Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Shree Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi (ancient Kashi), Uttar Pradesh, is the seventh among the twelve Jyotirlingas and perhaps the most spiritually potent pilgrimage site in all of Hinduism. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth — and Kashi Vishwanath its sacred heart. The Lord here is known as Vishwanath — "Lord of the Universe."

Kashi holds a unique position in Hindu theology as an Avimukta Kshetra — a place that Lord Shiva never abandons. Unlike any other city or pilgrimage site, Kashi is said to reside permanently on Shiva's trident (Trishul) — meaning it stands above the cycles of creation and destruction. According to scriptures, even when the universe is dissolved at the end of a cosmic cycle, Kashi is lifted off the earth and preserved on Shiva's trident — then placed back when creation begins again.

The most powerful belief associated with Kashi is that dying in Varanasi grants automatic Moksha (liberation). Lord Shiva himself is said to whisper the Tarak Mantra (liberation mantra: "Ram") into the ear of every soul that dies within the city's sacred boundaries, ensuring their release from the cycle of rebirth. This is why Varanasi has long been a destination for the dying — Hindus from across India come here in their final days, to die in Kashi.

Historically, the Kashi Vishwanath temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over two millennia. The most significant destruction occurred in 1669 CE when Emperor Aurangzeb demolished the original temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque over part of its site. In 1780, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore — who also rebuilt Somnath — constructed the current temple adjacent to the mosque. The golden shikhara (spire) was later donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Punjab, who donated nearly 1,000 kg of gold for the plating.

In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the breathtaking Kashi Vishwanath Corridor — a ₹800-crore transformation project that created a grand 50,000 sq. metre approach from the Ganga Ghats directly to the temple, demolishing 296 structures and restoring a view of the river that had been blocked for centuries. The corridor features 23 dedicated buildings including museums, dharamshalas, food courts, and galleries.

Varanasi is extremely well connected. Kashi Vishwanath temple is in the old city — vehicles cannot go all the way; pilgrims walk or take a rickshaw through the narrow lanes.

Finding a comfortable place to stay near the temple is generally straightforward, with options ranging from trust-run guest houses to private hotels and dharamshalas.

The following guidelines ensure a respectful and smooth experience for all devotees and visitors.