Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Here’s a detailed material on Kashi Vishwanath Temple (श्री काशी विश्वनाथ), covering legends, history, architecture, rituals, recent developments etc. You can use this both for a product case and a blog. If you need some images, quotes, or local lore, I can gather those too.

Kashi Vishwanath Sep 26, 2025 0 42 Add to Reading List

Jyotirlinga
- Kashi Vishwanath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It’s often considered among the foremost because Kashi (Varanasi) is one of the oldest existing cities, and in many Puranas it is said that by bathing in Ganga + visiting Shiva here one attains moksha.
- It is also believed that the Jyotirlinga here appeared as a column of light (Jyoti) (like others), symbolizing the supreme formless Shiva.
Legends
- There is legend that when Aurangzeb ordered destruction of the temple in 1669, the Linga was hidden in a well (Jnana Vapi) to protect it.
- Another legend is that once Lord Shiva came in Rani Ahilyabai Holkar’s dream, giving her instructions to rebuild the temple.

Period	Events / Key Changes
Ancient & Medieval	Likely existed in some form from very old times, mentioned in Skanda Purana etc. Over centuries it got destroyed and rebuilt multiple times under different rulers.
1194 CE	Destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (or forces) during early Turkic invasions.
During Delhi Sultanate & Mughal Era	Repeated demolitions under various rulers; in 1669 Aurangzeb destroyed the previous structure and ordered construction of the Gyanvapi Mosque on the site.
18th century	Reconstruction by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The present temple structure largely traces to her initiative.
19th century	Several donations, additions: Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold for plating the dome/spires; other Maratha rulers etc.
20th century	Management changes, legal, administrative changes. Also, previous restrictions (like caste based) gradually over time removed.
Post Independent / Recent	Major recent project: Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to improve access from river Ganga to the temple. Gold plating of sanctum dome etc. Also, infrastructural improvements around.

The temple is built in the North Indian (Nagara) style typical of Hindu temples in that region. Spire(s), domes, mandapa (assembly halls), sanctum etc.
The main sanctum (garbha griha) houses the primary Shivalinga. It rests on a silver altar. The Linga is about 0.6 meters (≈ 2 ft) high and about 0.9 meters (≈ 3 ft) in circumference.
There is a Wisdom Well (Jnana Vapi) to the north of the temple, which has historical significance. Legend says the Linga was concealed in it to safeguard during invasions.
The temple complex contains a number of smaller shrines around the main temple: shrines dedicated to deities like Kala Bhairava, Kartikeya, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Ganesha, Shani, Shiva-Parvati etc.
Dome and spire: The gold plating on the spire/golden chatra gives it the name “Golden Temple” (not to be confused with Golden Temple in Punjab). One of the spires is about 15.5 meters height.

Opening & closing times: The temple opens very early (around 2:30 AM) for Mangala Aarti.
Mangala Aarti: ~3-4 AM. Followed by other pujas and darshan.
Mid-day Bhog Aarti etc. Evening aartis: Sapta Rishi Aarti. Also Shayan Aarti before closing.
Festivals: Mahashivaratri is a major festival. Also Shravan (especially Somvar Mondays in Shravan month) sees huge crowds. Other Shiva festivals and fairs are observed.

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project:
This is a recent major government project to improve the connectivity between the temple and the Ganges, widen paths, remove congestion, restore nearby smaller temples, improve facilities for pilgrims. The corridor was inaugurated in December 2021.
Gold-plating of Sanctum / Dome:
In Feb 2022, an anonymous donor from South India donated ~60 kg of gold to plate parts of the temple (sanctum’s outer dome etc.).
Management & Access Changes:
Changes in how people access the temple, easier darshan, perhaps better online booking, improved infrastructure. Also some controversies (relating to adjoining Gyanvapi Mosque etc.) have been in public discussion.
Social changes:
Previously non-Hindus and lower castes (Dalits) had restrictions; over time, legal and constitutional changes led to more inclusive access.

The name “Golden Temple” comes from the gold used on the spire / domes.
The present temple is not the original but is a rebuild; the site has been subject to many cycles of destruction & rebuilding. This gives it a layered history.
The physical proximity / adjacency of Gyanvapi Mosque is significant in history & in contemporary debates.

Here are some themes or sections you could include / explore, to make your material rich:

Legend & Myth-Stories Section: tell the legends surrounding its origin, destruction and reconstruction; stories of how Linga was hidden, dreams, etc.
Architectural Evolution: Describe how the architecture changed over centuries — what older structures existed, what styles, materials. You can compare old pictures or descriptions with the current building.
Cultural & Social Role: How Kashi Vishwanath has played a part in people’s spiritual life, in pilgrimages, in literature, music, art etc.
Contemporary Relevance: The Corridor project, modern sevas / facilities, social inclusion, tourism, how it is managed, pilgrim flows etc.
Visitor Information: timings, rules, how to plan a visit, darshan types, festivals, best time of year etc.
Challenges / Controversies: conservation, crowd management, access issues, heritage preservation, legal / inter-community issues (if relevant delicately handled).
Visual & Sensory Details: Paint a picture — description of how aarti feels, sound, smell, the view of Ganga, the light in early morning, etc. This helps blog readers / product case users feel connected.
Comparisons: How Kashi Vishwanath temple compares with other Jyotirlingas — in antiquity, in number of devotees, in architectural features etc.