Kashi Vishwanath
One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, housing the revered Jyotirlinga and standing as the spiritual heart of Varanasi.
Best Time
October to March
Timings
3:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Nearest Airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (26 km)
Languages
Hindi, English
The Golden Temple of Shiva
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple due to its gold-plated spire, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in history. The current structure was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, and the gold plating on the tower was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in 1835.
The newly inaugurated Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has transformed the temple complex, providing direct connectivity to the ghats and restoring the temple's grandeur with modern amenities for pilgrims.
Temple Complex Highlights
Explore the sacred spaces within this ancient temple complex.
Main Temple & Jyotirlinga
1-2 hoursThe sanctum houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered the most sacred manifestation of Lord Shiva. Darshan here is believed to grant moksha.
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
1-2 hoursThe newly built corridor connecting the temple to the ghats, featuring grand architecture, enhanced facilities, and a spiritual atmosphere.
Annapurna Temple
30 minsAdjacent temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment, an important part of the spiritual complex.
Assi Heritage Walk
1 hr.The true soul of Varanasi the Assi Kashi - Heritage Walk, a spiritual and cultural journey through the sacred heart of one of the world’s oldest living cities.
Spiritual Experiences
Morning Darshan
Experience the powerful mangla aarti at 3 AM for the most spiritually charged darshan
Rudrabhishek Puja
Participate in the sacred abhishek ceremony performed on the Jyotirlinga
Evening Aarti
Witness the magnificent Sapt Rishi Aarti in the evening
Prasad
Receive the blessed prasad from the temple priests
Temple Visit Checklist
Essential items and rules for visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport serves Varanasi with flights from major cities. The temple is about 26 km from the airport.
Airport to temple: 45 mins
By Train
Varanasi Junction and Varanasi City stations are well connected. The temple is 4 km from the junction. Use auto or cycle rickshaw.
Station to temple: 20 mins
Local Transport
The old city has narrow lanes. Vehicles stop at designated parking. Walk through the corridor from the ghats or use cycle rickshaws.
Walk from Dashashwamedh: 10 mins