Situated on the western bank of holy river Ganga in Varanasi (also known as Benaras, Kashi), Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar meaning ‘the ruler of the universe’. The city of Varanasi, the cultural capital of India, is thus known as the city of Lord Shiva. The temple has 800 kg of gold plating on its tower.
Camera, mobile phones, electronic devices are not allowed inside and must be deposited in lockers outside. Foreigners can enter from Gate number 2 where they can walk past the Indians waiting for their turn. Within the temple complex, you’ll find a well called the Jnana Vapi or wisdom well, which only allows Hindus to enter.
In ancient times, the king of Kashi (Kashi Naresh) visited the temple on special festivals like Shivaratri. During which no one else was permitted to enter the temple premises. Devotees were allowed in only after the king had completed his prayers. The importance of the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple also stems from the fact that it finds mentions in several holy scriptures of the Hindus. On the other hand, the outside of the temple features intricate carvings that give the facade a divine quality. Other than that, the temple also houses several other small temples such as Kaalbhairav, Vishnu, Virupaksh Gauri, Vinayaka and Avimukteshwara.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Pooja Timings
- Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM (Morning)
- Bhoga Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 AM (Day)
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM (Evening)
- Shringara Aarti: 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM (Night)
- Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM ti 11:00 PM (Night)
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Rudrabhishek
- Rudrabhishek (1 shastri): 4:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
- Rudrabhishek (5 shastri): 4:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
- Rudrabhishek (11 shastri): 4:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
- Laghu Rudra (11 shastri): 4:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
- Maharudra (11 shastri) 11 Days: 4:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M
Security procedures
Police checkpoints exist at various entrances to the temple, where security procedures entail rigorous frisking. Also please note, visitors cannot bring cell phones, cameras, belts with metal buckles, shoes, cigarettes, or lighters onto the temple grounds. You can rent lockers for a small fee.And you can also buy the flowers, bhang, incense sticks from those shop keepers.
Also Read: Khajuraho: The Land of Sculptures
Best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
The best time to visit Varanasi for a temple darshan is in the winter months, between October through March. The weather, though cold in December and January, suits travellers since most sightseeing is outdoors. If you are not looking to attend one of the aartis, then the best time to visit the temple is at 7 AM, to avoid long queues. Shhh… that’s a secret.
Things to do in Varanasi
- Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Fabulous Ganga Aarti is conducted and is near to the temple.
- Visit the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath
- Explore the 1750’s Ramnagar Fort on the eastern banks of River Ganga
- Check out the Sarnath Museum for its archaeological artefacts dating from the 3rd -century BC.
- Make sure you visit the Gyanvapi Mosque, which shares a wall with the Kashi temple.
- Eat chaat, poori sabji and jalebi in Lanka.
How to reach Varanasi?
Being a major pilgrim and tourist destination, Varanasi is very well connected to the rest of the country by road, rail and air.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is located at a distance of about 25 kilometres from the city centre.
