, boat rides, and the world-famous Ganga Aarti. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands at the heart of this holy city and symbolizes moksha (liberation) and faith.
The recently developed Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor has transformed the darshan experience, linking the temple directly to the Ganga river through wide pathways, courtyards, sculptures, and panoramic views.
The city’s mystical aura, intricate alleyways, towering shikhars, sound of temple bells, and saints meditating along the ghats make Varanasi a living symbol of Indian spirituality and culture. Whether you come for pilgrimage, culture, food, or photography — Varanasi offers an unforgettable immersive experience.
Top 11 Attractions in Kashi Vishwanath
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Main Jyotirlinga)
Famous For: One of 12 Jyotirlingas, spiritual centre of Varanasi
Timings: 3 AM – 11 PM
Expanded Description:
Located in the heart of the city, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and revered as a powerful Jyotirlinga. Inside the sanctum lies the sacred Shivalinga made of black stone. Devotees experience unparalleled peace and divine energy here.
Tips:
• Visit early morning for calm darshan
• Online Sugam Darshan helps skip long queues
2. Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (Kashi Dham)
Famous For: Grand architecture connecting temple to Ganga
Timings: Open All Day
Expanded Description:
This world-class corridor features wide stone pathways, sculptures, water bodies, courtyards, and Ganga views. It has made darshan smooth and scenic, even during peak seasons.
Tips:
• Visit during sunrise or evening for beautiful light
• Perfect for photography (outside temple zone)
3. Dashashwamedh Ghat (Ganga Aarti)
Famous For: Most spectacular evening Ganga Aarti
Timings:
• Evening Aarti: 6–7 PM (winter) / 7–8 PM (summer)
Expanded Description:
Priests perform synchronized rituals with fire lamps, chants, and conch shells — a divine sight that attracts thousands daily.
Tips:
• Reach early for front-row seating
• Boat-view aarti is the best experience
4. Assi Ghat (Subah-e-Banaras)
Famous For: Morning aarti, classical music, yoga
Timings: Sunrise
Expanded Description:
Subah-e-Banaras offers yoga sessions, devotional songs, and peaceful Ganga aarti at dawn.
Tips:
• Arrive by 5 AM for sunrise
• Ideal for photography lovers
5. Manikarnika Ghat
Famous For: Eternal cremation ghat, symbol of moksha
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Expanded Description:
Believed to be the oldest and holiest cremation ground in India. Watching from a boat gives deep cultural insight.
Tips:
• Observe respectfully
• Avoid intrusive photography
6. Annapurna Devi Temple
Famous For: Goddess of nourishment
Timings: 4 AM – 11 PM
Expanded Description:
Located near Kashi Vishwanath, the temple offers peace and prosperity to devotees.
Tips:
• Combine with Kashi Vishwanath darshan
7. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Famous For: Temple established by Tulsidas
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Expanded Description:
A beloved temple known for blessings, peace, and spiritual energy.
Tips:
• Evenings are less crowded
8. BHU New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple)
Famous For: Architectural beauty & calm surroundings
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description:
Located inside BHU campus, this temple is peaceful and crowd-free compared to the main temple.
Tips:
• Ideal for meditation & peaceful darshan
9. Tulsi Manas Temple
Famous For: Walls engraved with Ramcharitmanas verses
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description:
A serene white temple dedicated to Lord Ram, great for devotional reading & photography.
Tips:
• Visit early morning or evening
10. Jantar Mantar Observatory
Famous For: Ancient astronomical instruments
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Expanded Description:
Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this observatory shows India’s scientific heritage.
Tips:
• Good for science & history lovers
11. Vishwanath Gali (Shopping Street)
Famous For: Sarees, rudraksha, prasad, handicrafts
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Expanded Description:
A vibrant lane outside the temple with traditional Banarasi items, sweets, idols & souvenirs.
Tips:
• Bargaining helps
• Great for buying Rudraksha & Banarasi sarees
Best Cafés & Local Eateries
1. Blue Lassi Shop
Best for: Thick lassis in clay cups
Tip: Try the mango & dry fruit lassi.
2. Kashi Chat Bhandar
Best for: Tamatar chaat, tikki, golgappe
Tip: Evenings are crowded but fun.
3. Annapurna Bhojanalaya
Best for: Satvik thali meals
Tip: Affordable & clean.
How to Reach
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Spiritual Start in Varanasi
• Temple Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath
• Explore Kashi Corridor
• Visit Annapurna Devi Temple
• Lunch & shopping in Vishwanath Gali
• Evening boat ride at Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Watch Ganga Aarti
Day 2: Ghats & Heritage Tour
• Sunrise boat ride
• Breakfast at Assi Ghat
• Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
• Tulsi Manas Temple
• BHU New Vishwanath Temple
• Explore local markets
Day 3: Culture & Food Trail
• Visit Manikarnika Ghat (boat view)
• Jantar Mantar Observatory
• Traditional Banarasi lunch
• Shopping for silk sarees
Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
| Category | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1200–3000/night |
| Food | 300–800/day |
| Temple Offerings | 50–300 |
| Boat Ride | 200–600 |
| Local Transport | 200–500 |
| Shopping (optional) | 1000–5000 |
Hidden Gems of Kashi Vishwanath
1. Nepali Temple
Traditional wooden Nepalese architecture near Lalita Ghat.
2. Kedar Ghat
Less crowded ghat with peaceful views.
3. Secret Alleys Behind Vishwanath Gali
Perfect for photography and exploring old Banaras streets.