The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, one of the holiest Hindu sites in India, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Varanasi on the banks of the Ganga River, this is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Reconstructed over the years several times, in 1780 Ahilya Bai Holkar built the present structure of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Read on for the tips for your Varanasi temple darshan from Skyscanner-aarti timings, security precautions, dress code, the best time to visit, and how to get there.
Temple in Kashi Vishwanath: Brief history and sense
While we understand that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, like all the others in the country, is temporarily closed, we want you to be armed with information about it whenever you plan your next trip to this serene place of adoration.
Varanasi is the home of the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holy cities of Hinduism. For a very long time, this temple was an integral part of the practice of Shaiva philosophy. It is renowned for its gold-plated domes and spires, and the statue of Nandi Bull.
The present structure, which was destroyed and rebuilt several times, stands near the original temple site. Hindus from around the world are attempting to visit the temple at least once in their lives – the belief is that the darshan temple and a dip in the Ganges can lead a devotee to Moksha.
Best time to Visit Vishwanath Temple
During the winter months, between October and March, the best time to visit Varanasi for a darshan temple is. While the weather in December and January is cold, it helps travelers because most sightseeing is outdoors. When you don’t want to visit either of the aartis, the perfect time to visit the temple is at 7 a.m.
Pooja/Aarti Timings
The temple daily opens at 2.30 AM. There are 5 Aartis performing daily in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
1. Mangala Aarti: 3 AM – 4 AM
2. Bhoga Aarti: 11.15 AM – 12.20 PM
3. Sandhya Aarti: 7.00 PM – 8.15 PM
4. Shringara Aarti: 9.00 PM – 10.15 PM
5. Shayana Aarti: 10.30 PM – 11.00 PM
Things to Do in Varanasi
- Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat known for being close to the temple and fabulous Ganga Aarti.
- Visit the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath
- Explore the Ramnagar Fort of 1750, on the eastern banks of the Ganga River
- Check out the archeological objects of the Sarnath Museum from the 3rd-century BCE
- Make sure you visit the mosque of Gyanvapi which shares a wall with the temple of Kashi.
Dress code
There is no specific attire specified for a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, but a general code of dress is implemented. Templar visitors have to cover their arms and legs. Traditional Indian dresses are not compulsory, and western clothing is permitted.
How to Reach the Temple
Being a major tourist and pilgrim destination, Varanasi is very well connected by road, rail, and air to the rest of the world.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is located about 25 kilometers from the center of town.
There are three railway stations in Varanasi: Varanasi Junction; Mughal Sarai Junction, about eight kilometers from Varanasi; and Manduadih Railway Station, about four kilometers from Varanasi. Several big trains to Varanasi from across India are Rajdhani Express, Shivaganga Express, Lok Manya Tilak Varanasi Express, Vibhuti Express, Howrah Jodhpur Express, Ganga Kaveri Express, Sangamitra Express, Secunderabad Patna Express, and Marudhra Express.
Also, See Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple