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Jyotirlinga 7 of 12 · Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath

काशी विश्वनाथ

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Online booking
Darshan timings
03:00–11:00, 12:00–19:00, 19:30–22:30 IST
Average wait
1–3 hours; 15–30 mins (Sugam Darshan ₹300)
Best season
October–March
Daily visitors
50,000–1,00,000 (Sawan Mondays 3L+, Mahashivratri 5L+)

Signature ritual

Mangala Aarti

Time: 03:00 IST (booking 90 days ahead)

Significance

7th Jyotirlinga. Spiritual capital of Sanatan Dharma; moksha-granting site per Skanda Purana.

Legend

Shiva himself never leaves Kashi. Whispers Taraka Mantra at death to grant moksha — found in no other tirth.

How to reach

Vishwanath Gali in Old City. From Cantt (10 km) cab + 500m foot through corridor entry.

Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International, Varanasi (25 km)
Nearest railway: Varanasi Junction (BSB) / Manduadih (MUV) — 10 km

Where to stay

UPSTDC Cantt hotels; Dashashwamedh Ghat dharamshalas; Taj Ganges for premium.

Abhishekam fee
₹350 Saral Darshan; ₹450 Mangala Aarti seat
VIP darshan
₹300 Sugam Darshan

Primary pujas performed here

  • Rudrabhishek
  • Mahamrityunjaya Jaap
  • Shringar Aarti
  • Mangala Aarti

What to offer: Bilva, dhatura, white flowers, milk (panchamrit), Ganga jal

Dress code
Traditional only (dhoti/saree/kurta). No leather. No phones in sanctum.
Photo policy
Phones deposited at locker

Modern access

Post-2021 Vishwanath Dham corridor 5x expansion + direct Ganga access. Daily 100k+ visitors.

Plan online from anywhere

Cannot travel? Book a remote puja with video proof at this Jyotirlinga. Or join the full 12 Jyotirlinga circuit.