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Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple Open Closed Timings Today Darshan
Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, attracting devotees from across the world who come to seek blessings of Lord Shiva at this ancient Jyotirlinga shrine. The spiritual aura, thousands-year-old traditions and daily rituals make it a must-visit when in Varanasi. In this travel guide, you’ll find accurate timings, how to book darshan, insider tips and key details to help plan your visit today. For official updates straight from the temple trust, visit the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Official Website. You can also explore the administrative details at Kashi Darshan Official Portal. For official information, visit Incredible India.
Quick Facts
| Location | Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221001, India |
|---|---|
| Daily Timings | 2:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Darshan & Aarti Schedule) |
| General Darshan | 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Aarti Schedule | Mangla Aarti 3:00–4:00 AM, Bhog Aarti 11:15 AM–12:20 PM, Sapta Rishi/Sandhya Aarti 7:00–8:15 PM, Shayana Aarti 10:30–11:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | General Darshan: Free; Sugam Darshan: ₹250 approx. |
| Contact | Temple Trust : +91-070802 92930 |
| Official Website | shrikashivishwanath.org |
Temple Open & Closed Timings Today
If you’re visiting Varanasi today, the Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple opens early in the pre-dawn hours, primarily for the sacred Mangla Aarti. The temple doors typically open around 2:30 AM every day, with general darshan accessible from 4:00 AM onwards. Devotees can stay for darshan until approximately 11:00 PM, when the final Shayana Aarti concludes and the sanctum closes.
In contrast, here’s the typical daily schedule:
- Temple Opens: ~2:30 AM
- Mangla Aarti: 3:00–4:00 AM (ticketed)
- General Darshan: 4:00 AM–11:00 AM
- Bhog/Midday Aarti: 11:15 AM–12:20 PM
- Free Darshan: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
- Sapta Rishi/Sandhya Aarti: 7:00–8:15 PM
- Shayana Aarti: 10:30–11:00 PM
- Temple Closed: ~11:00 PM
Note: The temple may close the sanctum earlier for special observances, festivals or celestial events such as eclipse Sutak periods.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), around 25 km from Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple. From the airport, you can take prepaid taxis, app-based cabs, or auto-rickshaws to reach the temple area near Godowlia in about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
By Train
Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Varanasi Cantt (VC) are the major railway stations serving the city. The temple is approximately 3–4 km from both stations. Local auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws are readily available to take you to the temple complex.
By Road
Varanasi is well connected by national highways and state buses from cities across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. Once in Varanasi, taxis, buses and rickshaws can bring you close to the temple area near Godowlia or Lahori Tola.
Booking & Ticket Information
While general darshan at Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple is free, several ticketed experiences and passes are available for better access or special rituals.
Sugam Darshan
Sugam Darshan is a paid ticketed pass that allows faster entry to darshan queues. Tickets are usually priced around ₹250 per person (subject to update). These passes can be booked on the same day from the temple helpdesk counters near Shapuri Mall if available in the current slot. On-call booking is not available.
Online Aarti & Ritual Booking
For special Aarti tickets (e.g., Mangla Aarti, Bhog Aarti, Sapta Rishi Aarti) and other poojas like Rudrabhishek, you can book tickets through the official temple portal’s booking section. It’s advisable to carry a printed copy of your ticket and reach early. Online advance booking might open depending on season and slots.
Tips For Booking
- Visit the official pooja booking page for current tickets and darshan options.
- No ticket is required for children below 12 for basic entry.
- Bring a valid ID for temple entry and ticket verification.
- Special rituals like Rudrabhishek have separate pricing and slots.
Insider Tips From My Visit
When I visited the Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple early one morning, arriving around 3:30 AM made all the difference. The early Mangla Aarti slot is peaceful, with fewer crowds and an atmosphere thick with devotion. After darshan, a walk to the nearby Ghats to watch sunrise over the Ganga was breathtaking – a memory I still cherish.
Moreover, what surprised me most was how organised the queues are for special darshan passes compared to general lines – so if you can, book Sugam Darshan early in the day. I personally recommend using the temple helpdesk counter to clarify available slots for darshan and rituals when you arrive, as schedules sometimes shift slightly during festivals.
Moreover, a simple hydration tip: keep a bottle of water as summer mornings can get hot even before sunrise. Also carry minimal bags since large bags are often not allowed inside.
Nearby Attractions With Distances
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – ~0.8 km
- Manikarnika Ghat – ~1.5 km
- Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat – ~4.5 km
- Banaras Hindu University – ~6 km
- Sankat Mochan Temple – ~5 km
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Varanasi and the Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple is from October to March. Winters offer mild weather ideal for early morning darshan and walking around the ghats without the intense heat of summer. Pilgrims also find fewer dust-laden afternoons, and the sunrise on the Ganga during winter months is spectacular.
Furthermore, if you prefer spiritual energy and crowds, the monsoon month of Shravan (July–August) attracts thousands of devotees. However, during this time, plan well in advance and be ready for long queues or booked-out aarti tickets.
FAQ
Is there any entry fee for Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
No, general darshan is free. Special passes like Sugam Darshan have a nominal charge.
Can foreigners visit the temple?
Yes, all devotees can visit, but proper dress and respectful conduct are expected. No special foreigner ticket is required for general darshan.
Is online booking mandatory?
No, but online booking can save waiting time for special passes and Aarti participation.
Can children enter without tickets?
Children below 12 usually do not require tickets for general temple entry.
Are large bags allowed inside?
Large bags, mobile phones and electronics may be restricted; plan to use lockers or leave items at your hotel.