Key Takeaways
- General Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and is free for everyone.
- Sugam Darshan, which allows faster entry, is free from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Prices for special rituals and Sugam Darshan can be found on the temple’s official website or at the temple.
- You might need to book Sugam Darshan in advance, especially on busy days.
- Mangala Aarti is a special morning ritual from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM. It is not specified if there is a fee for this.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is a primary spiritual site known for its beauty and history. It honors Lord Shiva and is located on the Ganges River’s western bank.
The temple, with a golden spire and domes, was built in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar. It’s one of the twelve Jyotirlingas essential for Hindu pilgrims. The complex includes smaller shrines, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Darshan Timings and Ticket Price
Open at 2:30 am
Kashi Vishwanath Temple opens at 2:30 AM for devotees. You can buy tickets for different rituals and pujas. This early opening is for those who want to experience the calm of the morning at the temple. You can choose from individual or group pujas. Prices vary by ritual type and group size. It’s best to arrive early to enjoy the quiet of early morning, which is suitable for reflection and meditation. This time offers a more personal visit before the temple gets crowded.
Kashi Vishwanath VIP Darshan Timings:
| Darshan Slot | Darshan Timing |
|---|---|
| 4:00 am – 6:00 am | 4:00 am – 6:00 am |
| 6:00 am – 7:00 am | 6:00 am – 7:00 am |
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am | 7:00 am – 8:00 am |
| 8:00 am – 9:00 am | 8:00 am – 9:00 am |
| 9:00 am – 10:00 am | 9:00 am – 10:00 am |
| 10:00 am – 11:00 am | 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
| 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm |
| 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
| 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
Mangala Aarti: 3:00 am to 4:00 am
Mangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Temple takes place from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM. It provides a peaceful and uplifting start to the day. This early morning ceremony is deeply spiritual.
The temple fills with the sounds of chants and bell rings. Devotees arrive before dawn, drawn into the sacred atmosphere, seeking blessings. The Aarti worships Lord Shiva with traditional offerings and glowing lamps, creating a beautiful display of light and devotion. This time is especially sacred and is believed to bring peace and spiritual strength to those who attend. It offers a chance to experience the spiritual heart of Varanasi at its best.
General Darshan: 4:00 am to 11:00 am
After the early morning Mangala Aarti, General Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple starts at 4:00 AM and goes until 11:00 AM. During this time, visitors can worship and receive blessings. This period lets visitors soak in the peaceful atmosphere after the morning rituals. They can join in the chants and prayers, deepening their spiritual experience. The temple is calm in the morning, ideal for meditation and reflection. General Darshan is free, allowing everyone to visit and seek Lord Shiva’s guidance in this sacred place.
Sugam Darshan: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Price: Rs. )
After General Darshan ends, the temple offers Sugam Darshan from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This service allows for a quicker visit by paying an extra fee. It’s ideal for those with limited time or who wish to avoid long lines. It’s a smoother, less crowded way to experience the temple. If you’re interested, consider booking in advance due to limited spots. This option shows the temple’s effort to meet different visitor needs.
Booking and Other Details
Online darshan facility available
Kashi Vishwanath Temple now offers an online darshan service for devotees who can’t visit in person. This simple platform lets worshippers feel the temple’s sacred atmosphere from home.
To use this service, follow the straightforward instructions to register and schedule a time to watch live rituals and aartis. This way, everyone can join in the spiritual experience, no matter where they are. The website provides help if you run into any technical problems during booking or the darshan.
Ticket price around Rs. 300
Booking a ticket for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple costs about Rs. 300. This ticket allows faster entry and, depending on the day, might include participating in some rituals.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Darshan Ticket Cost | Rs.300 per person |
| Ticket Counter | Temple Helpdesk near Shapuri Mall |
| Dress Code | Any decent outfit |
| Age Limit | Ticket required for above 12 years |
| Darshan Timings | Not available during Aarti |
| Bahuman | Prasad offered to the devotees |
| Tickets Quota | 6600 tickets per day |
| No. of Tickets | 600 tickets per Darshan slot |
It’s best to book your ticket beforehand, especially during busy seasons or festivals when the temple gets very crowded. You can buy tickets online through the temple’s official website or from authorized partners. This way, you ensure a safe purchase. You can also get tickets at the temple’s ticket counter if they’re still available.
How to reach the temple
After you get your ticket, you’ll need to figure out how to get to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Luckily, Varanasi is easy to reach by plane, train, or bus, making it accessible for everyone.
Mode of Transport Details
- By Air You can fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, which is about 25 km from the temple. It connects to major cities.
- By Rail Varanasi has several train stations. The main one, Varanasi Junction, is about 6 km from the temple.
- By Road There are many buses to Varanasi, both government and private. Taxis are also a good option if you’re looking for comfort.
History and significance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishanath Temple is a central Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Varanasi. It is ancient and vital, both spiritually and historically. This temple is a crucial place of worship and draws visitors globally. It sits by the Ganges River, representing freedom and everlasting life. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are sacred representations of Shiva. Over the years, the temple has been rebuilt several times following destruction during invasions. Today, it stands as a symbol of Hindu faith’s strength and persistence.
Conclusion
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has flexible visiting hours for worshippers. Entry is free in the early morning, providing a quiet time for prayer. For a fee, you can choose the Sugam Darshan, which avoids crowds. This approach ensures everyone can have a meaningful visit, fitting different needs and schedules.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.