History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The temple complex also houses several other shrines, such as the Annapurna Temple, the Vishnu Temple, the Kaalbhairav Temple, and the Gyanvapi Mosque.
Architecture of the temple
Location of the temple
Can you touch the Shivling in Kashi?
How to visit the temple?
This temple is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is situated on the bank of the river Ganga. The main deity is Lord Shiva also known as Vishwanath meaning the Ruler of the Universe. The city Varanasi is also referred to as Kashi in India. Hence the temple is named Kashi Viswanath. You can reach here by different modes of transport.
By Air
You can take a flight to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. From there, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw to this temple.
By Road
You can take a state-run or private bus to Varanasi from nearby cities like Lucknow, Allahabad, Patna, etc. Once you reach Varanasi, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw to Vishwanath Gali, which is the main entrance to the temple.
By Train
You can take a train to Varanasi Junction or Varanasi City railway station from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. From there, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw to Vishwanath Gali. You can also walk from the railway station.
Temple Timing
2:30 AM The temple opens
3:00 AM to 4:00 AM The Mangala aarti is held. Ticket holders are allowed to attend
4:00 AM to 11:00 AM The temple is open for general darshan.
11:30 AM to12 AM The priests perform the MidDay Bhog aarti, during which a variety of Bhag Prasadams are offered to the Lord.
12:00 PM to 7:00 PM The devotees have free access to the Baba.
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM The Sapta rishi aarti is performed.
8:30 PM to 9:00 PM The Shringar / Bhag Aarti begins.
10:30 PM The Shayan Aarti begins
11:00 PM The temple closes
Visit the official site of the temple for more details.
Online Booking
The temple entry is free for all. However, there is usually a long queue of devotees waiting to enter the temple, especially during peak hours and festive seasons. The temple also offers online booking of darshan, aarti, and puja services, through its official website. Through the Kashi Vishwanath online booking service, visitors and devotees can reserve a range of temple-related amenities and services, such as:
Sugam Darshan
This unique procedure offers a hassle-free, expedient, and queue-free darshan experience. It's intended for devotees who are time-constrained, diving or have other disabilities that prevent them from standing in line. Through this procedure, the devotee receives special Prasad and is accompanied for darshan by a Shastri directly and without having to wait in line.
E-Puja
Using this virtual platform, one can offer puja at the temple from any location in the world. The devotee can pay the needed amount online and select from a variety of pujas, including Rudrabhishek, Laghu Rudrabhishek, and Mahamrityunjay Jaap. The temple priests will do the puja on the devotee's behalf, and the devotee's address will get the Prasad.
Kashi Viswanath Corridor
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is a project that aims to connect the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, with the ghats of the river Ganga in Varanasi, the oldest and holiest city in India. The project was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, and the first phase was inaugurated by him in December 2021
The main objectives of the project are:
To make it easy and accessible for pilgrims and visitors to reach the temple so they can bathe in the Ganga and give water to the God without having to squeeze through congested, tiny alleyways.
To enhance the beauty and visibility of the temple, which was previously hidden behind several buildings and structures. The corridor has a 75-feet wide walkway that offers a clear view of the temple from the riverfront
To preserve and restore the heritage and culture of Varanasi, which is a center of learning, art, and spirituality. The project has rediscovered and renovated more than 40 ancient temples that were buried under the debris. The project also showcases the traditional architecture, crafts, and cuisine of the city.
Ganga Arati
Ganga Arati is a ritual worship of the River Ganga, which is considered as the mother goddess in Hinduism. It is performed every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Kashi. The arati involves a group of priests who chant sacred hymns and offer fire, lamps, flowers, and incense to the river, while the devotees watch and join in the prayers.
The arati is a spectacle of light, sound, and devotion that attracts thousands of visitors every day. It is a way of expressing gratitude and reverence to the Ganga, who is believed to purify the sins and grant salvation to those who bathe in her waters.
If you want to experience the Ganga Arati in Kashi, here are some tips and suggestions:
The arati starts around 6:45 pm in winter and 7:15 pm in summer, but you should arrive at least an hour earlier to get a good spot. You can either sit on the steps of the ghat or take a boat ride along the river to watch the arati from a different perspective.
You can also participate in the arati by buying a small basket of flowers and a lamp from the vendors near the ghat. You can light the lamp and float it on the river as a symbol of your offering and wishes.
Boat Ride
While visiting Kashi Viswanath don't miss the boat ride in river Ganges. The best time to take a boat ride is during sunrise or sunset when you can witness the stunning views of the ghats, the rituals, and the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
The boat rides are more expensive during these times, but they are worth it. You can choose between a traditional rowing boat or a motorboat, depending on your preference and budget.
Is manikarnika ghat nearby?
ReplyDeleteYes it is
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