Kashi Vishwanath

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the spiritual center and soul of Varanasi.
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas — the holiest of Shiva shrines — this temple has drawn pilgrims, saints, kings, and seekers from across the world for centuries.

Situated on the western bank of the sacred Ganga River, near Dashashwamedh Ghat, the temple stands as a beacon of devotion, history, and resilience.

Devotees believe that a single darshan (glimpse) of the Jyotirlinga here can liberate one’s soul and grant moksha (spiritual liberation).
Inside the complex, the sanctum houses the revered black stone Shiva Lingam, resting on a silver altar, around which rituals, prayers, and abhishekams (ritual bathing) continue throughout the day.

Mythological Significance

According to legend, a dispute arose between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu over supremacy. To resolve this, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of light, the Jyotirlinga, challenging them to find its beginning or end. While Vishnu conceded defeat, Brahma falsely claimed to have found the top, leading Shiva to curse him. This event underscores the temple’s association with truth and enlightenment .

Historical Evolution

The temple’s origins trace back to ancient times, with references in texts like the Skanda Purana. Over centuries, it faced multiple destructions and reconstructions:

1194 CE: Destroyed by Muhammad of Ghor.
1585 CE: Rebuilt by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar’s reign.
1669 CE: Demolished by Aurangzeb, who constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site.
1780 CE: Reconstructed adjacent to the mosque by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar .

Architectural Highlights

The temple exemplifies the Nagara style of architecture, characterized by its towering spire and intricate carvings. The sanctum houses the revered Jyotirlinga, set in a silver altar. Surrounding the main shrine are smaller temples dedicated to deities like Kaal Bhairav, Vishnu, and others, reflecting a confluence of spiritual traditions .

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

Inaugurated in December 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project aimed to enhance the temple’s accessibility and infrastructure. Spanning approximately 5,000 hectares, it connects the temple directly to the Ganga River, facilitating smoother pilgrim movement. The corridor features amenities like museums, Vedic centers, and viewing galleries, enriching the spiritual experience .

Rituals and Aarti Timings

The temple conducts several daily rituals:

Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM – 12:20 PM
Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Shringar Aarti: 9:00 PM – 10:15 PM
Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM

These rituals, accompanied by chants and music, offer devotees a profound spiritual ambiance.

Visitor Information

Timings: Open daily from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Entry: Free for general darshan; special passes available for specific rituals.
Dress Code: Modest attire recommended.
Facilities: Lockers, restrooms, and assistance centers available within the corridor.