Darshan & Puja
Complete Kashi Vishwanath Darshan Guide
Plan darshan at Shri Kashi Vishwanath: entry gates, security rules, lockers, darshan options, Sugam Darshan, festival crowds, senior access and etiquette.
हर हर महादेव
Varanasi · Uttar Pradesh
Find your way
to the heart of Kashi.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Darshan
Explore temple history, darshan information, aarti, puja, Kashi travel planning, sacred ghats, nearby temples and everything you need to experience Varanasi with clarity and devotion.
✦ An independent guide for a more meaningful visit
English · हिंदी
Kashi, clearly explained in both languages.
Read the essential story of Banaras, Baba Vishwanath and the Ganga in English or Hindi. This site is independent; timings, access rules and booking links should always be confirmed with the official Temple Trust.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥
काशी केवल एक तीर्थ नहीं, अनुभव है—गंगा के घाट, मंदिरों की घंटियाँ, गलियों की संस्कृति और हर यात्री के लिए अलग आध्यात्मिक अर्थ।
सुविचार · श्रद्धा के साथ यात्रा करें, सत्यापित जानकारी के साथ योजना बनाएं।
Pilgrim Essentials
Everything You Need for Darshan
Key information for planning your visit to Baba Vishwanath — with current details always verified against official sources.
Temple Information
History, architecture and the sacred geography of the Vishwanath complex.
Open guide
Temple Schedule Reference
Current reference timings (admin-verified — always confirm on the official portal before your visit):
Temple Opens · 2:30 AM
Mangala Aarti · 3:00 – 4:00 AM
Bhog Aarti · 11:15 – 11:55 AM (approx.)
Saptarishi Aarti · 7:00 – 8:15 PM (approx.)
Shringar / Shayana Aarti · 9:00 PM onwards (approx.)
Temple Closes · 11:00 PM
Full timings page · Timings can change on festivals and special occasions.
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Mahadev
Baba Vishwanath
The Lord of the Universe, in the City Older Than History
Shri Kashi Vishwanath — Vishwanath, "Lord of the Universe" — is among the most revered Shiva temples of Hinduism, standing on the sacred western bank of the Ganga in Varanasi. According to Hindu tradition, Kashi is the one city Shiva never abandons, and darshan of the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is believed to bestow profound spiritual merit.
The present temple was rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, and the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor now connects the temple precinct directly to the Ganga ghats.
- One of the twelve Jyotirlingas revered across Hindu tradition
- Rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore
- Golden shikhara donated through royal patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
- Direct Ganga connection via the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor
The Eternal City
Why Kashi Is Sacred
Hindu tradition calls Kashi Avimukta — "the never-forsaken" — the city where Shiva is believed to whisper the liberating Taraka mantra.
The Jyotirlinga
Kashi Vishwanath is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas — the most sacred abodes of Shiva in Hindu tradition, sung in the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram.
Jyotirlinga significanceShiva & Kashi
Puranic tradition holds that Kashi rests on Shiva's trishul and that the city is his eternal home with Maa Annapurna providing nourishment to all.
Shiva & KashiThe Ganga
The river flows northward here — a geographic rarity that tradition reads as the Ganga turning back to honour Shiva's city.
Ganga & Kashi
Documented History
A Temple Rebuilt Through the Centuries
Ancient tradition
Kashi in scripture
The Kashi Khanda and Puranic literature celebrate Vishweshwara as the lord of the eternal city.
Medieval period
Destruction & rebuilding
Historical records indicate the temple was destroyed and rebuilt more than once across the medieval centuries.
1780 CE
Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilds
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore reconstructed the present temple adjacent to the older site.
1835–1841
The gold plating
Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donated gold for plating the temple's shikharas, per historical accounts.
2021
Vishwanath Dham Corridor
The corridor project created a direct pilgrim axis between the Ganga and the temple precinct.
॥ काशी विश्वनाथ धाम ॥
Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor
A transformative pilgrim precinct connecting Baba Vishwanath's temple directly to the Ganga — with restored temples, facilities and a grand ceremonial approach. Inaugurated in December 2021.
Darshan, Aarti & Puja
Plan Your Worship at Baba Vishwanath
Darshan & Puja
Darshan & Puja
Kashi Vishwanath Aarti — Complete Guide
The five aartis of Kashi Vishwanath — Mangala, Bhog, Sandhya, Saptarishi, Shringar — their meaning, atmosphere, booking and etiquette.
Darshan & Puja
Rudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath
Rudrabhishek at the Jyotirlinga — meaning of the ritual, the Sri Rudram, traditional materials, seva options and official booking.
From Anywhere
Live Darshan of Baba Vishwanath
When the official livestream is available, watch the sanctum's aartis from wherever you are. We embed only official or authorized feeds — and say so honestly when a stream is unavailable.
Open Live Darshan Shri Kashi Vishwanath — Live Darshan
Kashi Yatra Planner
Plan Your Pilgrimage, Step by Step
From reaching Varanasi to choosing where to stay — practical, honest planning for every pilgrim.
The Sacred Riverfront
Explore the Ghats of Kashi
Eighty-plus ghats step down to the Ganga — each with its own tradition, story and rhythm.
Ghats
Dashashwamedh Ghat — Heart of the Riverfront
Dashashwamedh Ghat — Kashi's main ghat, home of the evening Ganga Aarti, with visiting, photography and boat guidance.
Ghats
Assi Ghat — The Cultural Southern Ghat
Assi Ghat — the southern cultural ghat of Varanasi: Subah-e-Banaras mornings, boats, cafes, tradition and visitor guidance.
Ghats
Manikarnika Ghat — The Sacred Threshold
Manikarnika Ghat — the sacred cremation ghat of Kashi, its liberation tradition, and how to visit with dignity and respect.
Ghats
Namo Ghat — Varanasi's Modern Riverfront
Namo Ghat — Varanasi's modern riverfront ghat with the folded-hands sculptures, cruise facilities and open river views.
Evening of Fire & Faith
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh
As dusk settles, priests raise tiered brass lamps in unison before the river — one of India's most moving ceremonies. Arrive early for a place on the steps, or watch from a boat on the water.
The Sacred Circuit
Temples of the Kashi Pilgrimage
Devotional tradition holds a Kashi yatra complete only with darshan of the Kotwal and the Annapurna.
Temples
Kaal Bhairav Temple — The Kotwal of Kashi
Kaal Bhairav — the fierce guardian and "Kotwal" (police-chief) of Kashi: the tradition, the temple, darshan and his place in the pilgrimage circuit.
Temples
Maa Annapurna Temple — The Mother Who Feeds Kashi
Maa Annapurna — the goddess who feeds Kashi: her tradition with Shiva, the temple beside Vishwanath, Annakut festival and darshan guidance.
Temples
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Sankat Mochan — Kashi's beloved Hanuman temple associated with Tulsidas, its devotion, festivals and visitor guidance.
Temples
Tulsi Manas Mandir
Tulsi Manas Mandir — the marble temple where the Ramcharitmanas is written on the walls, honouring Tulsidas in the quarter where he composed it.
Mahadev Across India
The 12 Jyotirlingas
From Somnath on the Gujarat coast to Rameshwaram in the Tamil south, the twelve Jyotirlingas map the sacred geography of Shiva worship. Kashi Vishwanath stands among them as the lord of the eternal city.
Beyond the Temple
Popular Places in & Around Kashi
Explore Kashi
Sarnath — Where the Buddha First Taught
Sarnath — the Buddha's first sermon site near Varanasi: Dhamek Stupa, museum with the Ashoka Lion Capital, international temples, and visiting guidance.
Explore Kashi
Durga Temple & Durga Kund
Durga Kund — the red Nagara-style Durga temple and its sacred tank: tradition, Navratri celebrations and visiting guidance.
Explore Kashi
Places to Visit In & Around Varanasi
Beyond the temple — BHU and the New Vishwanath Temple, Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan, weaver colonies, and day trips to Sarnath, Prayagraj, Ayodhya and Vindhyachal.
1-Day Kashi
Sunrise Ganga, Vishwanath darshan, Annapurna, Kaal Bhairav and evening aarti — a full but realistic day.
View plan2-Day Kashi
Temple circuit and ghats on day one, Assi morning and Sarnath heritage on day two.
View plan3-Day Kashi
A relaxed pilgrimage with heritage lanes, food, shopping and unhurried Ganga evenings.
View planWatch
Kashi Videos
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat — Full Ceremony
Kashi Vishwanath Dham — Architecture & Details
Ganga Aarti from the River
Kashi Vishwanath Dham & Corridor, Varanasi
Sacred Calendar
Festivals of Kashi
When the eternal city celebrates — dates are admin-verified each year, as lunar-calendar observances shift annually.
Feb–Mar (Phalguna)
Maha Shivratri
The great night of Shiva — Kashi's most important temple festival, with vast crowds at Vishwanath.
Festival guide
Jul–Aug
Sawan (Shravan)
The holy month of Shiva — Mondays see immense devotion and long darshan queues in Kashi.
Festival guide
Nov (Kartik Purnima)
Dev Deepawali
Kartik Purnima — a million lamps on the ghats; Kashi's most cinematic evening.
Festival guide
Nov
Kartik Purnima Snan
Sacred full-moon bathing in the Ganga at dawn.
Mid-January
Makar Sankranti
January bathing festival marking the sun's northward journey.
Feb–Mar
Rangbhari Ekadashi
Kashi's own colour festival — tradition says Shiva brings Parvati home to Kashi with colours.
When to Come
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
October to March brings pleasant days and festival-rich evenings; Sawan monsoon Mondays draw immense Shiva crowds; summers demand early-morning planning. See the full month-by-month breakdown.
From the Blog
Latest Articles & Guides
Kashi Vishwanath
First Visit to Kashi Vishwanath: What to Expect
What the first darshan at the Jyotirlinga actually feels like — and how to prepare for gates, queues, lockers and the inner sanctum.
How to Plan a Kashi Yatra: The Complete Framework
The four-layer framework for planning a Kashi yatra — sacred core, circuit temples, riverfront and beyond.
A Morning at Assi Ghat
An account of dawn at Assi Ghat — Subah-e-Banaras, chai, wrestlers, and the riverfront walk north.
Answers for Pilgrims
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KashiVishwanathDarshan.com the official temple website?
No. This is an independent informational website. The official temple website is shrikashivishwanath.org. All bookings, donations and official announcements happen only on official channels.
Is darshan at Kashi Vishwanath free?
General darshan entry is traditionally free. Optional official services (aarti attendance, special entry, rituals) are provided and priced by the temple system — verify current details on the official portal and never pay touts or unofficial sites.
What are the darshan timings?
The temple opens early morning (around 2:30–3:00 AM) and closes around 11 PM, with aarti ceremonies through the day. Timings vary by season and festival — always verify on the official portal before visiting.
Can I take my phone inside the temple?
No. Phones, cameras and electronic devices are not permitted inside the temple premises. Locker facilities are available near the gates.
When is the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat?
Every evening at sunset — roughly 6–7 PM in winter and later in summer. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for seating. A smaller morning aarti is held at Assi Ghat at dawn.
What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
October to March for pleasant weather. Mahashivratri (Feb–Mar), Sawan Mondays (Jul–Aug) and Dev Deepawali (Oct–Nov) are peak devotional occasions with heavy crowds.
How do I reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Varanasi is connected by air (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport), rail (Varanasi Junction, Banaras) and road. From the city, reach the temple via the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor entrances or the traditional Vishwanath Gali.
Can non-Hindus visit the temple and ghats?
Visitors of all backgrounds are welcome at the ghats, Sarnath and most of the city. Entry into the innermost sanctum follows the temple's religious rules; the corridor and riverfront are open to all respectful visitors.
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
May Baba Vishwanath Bless Your Yatra
Whether you come for one day or a lifetime, Kashi receives every pilgrim as her own. Plan with clarity, travel with devotion.