TempleVishwanath Gali, near Godowlia
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The new corridor now gives a straight, wide path from the temple down to the Ganga.
About
Kashi Vishwanath, 'the Lord of the Universe', is one of Lord Shiva's 12 Jyotirlingas and the spiritual heart of Banaras. Devotees believe that a darshan here, and a dip in the Ganga, bring liberation.
The present temple was rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. Its spires were later covered in gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which is why many people call it the Golden Temple of Banaras.
In 2021 the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor opened, linking the temple directly to the Ganga at Lalita Ghat. Where you once squeezed through tiny lanes, there is now a wide stone courtyard with the river in view.
Don't miss
- Mangla Aarti before dawn
- The gold-plated spires
- Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor down to the Ganga
- Gyanvapi well and Nandi nearby
Travel tips
- Phones, cameras, bags and leather items are not allowed inside. Use the official lockers.
- Book Sugam darshan or aarti tickets only on the official temple website.
- Mondays, Sawan and Mahashivratri are extremely crowded. Weekday early mornings are calmest.
- Ignore anyone offering 'VIP darshan' for cash outside the gates.
Location
Vishwanath Gali, near Godowlia
Nearby places
TempleAnnapurna Temple
The temple of Mata Annapurna, the goddess of food, who is believed to feed every soul in Kashi.
- Timings: Roughly 4 AM to 11 PM (closed briefly in the afternoon)
- Entry: Free
GhatDashashwamedh Ghat
The most famous ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti. Arrive well before the aarti to get a good spot.
- Timings: Open all day; Ganga Aarti around 6 PM in winter (Oct–Mar) and 6:45 PM in summer, about 45 minutes long
- Entry: Free (boat rides are paid)
GhatManikarnika Ghat
Kashi's great cremation ground. Please avoid taking photos and stay respectful.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry: Free