Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most revered temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas, this sacred shrine attracts millions of devotees, saints, and travelers every year. For centuries, it has remained a symbol of faith, liberation, and devotion.
If you are planning to visit, you might have questions like:
What is the story of Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
What are the darshan timings and ticket prices?
How far is the temple from the railway station or airport?
How to book online for puja and darshan?
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know—history, timings, ticket price, distance, online booking, darshan details, and travel tips—to make your pilgrimage smooth and memorable.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Story – The Legend of Eternal Liberation
The story of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is said that Lord Shiva himself declared that Kashi (Varanasi) is his eternal abode, and anyone who dies here attains moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
According to ancient texts, the Jyotirlinga at Kashi Vishwanath is the supreme of all twelve Jyotirlingas. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma once argued about who was the greatest. To resolve the dispute, Lord Shiva manifested as an endless pillar of light (Jyotirlinga). Brahma tried to find the top, and Vishnu searched for the bottom, but neither could succeed. This established Shiva’s supremacy, and the light of the Jyotirlinga still shines through sacred shrines like Kashi.
Historical Significance
The temple has witnessed centuries of destruction and reconstruction. The original shrine was destroyed during invasions by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1194. It was rebuilt and demolished several times by rulers, until Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore reconstructed the present temple in 1780.
Later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of Punjab, donated 1 ton of gold, which was used to cover the temple’s dome, giving it the name “Golden Temple of Varanasi.”
Today, the temple stands as a timeless testament to resilience, devotion, and faith.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Architecture – The Golden Splendor
The temple’s architecture is a blend of spirituality and grandeur. Built in Nagara style, the temple consists of:
A 62.5-foot-high spire, covered with gold.
Several smaller shrines dedicated to different deities.
The sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, housed in the main sanctum.
The temple complex is always bustling with chants of Har Har Mahadev, ringing bells, and the fragrance of flowers, making it a deeply spiritual experience for every devotee.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ticket Price – Darshan & Puja
One of the most common questions is: Is there a ticket to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Here’s the breakdown of ticket prices:
General Darshan: Free of cost (open for all devotees).
Sugam Darshan (Quick Entry): ₹300 per person (recommended for those who want to avoid long queues).
Aarti Booking:
Mangala Aarti (3:00 AM): ₹350 per person
Shringar Aarti (11:15 AM): ₹150 per person
Sapta Rishi Aarti (7:00 PM): ₹200 per person
Shayan Aarti (10:30 PM): ₹150 per person
Rudrabhishek Puja: ₹450 – ₹13,500 (depending on the type of ritual).
👉 Tickets are available online and at the temple counters.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi Timings
The temple opens early morning and closes late at night, with different rituals performed throughout the day.
Temple Timings:
Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon Darshan: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Evening Darshan: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Special Aartis:
Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM – Devotees must book in advance.
Shringar Aarti: 11:15 AM – Lord Shiva is adorned with flowers and ornaments.
Sapta Rishi Aarti: 7:00 PM – Seven priests perform this powerful ritual.
Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM – Lord Shiva is put to rest for the night.
✨ Tip: The early morning Mangala Aarti is considered the most divine, but tickets are limited, so book early.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Distance – How to Reach
The temple is located in the heart of Varanasi city, near the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat.
From Varanasi Railway Station (Cantt Station): ~5 km
From Varanasi Junction (Manduwadih): ~4 km
From Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport: ~25 km
From Dashashwamedh Ghat: ~300 meters (walking distance)
Transportation:
Auto-rickshaws & e-rickshaws are the most convenient.
Cars are not allowed directly near the temple due to security restrictions.
Many pilgrims prefer staying near Godowlia Chowk or Assi Ghat for easy access.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Online Booking
To manage heavy crowds, the temple trust offers online booking facilities.
Steps to Book Online:
Visit the official website: shrikashivishwanath.org
Select your service – Darshan, Sugam Darshan, Rudrabhishek Puja, or Aarti.
Enter your details (name, date, ID proof).
Complete payment securely.
Carry your e-receipt and ID during the visit.
✨ Online booking is highly recommended during peak seasons like Mahashivratri, Shravan month, and Kartik Purnima when lakhs of devotees visit Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan Experience
Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath is unlike any other. The moment you step inside, the sound of “Har Har Mahadev” echoes in your heart. The Jyotirlinga, adorned with bilva leaves, flowers, and sandal paste, radiates an aura of divine energy.
Many devotees describe the darshan as a moment of complete peace, where all worldly worries fade away.
Tips for a Smooth Darshan:
Carry only essentials – mobiles, cameras, and large bags are not allowed.
Dress modestly (preferably traditional attire).
Morning darshan is less crowded compared to evenings.
Combine your visit with Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat for a surreal experience.
Nearby Attractions in Varanasi
Apart from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi offers a rich spiritual and cultural experience:
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Famous for its grand evening Ganga Aarti.
Manikarnika Ghat: The most sacred cremation ghat, symbolizing liberation.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a must-visit for devotees.
Tulsi Manas Temple: Built where Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Known for its Vishwanath temple and sprawling campus.
Travel Tips for Pilgrims
Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather).
Festivals to Experience: Mahashivratri, Shravan Maas, Kartik Purnima.
Stay Options: Wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas near Dashashwamedh Ghat and Godowlia.
Food to Try: Varanasi is famous for kachaudi sabzi, malaiyyo (winter sweet), and Banarasi paan.
FAQs – Kashi Vishwanath Temple
1. Is photography allowed inside Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
❌ No, photography and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple.
2. How much time does darshan take?
On regular days – 30 minutes to 1 hour. On festive days – 3 to 4 hours. Sugam Darshan ticket reduces waiting time.
3. Can foreigners visit the temple?
✅ Yes, foreigners can visit with valid ID proof. Many international travelers visit Varanasi for its spiritual energy.
4. Is Kashi Vishwanath the same as Vishwanath temple in BHU?
No. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the original Jyotirlinga, while the New Vishwanath Temple at BHU is a replica built for easier access to devotees.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is not just a destination—it is an experience of divine awakening. From its mythological significance and golden history to its darshan timings, ticket booking, and puja rituals, everything about the temple inspires devotion.
If you are planning a pilgrimage, prepare well, book online in advance, and immerse yourself in the spiritual energy of Kashi. A visit to this sacred Jyotirlinga is truly a journey of the soul—one that stays with you for a lifetime.
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