Overview

  • Features: Most popular Hindu temple in Varanasi with gold-plated spire and ceiling
  • Opening Times: 4am to 11pm, daily
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime of day
  • Duration: 15 to 20 mins
  • Travelled By: Foot
  • Cost: Free
  • Address: Vishwanath Galli, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Type: Temple

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What We Liked

Gold-covered spire and dome.

What We Disliked

Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Summary

Of the more than 2,000 temples in Varanasi, the most important Varanasi temple is Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or “Golden Temple”, dedicated to Shiva, who is known here as Vishwanath, “Lord of the Universe”. Sadly, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple, but by taking a stroll through the Vishwanath Galli (lane) that runs the length of it, you can get a glimpse of the interior. Read this article for more information on this popular Varanasi temple.

Why is Kashi Vishwanath Temple the Most Popular Varanasi Temple

 

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Of the more than 2,000 temples in Varanasi, the most important Varanasi temple is Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as Golden Temple Varanasi, dedicated to Shiva, who is known here as Vishwanath, “Lord of the Universe”. Hence, it is also known as the Varanasi Shiva Temple.

 

Varanasi Temple History

The original temple, destroyed in the 12th century by invading sultans, was replaced by a mosque. It was rebuilt in the 16th, and again destroyed within a century by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The current temple was built in 1776 by Ahalya Bai of Indore and has been the main Shiva temple in Varanasi for over 1,000 years. The shikhara (spire) and ceilings were plated with 820 kilograms (1,808 lb.) of gold, a gift from Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839. Its pointed spires are typically North Indian in style and the exterior is finely carved. Painted floral carvings adorn its exterior and interior walls, and it is nearly always crowded.

 

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About Varanasi Temple

The area is full of soldiers because of security issues and communal tensions. Bags, cameras and mobile phones must be deposited in lockers for a small fee before you enter the alleyway it’s in.

Sadly, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple, but by taking a stroll through the Vishwanath Galli (lane) that runs the length of it, you can get a glimpse of the interior, which exudes pungent smells and constant noise. For a small donation, you can climb to one of the second floors or rooftops of the shops that line the lane and get a good view.

On the northern side of Vishwanath Temple is the Jnana Vapi Well (“Well of Wisdom”), whose waters are said to bring enlightenment. According to legend, this well is believed to contain the linga from the original Vishwanath Temple. The faithful believe drinking its water leads to a higher spiritual plane, though they are prevented from doing so by a strong security screen and canopy. Non- Hindus are also not allowed to enter here.

The Jnana Vapi Mosque (Great Mosque of Aurangzeb) is built on the ruins of the old Vishwanath Temple. The mosque, with 71-m-high minarets, shows evidence of the original Hindu temple, in the foundations, the columns and at the rear. The mosque is heavily guarded to ensure no trouble erupts. Ironically, this is also the starting point for many pilgrims on their quest to visit all the tirthas in a ritual journey, accompanied by a priest who recites the sankalpa, or “declaration of intent.”

Nearby is the 18th-century Annapurna Temple (anna food; purna filled) built by Baji Rao I. It has shrines dedicated to Siva, Ganesh, Hanuman and Surya. Ask for directions as you make your way through the maze of alleys around the temples.

 

 

Varanasi Temple Timings

The Varanasi Temple is open daily from dawn to dusk. Five major aartis are held daily, and the temple is always abuzz with worshippers.

 

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How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi?

 

The popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple is situated west of the Varanasi ghats, between Lalita Ghat in the north and Dashashwamedh Ghat in the south. The narrow, winding Vishwanath Galli leads to the Vishwanath Temple. It is possible to get lost in the winding alleyways of Varanasi, so ask a local for directions to the temple if you do get lost on the way there.

Lacquer jars, vermilion powder, bottled Ganges water, bangles and brocade, are all sold in the lane that leads to Vishwanath Temple, the focal point of all worship in Varanasi.

 

 

Tell us what you think. Are you planning a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi? If you’ve been to this Varanasi temple before, please share with us your experiences. 

We love to hear from you so please leave your comments below. 

 

 

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