Why Varanasi is Called the City of Moksha
Of all India’s sacred cities, Varanasi — ancient Kashi — occupies a singular place in the Hindu imagination. This city on the banks of the Ganga is believed to be the personal abode of Lord Shiva, and dying here is said to grant moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) regardless of one’s spiritual state. Millions of pilgrims come not only to worship at the Kashi Vishwanath temple but to bathe in the sacred river and — for the elderly — to spend their final days in the light of Kashi.
The Temple Complex
The current Kashi Vishwanath temple was built in 1780 CE by Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar after the original structure was destroyed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The gold-plated shikara (spire) was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in 1835. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, inaugurated in 2021, created a grand processional walkway connecting the temple to the ghats, dramatically expanding the pilgrim experience.
Key Rituals & Timings
- Mangala Aarti (3:00–4:00 AM): The auspicious opening ritual at dawn — the most sacred aarti of the day.
- Bhog Aarti (11:15 AM–12:20 PM): Mid-day offering ritual.
- Sandhya Aarti (7:00–8:15 PM): The grand evening aarti visible from the ghats.
- Shayan Aarti (10:30–11:00 PM): The final ritual of the day, putting the deity to rest.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Kashi Vishwanath temple is open to all Hindu devotees. Non-Hindus are generally not permitted inside the inner sanctum but may visit the courtyard. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.
The best time to visit Varanasi is October to March, when the weather is cool and clear. Avoid the monsoon season (July–September) when the ghats flood and access to many areas becomes difficult.
Getting There
Varanasi is well-connected by air (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport), rail (Varanasi Junction) and road. The temple is located in the dense lanes of the old city — rickshaws, e-rickshaws and walking are the best modes of access once within the city.