Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi)
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, drawing pilgrims seeking spiritual liberation and ancestral rites.
Hindu
Uttar Pradesh
North India
OVERVIEW
Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands at the spiritual heart of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vishwanath—the “Lord of the Universe”—the temple occupies a central place in Hindu belief, where Kashi itself is regarded as a sacred space beyond the cycle of birth and death.
The shrine is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most revered manifestations of Shiva, and has been a focal point of worship for centuries. Hindu tradition holds that a visit to Kashi Vishwanath and a dip in the Ganga can lead to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Architecturally, the present structure reflects later reconstructions, most notably the gold-plated spire and domes added during the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite repeated destruction and rebuilding over history, the temple has retained its spiritual continuity and ritual centrality.
Situated close to the banks of the River Ganga, the temple is deeply integrated into the ritual life of Varanasi. Daily worship, chanting of mantras, and the constant flow of devotees reinforce the idea of Kashi not merely as a city, but as a sacred cosmic centre where the divine is believed to be eternally present.
DID YOU KNOW?
Kashi Vishwanath is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of the departing soul, granting liberation at the moment of death.
The temple’s Jyotirlinga has been worshipped continuously despite historical upheavals, making it a powerful symbol of religious endurance and continuity.
Varanasi is traditionally considered one of the Sapta Puri—the seven sacred cities believed to bestow moksha—placing Kashi Vishwanath at the centre of a much larger sacred geography.
HOW TO REACH
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and is well connected by air, rail, and road.
By Air:
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi Airport) is located approximately 25 km from the temple. Taxis and app-based cabs are available from the airport.
By Rail:
Varanasi Junction is about 5 km from the temple complex. Manduadih Railway Station, another major station, is located approximately 7 km away.
By Road:
Varanasi is approximately 320 km from Lucknow and 800 km from Delhi. Regular bus services and private taxis operate from major cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Kashi Vishwanath Temple observes several major Hindu festivals associated with Lord Shiva.
Mahashivaratri (February–March) is the most significant festival, marked by extended temple hours and large pilgrim gatherings.
Shravan Month (July–August) sees heightened devotional activity, as devotees offer holy water from the Ganga to the Jyotirlinga.
Dev Deepawali (October–November), celebrated on Kartik Purnima, transforms the ghats of Varanasi into a vast ceremonial space illuminated by lamps.
These periods witness heavy crowds, and pilgrims often plan visits well in advance.
WHERE TO STAY
Varanasi offers a wide range of accommodation options, including budget guesthouses, heritage hotels, and mid-range stays. Many pilgrims prefer lodging near the ghats or within the old city for proximity to the temple, while others stay in newer parts of the city and commute.
VISITOR GUIDELINES & TIPS
Kashi Vishwanath Temple follows strict security and entry regulations. Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic devices are not permitted inside the temple premises.
Dress modestly and be prepared for crowd-controlled entry systems, especially during peak seasons and festivals. Early morning and late-night hours are generally less crowded.
Pilgrims visiting for ancestral rites often combine temple darshan with rituals at the nearby Ganga ghats.
NEARBY SACRED PLACES
Several important Hindu sacred sites are located close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Ganga Ghats — Particularly Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika Ghats, both central to ritual bathing and ancestral rites.
Kaal Bhairav Temple — Dedicated to the guardian deity of Kashi, located approximately 3 km from the Vishwanath Temple.