Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Gali, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Temple
Nagara (Indo-Aryan architecture with North Indian temple motifs)
18th century CE
Protected Monument under state government and managed by temple trust
Year Built
1780 CE
Built By
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore
Patronage
Maratha Empire
Area
3982 m²
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara meaning Ruler of the Universe. The newly renovated complex now spans over 5 lakh square feet with 24 buildings.
Location
Vishwanath Gali, Lahori Tola, Varanasi(Uttar Pradesh)
Year Built
1780 CE
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
4:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Open all days
Entry Fee
Free entry, donations accepted
Heritage Status
Protected Monument under state government and managed by temple trust
Preservation Status
Excellent, with recent comprehensive renovation
Historical Context
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has a long and complex history that spans over 1,000 years. According to Hindu tradition, the original temple was built by Lord Shiva himself for the welfare of humankind and is mentioned in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana. Historically documented temple structures at this site date back to at least the 11th century CE, when it was built by King Todarmal. The temple was repeatedly destroyed during the medieval period. The most significant destruction occurred during the rule of Aurangzeb in 1669 CE, who built the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place. The current main structure was built in 1780 CE by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Empire. In 1835, the Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold for plating the dome of the temple, which remains a distinctive feature. The temple has been renovated many times since, with major expansion and renovations completed in 2021 under the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, which transformed the surrounding area and expanded the temple complex significantly to accommodate more pilgrims.
Archaeological Survey
Archaeological Survey of India, Varanasi Circle
Location Map
Architectural Details
Nagara (Indo-Aryan architecture with North Indian temple motifs)
18th century CE
Built by
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore
Materials
Gold, sandstone, marble
Dimensions
Height24.3m
Width49m
Length78m
Area3982m²
Featured Image
Excavation Details
Limited excavations around the temple compound have revealed structures dating to the Gupta period, suggesting continuous worship at the site for at least 1,500 years
Restoration Work
Major corridor development project completed in 2021; ongoing conservation of historic elements; gold dome maintenance performed in 2015
Patronage
Maratha Empire
Construction Technique
Traditional temple architecture with shikhara and mandapa elements
Architectural Influences
4 items
Building Techniques
Carved stone blocks with mortise and tenon joinery, no cement used in the original construction
Coordinates
25.310775, 83.010614
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Special access for elderly and disabled through separate entrance","restrooms":"Available","wheelchair_accessible":"Yes (new corridor)"}
Visitor Facilities
8 items
Best Visit Times
Early mornings (4 AM-7 AM) for spiritual atmosphere; avoid visiting during major festivals due to extreme crowds; winter is more comfortable than summer
Seasonal Events
5 items
Visitor Restrictions
Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic devices prohibited inside inner sanctum; Security screening required; Dress code enforced (no sleeveless attire or shorts); Non-Hindus may be restricted from entering the inner sanctum during certain times
View Count
26
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
87
Completion Status
complete
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-11T09:22:31.833427+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-11T09:22:31.833427+00:00