Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings

Located in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most popular temples for Hindu devotees. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and lies on the western bank of the holy Ganges. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Devotees from all over India visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi as it is considered the spiritual capital of India. In this post we will provide you with all the important details about Kashi Vishwanath Temple’s darshan timings, Aarti timings and other relevant details to make your spiritual journey blissful.

Kashi Vishwanath Quick Facts

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan and Aarti Timings

Important: All aarti fees are indicative and subject to revision by the temple administration. Always verify current fees and timings at the official Kashi Vishwanath Temple website: shrikashivishwanath.org before your visit.

• Mangala Aarti: The temple opens at approximately 2:30 AM. The Mangala Aarti begins at 3:00 AM and continues till 4:00 AM — this is when Lord Vishwanath is ceremonially awakened. It is very auspicious to take part in this Aarti and get the blessings of Lord Shiva. Advance booking is required (check shrikashivishwanath.org for current fee, approximately INR 300–500).
• General Darshan: The general darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple is free of cost. Morning general darshan: 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Evening general darshan: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Total free darshan is available across both sessions.
• Sugam Darshan: There is a special Darshan also known as Sugam Darshan which provides priority entry with minimal waiting time. Devotees pay INR 250 per person for Sugam Darshan. Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Book online at shrikashivishwanath.org.
• Midday Bhog Aarti: From 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM, the Midday Bhog Aarti is performed. Various kinds of Bhog prasadam are offered to Lord Shiva. Check current participation fee at the official website.
• General Evening Darshan: From 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, devotees can again enter the temple for free to get the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
• Sapta Rishi Aarti: From 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the Sapta Rishi Aarti takes place — one of the most devotionally spectacular aartis at Kashi Vishwanath, performed by a group of priests following traditional Vedic rituals in a sacred and ancient tradition. Check current participation fee at official website.
• Night Shringar / Bhog Aarti: From 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM, the Night Shringar/Bhog Aarti takes place. Check current participation fee at official website.
• Night Shayan Aarti: At around 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the Night Shayan Aarti takes place — the final aarti of the day. This aarti is free of cost. The temple closes after this ceremony.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings – Complete Daily Schedule

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor – Key Information for Visitors

The Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor is one of the most significant developments at the temple in modern history. Inaugurated on December 13, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the corridor has completely transformed the pilgrimage experience at Kashi Vishwanath.

• What it is: A 5-lakh sq ft spiritual complex connecting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple directly to the Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Ganges river via a 400-metre walkway.
• Entry: Free for all devotees and visitors. No ticket required for the corridor.
• Facilities: 40+ temples and shrines, wheelchair access, free luggage lockers, Ganga view gallery, food court, and pilgrim rest areas.
• Tourist access: Non-Hindu visitors can access parts of the corridor and surrounding public areas. Entry rules for the temple complex and sanctum should be verified from the official website (shrikashivishwanath.org) before visiting, as policies may be updated.
• How to reach: The corridor has multiple entry gates. Gate No. 1 allows entry from the Ghat side. The temple is located in the Vishwanath Gali area of Varanasi.

Pooja Ceremonies at Kashi Vishwanath for Lord Shiva’s Blessings

• Sanyasi Bhojan Dainik: In this ceremony devotees offer food to Sanyasi (saints). Feeding saints is considered a service to God and an act of great merit. To conduct this ceremony devotees will have to pay INR 3,000 (subject to revision; verify at official website).
• Sanyasi Bhojan Monday: Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees offer food to saints on Monday to get his divine blessings. To conduct this ceremony, devotees need to pay INR 4,500 (subject to revision).
• Dainik RaatriKalin Shringar: The Dainik RaatriKalin Shringar takes place at night at 9:00 PM. Devotees take part in this ceremony by paying a fixed amount of INR 5,000 (subject to revision).
• Every Poornima Shringar: It is the day when the full moon occurs. Devotees take part in this ceremony by paying INR 3,700 (subject to revision). They also offer sugar, perfume, milk, curd, ghee, sandalwood and honey.
• Akhand Deep: Akhand Deep is believed to remove sadness and negativity from a person’s life. Devotees have to pay INR 700 to take part in the Akhand Deep ceremony (subject to revision).
• Milk: When devotees pour milk to the Shiva Lingam, devotees believe it brings positivity and spiritual blessings. Check current fee at the official website.
• Satyanarayan Katha: It is a very important ceremony for Hindu devotees. The pooja of Satyanarayan Bhagwan gives abundance and fulfills wishes. Devotees have to pay INR 500 (subject to revision).
• Maha Mrityunjaya Jap Puja: This puja is conducted for the long life of an individual and to get rid of incurable diseases and premature death. This is conducted over 5 days with 7 Shashtris. Check current fee at official website.

Note: The amount paid for ceremonies and Aartis is used for noble causes and to continue the divine practices of the temple. All fees listed are indicative and subject to revision. Always verify the latest rates at shrikashivishwanath.org before booking.

Rudrabhishek Ceremonies at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Lord Shiva’s other name is Rudra. Devotees do Rudrabhishek to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. In this ceremony, the holy chantings of Lord Rudra are recited from the Yajur Veda — one of the four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda).

Correction: An earlier version stated Yajur Veda is ‘one of the five Vedas.’ There are four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda — not five.

• Timings: Rudrabhishek timings: 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Types of Rudrabhishek Pooja at Kashi Vishwanath

The following are the various types of Rudrabhishek available (fees subject to revision; verify at shrikashivishwanath.org):

• Rudrabhishek with One Shashtri: INR 700
• Rudrabhishek with Five Shashtris: INR 1,380
• Rudrabhishek with Eleven Shashtris: INR 2,600
• Laghu Rudra Ceremony: INR 5,500
• Twenty Years Rudrabhishek: INR 25,000
• Rudrabhishek with One Shashtri (Video Conference): INR 700
• Rudrabhishek with Five Shashtris (Video Conference): INR 2,100

Practical Tips for Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Best time for darshan: 6:00–8:00 AM on weekdays (not Monday) for shortest queues. Monday, Shravan month (July–August), and Maha Shivratri see the heaviest crowds.
• Electronics: Mobile phones, cameras, and all electronic gadgets are NOT allowed inside the temple premises. Deposit them at the free lockers available in the corridor.
• Dress code: Wear decent, covered clothing. Cover shoulders and legs. Traditional Indian attire is appropriate and respectful.
• Gate entry from Ghat side: Use Gate No. 1 to enter from the Ghat side of Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• Online booking: Sugam Darshan and aarti tickets can be booked online at shrikashivishwanath.org or via the official app.
• Dakshina to Shashtri: If you have purchased a ticket for a specific pooja at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you don’t need to pay any extra amount to the Shashtri. The dakshina is included in the ticket cost.

How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

• By Train: Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) railway station is approximately 3 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available. Regular trains from Delhi (Vande Bharat: ~8 hrs), Mumbai, Kolkata, and all major cities.
• By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi/Babatpur) is approximately 26 km from the temple. Taxi or cab to Dashashwamedh Ghat or Godaulia (the nearest drop-off point) takes 45–60 minutes.
• By Road: Varanasi is well connected by NH 19 (from Delhi/Agra) and NH 31 (from Lucknow). Government and private buses available from Prayagraj (~120 km), Lucknow (~320 km), and Patna (~250 km).
• Nearest drop-off: Vehicles cannot enter the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali. Alight at Godaulia Chowk or Dashashwamedh Ghat and walk 5–10 minutes to the temple entrance.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Crowd Calendar and Best Days

Places to Visit Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Dashashwamedh Ghat: The most famous ghat in Varanasi, just 5 minutes from the temple. The nightly Ganga Aarti (7:00 PM) is a spectacular spiritual experience and one of India’s most iconic events.
• Kaal Bhairav Temple: The temple of Kaal Bhairav (the fierce form of Lord Shiva) is approximately 1 km from Kashi Vishwanath. Visiting Kaal Bhairav is considered essential during a Kashi Vishwanath pilgrimage.
• Manikarnika Ghat: The sacred cremation ghat of Varanasi, believed to be the most auspicious place for moksha. Located within walking distance of the temple.
• Gyanvapi Mosque Complex: Adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Gyanvapi Mosque was built on the site of an older temple by Aurangzeb in 1669. The Gyanvapi case is an ongoing legal matter in the Indian courts.
• Sarnath: The sacred Buddhist site where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon, approximately 13 km from Kashi Vishwanath. Half-day trip ideal.

Final Words

We hope that this blog post has helped you in knowing about all the relevant timings and rituals performed at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The Mangala Aarti at 3:00 AM, the spectacular Sapta Rishi Aarti at 7:00 PM, and the Shayan Aarti at 10:30 PM are the spiritual highlights of each day at this sacred Jyotirlinga.

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (2021) has made the pilgrimage experience far more accessible and comfortable, connecting the temple directly to the Ganges. Always verify current fees and timings at shrikashivishwanath.org before your visit. If you have any other doubts, feel free to ask us in the comment section. We are happy to help.

Suggested Tour:

• Varanasi Temple Tour Package
• Varanasi Tour Packages

FAQ

Q1. What are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple timings?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple opens at approximately 2:30 AM. The Mangala Aarti begins at 3:00 AM. General free darshan: 4:00 AM–11:00 AM (morning) and 12:00 PM–7:00 PM (evening). The temple closes at approximately 11:00 PM after the Night Shayan Aarti. Verify current timings at shrikashivishwanath.org.

Q2. What time is the Mangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The Mangala Aarti is held from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM daily. This is the first and most sacred aarti of the day, when Lord Vishwanath is ceremonially awakened. Advance booking is required. The temple opens at approximately 2:30 AM for devotees to assemble.

Q3. What is the Sapta Rishi Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath?

The Sapta Rishi Aarti is held from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM daily and is considered the most devotionally spectacular aarti at Kashi Vishwanath. It is performed by a group of priests following traditional Vedic rituals in a sacred and ancient tradition. Check current participation fee at shrikashivishwanath.org.

Q4. What is the Sugam Darshan fee at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Sugam Darshan (priority entry) is available for INR 250 per person, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It significantly reduces wait time compared to general darshan queues. Book online at shrikashivishwanath.org. Differently-abled devotees receive Sugam Darshan free of charge.

Q5. Is there a dress code for Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Yes. Wear decent, covered clothing at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Cover your shoulders and legs. Wearing covered clothes in a religious place is a part of Hindu culture and tradition. In order to maintain the sanctity of the darshan, wear traditional or modest clothing.

Q6. Are mobile phones allowed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

No. Mobile phones and all electronic gadgets are not permitted inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple premises. Free lockers are available in the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor where you can deposit your belongings before entering.

Q7. Can I perform Rudrabhishek online at Kashi Vishwanath?

Yes. Rudrabhishek can be performed online via video conference. Rudrabhishek with one Shashtri through video conference costs INR 700; with five Shashtris, INR 2,100. Book through the official Kashi Vishwanath Temple website or app at shrikashivishwanath.org.

Q8. Do I need to pay extra Dakshina to the Shashtri?

No. If you have purchased a ticket for a specific pooja at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you do not need to pay any extra amount to the Shashtri as the dakshina amount is already included in your ticket cost.

Q9. What is the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

6:00–8:00 AM on weekdays (excluding Monday) offers the shortest queues. For the most sacred experience, attend the Mangala Aarti at 3:00 AM (advance booking required) or the Sapta Rishi Aarti at 7:00 PM. Avoid Mondays, Shravan month (July–August), and Maha Shivratri for crowd avoidance.

Q10. What is the Rudrabhishek timing at Kashi Vishwanath?

Rudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Temple is available from 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Multiple options are available from one Shashtri (INR 700) to eleven Shashtris (INR 2,600). The Laghu Rudra ceremony costs INR 5,500. All fees are subject to revision; verify at shrikashivishwanath.org.

Q11. How many Vedas are there and which is used in Rudrabhishek?

There are four Vedas in Hindu tradition: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. The Rudrabhishek ceremony at Kashi Vishwanath uses the holy chantings of Lord Rudra from the Yajur Veda — the Veda of rituals and sacrifices.

Q12. What are the different aarti fees at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Aarti participation fees at Kashi Vishwanath vary by ceremony. The Mangala Aarti requires an advance-booked ticket (approximately INR 300–500). Midday Bhog Aarti, Sapta Rishi Aarti, and Night Shringar Aarti are ticketed; the Night Shayan Aarti is free. General darshan is always free. All fees are subject to revision at shrikashivishwanath.org.

Q13. Is Kashi Vishwanath Temple open every day?

Yes. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is open every day of the year, from approximately 2:30 AM to 11:00 PM. On special occasions like Maha Shivratri, Dev Deepavali, Shravan Mondays, and Rangbhari Ekadashi, the temple sees extremely high crowds. Plan early for such dates.

Q14. Can foreigners visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Yes, foreigners are permitted to enter Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A valid passport is required for Sugam Darshan (priority entry, INR 250). Wear conservative attire covering shoulders and knees. Mobile phones and cameras must be deposited at free lockers in the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor before entering.

Q15. What is the Ganga Aarti timing near Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (5 minutes from Kashi Vishwanath Temple) is held every evening after sunset. Timings vary by season — generally between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM (earlier in winter, later in summer). It is one of India’s most iconic spiritual spectacles. Arrive by 6:00–6:15 PM for a good viewing spot.

Suggested to Read: 

• Rituals at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings
• History of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Best Time to Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple