Independent guide to Shri Kashi Vishwanath and the sacred city of Kashi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi – Complete Visitor & Pilgrimage Guide
Plan your darshan of Lord Vishwanath with clear, carefully sourced information: the daily schedule, the five aartis, how booking works, what to carry, and how to reach the temple through the lanes of Kashi. Written for first-time pilgrims and returning devotees alike.
Quick temple information
- Location
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Temple
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Deity
- Lord Shiva
- Significance
- One of the twelve Jyotirlingas
Today's visitor information
The temple's published daily routine, drawn across 24 hours. Last verified September 2026 against the official rituals page.
This is not live information. Festival days, Mondays in Sawan, eclipses and special occasions follow different arrangements. Verify current timings on the official temple portal (opens in a new tab) before you travel.
Explore darshan
Everything you need for a calm darshan: the kinds of darshan, how the queue works, what to leave at the locker, and guidance for families, elders and foreign visitors.
- General DarshanHow free general darshan works at Kashi Vishwanath: when it's open, how the queue moves, how long it takes and practical tips for a calm visit.
- Sugam DarshanSugam Darshan explained: the official paid, faster darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, what the portal says it includes, how booking works and what to carry.
- Booking GuideWhat you can book at Kashi Vishwanath Temple — Sugam Darshan, aartis, Rudrabhishek and more — how the official portal works, and how to avoid unofficial sellers.
- Temple RulesKashi Vishwanath Temple rules explained: phones and electronics, lockers, dress, security checks, offerings, sparsh darshan and behaviour inside the temple.
- First-Time VisitorsA first-time visitor's guide to Kashi Vishwanath Temple: how to plan the day, what happens at the gate, darshan etiquette, offerings and what to do afterwards.
- Foreign VisitorsHow foreign nationals can have darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple: the official passport-verification process, documents to carry, etiquette and practical tips.
Aarti and pooja
Five aartis mark the temple's day. Rudrabhishek and other poojas can be booked through the official portal.
- Mangala Aarti
3:00 – 4:00 AM
- Midday Bhog Aarti
About 11:30 AM – 12:00 noon
- Sapta Rishi Aarti
7:00 – 8:30 PM
- Shringar / Bhog Aarti
From 9:00 PM
- Shayan Aarti
10:30 PM
Published times, verified September 2026. Aarti attendance is ticketed through the official portal.
- AartiThe five daily aartis at Kashi Vishwanath — Mangala, Bhog, Sapta Rishi, Shringar and Shayan: published timings, meaning, booking and how to attend.
- RudrabhishekRudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath: the meaning of the ritual, the Sri Rudram hymn, what happens during the pooja, typical duration and how to book officially.
- AbhishekWhat abhishek means, the offerings used for Shiva, how devotees offer water at Kashi Vishwanath today and how it differs from a booked Rudrabhishek.
Why Kashi Vishwanath matters
Kashi Vishwanath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Shiva, and stands at the heart of Kashi — a city that Hindu tradition regards as Shiva's own and as a place of liberation.
For centuries pilgrims have come to Kashi to bathe in the Ganga, take darshan of Vishwanath and visit the circuit of shrines around him: Annapurna, Kal Bhairav, and the many lingas of the old city.
Temple history
Historical sources describe a Vishweshwara temple in Kashi for many centuries. It was destroyed and rebuilt more than once; the present temple was built around 1780 under Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, and its spire was later plated with gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In 2021 the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor reconnected the temple with the Ganga.
- HistoryExplore the history and significance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, its Jyotirlinga tradition, reconstruction history and connection with Kashi.
- Ahilyabai HolkarWho was Ahilyabai Holkar, why she rebuilt Kashi Vishwanath Temple around 1780, and her wider legacy of temples, ghats and pilgrim facilities across India.
- Kashi Vishwanath CorridorThe Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor explained: why it was built, when it opened, what it contains, the temples rediscovered during construction and tips for visitors.
- Golden TempleWhy Kashi Vishwanath is called the Golden Temple of Varanasi: Maharaja Ranjit Singh's gift of gold in the 1830s, the 2022 sanctum gilding and the golden spire.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
In the Shiva Purana, Shiva appears as an infinite column of light. The twelve Jyotirlingas are the shrines where he is worshipped in that form; Kashi Vishwanath is seventh in the Shiva Purana's list of the twelve.
- Kashi VishwanathKashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi: what makes it unique among the twelve, the traditions of Kashi and liberation, and how to plan darshan today.
- 12 JyotirlingasAll 12 Jyotirlingas of India with their locations and states — Somnath to Grishneshwar — plus the traditional hymn, disputed identifications and pilgrimage planning.
- What Is a Jyotirlinga?What 'Jyotirlinga' means, the Shiva Purana story of the infinite pillar of light, how Jyotirlingas differ from other Shiva lingas, and why pilgrims visit all twelve.
Explore Kashi
Kashi, Varanasi and Banaras are three names for one of the world's oldest living cities. Its crescent of ghats, its lanes of shrines and its evening aarti on the river are inseparable from a visit to Vishwanath.
- About KashiAn introduction to Kashi (Varanasi): its names and boundaries, its long history, its neighbourhoods, and the rhythms of daily life along the Ganga.
- Ganga AartiGanga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: when it starts, how long it lasts, where to watch from (steps or boat), the morning aarti at Assi, monsoon changes and tips.
- Kashi YatraKashi Yatra explained: the Panchakroshi Parikrama around Kashi's sacred boundary, its five halts, other pilgrim circuits and what 'going to Kashi' means.
- Varanasi Travel GuideA practical Varanasi travel guide: best time to visit, how many days you need, which area to stay in, getting around, food, day trips to Sarnath and Ramnagar, and safety.
- The GangaThe Ganga's place in Kashi: why it is sacred, the north-flowing crescent, ritual bathing, boat rides, seasonal floods and respectful practice on the river.
- FestivalsKashi's great festivals — Mahashivratri, Sawan, Dev Deepawali, Holi, Diwali, Navratri and Makar Sankranti — what happens, when they fall and how to plan.
Nearby temples
The traditional circuit around Vishwanath, in the order many pilgrims walk it.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Start early. Deposit phone and bags in the official lockers before joining the queue.
Short walk in the temple lanes
Annapurna Devi TempleA few minutes' walk in the lanes beside Vishwanath; traditionally visited together.
Roughly 2 km — e-rickshaw or 25–30 min walk
Kal Bhairav TempleThe guardian of Kashi. Take an e-rickshaw or walk through Maidagin.
Roughly 2–3 km — e-rickshaw to Godowlia, then walk
Dashashwamedh GhatArrive well before sunset to find a place for the evening aarti.
On the ghat itself
Ganga AartiWatch from the steps or from a boat on the river.
Distances and times are rough estimates for planning. Lanes close to the temple are pedestrian-only and crowd levels vary widely.
The ghats
Kashi's riverfront of stone steps, from Assi in the south to Panchganga and beyond.
- Dashashwamedh GhatDashashwamedh Ghat guide: the tradition behind its name, its history, the evening Ganga Aarti, the best time to visit, boat rides, photography and how to reach it.
- Manikarnika GhatManikarnika Ghat, Varanasi's principal cremation ghat: its traditions of liberation, Manikarnika Kund, what visitors should know and strict photography etiquette.
- Assi GhatAssi Ghat guide: the southern end of Varanasi's riverfront, its tradition, the dawn programme and evening aarti, boat rides, cafés and nearby temples.
- Kedar GhatKedar Ghat guide: the Kedareshwar Shiva temple, the tradition linking it with Kedarnath, its South Indian pilgrim community, colourful steps and how to visit.
- Panchganga GhatPanchganga Ghat guide: the tradition of five rivers meeting, the Kartik month of hanging lamps, its historical landmarks and the story of Kabir and Ramananda.
- GhatsA guide to the ghats of Varanasi: what a ghat is, the most important ghats from Assi to Panchganga, bathing and cremation ghats, boat rides, etiquette and a walking plan.
Plan your Kashi visit
Choose your days, company and interests for a suggested itinerary. It's a planning aid written by our editors, not an official schedule.
Your suggested itinerary
A suggested plan by our editors, not an official schedule. Times are approximate; check current temple timings and conditions on the day.
Day 1 — Kashi Vishwanath and the evening aarti
2:30–4:00 AM
Mangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath
Only with a ticket booked in advance on the official portal. Reach the entry gate well before the start time.
6:00–9:00 AM
Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Morning queues are usually shorter than midday. Leave phone and bags in the lockers before joining the line.
After darshan
A short walk in the lanes beside Vishwanath; tradition pairs the two visits.
Late morning
The guardian deity of Kashi. About 2 km from Vishwanath — take an e-rickshaw through Maidagin.
From about 5:30 PM (seasonal)
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Arrive 45–60 minutes early for a place on the steps, or watch from a boat.
Day 2 — Temples of south Kashi and the river
Sunrise
Sunrise boat ride along the ghats
Agree the route and fare before boarding. Wear the life jacket offered.
Dawn
A dawn programme of aarti, music and yoga is held at Assi Ghat; check locally for the current schedule.
Morning
Associated in tradition with Goswami Tulsidas. Security rules are strict; carry as little as possible.
Late morning
An 18th-century temple beside a large tank, a short ride from Sankat Mochan.
Late afternoon
Manikarnika and the northern ghats
Observe quietly and respectfully; photography of cremations is not appropriate.
- Check current temple timings and any festival-day changes on the official portal before you go.
- Mangala Aarti needs a ticket booked in advance on the official portal and places are limited.
This planner arranges suggestions written by our editors. It is informational only, is not an official temple itinerary and cannot book anything.
- 1-Day ItineraryA one-day Varanasi itinerary: Kashi Vishwanath darshan, Annapurna Devi, Kal Bhairav, the old city and the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh, with realistic timings.
- 2-Day ItineraryA two-day Varanasi itinerary: Kashi Vishwanath and the old-city temples on day one; a sunrise boat, Assi, Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund and BHU on day two.
- 3-Day ItineraryA three-day Varanasi itinerary: the old-city temples and Ganga Aarti, a sunrise boat and south Kashi, then Sarnath, Bharat Mata Mandir and a slow final evening.
Popular guides
- Temple TimingsCheck the latest Kashi Vishwanath Temple timings, darshan schedule, aarti timings and practical tips for planning your visit to Varanasi.
- How to ReachHow to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple from Varanasi airport, railway stations and bus stand, where vehicles stop, and the final walk through the lanes or the Dham.
- Where to StayWhere to stay near Kashi Vishwanath Temple: the best areas compared — ghats, Godowlia, Assi, Cantt — who each suits, and practical booking tips for pilgrims and families.
- What to CarryWhat to carry for darshan at Kashi Vishwanath: ID, booking confirmation, offerings, cash, clothing and footwear — plus what stays in the locker.
- Mangala AartiMangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath: the pre-dawn aarti that awakens the deity. Published timing, meaning, official booking, arrival time and documents.
- Kashi Pilgrimage GuideA practical Kashi pilgrimage guide: the traditional sequence of Ganga snan, Vishwanath, Annapurna and Kal Bhairav, key rituals, how long to stay and how to plan.
Latest articles
- Before You VisitTwelve practical things to know before visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple — from phones and lockers to queues, dress, booking, touts and what to do after darshan.
- Best GhatsThe best ghats to visit in Varanasi and what makes each special — from Dashashwamedh and Assi to Manikarnika, Kedar, Man Mandir, Chet Singh and Panchganga.
- Best Time to VisitThe best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple by season, day of the week and hour — when queues are shortest, when the weather is best, and which dates to avoid.
- How Many Days in VaranasiHow many days you need in Varanasi, depending on your goals — a quick darshan, a pilgrimage, sightseeing with Sarnath, or a slow stay — with sample plans.
- Vishwanath and AnnapurnaWhy pilgrims pair Annapurna Devi with Kashi Vishwanath: the story of Shiva as mendicant and Annapurna as provider, where the temple is and how to include it.
- Vishwanath and Ganga AartiHow to combine afternoon darshan at Kashi Vishwanath with the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh in one evening: timing, the 1 km walk, lockers and tips.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple timings?
The official schedule shows the temple opening at about 2:30 AM and closing at about 11 PM, with five aartis through the day. See the full timings and verify on the official portal before visiting.
Do I need a ticket for darshan?
General darshan does not need a ticket. Services such as Sugam Darshan and aarti attendance are booked only through the official temple portal. See how booking works.
Can foreigners visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
The official portal describes a process for foreign nationals holding a valid passport, involving passport and visa verification at a help desk. Read our foreign visitors guide.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate. Specific services may have their own requirements; check the temple rules.
What items are not allowed inside?
Phones, cameras, smartwatches and other electronics are generally not permitted inside, and bags and leather items should be deposited. See what not to carry.
How far is the temple from Varanasi railway station and the airport?
Roughly 5–6 km from Varanasi Junction and about 25 km from the airport at Babatpur. The last stretch is on foot. See how to reach.
Is this the official temple website?
No. KashiVishwanathTemple.net is an independent information site. For bookings, donations and official announcements, use the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust portal at shrikashivishwanath.org.
Official temple resources
Bookings, donations, live darshan and announcements are handled by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust. These links open the official portal: