Shri Kashi Vishweshwar

SHRI VISHWESHWAR in Varanasi :-

* The Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in the heart of the cultural capital of India, Varanasi. It stands on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges. Varanasi, or Banaras, situated amidst the crowded lanes of Varanasi, the temple of Vishwanatha can be approached from a lane called Vishwanatha lane. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as Golden Temple is the most sacred and main temple of Varanasi and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Vishveswara the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi was also known as Kashi. Near Kashi, Ganga flows in the shape of a bow. Hence it acquired special importance. A king called Deivodas expanded this area. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas Shrines of Lord Shiva.

Varanasi is located in Uttarpradesh, in the Gangetic plains :-

*  This Jyotirlinga is situated in Kashi and famous by the name of Shiv Vishwanath Kashi. Tthis holy place is very dear to Lord Shiva. It is said in the scriptures than this place was forever destroyed when the earth was submerged under water (Pralaya). It is so because Lord Shiva holds this place by his Trishul. Those who come and die here attain liberation. It is said that Lord Shiva gives the Tarak Mantra to the one’s who is going to die, here. He resides here and is the giver of liberation and happiness. The one who prays and worships Vishweshwar with devotion attains all his desires and one who incessantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets liberated.
*  In Kashi, in the north, the Durkarkhand with south, Kedar Khand, in the middle, Vishweshwar Khand are situated. In this Vishwanath is situated. The original Jyotirlinga of Kashi Vishwanath is a not available. The old temple was destroyed as a result of the mughal invasion and Aurangazeb built a mosque in place of it.The ancient idol of Vishweshwar is situated in Jnana-Vapi.
*  The new temple was built at a distance from the original one by the Queen of Indore Queen Ahilyabai. Other than this Shri Karpati constructed a new temple near the Ganges. One can stand a bit far from the place and worship Lord Vishweshwar.

History of Vishwanath Temple :-

The famous Vishwanath Temple has been rebuilt several times. The original was supposed to have been built in 1490. However, the original Jyotirlinga of Kashi Vishwanath is a not available. The old temple was destroyed as a result of the Mughal invasion and Aurangazeb built a mosque in place of it. The ancient idol of Vishweshwar is situated in Jnana-Vapi. Even today the western wall of the mosque show the remnants of a temple which had very intricate and fine artwork on it. Both the Kashi Vishwanath and the Gyanvapi Mosque are adjacent to each other
The latest structure standing here dates back to the 18th century. It is said that once Lord Shiva came in the dream of Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. She, being a devotee of Lord Shiva, got the current temple built in 1777 at a distance from the original one.

Pooja Details :-

There are 5 aartis of Shree Kashi Vishwanath:

1. Mangala Aarti :- 3.00 - 4.00 (Morning).

2. Bhog Aarti :- 11.15 to 12.20 (Day).

3. Sandhya Aarti :- 7.00 to 8.15 (Evening).

4. Shringar Aarti :- 9.00 to 10.15 (night).

5. Shayan Aarti :- 10.30-11.00 (night).

Security arrangements do not allow any cell phones, camera, belts with metal buckle, cigerrette, lighters etc. inside the temple.

Important Festivals :-

Mahashivratri

Rangbhari ( Aamlaki)

Ekadashi

Annakoot

Makar Shakranti

Shrawan Maah

Akshya Tritiiya

Accomodation :- 
GOVT. ACCOMODATION
Railway Retiring Rooms,
varanasi Cantt.Railway Station, 1st Floor, Booking: Matron-in-charge.
Government Tourist Bunglow, Parade Kothi,Cantt.Tel:343413
Near Railway Station

GOVT. TOURISM OFFICE

* U.P.Government Tourism Office
Parabe Kothi,cantt Tel:2208413,2208545
Open 10 am - 5 pm
Close: Sunday's and government Holidays.
* U.P.Government Tourist Information Counter
Varanasi Cantt.Railway Station
Near Enquiry Office, Main Hall
Open daily 7 am - 8 pm
* U.P. Government Tourist Office, Sarnath Tel:2386965
Government of India Tourist Office
158 The Mall, cantt. Tel:2343744
Open 10 am - 5 pm. closed Sunday and Government holidays
* Bihar State Tourist Office
Englishiya market,Sher shah Suri Marg, Cantt Tel: 343821
Open daily 8 am - 8 pm

How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi :- 

Reaching Varanasi by Train / Railway Station

* Varanasi Junction Railway Station, also known as Varanasi Cantonment Station, situated at the city center in the cantonment area is a major railway junction managed by Northern Railways. Some of the major trains passing through Varanasi Junction Railway Station include

Kashi Vishwanath Express,

New Delhi - Varanasi Express, Mahanagari Express,

Amritsar - Howrah Express, and Varuna Express.  
Reaching Varanasi by Road / Bus
* The holy city of Varanasi lies on NH2 (National Highway) from Calcutta to Delhi and is well connected by road and is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Varanasi is around 128 km from Allahabad, 240 km from Bodhgaya, 286 km from Lucknow and 565 km from Agra.
National Highway 7 (NH 7) connects Varanasi with other major cities including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Nagpur, Madurai, and Kanyakumari.

Reaching Varanasi by Air / Flight
* Babatpur Airport, also known as Varanasi Airport or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (IATA - VNS, ICAO - VIBN), is the nearest airport situated just 18 km north-west of Varanasi city. Varanasi lies on the daily air tourist shuttle route linking other major tourist places in India such as Khajuraho, Agra and Delhi.