GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga
Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath, Gujarat
The first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, standing on the Arabian Sea coast at Prabhas Patan and rebuilt several times through history.
Best: Oct – Mar
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, in the heart of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganga, is one of the most visited of the twelve Jyotirlingas and central to the wider spiritual identity of Kashi.
About the Temple
The current temple was rebuilt in 1780 under Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, with the golden spires added later by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, completed in recent years, now connects the temple directly to the Ganga ghats.
Spiritual Significance
Kashi Vishwanath is regarded within Shaiva tradition as one of the most significant sites for Shiva worship, and pilgrims traditionally believe that darshan here, combined with a Ganga snan (ritual bath), holds particular spiritual weight within Hindu practice.
Presented as religious and cultural tradition. See our spiritual & astrology disclaimer.
Important Traditions
- Mangala Aarti before dawn and Shringar/Bhog Aarti through the day are performed by temple priests
- The Ganga Aarti at nearby Dashashwamedh Ghat each evening is a major devotional and cultural event
- Rudrabhishek and related Shiva worship are commonly performed here as part of traditional astrological remedial practice
What Pilgrims Can Experience
- Darshan of the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
- A walk through the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to the Ganga ghats
- The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Durga Kund Temple nearby
How to Reach
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, connects to major Indian cities; Varanasi Junction (Cantt) railway station is well linked nationwide, and the temple sits within the old city, reachable by cycle-rickshaw or on foot from nearby ghats.
Best Time to Visit
October to March for comfortable weather; Shivratri and Kartik Purnima are especially significant, though they bring large crowds.
Practical Travel Notes
- • Security checks and queues are common near the temple — comfortable, modest clothing is recommended
- • The surrounding lanes are narrow and best explored on foot
- • This Jyotirlinga is the centrepiece of our Kashi & Varanasi Pilgrimage
Nearby Sacred Places
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Durga Kund Temple
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
Bharat Yatra Planning Assistance
Bharat Yatra Tour & Travels organizes a featured yatra covering Kashi Vishwanath darshan — see the full itinerary below, or contact us to customize it for your dates and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi houses this Jyotirlinga and is the same temple featured throughout our Kashi & Varanasi Pilgrimage.
Related Destinations
Gujarat
Andhra PradeshMallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Srisailam, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh
Set on the Nallamala hills above the Krishna river, Srisailam is one of the few sites where a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth are believed to stand together.
Best: Oct – Mar
Madhya PradeshMahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
One of the few Jyotirlingas facing south, famed for its pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti and its place at the heart of Ujjain's pilgrimage circuit.
Best: Oct – Mar