Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

It is also known as the Citadel located in the center of Varanasi, between Dashashwamedha Ghat and Godaulia to the south and west and Manikarnika Ghat on the river to the north. The main deity worshiped here is known as Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara which means Ruler of the Universe. The city of Varanasi is also known as Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly known as Kashi Vishvanath Temple. Thousands of pilgrims gather here to perform an abhishekam (divine bathing) for the sacred Jyotirlingam, with water from the Ganges.

Temples have been mentioned in Hindu scriptures for a very long time as a central part of worship in the Shiva Philosophy. It has been destroyed by many Muslim rulers many times, the most recent of which was destroyed by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, who built the Gyanvapi Mosque on this very spot. The present structure was built on an adjacent site by the ruler of Maratha, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780. Since 1983, the temple has been administered by the Uttar Pradesh state government.

In addition to its religious significance, the temple is also an architectural wonder, the magnificent edifice providing a breathtaking setting for the beholder. The temple complex consists of a series of smaller temples, located in a small lane known as Vishwanath Galli, near the river. The linga of the main deity in the shrine is 60 cm high and 90 cm in circumference, housed in a silver altar. The main temple is quadrangle in shape and is surrounded by shrines of other gods. There are small temples for Kala Bhairava, Kartikeya, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Ganesha, Shani, Shiva and Parvati within the complex. A small well in the temple called Jnana Vapi is also spelled Gyan vapi (well of wisdom). The Jnana Vapi well sites were north of the main temple and during the invasion of the Mughals, Jyotirlinga was hidden in the well to protect it from invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple jumped into the well with the spirit to protect Jyotirlinga from invaders.

The venerable Jyotirlinga is a dark brown stone enshrined in the Sanctum, set on a silver pedestal. The structure of the temple consists of three parts: first a fire on the temple of God Vishwanath or Mahadeva, second a golden dome and third a golden spire on top of Lord Vishwanath carrying a flag and a nail father.

Kashi Vishwanath temple welcomes about 3,000 visitors every day. On certain holidays, the number goes up to 1,000,000 and beyond. The temple's notable features are the golden spire and golden dome 15.5 meters high. There are three domes, each made of pure gold, provided by Sir Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835.

Opening hours: 24/24