A temple steeped in divine legend, a sanctuary of spiritual liberation, and a beacon of faith in the ancient city of Varanasi.
Ready for a spiritual journey to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple? More than just an architectural marvel, this sacred temple is a cornerstone of Hindu faith, nestled in the heart of Varanasi. Revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it is a place where the divine meets the earthly, offering devotees a path to moksha (liberation).
Daily from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Special aartis occur throughout the day.
Modest and respectful attire is essential for all visitors.
October to March. Visit in the early morning to attend the profound Mangala Aarti. For an even more spectacular experience, attend the famed Maha Shivratri festival, which takes place in February or March.
Just a short walk from the temple, this ghat is famous for its evening Ganga Aarti—a spectacular ritual of lights and chants on the banks of the sacred Ganges River.
Dive into the bustling lanes of Godowlia, where you can find everything from traditional Banarasi sarees to local delicacies.
A vibrant alley near the temple, offering an array of shops with religious artifacts, street food, and souvenirs.
One of the Twelve Jyotirlingas (where Shiva is worshipped).
Last Rebuilt in 1780.
Has a recently redeveloped corridor to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
Gold crowing the temple's spire weighs about 1 ton (1,000 Kilograms).
Popular Hindu Site for Pilgrims of all Ages.
The temple attracts around 45,000 pilgrims daily.
In the 12th century, the original Kashi Vishwanath Linga was hidden from invading forces to protect it from desecration. Legend has it that the Linga was smuggled out of the temple premises and submerged in a secret location. Despite numerous attempts to recover it, the original Linga remains lost to history. However, this mysterious act of preservation became a symbol of resilience for the devotees, who believe that the divine presence of Lord Shiva continues to bless the sacred ground of the temple, regardless of the physical Linga’s whereabouts.
In 1839, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, a devout Sikh ruler, donated nearly one ton of gold to adorn the temple’s spire and dome. This act of reverence was not just a display of wealth but a deeply spiritual offering to Lord Shiva. The golden spire, gleaming under the Varanasi sun, is believed to channel divine energy, symbolizing the eternal light of Shiva that guides devotees towards spiritual enlightenment. The shimmering gold also represents the unbroken bond between different faiths, as Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s devotion transcended religious boundaries.
Adjacent to the temple, the Gyanvapi Well holds a significant place in the lore of Shri Kashi Vishwanath. According to legend, when the temple was under attack by Mughal forces, the priest submerged the sacred Linga in this well to protect it. The well, named after the Sanskrit word for knowledge (Gyan), is now a revered site where pilgrims pause to reflect and seek divine wisdom. Many believe that drinking its water or even catching a glimpse of it brings blessings and spiritual clarity, making it an integral part of the pilgrimage experience.
During the recent Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, an astonishing discovery was made—the remains of dozens of ancient temples buried beneath layers of modern structures. In total, 78 ancient temples were rediscovered over the course of the project.This discovery has reignited interest in the temple’s ancient history, offering a glimpse into its deep-rooted spiritual significance and the enduring faith that has sustained it through centuries of turmoil and rebirth.
Every morning at 3 AM, the Mangala Aarti is performed, marking the beginning of the day’s worship at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This ritual has remained unchanged for centuries, symbolizing the temple’s unbroken connection to its spiritual origins. Devotees believe that attending this aarti purifies the soul and sets a divine tone for the day ahead. The tradition is a testament to the temple’s role as a beacon of continuity, where the past and present converge in a timeless celebration of devotion.
The origins of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple are rooted in antiquity, with mentions in the Skanda Purana. The temple is believed to have been established in Varanasi, known as Kashi, where Lord Shiva himself manifested as a Jyotirlinga, symbolizing his eternal presence and blessing.
The ancient Vishwanath Temple is destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s forces, and a mosque is erected in its place. Despite this, the spiritual significance of the site remains, with Hindus continuing to venerate the location.
The ancient Vishwanath Temple is destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s forces, and a mosque is erected in its place. Despite this, the spiritual significance of the site remains, with Hindus continuing to venerate the location.
A Gujarati merchant reconstructs the temple, but it is later destroyed again by Hussain Shah Sharqi and Sikandar Lodhi during their rule.
Raja Todar Mal, under the patronage of Mughal Emperor Akbar, rebuilds the temple, but it faces boycotts from traditional Brahmins due to his daughter’s marriage to an Islamic ruler, leading to its eventual destruction once more.
Raja Todar Mal, under the patronage of Mughal Emperor Akbar, rebuilds the temple, but it faces boycotts from traditional Brahmins due to his daughter’s marriage to an Islamic ruler, leading to its eventual destruction once more.
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb orders the final destruction of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the construction of the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site. The temple’s original Jyotirlinga is hidden to protect it from desecration.
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore rebuilds the temple near the site of the Gyanvapi Mosque, restoring its significance as a central place of worship for Hindus.
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore rebuilds the temple near the site of the Gyanvapi Mosque, restoring its significance as a central place of worship for Hindus.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab donates gold to plate the temple’s domes, earning it the nickname “Golden Temple.” This act symbolizes the temple’s revival and continued importance in Hindu worship.
Several neighboring temples and ghats are constructed around the Gyanvapi well, with contributions from various Indian royal families, further enhancing the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance.
Several neighboring temples and ghats are constructed around the Gyanvapi well, with contributions from various Indian royal families, further enhancing the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance.
The Rana of Nepal donates a large stone statue of the Nandi bull, which still stands at the temple today, signifying the temple’s enduring connection to its devotees.
The temple complex continues to grow, with the surrounding areas becoming increasingly significant as pilgrimage and cultural sites.
The temple complex continues to grow, with the surrounding areas becoming increasingly significant as pilgrimage and cultural sites.
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project is initiated and completed, dramatically transforming the temple complex by improving accessibility and enhancing the pilgrimage experience. The corridor connects the temple directly to the Ganges River, further integrating the temple into the spiritual landscape of Varanasi.
The temple’s sanctum sanctorum is gold-plated, thanks to a donation of 60 kg of gold by an anonymous South Indian devotee, marking the latest chapter in the temple’s ongoing history of renewal and devotion.
The temple’s sanctum sanctorum is gold-plated, thanks to a donation of 60 kg of gold by an anonymous South Indian devotee, marking the latest chapter in the temple’s ongoing history of renewal and devotion.
The origins of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple are deeply embedded in the spiritual fabric of India, making it one of the most revered sanctuaries dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred temple is not merely a shrine but a symbol of resilience and devotion, standing tall through centuries of turmoil and reconstruction.
The roots of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple can be traced back to ancient times, with mentions in the Skanda Purana, a revered Hindu scripture. It is believed that the temple was originally constructed in the holy city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi, which is considered to be the first Jyotirlinga manifestation of Lord Shiva. According to legend, this Jyotirlinga, representing the eternal light of Shiva, was established by Lord Vishwanath himself, making Varanasi a spiritual epicenter for achieving moksha (liberation).
The history of the temple is marked by cycles of destruction and resurrection. The temple was first destroyed during the invasions by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1194 CE, and over the centuries, it was repeatedly demolished by various rulers, including the Mughals. One of the most significant destructions occurred under the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1669, who ordered the temple to be demolished and replaced it with the Gyanvapi Mosque. Despite these efforts to erase the temple, the devotion of the Hindu kings and local rulers persisted, and the temple was rebuilt several times, each reconstruction adding to its spiritual and historical significance.
The most notable restoration of the temple occurred in the 18th century under the patronage of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. She is credited with rebuilding the temple close to its original location, near the Gyanvapi Mosque. Ahilyabai’s contributions were pivotal in restoring the temple’s grandeur, and her legacy continues to be honored by the millions of devotees who visit the temple annually.
In the early 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab further adorned the temple by donating gold to cover its domes, giving it the nickname “Golden Temple.” This act of devotion by a Sikh ruler towards a Hindu temple is a testament to the temple’s wide-reaching spiritual influence and the unifying power of faith.
In recent years, the temple has undergone a significant transformation through the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, which was initiated in 2019 and inaugurated in 2021. This ambitious redevelopment aimed to enhance the pilgrimage experience by creating a spacious, well-connected pathway between the temple and the Ganges River. The corridor project involved the restoration of several ancient temples and has increased the temple’s accessibility, allowing it to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
