Kashi Vishwanath Temple 2026: Darshan Timings, Aarti, Online Booking

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, stands as one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, revered as the first and foremost among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva . Located on the western bank of the sacred Ganga River, this ancient temple has been a center of faith and devotion for millennia, drawing millions of pilgrims who seek liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.

Known as the “Golden Temple” for its magnificent gold-plated spire, the present structure was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The temple’s sanctum houses the sacred Jyotirlinga, a self-manifested representation of Lord Shiva that is considered one of the most powerful spiritual symbols in existence. The temple complex has been significantly expanded with the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, a ₹339 crore project that has transformed the area into a sprawling 4.7-lakh-square-foot facility, connecting the temple directly to the Ganga River at Lalita Ghat .

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the temple is a living center of spiritual energy. The sounds of Vedic chanting, the fragrance of incense, and the constant flow of devotees create an atmosphere of profound devotion. The temple’s significance is further elevated by its association with the Ganga Aarti at nearby Dashashwamedh Ghat, making Varanasi a complete pilgrimage destination where seekers can experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva in the holiest of Hindu cities.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple 2026: Overview Table

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan Timings 2026

The temple follows a consistent daily schedule throughout the year, with extended hours during major festivals like Mahashivratri .

Regular Daily Timings

Special Festival Hours for 2026

Important Note on Special Days

The temple remains closed during solar and lunar eclipses. For the March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse, the temple doors were shut at 4:30 AM and reopened after 7:15 PM following purification rituals .

During Mahashivratri on February 15, 2026, the temple administration estimated over 10 lakh devotees. To manage the crowd, all VIP protocol arrangements were suspended, and devotees could only offer water and flowers from outside the sanctum through long trays .

Sevas, Darshans, and Price Offerings

Kashi Vishwanath Temple offers several sacred rituals that devotees can participate in. These sevas can be booked online or at the temple counters .

Darshan Types and Ticket Prices

Important Updates on Mangala Aarti Tickets for 2026

The temple administration has doubled the number of Mangala Aarti tickets from 250 to 500 daily, accommodating the increasing number of devotees following the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor development . This decision was implemented on a trial basis in January 2026, with 475 devotees allowed initially before the full increase to 500.

Tickets can be booked online for up to one month in advance, subject to availability. During the Mangala Aarti, some devotees are seated at the four entrances of the sanctum sanctorum, while the aarti is also telecast on LED screens for others .

Special Festival Arrangements for 2026

Mahashivratri 2026 (February 15)

The temple remained open continuously for 26 hours, from 4:00 AM on February 15 to 6:00 AM on February 16 . Key arrangements included:

• Ban on VIP Protocol: All convenient darshan and VVIP arrangements were suspended
• Entry Points: 4 gates with designated routes for crowd management:
• Gate 1 (Ganga Gate): For devotees bathing in Ganga River
• Gate 2 (Dhundiraj Ganesh Gate): For queues from Dashashwamedh Ghat side
• Gate 3 (Saraswati Gate): For devotees from Godaulia via Bans Phatak
• Gate 4 (Nandi Gate): For devotees from Maidagin and Godaulia
• Special Aarti Schedule: Instead of regular Saptarishi Aarti and Shayan Aarti, special aartis were performed in four different phases
• Wedding Ceremony: Baba Vishwanath’s wedding rituals were performed from 8:00 PM on February 15
• Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, shoes, pens, paan-masala not allowed inside; only prasad baskets, milk, Ganga water, and flowers permitted

AI Chatbot “Ask Nandi” – Your Digital Guide

In January 2026, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust launched a modern AI-powered chatbot named “Ask Nandi” to assist devotees from anywhere in the world .

Features of the Chatbot

How to Access

Devotees can visit the Trust’s official website skvt.org and click on the chat icon on the homepage to access the chatbot . Temple CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra stated, “You can ask any question—like ‘When’s the best time for darshan?’ or ‘When’s the crowd lightest?’—and Ask Nandi will use AI to analyze the data and give you a spot-on response” .

How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur), Varanasi
• Distance: Approximately 25 km from temple
• Transport: After exiting the airport, take a car or auto to Beniyabag intersection, where police barrier requires parking. From there, walk 1.5 km to Godowlia intersection

By Train

• Nearest Station: Varanasi Junction (Cantt Station) – approximately 6 km
• Other Stations: Varanasi City Station (near Godowlia), Manduadih Station
• Transport: Taxis and auto-rickshaws available from all stations

By Road

• Regular bus services from Lucknow, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, and other cities
• Private taxis and auto-rickshaws available throughout the city

Important Travel Note

Private vehicles are not permitted directly to the temple. Cars must be parked at designated areas near Beniyabag intersection, followed by a 1.5 km walk to Godowlia intersection, where the darshan queues begin .

Nearby Attractions

How to Book Darshan and Seva Tickets Online

Step-by-Step Booking Process

Step 1: Visit the official website: skvt.org

Step 2: Click on the chat icon to access “Ask Nandi” AI chatbot for assistance

Step 3: Navigate to the booking section for your desired seva:

• Mangala Aarti – available for up to 1 month in advance
• Rudrabhishekam – ₹1,500 per ticket
• Pind Daan – ₹2,000 per ticket

Step 4: Fill in devotee details including name, age, and ID proof information

Step 5: Complete payment through the secure online gateway

Step 6: Download your e-ticket and save/print for entry

Important Booking Notes:

• Mangala Aarti tickets now available for 500 devotees daily
• Tickets can be booked up to one month in advance
• If unable to book online, the temple administration provides assistance – leave your problem and contact number

Accommodation Options Near the Temple

Quick Price Summary for 2026

Key Location Decisions

Notable Accommodations

Important Instructions for Visitors

Prohibited Items

• Mobile phones (must be deposited at entrance)
• Shoes and footwear
• Cameras and recording devices
• Pens, paan-masala, gutka
• Large bags and luggage

Permitted Items

• Baskets containing prasad
• Milk and Ganga water
• Flowers and offerings
• Cash for donations

General Guidelines

• Maintain silence and decorum inside the temple
• Follow queue discipline; do not push or rush
• Dress modestly (traditional attire recommended)
• Avoid visiting during afternoon break (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) for shorter queues
• For elderly devotees, easy darshan arrangements are available (except during festivals)

Dos and Don’ts at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple darshan timings for 2026?

A: The temple is open from 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily. On Mahashivratri (February 15, 2026), it remained open for 26 continuous hours .

Q2: How can I book Mangala Aarti tickets online?

A: Visit the official website skvt.org, navigate to the booking section, select Mangala Aarti, choose your date, fill devotee details, and complete payment. Tickets are ₹500 per person, with 500 tickets available daily .

Q3: What is the cost of Rudrabhishekam at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

A: Rudrabhishekam costs ₹1,500 per person, with a maximum of 2 persons allowed per ticket. The ritual includes abhishek with milk, honey, and curd .

Q4: Is there an AI chatbot for temple information?

A: Yes, the temple launched “Ask Nandi,” an AI-powered chatbot available 24/7 on the official website skvt.org. It provides information on darshan booking, timings, prasad, and guest house availability in Hindi, English, and regional languages .

Q5: What was special about Mahashivratri 2026 at Kashi Vishwanath?

A: The temple remained open for 26 hours continuously (4:00 AM Feb 15 – 6:00 AM Feb 16). All VIP protocol arrangements were suspended, and over 10 lakh devotees were expected. Four aartis were performed in different phases .

Q6: Can I offer prasad inside the temple?

A: During normal days, prasad can be offered. During festivals like Mahashivratri, prasad cannot be offered inside. Devotees can only offer water, milk, and flowers through long trays from outside the sanctum .

Q7: What are the best accommodation options near the temple?

A: For budget pilgrims, dharmashalas (₹100–500/night) are available. Mid-range hotels in Assi Ghat (₹3,500–6,000/night) offer balance of comfort and access. For luxury, Brijrama Palace (₹12,000–25,000/night) on Darbhanga Ghat provides heritage rooms facing the Ganges .

Q8: How do I reach the temple from the airport?

A: From Babatpur Airport, take a car or auto to Beniyabag intersection. Park your vehicle there, then walk 1.5 km to Godowlia intersection where the darshan queues begin .

Q9: Is photography allowed inside the temple?

A: No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Mobile phones must be deposited at the entrance .

Q10: When does the temple close during lunar eclipses?

A: The temple remains closed during lunar and solar eclipses in observance of Sutak Kaal. For the March 3, 2026 eclipse, the temple was closed from 4:30 AM and reopened after 7:15 PM .

Q11: Can I perform Pind Daan at the temple?

A: Yes, Pind Daan and Pitru Tarpan rituals are performed daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The cost is ₹2,000 for up to 3 persons. No advance booking is required, though online booking is also available .

Q12: What are the entry gates for darshan?

A: There are four gates: Ganga Gate (for Ganga bathers), Dhundiraj Ganesh Gate (Dashashwamedh side), Saraswati Gate (Godaulia via Bans Phatak), and Nandi Gate (Maidagin/Godaulia) .

Temple Contact Information: