Overview
The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, located in the spiritual capital of India — Varanasi, is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known as the “King of all Jyotirlingas,” this sacred temple on the banks of the Ganga River draws millions of devotees and tourists every year. It is believed that a single visit to Kashi Vishwanath guarantees liberation (moksha) and eternal blessing from Lord Shiva.
Mythological Significance
Kashi (Varanasi) is regarded as the oldest living city in the world and is believed to have been founded by Lord Shiva himself. According to legend, Shiva never leaves Kashi and resides there eternally. The Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is said to be the embodiment of his universal form — the “Lord of the Universe.”
It is believed that death in Kashi leads to moksha, as Lord Shiva whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of the dying, granting them salvation.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has a rich and tumultuous history:
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Originally built in ancient times, the temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.
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The current structure was rebuilt in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
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It is adjacent to the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was built by Aurangzeb after demolishing an earlier version of the temple.
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In recent years, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project has transformed the pilgrimage experience by connecting the temple directly to the Ganga ghats, making access easier and more divine.
Architectural Highlights
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The temple features gold-plated spires and domes, with 800 kg of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
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The Garbhagriha (sanctum) houses the black stone Shivalinga, set into a silver altar.
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The temple complex includes several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities.
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The recently inaugurated Kashi Vishwanath Corridor provides wide, clean paths lined with sculptures, murals, and greenery.
Temple Timings
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Darshan Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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Aarti Timings:
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Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM
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Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM – 12:20 PM
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Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
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Shringar Aarti: 9:00 PM – 10:15 PM
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Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM
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Aarti tickets can be booked online or at temple counters.
How to Reach
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By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (25 km)
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By Train: Varanasi Junction and Kashi Railway Station are well connected
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By Road: Accessible by buses and taxis from all major cities in Uttar Pradesh
Best Time to Visit
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October to March: Pleasant weather and festive atmosphere
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Important Occasions:
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Mahashivratri – Grand celebrations and night-long festivities
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Dev Deepawali – Celebrated 15 days after Diwali with beautiful lighting at the ghats
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Travel Tips
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Dress conservatively and respect temple customs
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Entry may require Aadhaar or photo ID
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Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the sanctum
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Mobile phones and bags are not allowed inside the temple — use cloakroom services
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Book online for special darshan and aarti passes to avoid long queues
Nearby Attractions
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Dashashwamedh Ghat
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Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
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Tulsi Manas Temple
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Sarnath – the site where Buddha gave his first sermon
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Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and its New Vishwanath Temple
Conclusion
A visit to Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is not just a pilgrimage — it’s a life-altering spiritual journey. The divine energy, ancient rituals, and vibrant culture of Varanasi make it one of the most powerful religious destinations in India. As the eternal home of Lord Shiva, Kashi continues to shine as a beacon of faith, salvation, and cultural heritage.
