Varanasi : What to expect

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Varanasi   was my first introduction to India, and although people say it isn’t a good idea to go write about Varanasi first, I’m so glad that Varanasi was the first place I experienced in India. However, people often say that arriving in Varanasi can be a little overwhelming. You will be greeted by chaos, color and the feeling of stepping back in time. Varanasi is a wonderful place to visit and I recommend anyone who visits India to experience Varanasi if you can. If you are planning a trip to Varanasi, here is what to expect. Ganga River Introduction to this Holy City:- Varanasi is  India ‘s oldest city, located along the banks of the famous River Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in North East India. Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and is dripping in history and spirituality. It is one of the seven Hindu and Janist holy cities, or  Sapta Puri,  in India. Buddhism is said to have been founded in Varanasi as well. Varana...
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple

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 Varanasi is known by the old name Kashi. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites of India. Varanasi is known all over the world for it’s famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva has various synonyms such as Vishwanath or Vishweshwar signifying the “ruler of the universe. The localities believe Lord Shiva to the King of Kashi. This is located on the Western bank of the holy river Ganges.

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History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

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We find the mention of Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the Skand Puran first. The Temple has a long history of construction and desolation over the times. The gorgeous temple was first destroyed on the commands of Qutbudin Aibak. While his army defeated the Kannauj ruler. It was again renovated in the time of Ittutmish and later destroyed by Sikandar Lodi. In the time of the Mughal emperor, Akbar the mighty ruler of Jaipur Raja Man Singh recreated the temple.

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In 1669 A.D again Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and built Gyanvapi Mosque in the site. Again during the decline period of Mughals Maharani Ahilaybai Holkar rebuilt the temple in 1780 A.D. What you in the present.

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Lots of People call it the Golden Temple of Lord Shiva as the two domes of the temple are covered with gold which was donated by the Sikh Maharaja of Punjab-Ranjit Singh. Similarly, the Maratha Bhonsaley ruler of Nagpur donated immense sliver to the temple. In the year 1983, the temple came under U.P Government and is managed by Dr. Vibhti Narayan Singh Ji.

Read the related blog:- Khatu Shyamji Temple Timings & Facts

Duration of Temple visit 

Normally it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to have Darshan of Kashi Vishwanath temple. But on the busy days like Monday, it might take a couple of hours to wait in the queue and pass through the security zone. while you enter the temple. They won’t allow you to remain for long.

Location of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

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Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in Lahori tola, Varanasi you can easily reach this Jyothirling by hiring a cab or using public transport. The distance from Varanasi junction to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is merely 5 Kms and from the airport only 25 Kms. The actual location of the Vishwanath Temple is inside Vishwanath Gali which is approached by a narrow street from the Ganges. You have to leave your car or Tuk Tuk in the parking and pave your way on foot.

It is also believed that if you see the golden covers of the upper part of the temple your wishes come true. People believe that while Earth was founded, the first ray of the sum fell on Kashi first. Kashi is also known as the salvation place. If you visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple you are supposed to come out of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Kashi Vishwanath Aarti timings

Mangla Aarti2:30 A.M opens
The ticket holder can join3:00 to 4:00 A.M
General Darshan Time4:00 to 11 A.M
Mid- Day Bhog Aarti11:30 to 12:00 P.M
General Darshan12:00 to 7:00 P.M
Sapta Rishi Aarti7:00 to 8:30 P.M
Allowed to visit8:30 to 9:00 P.M
Bhog Aarti9:00 P.M
(Darshan from outside)9:00 to 10:30 P.M
Shayan Aarti10:30 P.M
Temple closes11:00 P.M

 

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