If you’re planning a trip to Varanasi, there’s one place you absolutely cannot miss – the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This beautiful temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the heart and soul of this ancient city. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees across India.
A visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a surreal experience that’s hard to explain. If you’re also planning a visit to this sacred site anytime soon, here’s a brief guide to help you learn everything you need to know about Shri Vishwanath temple before starting your journey.
History of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is considered one of the oldest living cities in the world, and this Kashi Vishwanath temple has been its prime spiritual center ever since then. It is among the 12 jyotirlingas (sacred abodes dedicated to Lord Shiva) visiting which is believed to grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Talking of history, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt over the course of time due to multiple invasions. And the structure you see standing today was built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century. The intricate carvings and architecture of the temple give you a glimpse into the age-old history and culture of India. More so, the shining golden spire (Shikhara) and domes make the temple stand out amidst the bustling streets of Varanasi.
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The recent developments under the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor have also created open spaces, making the temple even more accessible and inviting.
Best Time to Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Timing is everything when visiting a place as popular as Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Although the temple is open all year round, the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant are considered the best time for a visit.
Besides, you can also plan your visit around the festival of Maha Shivaratri when the temple comes alive with celebrations. The energy and vibe during these times are electric but keep in mind that the crowds can be overwhelming.
Lesser-Known Facts About Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Here are some interesting facts that you must know about the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
- Originally, Akbar, the famous Mughal emperor, gave permission to build the temple. However, it was later destroyed by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor who ruled the Indian subcontinent.
- The main deity worshiped here is known as Vishwanath or Vishveshwara meaning ‘the rules of the universe’.
- The temple’s architecture reflects a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles.
- The Kashi Vishwanath temple has three huge gold-plated domes and two spires donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab.
- Every year, over 7 million devotees visit the temple, seeking the blessing of Lord Shiva.
Kashi Vishwanath Aarti Timings
A visit to Kashi Vishwanath is just incomplete without attending the aartis – which are nothing short of magical, to say the least. Here’s a quick guide to the daily aarti schedule:
|
Program |
Timings |
|
Mangla Aarti |
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM |
|
Bhog/Aarti |
11:15 AM - 12:20 PM |
|
Saptirishi Aarti |
7:00 PM - 8:15 PM |
|
Night Shringar/Bhog Aarti |
9:00 PM - 10:15 PM |
|
Night Shayan Aarti |
10:30 PM to 11 PM |
How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Getting to the Kashi Vishwanath temple is an easy ride. Here’s how you can reach via different modes of transportation:
- By Air: Reach to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, which is about 25 km away from the temple. Hereupon, you can take a taxi or auto to reach the shrine.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Varanasi Junction railway station, lying just 4 km away. From here, auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws are the best options to reach the temple.
- By Road: If you’re traveling by road, Varanasi is well-connected to major cities, and local transport options like tuk-tuks will take you directly to the temple area.
Do’s and Don’ts in Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
To make the most of your visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple make sure to keep the following list of do’s and don’ts in mind:
Do’s:
- Wear modest and traditional attire. Avoid short or revealing clothes.
- Follow the instructions given by the temple staff to maintain the decorum of the temple.
- The temple area often remains crowded. Hence, make sure to carry minimum items with you and keep them safe during your visit.
Don’ts:
- Avoid carrying mobile phones, cameras, or large bags, as they are not allowed inside.
- Never use inappropriate language or engage in unethical behavior.
- Don’t litter or cause disturbances within the temple premises.
Takeaway
There’s something about Kashi Vishwanath Temple that touches your soul. Whether it’s the sound of bells, the chants, or the peaceful energy, that fills your heart with faith and gratitude.
So, pack your bags, plan your visit, and get ready to experience the magic of Kashi Temple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Where is Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple located?A. Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in Varanasi, the spiritual city of India.
Q. What is the significance of the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir?
A. Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (sacred abodes of Lord Shiva) which is believed to grant liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Q. What are the Kashi Vishwanath temple timings?
A. The temple remains open from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Q. Are there any special darshan options?
A. Yes, you can book Mangala Aarti or opt for VIP darshan options online.
Q. Is photography allowed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
A. No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Q. Are there accommodations nearby?
A. Yes, you can find plenty of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses within walking distance of the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Q. Can non-Hindus visit the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir?
A. No, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter inside the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir.
Q. What is the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor?
A. Kashi Viswanath Corridor is a redevelopment project directed towards building a pathway that directly connects the Shri Vishwanath temple to the Ganga River ghats. Here, the idea is to make it convenient for visitors to travel between the temple and the Ganga River and avoid overcrowding.
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