Overview
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is the most sacred Shiva temple in Hinduism — one of 12 Jyotirlingas (self-manifested Shiva shrines) and the spiritual capital of the Hindu world. The original temple was demolished by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1669 CE and replaced with the Gyanvapi Mosque; the current temple was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780 CE beside the mosque. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project (inaugurated 2021) transformed the surrounding area into a grand 5-lakh square-foot pilgrim precinct connecting the temple directly to Manikarnika and Lalita ghats. The temple receives 80,000–1,00,000 pilgrims daily. Kashi is the city where Lord Shiva is believed to whisper the Taraka mantra in the ear of dying persons, granting them liberation — making it the most auspicious place to die in Hinduism. The Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali (kartik purnima) are the most spectacular festival seasons.
How to Reach
Varanasi Junction railway station (5 km from the temple; major junction on the Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi-Mumbai rail corridors); Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (25 km); UPSRTC and private buses from all UP cities
Key Highlights
Mangala Aarti (3 AM)
The first aarti of the day — the inner sanctum Shivalinga is bathed in milk, curd, honey, and Gangajal in a 45-minute ritual; advanced booking required for inner access.
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
The new pilgrim promenade — a grand marble-and-stone corridor connecting the temple to the Ganges ghats with 23 buildings, 27 ancient temples, and a museum — transform the area.
Ganga Snan at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The main ghat directly in front of the temple corridor — take a boat to the middle of the Ganga for a panoramic view of the entire ghat skyline.
Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima)
Every November full moon, all 84 ghats of Varanasi are illuminated with 1 million+ oil diyas (lamps) — one of India's most visually spectacular single-night events.
Manikarnika Ghat (Burning Ghat)
The main cremation ghat of Varanasi — 300+ cremations daily, 24 hours; this is a sacred site, not a tourist attraction; observe respectfully from a distance.
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (7 PM)
The nightly fire aarti by seven priests with massive brass lamps — best experienced from a boat on the Ganga for an unobstructed 360° view.
Visitor Information
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