Overview
- Primary deity
- Shiva
- Location
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Pilgrimage tradition
- Twelve Jyotirlingas
- Present structure
- 1780, per official Temple Trust
- Historical patron
- Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar
- Major worship
- Darshan, Aarti, Rudrabhishek
- Common devotional name
- Baba Vishwanath
- Visitor note
- Check official portal for current schedules
Temple summary
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is one of Hinduism’s most revered Shiva shrines and is traditionally counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Bhagwan Shiva is worshipped here as Vishwanath or Vishweshwara, the Lord of the Universe. The official Temple Trust identifies the present temple structure with the reconstruction undertaken in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The shrine remains a living centre of daily worship, aarti, Rudrabhishek and pilgrimage within the sacred geography of Kashi and the Ganga.
History
The official Temple Trust states that the present temple structure was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. It also records a Naubatkhana built in 1785 and the gilding of two domes in 1839 through a donation associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The temple’s management was reorganised under the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 1983. These documentary milestones sit alongside much older sacred traditions surrounding Shiva and Kashi.
Sacred tradition
The living sacred identity of Kashi Vishwanath Temple centres on Shiva and the Shaiva tradition. Sacred narratives, local belief and theological interpretation must remain distinct from documentary history.
Significance
Kashi Vishwanath is a principal shrine of Bhagwan Shiva and a traditional Jyotirlinga. Vishwanath means Lord of the Universe. The shrine’s significance is inseparable from Kashi’s identity as a sacred city. Devotional discovery terms such as Baba Vishwanath, Vishweshwara, Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and Kashi Shiva Temple should all resolve to the same canonical entity.
Temple timings and darshan
The official portal publishes schedules for Sugam Darshan, Mangla Aarti, Bhog Aarti, Saptarishi Aarti, Shringar/Bhog Aarti, Shayan Aarti and Rudrabhishek. Some services require booking or payment. Timings and festival arrangements may change, so pilgrims should verify the latest schedule on the official portal.
Frequently asked questions
Which Bhagwan is worshipped at Kashi Vishwanath?
Bhagwan Shiva as Vishwanath or Vishweshwara.
Is Kashi Vishwanath a Jyotirlinga?
Yes, Hindu tradition counts it among the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Who built the present temple?
The official Trust states that the present structure was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.
What does Vishwanath mean?
Lord of the Universe.
Can devotees book Rudrabhishek?
Yes. The official portal lists Rudrabhishek options.
What are the main aartis?
The official schedule includes Mangla, Bhog, Saptarishi, Shringar/Bhog and Shayan aartis.
Are timings always the same?
No. Special days and festivals can change schedules.
Where is the temple?
In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.