Quick answer: Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is open for general darshan from about 4 AM to 11 PM, with breaks for aartis, and Mangala Aarti at about 3 AM needs a ticket booked through the official temple website. Mobile phones, smartwatches, cameras and other electronic devices are not allowed inside, so leave them at the lockers or your hotel. Early morning on weekdays is usually the calmest time, and the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat completes the day.
Kashi Vishwanath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the spiritual heart of Varanasi, the oldest living city in India. Since the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor opened, the temple connects directly to the Ganga, and the visit feels more open and organised. This guide explains timings, gates, queues, rules, nearby temples and how to fit in the Ganga Aarti. For curated itineraries, explore the Kashi Vishwanath tour packages by House of Ullassa.
Darshan and Aarti Timings
According to the official Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust:
- Temple opens: around 2:30 to 3 AM for Mangala Aarti
- Mangala Aarti: about 3 AM to 4 AM, ticket required, reporting by 2:30 AM at Gate 1
- General darshan: about 4 AM to 11 AM, 12:20 PM to 7 PM and 8:30 PM to 9 PM
- Mid Day Bhog Aarti: about 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM
- Sapta Rishi Aarti: about 7 PM to 8:15 PM
- Shringar Bhog Aarti: about 9 PM to 10:15 PM
- Temple closes: 11 PM after Shayan Aarti
Timings change on Purnima, eclipses, Maha Shivratri and other special days. Check the latest notices on shrikashivishwanath.org before visiting.
Booking Aartis and Special Darshan
Aarti tickets and Sugam Darshan are booked through the official website, the temple app or the help desk. Mangala Aarti bookings open daily about 30 days ahead and sell out quickly, so book as early as possible. Carry a printed ticket and a government photo ID for every devotee.
House of Ullassa offers a Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath VIP Darshan package with transfers and darshan planning. Any VIP or priority darshan is subject to temple authorisation and availability, and it does not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times. Confirm the exact service included before booking.
Understanding the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor links the temple to Lalita Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat on the Ganga. It includes wide courtyards, a temple chowk, a museum, a Vedic centre and restored smaller shrines that were once hidden inside old houses.
Gates and Entry Points
- Gate 1 (Dhundiraj Ganesh side): the main gate for Mangala Aarti entry
- Gate 4 and the Godowlia side: popular entry points from the city lanes
- Ganga Dwar: entry from the river side, often used by devotees arriving by boat. This gate is sometimes restricted depending on the river level and safety needs.
Gate arrangements change during festivals and peak days, so follow the signs and instructions of temple staff on arrival.
Queues and the Best Time for Darshan
Queues are shortest early in the morning on weekdays. Mondays, Shravan, Maha Shivratri, Dev Deepawali, long weekends and the winter holiday season draw very large crowds, and waiting times rise sharply. If you travel at these times, start early and keep the rest of the morning free.
Rules and What to Carry
Not allowed inside the temple premises:
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic keys, cameras and recording devices
- Bags and large items
- Leather items are discouraged; check current rules on arrival
Lockers and shoe stands operate near the gates. Wear modest, comfortable clothing and footwear that is easy to remove. Carry a photo ID and a small wallet. The lanes around the temple are narrow and busy, so keep valuables to a minimum.
Nearby Temples to Add to Your Visit
- Kaal Bhairav Temple: revered as the guardian of Kashi. Many devotees visit here before or after Kashi Vishwanath.
- Annapurna Devi Temple: right beside the corridor, dedicated to the goddess of nourishment.
- Vishalakshi Temple: one of the Shakti Peethas, a short walk away.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: a beloved temple in the south of the city.
- Durga Kund Temple: a historic temple near Sankat Mochan.
- Tulsi Manas Mandir: where verses of the Ramcharitmanas line the walls.
- Bharat Mata Mandir: a unique temple dedicated to Mother India, with a large relief map of undivided India carved in marble.
The Ganga Aarti After Darshan
The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins around sunset, roughly 6 PM to 7 PM depending on the season, and lasts about 45 minutes. Watch from the ghat steps or from a boat on the river. For a quieter experience, the morning Subah e Banaras programme at Assi Ghat begins before sunrise. Read more on our Ganga Aarti tour packages page. To compare it with Haridwar and Rishikesh, read which Ganga Aarti to see first.
A Simple Day Plan
- Early morning darshan at Kashi Vishwanath.
- Breakfast, then Kaal Bhairav and Annapurna Devi.
- Afternoon rest or a walk through the corridor museum.
- Sunset boat ride along the ghats.
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
The 3 Day Varanasi Tour Package: Temples, Ghats, Boat Ride and Ganga Aarti follows a relaxed version of this plan with Sarnath added.
For Senior Travellers
For senior citizens, House of Ullassa arranges VIP darshan and queue free travel where available, with e cart transfers inside the corridor area where permitted and hotels close to the temple. These arrangements are subject to temple authorisation and availability, and they do not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times. Share mobility requirements before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Kashi Vishwanath darshan timings?
General darshan runs from about 4 AM to 11 AM, 12:20 PM to 7 PM and 8:30 PM to 9 PM, with Mangala Aarti from about 3 AM. Timings change on special days, so check the official temple website.
Are mobile phones allowed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
No. Mobile phones, smartwatches, cameras and other electronic devices are not allowed inside the temple premises. Use the lockers near the gates or leave them at your hotel.
How do I book Mangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath?
Book through the official website shrikashivishwanath.org, the temple app or the help desk. Bookings open about 30 days ahead, and each devotee needs a printed ticket and photo ID.
What is the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath?
Early weekday mornings are the calmest. October to March offers the most pleasant weather in Varanasi.
Which temples are near Kashi Vishwanath?
Annapurna Devi and Vishalakshi are a short walk away, and Kaal Bhairav, Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Bharat Mata Mandir are a short drive.
Planning darshan in Kashi? Message House of Ullassa on WhatsApp to plan a customised pilgrimage.