Mangala Aarti Darshan (VIP)
OfficialPre-booked sanctum entry during the 3:00 AM Mangala Aarti.
1 hour
Considered the most auspicious darshan of the day; blesses the devotee with peace and clarity.
₹500
Book Official 
JyotirlingaVerified
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Lord Shiva•Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Official Temple WebsiteTimings
Opens 4–5 AM
See full schedule below
Main Festivals
5 major
Maha Shivaratri
Dress Code
Traditional
Details below
Entry
Free
Pujas are paid
Book Puja via Darshya
Verified priests, video proof, prasad delivery to your door
Official Temple Booking
Direct booking on the temple's official site
Opens the temple's official website in a new tab
Watch Live Darshan
Real-time video stream from the sanctum
About Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
History
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, standing on the western bank of the Ganga in Varanasi, is among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The original shrine is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and Puranas dating back over a thousand years. The temple was destroyed by the armies of Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1194 CE and rebuilt multiple times. Aurangzeb demolished it in 1669 CE and built the Gyanvapi Mosque over its ruins. The current structure was commissioned by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780 CE. In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire donated gold to plate the temple's spires, earning it the epithet "Suvarna Mandir" (Golden Temple of Varanasi). The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, inaugurated in December 2021, connected the temple directly to the Ganga ghats and transformed pilgrim access. Millions of devotees believe that a single darshan of Vishwanath and a dip in the Ganga at Kashi grants moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Significance
Kashi is said to rest on the trident of Lord Shiva himself. It is one of the Sapta Puri (seven sacred cities) and the Shiva who dwells here is called Vishweshwara — Lord of the Universe. Dying in Kashi is believed to ensure liberation, and it is one of only two places on earth (along with Rameswaram) where both Shaiva and Vaishnava pilgrims complete their holy journey.
About the Deity
The Jyotirlinga at Kashi Vishwanath is a black stone lingam roughly 60 cm tall, set in a silver altar. Devotees offer water from the Ganga, bilva leaves, milk and flowers directly onto the lingam — a rare privilege in a major Jyotirlinga.
Pujas Offered (8)
Sugam Darshan Pass
OfficialSkip-the-line ticketed entry through a shorter queue.
30 min
Convenient darshan for elderly and time-constrained pilgrims.
₹300
Book Official Rudrabhishek
Abhishek of the Jyotirlinga with Panchamrit and Ganga jal while Rudram is chanted.
90 min Video proof
Removes chronic illness, planetary afflictions and grants longevity.
₹750
Book NowMaha Mrityunjaya Jaap (1.25 lakh)
1,25,000 recitations of the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra by a team of priests.
3 days Video proof
Wards off untimely death, serious illness and fear.
₹11,000
Book NowShringar Aarti Participation
OfficialSpecial pass to witness the 9:00 PM ornamentation aarti up close.
1 hour
Sight of adorned Mahadev is believed to bring householder prosperity.
₹300
Book Official Shiv Sahasranama Archana
Archana with 1,008 names of Shiva, bilva patra and flowers.
2 hours Video proof
Fulfils specific sankalp wishes; general wellbeing.
₹1,100
Book NowKaal Bhairav Puja
Puja at the Kaal Bhairav temple (Kotwal of Kashi) combined with Vishwanath darshan.
2 hours Video proof
Protection from enemies and black magic; said to be mandatory for pilgrims of Kashi.
₹1,500
Book NowAnnakoot Seva
Sponsor a portion of the Annakoot (mountain of food) offering on the day after Diwali.
Half day Video proof
Merit equivalent to feeding the entire universe; family prosperity.
₹2,100
Book NowFestivals & Events
- Maha ShivaratriFebruary / March
- Shravan SomwarJuly / August (every Monday)
- Dev DeepavaliNovember (Kartik Purnima)
- Rangbhari EkadashiMarch
- AnnakutDay after Diwali
Plan Your Visit
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (24 km / 45 min by road)
Nearest Railway
Varanasi Junction (BSB) — 6 km; Banaras station (BSBS) — 4 km
By Road
Vehicles can reach up to Godowlia Chowk. From there a 10–12 minute walk through Vishwanath Gali leads to Gate 4 of the Corridor. Battery rickshaws run from Godowlia.
Where to Stay
- Taj Ganges (5-star, Nadesar Palace Grounds)
- Hotel Clarks Varanasi (5-star)
- BrijRama Palace (heritage, Darbhanga Ghat)
- Ramada Plaza JHV Varanasi (4-star)
- Hotel Pradeep (budget, Jagatganj)
- Mumukshu Bhawan & Birla Guest House (dharamshalas for pilgrims)
Nearby Attractions
- Dashashwamedh Ghat & Ganga Aarti (5 min walk)
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (6 km)
- Kaal Bhairav Temple (2 km)
- Banaras Hindu University (Vishwanath Temple BHU)
- Sarnath (10 km)
Opening Hours
Morning
Mangala Aarti 3:00 AM; General darshan 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Afternoon
Bhog Aarti 11:35 AM; darshan resumes 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Evening
Sapta Rishi Aarti 7:00 PM; Shringar Aarti 9:00 PM; Shayana Aarti 10:30 PM (closes 11:00 PM)
Dress Code
Traditional Indian attire preferred. Men: dhoti-kurta or shirt with trousers (no shorts). Women: saree or salwar-kameez (no sleeveless, no short dresses). Leather items must be removed before entering.
Rules & Guidelines
- Mobile phones, cameras, pens, belts and leather items are strictly prohibited in the sanctum zone
- Free lockers available at Gate 4; keep only ID card and wallet
- No photography inside the inner temple
- Footwear to be deposited at the designated stand (free)
- Menstruating women are traditionally advised not to enter the sanctum
- Queue separately for men and women in the inner sanctum
- Do not touch the lingam unless a priest guides you during a paid abhishek
Pilgrim's Note
During Shravan month (July-August) and Maha Shivaratri, queues can stretch 6-8 hours. Online Sugam Darshan or Mangala Aarti booking is essential. The Corridor is fully accessible and includes wheelchair assistance at Gate 4.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Devotees
“Booked Mangala Aarti through Darshya and reached Gate 4 at 2:30 AM. Pandit ji guided us throughout — the sight of Baba at 3 AM was something I will never forget.”
AM
Anjali Mishra
Delhi
“As an elderly devotee, Sugam Darshan was a lifesaver. Took about 40 minutes on a Shravan Monday vs 5+ hours regular.”
RSI
Ravi Shankar Iyer
Bangalore
“The Rudrabhishek was beautifully performed — full 90 minutes, proper Rudram chanting. Video was emailed within a day.”
MK
Meera Kapoor
Mumbai
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath?
October to March has pleasant weather. Avoid peak Shravan Mondays unless you have pre-booked Sugam Darshan. Early morning (3–6 AM) has the shortest queues.
Can non-Hindus enter the temple?
Yes, since the 2021 Corridor opening there is no restriction on entry based on religion.
What should I offer to Baba Vishwanath?
Ganga jal, raw milk, bilva (bel) leaves, dhatura flower, white flowers and bhang are the traditional offerings. You can buy a standard offering thali at the entrance.
How do I get the temple prasad?
Official laddu and khichdi prasad is sold at the Prasad Counter inside the Corridor. You can also get tulsi mala and bhasma (sacred ash).
Is there a fee for general darshan?
No, general darshan is free. Sugam Darshan is ₹300 and Mangala Aarti is ₹500 per person.
