Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
In the alley near Man Mandir Ghat locates the most famous Hindu temple - Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple which attracts countless devout believers to worship and pray here every day. Built in 1776 to consecrate God Shiva, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the Hindu temples enjoying the highest status. It is called Golden Temple for that King of Lahore Kingdom donated more than 800 kilograms of gold to gild the pagoda, which is over ten meters high. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is guarded by soldiers. Special entrance for foreigners are available. In addition, Indians have built a new replica of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Banaras Hindu University. Devout believers can also pray and worship there.Layout of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is composed by two corridors and temple with a spire. Two corridors lie on the two sides. The corridor on the left hand works as entrance and exit, and the right corridor is used to worship gods and shrines. On the right corridor, close to the entrance of temple, stands a statue of God Shiva. The main temple located between these corridors. The patterns and designs carved on temple are exquisite and elegant, and from the bottom to the top, the whole temple is gilded with gold, presenting an atmosphere of solemn and awesome.What Hindus do at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Built to worship God Shiva, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple also serves as the site for believers to worship. Devout believers can be seen here every day. Before entering the temple, all Hindus have prepared all kinds of beautiful flowers, wreaths, and fresh milk. Then, to express their piety, Hindus would enter the temple with barefoot. After entering the temple, they start praying along the long corridor from the god outside to those in inside the house. They offer flowers and wreaths to the statue of God Shiva, and sprinkle milk on Lingams, then keen down to worship, accompanying the monks’ blessings. After worship, worshipers would be smeared with a handful orange powder from the base of Lingams on foreheads and heads by monks. Some worshipers would run their hands clockwise over the Lingams, which were covered with honey, milk, and petals, and taste the mixture stained on their hands.How to get to Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
1. Located in the west side of Ganges River, passengers can walk there.2. From Assi Ghat, paseengers can take tuk-tuk to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It takes about 15 - 20 minutes to get there and costs about 60 rupees.
3. Passengers can also take taxis to get there.
Admission Fee
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Entry fee |
Free |
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Timing |
All day (except religious rituals and ceremonies) |
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Suggest Duration of a Visit |
1-3 hours |
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Best Time to Visit |
November - Next March |
Attentions of Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple
1. All luggage and belongings should be registered and checked strictly.
2. Foreigners should show passports when entering.
3. Enter with barefoot, socks are allowed.
4. Since there are religious rituals at noon, tourists are not permitted to visit inside at that period.
5. No photos inside and keep in low voice.
6. Pay Attention to potsherds on the ground.
7. Register and check before enter.
8. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter.