Kashi Vishwanath Temple
श्री काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर
The 'Golden Temple' dedicated to Shiva, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. Its corridor, completed in 2021, leads straight to the Ganges. It is a place every Hindu hopes to visit at least once.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, commonly known as the Golden Temple, is dedicated to Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines in India. The current building was rebuilt in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Empire. In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire donated gold to cover the spire.
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, opened at the end of 2021, cleared away dense housing around the temple. It created a spacious stone plaza and the Ganga Gate, which leads down to the river. From Lalita Ghat on the riverbank, you can climb the steps directly.
Visitor notes: Security at the temple is strict. Phones, cameras, belts, pens and backpacks are not allowed inside. Store them in lockers or at shops nearby. Queues can last 1 to 3 hours. The official website offers a paid fast-track option called Sugam Darshan. Foreign visitors can enter through a designated entrance by showing their passport, though arrangements may change, so check on site. Non-Hindus are generally allowed only in the outer hall.
The Mangala Aarti morning ritual takes place at around 3 a.m. Tickets must be booked in advance through the official website. The nearby Gyanvapi Mosque is guarded by armed police, so do not take photos there.
Opening hours
About 3:00 AM–11:00 PM (includes multiple aarti ceremonies)
Nearby sights
- Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat
- Scindia Ghat
- Man Mandir Ghat & Jantar Mantar
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Godowlia & Vishwanath Gali
- Darbhanga Ghat
- Kaal Bhairav Temple