Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on the western bank of the River Ganga. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and among the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. The present structure, built in 1780, features a gold-plated dome and is now accessed via the spacious Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connecting the temple complex to the ghats.

Visitors can expect a highly revered temple complex in the old lanes of Varanasi, now connected to the Ganga ghats via the wide Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. The complex includes the main sanctum housing the Jyotirlinga, smaller shrines, mandapas and open plazas with views toward the river. Expect security screening, queues for darshan, chanting and aarti ceremonies, shops for offerings, and crowded pedestrian lanes leading from Godowlia and Dashashwamedh Ghat.

The temple has ancient origins and has been reconstructed several times over centuries. The present temple structure was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold for plating the domes, giving it the name Golden Temple. The Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor was developed and inaugurated in December 2021 to improve access and facilities.

The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is considered one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition. Located in Varanasi, regarded as a major spiritual centre on the River Ganga, it draws pilgrims year-round for darshan, prayers and ritual bathing at the ghats, and holds central importance during Maha Shivratri and Shravan month observances.