Photo spot in Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
One of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva and Varanasi's holiest temple, its spire gilded within a grand new corridor.
Best time
Early morning from the river, when the sun lights the gold spire; late afternoon from the corridor approach for warm light on the stone.
Best angle
Take a boat to Lalita Ghat and photograph the gold spire rising above the corridor, since photos are not allowed inside the temple.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Early morning from the river, when the sun lights the gold spire; late afternoon from the corridor approach for warm light on the stone. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Take a boat to Lalita Ghat and photograph the gold spire rising above the corridor, since photos are not allowed inside the temple. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
In the corridor plaza
With the ghats beyond
Outfit guide
What to wear at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
For photos at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, saffron, red and gold work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Varanasi.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for banarasi paan nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Leave your phone, camera and bag in a locker before you join the darshan queue.
Take off smartwatches and fitness bands too, as security treats them like phones.
Photograph the gold spire from a boat near Lalita Ghat before you go in.
Avoid Mondays and the month of Shravan if you want a short queue.
Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and shoes you can slip off quickly.
Ignore third parties in the lanes who offer a faster darshan for a fee; book only through the temple trust.
Pair the visit with Kaal Bhairav and Annapurna Devi, both a short walk away.
The Golden Temple of Kashi
Kashi Vishwanath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva and the temple most pilgrims come to Varanasi for. The present building dates from 1780, when Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built it. In 1835 Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave the gold that covers its spire and dome, which is why many locals call it the Golden Temple.
The corridor
For most of its history the temple sat deep in narrow lanes. The Kashi Vishwanath Dham, opened in December 2021, cleared a wide paved route from the temple down to the river near Manikarnika and Lalita ghats, with courtyards, rest areas and restored smaller shrines along it. You can now walk in from the river side as well as through the old lanes.
Before you queue
Phones, cameras, bags, and electronic items such as smartwatches are not allowed inside. Use the lockers near the gates, and allow time for that queue as well as the one for darshan. Cover your shoulders and knees. Shoes come off before the entrance. Security checks are thorough.
Darshan and aarti
The temple opens before dawn and stays open until late evening. General darshan is free. The Mangala Aarti before dawn and other faster darshans are booked in advance on the temple trust's website. Foreign nationals book at the trust's helpdesk near Bansphatak in person, with a passport and copies of their passport and visa.
When it is busiest
Mondays are Shiva's day and the queues are longest. In Shravan (July–August) and on Mahashivratri the lanes around the temple fill for hours. A weekday morning outside festival weeks is the easiest time.
Photos
You cannot take photos inside. Photograph the gold spire from the river near Lalita Ghat, or from the corridor approach, before you hand in your phone.
Questions
Kashi Vishwanath Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Early morning from the river, when the sun lights the gold spire; late afternoon from the corridor approach for warm light on the stone. Take a boat to Lalita Ghat and photograph the gold spire rising above the corridor, since photos are not allowed inside the temple.
Is there an entry fee at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Entry to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is open 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
What should I wear at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Saffron, red and gold photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Kashi Vishwanath Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early morning from the river, when the sun lights the gold spire; late afternoon from the corridor approach for warm light on the stone.
What food should I try near Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Try banarasi paan, available at nearby restaurants.
Can I take my phone into Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
No. Phones, cameras, bags and electronic items are not allowed inside. Leave them in the lockers near the gates before you queue.
Can foreigners visit Kashi Vishwanath?
Yes, through the temple trust. Foreign nationals book a darshan ticket in person at its helpdesk near Bansphatak, showing their passport and handing in copies of the passport and visa. It cannot be done online.
How do I book the Mangala Aarti?
Book it in advance on the temple trust's official website or app. Places are limited, and it happens before dawn, so plan how you will reach the gate in the dark.
How long does darshan take?
On a quiet weekday morning, often under an hour including the locker. On Mondays, in Shravan and on Mahashivratri it can take several hours.