Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva and the focus of pilgrimage in the city. The present temple dates to the late 18th century, when the Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt it, and its spire and dome are covered in gold. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, opened in 2021, now links the temple directly to the Ganges ghats with a wide, cleared pedestrian route replacing the former narrow lanes. Visitors walk from the river, often from Dashashwamedh Ghat about ten minutes away, through the corridor with its stone-paved courtyards, galleries and shrines before reaching the sanctum. Security is strict, and phones, cameras, bags and leather items are normally not allowed inside, so lockers or storage points near the entrance are used. The sanctum holds the Shiva lingam, which devotees honor with water, milk, flowers and bel leaves. Queues can be long, particularly during festivals such as Maha Shivratri and during the month of Shravan, and weekend crowds are heavy. A darshan visit usually takes one to two hours depending on the line. The temple opens in the very early hours, around 3:00 AM, with closures for the daily aartis, so visitors should check the official site for the current schedule. Paid special-darshan tickets reduce waiting time. Early morning gives the quietest atmosphere and the best chance of a shorter queue. Modest dress is expected, and shoes are left outside. The area around the temple is lively with shops selling sweets, garlands and religious items, and the surrounding lanes remain crowded. Non-Hindu visitors are generally able to enter, though rules can change, so confirming locally is wise.