Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

Place of Religious Importance I had visited this temple earlier about 8 years (2015) back. The only difference I found was the thoughtless infrastructural development and absolute commercialism of a revered and scared place of religious importance. Ofcourse, it is somewhat better from a cleanliness perspective. The rickshaw or your private vehicle can drop you till a point (a cross road with a statue of Nandi) and after that, you just have to walk endlessly to reach any temple or ghat in kashi. The richshawwallas will tell you that they will drop you till the entrance, but that’s not true or even possible. Please be careful while fixing the price. However, there are wheelchair puller available here, and they can drop people to their destination for a charge. The waiting time here is always long, so a ticket is preferable. These tickets are available at booths managed by authorities. I suggest not buying it from anywhere else but these booths ONLY. Once you have the ticket, you enter the premises through one of the worst security checks. The entrance security disallowed my selfie stick (which I had decided to keep in the locker but the lockers are inside temple premises) and a pack of wet tissue and wanted to confiscate it, but I approached the ticket booth and requested them to help in the regard and it was taken care of and duly returned. After we entered the main gates, we put our footwear on the shoe racks and approached the locker facility and submitted mobile phones and large hand bag that we had with us. Small purses and money pouches are allowed inside. The lockers being limited as compared to the devotees visiting, one might have to wait for it to be available. One has to go through a couple of security checks before you can enter the temple premises. There is no specific prohibited item in these unique security checks. Whatever the security likes (specially the female security), is termed as prohibited and forcefully, abusively and permanently confiscated. I and my companions were shocked to lose lip balms, pocket VapoRub’s, expensive stationery items (pens and dairy), sanitizers, cosmetic items, etc, never to get it back. I suggest you keep everything in the lockers. Once you enter the premises after losing your valuables to the security, you have to be vigilant and find your queue if you have the paid tickets. After checking your ticket, you will be asked to join the line, which goes from anywhere. You have to be careful! After about an hour, you get the darshan from outside the garbhgruh. Not allowed till the Shivling, one can just view it for a fraction of a second from outside before the security pulls you out. The replica model imitation Gyanvapi well (the one in the vicinity of the new temple) is located right in front of one of the doors of the garbhgruh. The well has been filled up and closed and covered with nirmalya and has become a point of fund collection. Right next to it is the huge Nandi facing the (supposed) original Shivling in the ablution area of the disputed masjid or, to say, the original Vishwanath Mandir. Darshan of this Shivlinga is NOT yet available, and it is not even visible from anywhere as the disputed area has been covered (October 2023). Once out from the temple premise at gate number 10, there is an approach way to the manikarnika Ghat. One the way, It's nice to see the statue of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, who has rebuilt many Mahadev Temples all over the country, including this one. one can get a decent view from there of the ganges. once you go to the ghat from here, you can't come back and have to forcibly go through all security checks over again and get in the general queue. So be careful wherever you enter. The entire of Kashi is absolutely mismanaged. Pls do consider visiting Shaktipeeth Vishalakshi and try attending the Ganga aarti in the evening at the ghats and the kaal bhairav temple if it's a onetime experience for you. All of them outside Vishwanath Mandir premises. Visited exclusively for Vishwanath. Har...

Visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi was a profound spiritual experience that I will cherish forever. Nestled in one of the holiest cities in India, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an integral part of Indian spirituality and culture. Here’s a detailed account of my visit, which I hope will help fellow travelers prepare for their own journey. As I approached the temple, I was greeted by the vibrant hustle and bustle of Varanasi’s streets. The narrow lanes leading to the temple were alive with the sounds of chanting, vendors selling offerings, and the fragrance of incense wafting through the air. The atmosphere was charged with devotion and energy, setting the perfect tone for my visit. Upon reaching the temple complex, I was struck by its intricate architecture. The golden spire of the temple, shimmering in the sunlight, was a sight to behold. The intricate carvings and the historical significance of the structure made it clear why this temple is considered one of the most important in India. Before entering, I took a moment to soak in the surroundings. Devotees were engaged in various rituals, offering prayers, flowers, and fruits to the deity. I noticed a diverse mix of people—locals, tourists, and pilgrims—each immersed in their own spiritual journey.

Entering the temple required a brief security check, which was handled efficiently. As I stepped inside, I felt a wave of tranquility wash over me. The atmosphere was reverent, with the sound of bells ringing and soft chants echoing around me. Reaching the inner sanctum, I was finally face-to-face with the main deity, the Shiva Lingam. The sight was both awe-inspiring and humbling. I joined others in offering my prayers, taking a moment to reflect on my own life and the larger universe. The energy in the room was palpable, with devotees expressing their devotion in various forms, from chanting to silent meditation. I was fortunate enough to witness some of the daily rituals performed by the priests. The sight of the aarti (light offering) was particularly moving. Flames danced against the backdrop of the ancient temple walls, illuminating the faces of the gathered devotees. I felt a deep connection not just to the place, but to the countless souls who had stood in that very spot, seeking solace and blessings. For those wishing to offer prayers or perform specific rituals, there are various options available, including the purchase of offerings from nearby vendors. I bought some fresh flowers and participated in a simple puja (ritual), which added a personal touch to my experience. After my visit to the temple, I explored the surrounding area, which is equally vibrant. The streets are lined with shops selling religious artifacts, clothes, and local handicrafts. I indulged in some delicious street food—try the kachoris and lassi!—and took time to engage with local vendors, many of whom shared fascinating stories about the temple and its significance.

Try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. As a place of worship, it’s important to dress respectfully. Lightweight, modest clothing is ideal, especially considering the warm weather. Varanasi can be quite hot, so keep water with you, especially if you plan to explore the area around the temple. Expect security checks at the entrance. Keep your belongings minimal and avoid carrying large bags. Be mindful of the rituals and the devotees around you. Silence and respect are appreciated in such...

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA! BAAM BAAM BHOLE! HAA..AAR HAA..AAR HAA..AAR MAHADEV!

I want ideas to very clear before writing this review- that this review is only to point out loopholes in Administration of the temple with its surrounding area and nothing more than that. My existence is non-existent in front of the Almighty. I just want facilities to improve for coming generations and to enhance equality among all devotees. If someone visiting wants to find peace or sprituality here, I'm affraid you will not find here. You will only find rush for time and money, pushing & shoving for space and absense of kindness and faith atleast for which someone must visit. It is a complete chaos not just administration, each and every individual or organization involved in this process from devotees(me myself) to priests to merchants to various kinds of middle man to local residents to local authorities each and every of them. The reason behind this chaos is simple- our population and social media. Firstly coming on the point of population, the actual temple was built in 4th or 5th century BC which was demolished by Aurungzeb and again rebuilt by Maharani Ahilyabai Holker in 1780. At that time the estimate population of India was 1.85 million. If we multiply the erstwhile population with 789, we will get our country's current population which is 1.46 Billion today. It quite clear that for every 1 person if you are going to find even 700 person, how will anyone find peace or sprituality. Secondly, about influence of social media because preserving memory is one aspect and living in memory is another. What I believe that everyone must be able to preserve few memories of visiting such a significant place. But dealing with another one is tricky because having opposite opinion is not a crime. For now regulations can be framed to manage current situation and future course of action. It's time for introspection of ourselves and discussion with every party involved in this process that how we can make things better for atleast 100 generations coming ahead. Improving the temple complex will not resolve things, we need to workout plan for redevelopment of the complete area with help of modern engineering and convenience. Because chaos can't bring properity and to let religious ideas remain relevant and prospering, structural streamlining and order is required.

One more thing, which requires immediate attention and action- A sincere advise to all pilgrims, please don't throw your disposable and wrappers of worshipping items here and there. Dispose the clothes at its designated places either near or take it back where you are coming from. Please try to contribute for the beauty of this place, at least by your behaviour and actions. A humble request to the locals, please correct and prohibit the tourists from throwing garbage here and there, if a person has inner conscience will definitely listen to you. If someone doesn't agree's with this simple condition than how highly educated or well dressed he/she is, they just need a tight slap on cheek to wake them up from slumber. My appeal to the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Temple Administration Authority, please impose strict fines and punishment for the defaulter as per his/her economic worth, those who are caught disposing or dumping waste (both...