Things to know Before Visiting Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Varanasi, also called Benares or Kashi, is one of the holiest cities in India. Many Hindus think it’s the key to achieving Moksha, or liberation. It’s also a very popular place for pilgrims! Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the seven special cities that Hindus believe can lead you to salvation. This temple is dedicated to Mahadev and is located in the heart of Varanasi. It’s one of the 12 jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred places for worshiping Lord Shiva. You can find a temple for almost every major Hindu god and goddess in Varanasi!

About Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Kashi, which is also known as Varanasi or Banaras. A lot of folks call it Shiv Vishwanath Kashi. According to ancient texts, Lord Shiva used his Trishul to keep this spot safe when the world was drowned during a great flood (Pralaya). People believe that those who pass away here achieve liberation, or Moksha.

It’s said that Lord Shiva gives the special Tarak Mantra to those who die in this sacred place. Anyone who worships Vishweshwar with a sincere heart can find happiness and freedom, and if someone keeps reciting his name, they can gain all kinds of powers and ultimately get liberated. You can find the temple nestled in the bustling streets of Varanasi, with access via a lane called Vishwanatha Lane.

Inside the temple’s courtyard, you’ll see the main temple of Vishwanatha surrounded by several smaller shrines. There’s also a well nearby, known as Jnana Vapi, which means’ wisdom well,’ and it’s situated just north of the main temple. When you enter the temple from the southern side, you’ll first notice a cluster of three smaller temples to your left.

History of Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi has been around for a long time. Hindus believe that it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are important places of worship for Lord Shiva. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built the temple we see today in the 18th century after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb tore down the first one.

Over the years, people have attacked the temple and rebuilt it many times. The building we have now is a beautiful example of Hindu architecture. There are narrow lanes and alleys that lead to the center of the temple area, where the holy Shiva Linga is kept.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Many people think that going there can break the cycle of birth and death. Anyone who visits should see it because of its great history and significance.

Interesting Facts about Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• This temple has gone through a lot over the years—it’s been destroyed and rebuilt a few times! The version we see today was built in the 18th century.
• This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is thought to be the holiest place dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  It’s got this shiny gold dome and two tall gold spires that were actually given as a gift by Maharaja Ranjit Singh from Punjab. Pretty cool, right?
• The temple is pretty famous for its cool mix of architecture that combines both Hindu and Islamic styles.
• A bunch of famous people have checked it out, like former US President Barack Obama and French President Emmanuel Macron.
• One popular tradition at this spiritual spot is giving a silk dhoti and angavastram to Lord Vishwanath. Many folks see this as a real privilege.
• The temple is a lively spot for cultural happenings, with all kinds of music and dance shows happening all year round.

Know all About Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Best Time to Visit

From November to February, winter is the finest time to go to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The weather is calm and pleasant then, which is great because Varanasi can get incredibly hot in the summer, which can be hard for visitors. From June to September, the rainy season brings a lot of rain, which might make it hard to see the temple and the landscape around it. In fact, winter is the best season to enjoy Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere and rich culture!

What to do When at the Temple?

It’s very important to follow the rules and customs at Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Before you go into the temple area, make sure you wear the right clothes and take off your shoes. Also, be polite! You can pray and take part in rituals at the main shrine, which is where the holy lingam of Lord Shiva is kept. The temple complex is also a lively place with all kinds of cultural events going on all year, like music and dance shows.

How to Reach the Temple?

The Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is closest to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The temple is 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) away. There are good flights from this airport to major cities in India and even some areas outside of India. When you land, getting a taxi or renting a car to travel to the temple is easy. It normally takes 45 minutes to an hour to drive there, although traffic can make the trip longer or shorter.

What are the Aarti Timings at the Temple?

An Aarti is a special ritual in Hinduism where people pray to their gods by lighting lamps, ringing bells, and singing hymns. It’s a heartfelt way to show love and gratitude to the divine.

At Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Aarti timings are really important for daily worship. The temple sticks to a set schedule for each Aarti, and each one has its own special meaning.

The Mangala Aarti happens super early in the morning, right before sunrise. It’s the very first Aarti of the day and is all about waking up Lord Shiva and asking for his blessings to have a great day ahead.

Then there’s the Bhog Aarti, which is done at noon. This is when food is offered to Lord Shiva. It reminds everyone how important it is to share meals with the gods and, by extension, with those in need.

In the evening, around sunset, we have the Sandhya Aarti. This is one of the highlights of the day and is really lovely. People light lamps and send their prayers to Lord Shiva during this time.

What should be the dress code while visiting the Temple?

When you plan to visit the Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple, there’s a dress code you need to follow. Since this temple holds a lot of religious importance, dressing properly is a way to show respect for both the deity and the feelings of the locals. Remember, you can’t wear shoes or sandals inside the temple area; you’ll need to take them off before you go in.

For men, traditional Indian outfits are the way to go. A dhoti-kurta or pyjama-kurta works well, but if you prefer, you can also wear a shirt and pants. Just make sure to cover your head with a cloth or a cap.

Women should aim for modest clothing as well, opting for traditional outfits like a saree, salwar-kameez, or lehenga. It’s also important to cover your head with a dupatta or shawl and steer clear of any revealing or tight clothes.

Following this dress code is really important, not just to avoid any awkwardness, but also to show that you respect the beliefs of everyone visiting. So, dress appropriately and enjoy your visit!

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most beloved places for devotees across the country, attracting millions to the historic city of Varanasi every year. But for a long time, getting to the temple was a bit of a hassle since it was tucked away, surrounded by narrow alleyways and bustling markets. Pilgrims had to squeeze their way through crowded streets and busy shops just to reach the temple.

In 2014, our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in Parliament, announced a big plan to change the area around the temple. His idea was to create a spacious, clean corridor that would make it easier for people to visit the temple and improve their overall experience. This is how the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project kicked off.

The goal of this project was to ensure that visitors could easily access the temple while also making the area look better. The new corridor stretches over 50,000 square meters, with more than 600 crore rupees invested into it. It was a major step forward in making the experience smoother for everyone who comes to pay their respects.

Where to stay when visiting Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

If you’re on the hunt for a spiritual experience or just want to dive into the vibrant culture and history of Varanasi, you’ve got to check out Niraan – The Tent City, Varanasi. Right by the Ganges, this super comfy glamping spot gives you a peaceful and fancy place to stay, plus some stunning views of the famous ghats. Located close to the Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Niraan is all about blending timeless charm with natural beauty, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that’s only available during certain months of the year.

Just picture yourself waking up to the gentle sounds of the Ganges, soaking in the warmth of the winter sun, and enjoying the beautiful scenery all around you. But Niraan isn’t just a peaceful getaway; it’s a top-notch luxury destination in Varanasi. They’ve got fancy tents and all sorts of amenities, like a clubhouse, a business center, a conference hall, and even spots for badminton and volleyball.