Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi Jyotirlinga Darshan Guide

Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi—the ninth and holiest among all twelve Jyotirlingas, popularly known as the “Golden Temple” due to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s 1835 donation of 1 tonne gold plating its three domes and spire—represents Hinduism’s supreme pilgrimage destination where death itself grants liberation, with Wikipedia’s authoritative documentation confirming that Varanasi is the first Jyotirlinga to manifest when Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite column of light (jyoti) settling the Brahma-Vishnu supremacy dispute, making it the only city where Shiva himself whispers the Taraka mantra (mantra of salvation) into dying persons’ ears granting instant moksha, thus establishing Varanasi as one of seven Sapta Moksha Puris where death breaks all karmic bonds [web:827][web:843][web:846].

According to the legend documented in Skanda Purana’s Kashi Khanda, when Brahma and Vishnu argued over supremacy, Shiva manifested as an endless pillar of blazing light piercing all three worlds—Vishnu took boar form diving deep to find its base while Brahma assumed swan form flying high to locate its peak, but neither could find the column’s beginning or end—yet Brahma falsely claimed success prompting Shiva to curse him that he would never receive worship while truthful Vishnu would be equally venerated alongside Shiva forever, thus establishing Vishwanath (“Lord of the Universe”) as king over all deities and Varanasi inhabitants [web:827][web:828][web:846].

The extraordinary spiritual and historical convergence validates profound significance: Trawell’s comprehensive 2025 temple guide explains that Kashi Vishwanath endures as testament to undying Hindu faith through multiple destructions—1194 CE by Ghurids’ Mohammad ibn Sam, 1230s by Iltutmish, 1447-1517 by Hussain Shah Sharqi or Sikandar Lodi, and most devastatingly 1669 by Aurangzeb who demolished the Akbar-era Man Singh-Todar Mal reconstruction to build Gyanvapi Mosque (whose foundation, columns, and rear still show Hindu temple remains)—yet 1780 saw Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar build the present adjacent structure housing the 60 cm tall, 90 cm circumference Shiva lingam in silver altar, with the sacred Jnana Vapi well where the main priest jumped with the original linga during Mughal invasion to protect it [web:827][web:828][web:831][web:842].

The Legend: Infinite Column of Light

Brahma and Vishnu’s Supremacy Dispute

It is believed that Varanasi is the first Jyotirlinga to manifest itself. According to the legend, it was at this place that Shiva manifested as an infinite column of light (Jyotirlinga) in front of Brahma and Vishnu when they had an argument about their supremacy [web:827][web:828].

The cosmic debate [web:827][web:828]:

Brahma (Hindu god of creation) and Vishnu (Hindu god of preservation) disputed who was supreme
Neither could agree on superiority
Their argument threatened cosmic balance

Shiva’s Infinite Light Manifestation

Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite column of light (Jyotirlinga) before Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu during their dispute regarding their supremacy [web:828].

The divine intervention [web:827][web:828]:

Shiva manifested as endless pillar of blazing light
The column pierced all three worlds (heaven, earth, underworld)
It was infinite—with no beginning or end
Radiated supreme divine energy

The Search for Origin

To uncover the source of the radiant column, Brahma transformed into a swan and ascended into the sky in an attempt to reach the top of the flame, while Vishnu took the form of a boar and dug deep into the earth [web:828].

The cosmic test [web:827][web:828]:

Vishnu as boar (Varaha): Dived deep into earth to find the base
Brahma as swan (Hamsa): Flew high to locate the apex
Both searched for eons
Neither could discover the beginning or end of the luminous column

Brahma’s Deceit and Curse

However, both of them were unsuccessful in identifying the source of the luminous column. Yet, Brahma deceitfully asserted that he had discovered the summit of the column, while Vishnu humbly admitted his inability to find the starting point of the radiant column [web:827].

Shiva’s judgment [web:827][web:828]:

Vishnu remained truthful: Humbly admitted failure
Brahma lied: Falsely claimed he found the top
Brahma even brought Ketaki flower as false witness

The curse [web:827][web:828]:

Due to Brahma’s deceit, Shiva cut off his fifth head
Cursed Brahma: Would no longer receive worship (why few Brahma temples exist)
Blessed truthful Vishnu: Would be equally venerated alongside Shiva with dedicated temples forever

Vishwanath as Lord of Universe

Hindu scriptures describe Vishweshwara as the sacred deity of Varanasi, holding the position of king over all the other deities as well as over all the inhabitants of the city [web:827].

Vishwanath’s meaning [web:827]:

“Vishwanath” = Lord of the Universe
Also called Vishweshwara (Lord of All)
Shiva as king over all deities and inhabitants
Rules over Panchkoshi (50-mile sacred circuit of Varanasi)

Varanasi: The Moksha City

Avimukta Kshetra—Never Forsaken by Shiva

Shiva loved this new abode after the Kailash and made a promise to never leave this place making it “Avimukta Kshetra” (never forsaken by Shiva) [web:846].

Eternal divine presence:

Varanasi called “Anandavana” (forest of bliss)
Shiva never leaves this sacred spot
Permanent residence alongside Mount Kailash

Mahasamshan—The Great Cremation Ground

The divine place developed into “Mahasamshan”, where Shiva promised Lord Vishnu that he will give moksha to the dead by whispering the Taraka mantra in his/her ears [web:846].

Liberation at death [web:843][web:846]:

Shiva whispers Taraka mantra (mantra of salvation) at death
Instant moksha (liberation from cycle of rebirth)
Death in Kashi breaks all karmic bonds
Part of Sapta Moksha Puris (seven cities of liberation)

Pilgrimage to Liberation

A visit to the temple and a bath in the Ganges is one of many methods believed to lead one on a path to moksha (liberation). Thus, Hindus from all over the world try to visit the place at least once in their lifetime [web:827].

Sacred tradition:

Bath in Ganga River
Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath
Carry Ganga water to Rameshwaram (South India)
Bring back sand from Rameshwaram to complete pilgrimage

The Golden Temple: History and Destruction

Ancient Origins

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is believed to have been built by King Vikramaditya, possibly as far back as 2500 years ago. The temple is mentioned in ancient texts like the Kasha Kandra, potentially dating back to the 6th century [web:828].

Historical references:

Skanda Purana’s “Kashi Khanda”: Describes 1,099 temples (513 for Shiva)
Brahmavaivarta Purana’s “Kashi Rahasya”: Dedicated to Varanasi
Temple formerly called “Moksha Lakshmi Vilas”

Mughal tolerance period:

Emperor Akbar sanctioned reconstruction
Built by Raja Man Singh I and Todar Mal
Large-scale beautiful temple

Aurangzeb’s Destruction and Gyanvapi Mosque (1669)

In 1669, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of the Hindu temple in 1669. Subsequently, in 1678, the Gyanvapi Mosque was built on its site [web:827][web:831][web:842].

The devastation [web:842][web:845]:

April 9, 1669: Aurangzeb issued farman decree
Ordered “demolition of schools and temples of infidels”
Temple completely destroyed
Gyanvapi Mosque built using temple debris (1678)
Temple remains visible: Foundation, columns, rear part of mosque

Ahilyabai Holkar’s Reconstruction (1780)

The present temple was built in 1780 CE by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the previous temple and built a mosque at the site [web:828][web:831].

Maratha revival [web:827][web:831]:

1780: Ahilyabai Holkar built present structure
Located adjacent to Gyanvapi Mosque
Current temple where devotees worship today

The Golden Domes (1835)

The two beautiful domes of the temple were covered with gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh in 1839 [web:828].

In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire, at the behest of his wife, Maharani Datar Kaur, donated 1 tonne of gold for plating the temple’s dome [web:827][web:834].

Golden Temple features [web:827][web:834]:

1 tonne gold donated by Ranjit Singh
Three pure gold domes plated
Golden spire (shikhara)
15.5-meter-high spire on temple
Hence the name “Golden Temple”

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (2021)

PM Modi’s Vision

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 to make it easier to travel between the temple and the Ganges River and to create more space to prevent crowding [web:827].

Foundation and inauguration [web:837][web:838][web:840][web:844]:

Foundation stone: March 8, 2019
Inauguration: December 13, 2021
Cost: ₹339 crore (Phase 1); Total project ₹800-900 crore
Completion: Less than 3 years despite COVID pandemic

Transformation: 3,000 sq ft to 5 Lakh sq ft

The project is now spread over a massive area of about 5 lakh square feet, whereas earlier premises was limited to just around 3,000 square feet [web:840][web:844].

Scale of expansion [web:839][web:840]:

Earlier: Cramped 3,000 sq ft
Now: Magnificent 5 lakh sq ft complex (over 165 times larger)
Direct access from Ganga River to temple
Wide sandstone pathways replacing congested medieval lanes

23 Buildings and Facilities

A total of 23 buildings were inaugurated in the phase 1 of the project. They provide a variety of facilities to the pilgrims [web:840][web:841][web:844]:

Modern amenities:

Yatri Suvidha Kendras (Pilgrim Facilitation Centers)
Tourist Facilitation Centre
Vedic Kendra (Vedic learning center)
Mumukshu Bhavan (Seeker’s residence)
Bhogshala (Community kitchen)
City Museum (showcasing Varanasi’s heritage)
Viewing Gallery (panoramic views)
Food Court (vegetarian meals)
Escalators and ramps for elderly/disabled
Ghats and jetty for boat access from Ganga

40 Ancient Temples Restored

During the process of destruction of the old properties, more than 40 ancient temples were rediscovered. These temples have been restored and beautified, while ensuring that there is no change in the original structure [web:827][web:840][web:841]:

Rediscovered shrines:

Gangeshwar Mahadev temple
Manokameshwar Mahadev temple
Jauvinayak temple
Shri Kumbha Mahadev temple
40+ other ancient temples

Amicable Rehabilitation

The project involved purchase and acquisitions of more than 300 properties around Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The rehabilitation of around 1,400 shopkeepers, tenants and homeowners were done amicably [web:840][web:844].

Achievement: No litigation pending in any court regarding acquisitions or rehabilitation [web:840]

Temple Architecture

Nagara Style Structure

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi exhibits a Nagara style of architecture, noted for its spires and detailed carvings, which are common in Northern Indian temples [web:828].

Architectural features [web:827][web:828]:

Quadrangular main shrine
Golden spire (shikhara): 15.5 meters high
Three golden domes: Pure gold plating
Sabha Griha: Congregation hall
Garbha Griha: Inner sanctum sanctorum

The Sacred Shiva Lingam

The main Shiva lingam measures 60 cm in height and 90 cm in circumference, and it is enshrined within a silver altar [web:828].

Lingam specifications [web:827][web:828]:

Height: 60 centimeters (24 inches)
Circumference: 90 centimeters (35 inches)
Altar: Silver platform
Represents infinite nature of Shiva

Jnana Vapi—The Wisdom Well

There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi, also spelled Gyan Vapi (the wisdom well) [web:827].

Historical significance [web:827]:

Located north of main temple
During Mughal invasion, jyotirlinga was hidden in well
Main priest jumped in with lingam to protect from invaders
Sacred site of immense reverence

Temple Timings and Darshan

Daily Temple Timings

Temple Timing: 03:00 AM to 11:00 PM [web:832]:

Days	Opening Time	Closing Time
All Days	3:00 AM	11:00 PM

Aarti and Pooja Schedule

Complete Aarti Schedule [web:832]:

Aarti/Pooja	Timings	Cost (₹)
Mangla Aarti	3:00 AM – 4:00 AM	500 (Normal days)
Bhog Aarti	11:15 AM – 12:20 PM	300
Saptirishi Aarti	7:00 PM – 8:15 PM	300
Night Shringar/Bhog Aarti	9:00 PM – 10:15 PM	300
Night Shayan Aarti	10:30 PM – 11:00 PM	FREE

Darshan Options and Booking

Darshan Booking [web:832][web:835]:

Type	Timings	Cost (₹)
Sugam Darshan	6:00 AM – 6:00 PM	250
Rudrabhishek (1 Shastri)	4:00 AM – 6:00 PM	450
Sparsh Darshan	Various slots	Book online
Live Darshan	Online streaming	Free

Official booking: https://shrikashivishwanath.org [web:829][web:832]

Note: At time of aarti and special days, Sugam Darshan not allowed [web:835]

How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple

By Air

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), Varanasi [web:833][web:835][web:836]:

Distance: 25 km from temple
Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Daily flights: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar
Transport: Prepaid taxi, Ola/Uber, airport bus

By Train

Varanasi Junction (BSB) / Varanasi Cantt [web:833][web:835][web:836]:

Distance: 4-5 km from temple
Travel time: 15-20 minutes by taxi
Major rail junction with trains from all metros
Well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, Allahabad

By Road

The temple is well-connected by road, and taxis, rickshaws, and public transport are easily available [web:833]:

Bus terminals: Cantonment and Kashi Depot (Golgadda)
Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, e-rickshaws, taxis
Kashi Darshan Bus Seva: Stops at temple area

Last Mile to Temple

The temple sits in the narrow old lanes (Vishwanath Gali / Lahori Tola). Many parts are pedestrian-only [web:836]:

Get dropped at Godowlia Chowk or Dashashwamedh Ghat
Walk through Vishwanath Gali (10-15 minutes)
Or use Corridor entrance from Ganga side

Pilgrimage Tips

Essential Tips

Book darshan online in advance (especially Mondays, festivals)
Visit early morning (4-7 AM) for peaceful darshan
Take Ganga bath before temple visit (traditional custom)
Use Corridor facilities: Escalators, ramps for elderly
Dress modestly: Traditional attire recommended
Carry ID proof: For verification
No mobile phones/cameras inside sanctum
Remove leather items: Belts, wallets, shoes

Best Time to Visit

October to March: Pleasant weather
Maha Shivaratri: Most auspicious but extremely crowded
Shravan month (July-August): Sacred for Shiva worship
Monday: Weekly Shiva day (crowded)

What to Experience

Ganga Aarti: Evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Boat ride: Sunrise on Ganga
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: Architectural marvel
Annapurna Temple: Adjacent to Vishwanath
Kaal Bhairav Temple: Guardian deity of Varanasi
Ancient ghats: Manikarnika (cremation), Assi, Panchganga

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kashi Vishwanath the holiest Jyotirlinga?

Varanasi is the first Jyotirlinga where Shiva manifested as infinite light column settling Brahma-Vishnu supremacy dispute, and Shiva whispers Taraka mantra at death granting instant moksha [web:827][web:846].

What is the legend of Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

When Brahma and Vishnu argued over supremacy, Shiva appeared as endless light pillar; Vishnu admitted inability to find its origin while Brahma lied, earning Shiva’s curse of no worship [web:827][web:828].

When was the temple destroyed and rebuilt?

Originally destroyed 1194 CE by Ghurids, rebuilt 1585 by Man Singh-Todar Mal, destroyed 1669 by Aurangzeb who built Gyanvapi Mosque, present structure built 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar [web:827][web:831][web:842].

Why is it called the Golden Temple?

Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 1 tonne gold in 1835 for plating three domes and spire, hence the name “Golden Temple” [web:827][web:828][web:834].

What is Kashi Vishwanath Corridor?

PM Modi’s ₹339 crore project inaugurated December 13, 2021, expanding temple from 3,000 sq ft to 5 lakh sq ft with 23 buildings, direct Ganga-temple pathway, 40 restored ancient temples [web:827][web:840][web:844].

What are the temple timings?

Temple opens 3:00 AM (Mangla Aarti) and closes 11:00 PM daily; Sugam Darshan 6 AM-6 PM costs ₹250 [web:832].

How to reach the temple?

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport 25 km; Varanasi Junction railway station 4-5 km; temple in Vishwanath Gali (pedestrian lanes) accessed via Godowlia Chowk or Corridor [web:833][web:836].

What is Jnana Vapi well?

The wisdom well north of temple where the main priest jumped with the Shiva linga during Mughal invasion to protect it from destruction [web:827].

Conclusion

Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi—the sacred ninth and holiest among all twelve Jyotirlingas where Lord Shiva first manifested as an infinite column of blazing light settling the Brahma-Vishnu supremacy dispute and cursing deceitful Brahma to never receive worship while blessing truthful Vishnu with eternal veneration, establishing Vishwanath as “Lord of the Universe” ruling over all deities—represents Hinduism‘s supreme pilgrimage destination where death itself grants liberation through Shiva’s whispered Taraka mantra, with Wikipedia’s documentation confirming extraordinary resilience through five major destructions (1194 Ghurids,

1669 Aurangzeb’s Gyanvapi Mosque built from temple debris) yet Phoenix-like resurrection culminating in 1780 Ahilyabai Holkar reconstruction, 1835 Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s 1 tonne gold donation creating the “Golden Temple,” and 2021 PM Modi’s transformative ₹339 crore Corridor expanding cramped 3,000 sq ft to magnificent 5 lakh sq ft complex with 23 buildings, direct Ganga-temple sandstone pathway, 40 restored ancient temples, and amicable rehabilitation of 1,400 properties without single litigation [web:827][web:840]https://hindutva.online.

What distinguishes Kashi Vishwanath’s extraordinary significance is its convergence of legendary supremacy (first Jyotirlinga manifestation with infinite light pillar demonstrating Shiva’s ultimate authority), spiritual promise (Varanasi as Avimukta Kshetra never forsaken by Shiva, Mahasamshan great cremation ground where death breaks all karmic bonds, one of Sapta Moksha Puris, Taraka mantra whispered at death), architectural magnificence (60 cm tall lingam in silver altar, 15.5-meter golden spire, three pure gold domes, Nagara style with intricate carvings, sacred Jnana Vapi wisdom well),

historical resilience (testament to undying Hindu faith surviving five destructions yet eternally resurrecting), and modern transformation (Corridor’s escalators and ramps for 50,000-75,000 daily pilgrims, online booking at shrikashivishwanath.org for ₹250 Sugam Darshan 6 AM-6 PM, ₹500 Mangla Aarti 3-4 AM, complete facilities from Vedic Kendra to City Museum) [web:827][web:828][web:832][web:840][web:846].

By understanding this eternal spiritual capital—accessed from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (25 km) or Varanasi Junction (5 km), combining Ganga dawn boat ride and Dashashwamedh evening aarti with temple darshan (3 AM-11 PM), experiencing Corridor’s architectural marvel connecting river to shrine, visiting adjacent Annapurna and Kaal Bhairav temples—devotees access the transformative pilgrimage that ancient Hindu wisdom established as Lord Shiva’s most sacred abode where the very act of death grants instant moksha [web:827][web:833][web:843]https://hindutva.online.

About the Author

Priya Sharma – Certified Yoga Therapist & Spiritual Wellness Expert

Priya Sharma is a certified yoga therapist with over 18 years of experience specializing in Hatha Yoga, pranayama, meditation, and traditional shatkarma purification practices. He holds advanced certifications in yoga therapy and has trained extensively in classical yogic texts including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. Priya Sharma integrates ancient yogic wisdom with Ayurvedic principles to help students achieve optimal physical health and spiritual growth through authentic practices. His teaching focuses on making traditional techniques accessible to modern practitioners while maintaining the depth and transformative power of the original methods. He has guided thousands of students through systematic yoga sadhana at leading institutions and retreat centers across India and internationally.