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STATION 4 • TEMPLEVaranasi Travel Guide
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
श्री काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर"The heartbeat of Varanasi housing one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas."
Educational & Historical Overview
Standing prominently in the heart of old Kashi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Vishwanatha or 'Ruler of the Universe'. It is revered as one of the 12 holiest Jyotirlinga shrines in Hinduism. The temple complex was dramatically transformed in late 2021 with the inauguration of the Vishwanath Dham Corridor—a massive 500,000-square-foot paved riverfront boulevard directly connecting the temple complex to Lalita Ghat on the Ganges.
Historical Heritage: Rebuilt by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780 after historical destruction, the temple's 15.5-meter spire was plated with pure gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in 1835.
Practical Visitor Information
LocationLahori Tola, Varanasi, UP 221001
Best Time & HoursEarly Morning Mangala Aarti (3:00 AM - 4:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Entry Fee / PassesFree General Darshan; Sugam Darshan ticket available online for ₹300 per person.
Must-Experience Activity:Walk through the newly built Vishwanath Corridor down to Lalita Ghat to witness the golden temple reflection.
Scam Warning & Local Tip:No mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches, leather belts, or large bags are permitted inside. Use official free lockers provided by the Temple Trust at Gate No. 4.
Official Aarti & Sugam Darshan Passes: Book directly on the official Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust portal.
Visit Official Site for Booking