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Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

About Kashi Vishwanath Temple :

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most ancient temples and a marvel to must have if someone visits Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath temple is also known as the Golden temple because its gold plated structure of tower in Varanasi. This Golden temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva who is the most adored deity of Varanasi, known as Kashi in ancient times. Kashi Vishwanath temple was constructed in the year 1780 by the proud Maratha ruler, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The creation of this temple has made Varanasi an exclusive to be visited. The Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh(1780-1839), who ruled the Punjab but his state was annexed by British, donated gold to plate two mighty towers of Kashi Vishwanath temple. From 28 January 1983, this temple comes under Government of Uttar Pradesh and it was managed by Dr.Vibhuti Narayan Singh, then Kashi Naresh, ruler of Varanasi.

Opening time of the Kashi Vishwanath temple is 3:00 am in morning :

How to reach to Kashi Vishwanath temple :

You can reach the temple by auto or rickshaw and stroll some yards on foot to reach the temple as all vehicles stop before a distance which is hardly transportable. If need a private tour, then you can hire a private cab/taxi. Click here to get taxi fare in Varanasi

Way to Kashi Vishwanath temple via Vishwanath Gali :

One who is not acquainted to meandering lanes of Varanasi, can easily get lost to the place. It would be better for new comers to follow the Vishwanath Gali or street which leads to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The Street is famous for its delicacies, affordable quality goods, ladies corners and offering materials which devotees generally stick to. The lane can easily lead you to the temple without consulting further to anyone, so it’s the best to choose this Vishwanath Gali. Also beware of the pickpockets who chance upon people amid large crowed.

Distance from Temple to Railway Stations :


  • Varanasi Junction: 6 Km
  • Mughalsarai Junction: 17 Km
  • Maduadih Railway Station: 4 Km
  • Varanasi City: 2 Km

Compound of Kashi Vishwanath Temple :

Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva synonym of Vishwanath, meaning Lord of World. Another synonym of the Vishwanath is Vishveshwar, meaning God of World. One Jyotirlinga is established here which is considered as the last of all 12 Jyotirlingas established by Shankarachrya, the great Indian philosopher who taught that God is one and universal. The ancient cultural inheritance of Kashi or Varanasi which is still kept alive makes it the most ancient living city of world. During festivals in Varanasi or on auspicious occasions King of Kashi comes to offer prayers in the temple. Security arrangements are made tighter and general public is not allowed to enter the temple. Though Monarchy is abolished in India, the old Monarchs maintain their glory of being a king and often find influence in general public. There is also an ancient mosque adjacent to the temple and shows the co-habitance of different practitioners of faith. There is also a well called Gynan Wapi, meaning Well of Knowledge. As the legend goes, once a priest was jumped to the temple to save chastity of god from foreign invaders. The temple premises have a big number of gods; Avimukteshwar, Kaal bhairav, Virupaksha all synonyms of Lord Shiva. It is the greatness of Indian Cultureevery god is mightiest in itself and greater than other gods. When devotees worship Lord Shiva he is the mightiest, when they worship Lord Vishnu, as he is the mightiest and so on. Greater than great gods the great devotees and the great administration which manages some 100,000 devotees on special occasions and nearly 3000 devotees daily, that too without any stampede!!!!!!

Significance of Kashi Vishwanath temple in Hindu Religion :

Kashi Vishwanath temple is so pious to the Hindu devotees that it is believed that one, who has chance to visit once in lifetime would get salvation. It is believed that Kashi or Varanasi city has habited on Trident of Lord Shiva. People who come to worship Lord Shiva at Kashi Vishwanath temple would have done good deeds so they are privileged to visit the temple. Many of the great philosophers and saints of India like Swami Vivekananda, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Shankaracharya, St. Kabir Das, St. Guru Nanak, have come here to meditate and offer worship to Lord. It is believed that one who comes here gets rid of cycle of birth and death. Lord Shiva has power to destroy universebut can forgive all sins of devoteesas he is the kindest god considered in Indian mythology. There are several rituals performed at the temple, the greatest one is Rudrabhisheka. One can ponder over the luxury given to gods in the country declared most starved by United Nation when in Rudrabhisheaka several liters of milk and tons of fruits and nuts are smashed over Shivalingam. There you can also see some bad practices of religion. Persons, who find taking care of their elderly or sick parents difficult, often abandon there in the name of salvation

History of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple :

Though the origin of temple may be as old as human habitant in Varanasi the first mention about the Shiva temple of Kashiis described in the Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana which dates back to Gupta Period.

Kashi Vishwanath temple was constructed by the Hari Chandra in the 11th century. The temple was destroyed by foreign invaders and reconstructed many times by Hindu devotees. The current construction is done by the Hindu Maratha queen of Malwa kingdom, Ahilya Bai Holkar.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple has ancient origin but came to prominence by efforts of rulers who have contributed to its might. The temple is located on western bank of River Ganges and gives it a serene beauty. You can enjoy pampering of River water while at temple. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas established by Shankaracharya, the Great Philosopher of India is here and has an immense potential to attract devotees across India because of its deep religious roots to Hindu Civilization. The temple was constructed in 1780AD by Queen Ahilyabai of Marathwada, the Maharashtra Province of India. It was later decorated with gold in 1839 by charity of King Ranjit Singh of Sindh, the province of British India. One Naubatkhana is built by the Collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan in 1785.The management of the temple was taken under UP Government on 28th January, 1983.

Many times the thieves have tried to intrude into the temple posing devotees and take away the gold but so far none has succeeded in this aim because of tight security cover provided by the government to temple conservation.

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