The Kashi Vishwanath Temple sits in the middle of Varanasi city. It is an important place of belief and old ways for Hindus. This holy building is not just made of stone and gold. It shows the very old Hindu way of life that is still alive today.
A Brief History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a sacred place for Hindus. It is located in the city of Varanasi. This temple honors Lord Shiva. Its story is an interesting one. It is a mix of faith, courage, and spirituality that goes back many centuries.
No one knows for sure how old the temple is. But people believe it is as old as Varanasi itself. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world that people still live in. The temple has been a key part of Hindu worship for thousands of years. The main deity is Lord Shiva, known as Vishwanath or Vishweshwara, meaning ‘Lord of the Universe’.
Hindu stories say Varanasi is where a bright fire pillar showed Shiva’s power over other gods. This is thought to be one of twelve places where Shiva shone as a lingam. The story goes that Shiva appeared as a blinding light reaching from earth to the sky, and here the divine light settled as a lingam.
The temple has gone through many cycles of being built and broken down over time. Invaders destroyed it many times and Hindu kings rebuilt it. The first big rebuilding we know of was ordered by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1585. But later, his great-grandson Aurangzeb had it torn down in 1669, and the Gyanvapi Mosque was built where the temple had stood.
The current structure of the temple was constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilya bai Holkar of Indore. Despite the historical upheavals, the temple has remained a significant center of worship and has been visited by millions of devotees over the centuries.
Architectural Marvel
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple showcases design adorned with detailed carvings and a majestic spire covered in genuine gold earning it the nickname ‘Golden Temple’. The temples architecture beautifully combines styles reflecting the cultural heritage of this sacred city.
Spiritual Significance
As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. The Jyotirlinga is a devotional representation of Lord Shiva, signifying the infinite nature of the divine. It is believed that a visit to the temple and a glimpse of the Jyotirlinga can liberate one from the cycles of birth and death.
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
In recent years, the temple precinct has undergone significant development with the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor by Prime Minister Modi. This grand corridor has enhanced the accessibility and beauty of the temple, making it a more inviting place for pilgrims and tourists alike.
A Living Tradition
The temple is not just a static monument but a living, breathing entity that continues to play a vital role in the spiritual life of millions. With an average footfall of 45,000 visitors per day in 2023, it remains one of the most visited temples in India.
kashi vishwanath temple timings
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi operates daily according to the following schedule:
Mangla Aarti: 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Temple Darshan: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sugam Darshan)
Bhog/Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM
Saptirishi Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Night Shringar/Bhog Aarti: 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM
Night Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Please note that these timings can vary slightly during festivals and special occasions. It’s always a good idea to check the temple’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
kashi vishwanath temple distance
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is conveniently located within the city of Varanasi, making it easily accessible:
From the Varanasi City Center: The temple is approximately 2 km away, which is a short drive or a walkable distance for those who wish to soak in the sights and sounds of the city.
From the Varanasi Railway Station: The distance to the temple is about 4.3 km, which can be covered by local transport like auto-rickshaws or taxis.
From the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport: The airport is around 26 km northwest of Varanasi, and it would take approximately an hour to reach the temple by car or taxi from there.
These distances are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the exact starting point and the mode of transportation chosen.
kashi vishwanath temple ticket price
The ticket prices for various services and rituals at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple are as follows:
General Darshan: Free of charge.
Mangala Aarti: INR 500
Mid-Day Bhog Aarti: INR 300
Sapt Rishi Aarti: INR 300
Shringaar/Bhog Aarti: INR 300
VIP Darshan: INR 300
Rudrabhishek:
With 1 Shastri: INR 450
With 5 Shastri: INR 1380
With 11 Shastri: INR 2600
Laghu Rudra (11 Shastri): INR 5500
Maha Rudrabhishek (11 Shastri for 11 Days): INR 57100
Rudrabhishek via Video Conference with 1 Shastri: INR 700
Rudrabhishek via Video Conference with 5 Shastri: INR 2100
Please note that children below the age of 12 years can enter for free, and there is a limit of booking a maximum of 10 tickets for darshan using one login ID. It’s advisable to check the official website or contact the temple authorities for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
kashi vishwanath temple online booking
You can book various services like live darshan, aartis, and Rudrabhishek for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple through their official web portal. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing devotees to plan their visit and participate in the temple’s rituals from the comfort of their homes.
For online bookings, you can visit the official website of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. They offer a range of services including Sugam Darshan, Aarti Booking, and Rudrabhishek Booking. The website also provides helpful information about the temple’s history, mythology, and donation options.
Please note that online booking for certain services like the Sparsh Darshan may not be available, and you might need to visit the temple in person to make reservations. It’s always best to check the latest updates on the temple’s official website or contact their helpdesk for the most accurate information.
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Conclusion
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple holds a special significance beyond being a mere religious site; it stands as a powerful symbol of unwavering belief that has persevered through generations. Visiting this sacred place is essential for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich spiritual heritage of India and the timeless city of Varanasi.
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