Kashi Vishwanath Temple
At a Glance
Deity
Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga)
Timing
3:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Entry
Hindus only (ID required)
Cost
Free (special puja extra)
Kashi Vishwanath is the most important temple in Varanasi — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (the most sacred Shiva temples in India) and the spiritual heart of the city. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. The current structure dates to 1780, when Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore rebuilt it. The gold-plated spire (800 kg of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835) is visible from across the old city.
In 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was inaugurated — a massive urban renewal project that cleared the dense buildings around the temple and created a grand pathway connecting the temple directly to the Ganga at Lalita Ghat. The corridor includes exhibition halls, a museum, shops, and a convenience center.
Heads Up
Daily Aarti Schedule
| Aarti | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | 3:00-4:00 AM | The most sacred aarti. Very early but deeply spiritual. |
| Bhog Aarti | 11:15 AM-12:00 PM | Mid-morning offering of food to the deity. |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:00-8:00 PM | Evening aarti. The temple is beautifully lit. |
| Shayan Aarti | 10:30-11:00 PM | Final aarti — putting the deity to rest. |
Local Tip
Other Major Temples
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Lord HanumanFounded by the poet-saint Tulsidas in the 16th century, this is one of the most important Hanuman temples in India. The atmosphere is lively — devotees chant, monkeys roam the campus (they are considered sacred here), and prasad (offerings) of besan laddoo are distributed. The temple also hosts the renowned Sankat Mochan Music Festival every April.
Tips:
- -Watch your belongings — the monkeys here are bold and will snatch food, glasses, and bags.
- -Tuesday and Saturday are special days for Hanuman worship — expect bigger crowds.
- -The besan laddoo prasad is famous. You can buy it at the temple shop.
Durga Temple (Monkey Temple)
Goddess DurgaA striking red-painted temple built in the 18th century in the Nagara architectural style. The temple has no pillars — the entire structure is made of interlocking stone. Known locally as the Monkey Temple because of the large population of monkeys in the surrounding trees. The red color comes from ochre paint, not the natural stone.
Tips:
- -The temple pond (kund) adjacent is worth seeing but not for swimming.
- -Non-Hindus can appreciate the beautiful exterior architecture even if entry is restricted.
- -The monkeys here are aggressive — do not carry food or shiny objects.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Lord RamaA white marble temple built in 1964 on the spot where Tulsidas is believed to have composed the Ramcharitmanas (the Hindi retelling of the Ramayana). The walls are covered with verses from the Ramcharitmanas carved in the marble, and the upper floor has intricate depictions of scenes from the epic. A beautiful, serene temple often missed by tourists.
Tips:
- -Read the carvings on the walls — they tell the entire story of Rama.
- -This is a peaceful, uncrowded temple. Perfect for a quiet moment.
- -Located next to Durga Temple — visit both together.
New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)
Lord ShivaBuilt in 1966 by the Birla family on the Banaras Hindu University campus, this temple is modeled after the original Kashi Vishwanath. It was created specifically so that people of all castes and religions could worship Shiva without restriction. The white marble architecture is stunning, and the BHU campus itself is beautiful to walk through.
Tips:
- -Open to everyone — no caste, religion, or gender restrictions.
- -The BHU campus is lovely for a walk — one of India's largest residential universities.
- -Afternoon visits are less crowded. Combine with a trip to the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum on campus.
Bharat Mata Temple
Mother India (Bharat Mata)One of the most unique temples in India — instead of a deity, the sanctum contains a relief map of undivided India carved in marble. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, it was designed to inspire patriotism. The map shows rivers, mountains, and plains of the Indian subcontinent in remarkable detail.
Tips:
- -This is a secular temple — there is no religious idol or worship.
- -A fascinating piece of pre-independence history.
- -Located near Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, outside the old city.
Temple Etiquette
- Remove shoes before entering any temple. Most temples have shoe storage near the entrance (free or INR 5-10).
- Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, and revealing clothing.
- Do not point your feet toward the deity or the shrine.
- Walk clockwise around the sanctum (parikrama) — this is the traditional direction.
- Do not touch the idols unless the priest indicates it is permitted.
- Photography rules vary by temple. When in doubt, ask. Never photograph inside the sanctum. For those seeking a deeper spiritual journey, spend time in meditation rather than documentation.
- Accept prasad (blessed food) with your right hand. It is considered rude to refuse.
- If a priest offers to do a special puja for you, confirm the price before agreeing. Donations are voluntary.
Dress Code Guide
What to Wear
- Long pants or salwar/churidar (below knee)
- T-shirt or kurta with sleeves
- Dupatta or scarf (optional but respectful)
- Slip-on shoes (easy to remove at temple entrance)
- Minimal jewelry and metal accessories
What to Avoid
- Shorts, skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops
- Tight or revealing clothing
- Leather belts and bags (some temples prohibit leather)
- Heavy metal jewelry (slows security screening)
- Black clothing (considered inauspicious at some temples)
Local Tip
Entry Requirements
Most temples in Varanasi are free to enter and have no formal ID requirements. The major exception is Kashi Vishwanath, which has airport-style security.
Kashi Vishwanath Entry Checklist
- 1.ID proof — Aadhaar card or passport (for foreigners). No other ID accepted.
- 2.No electronics — no phone, camera, power bank, earphones, watch.
- 3.No bags — no purse, backpack, fanny pack, or wallet with cards.
- 4.Modest clothing — covering shoulders and knees. Saffron/traditional preferred but not required.
- 5.Lockers — free government lockers available near all 4 entry gates.