Jyotirlinga 9 of 12

Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi

In Kashi — among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world — Shiva is Vishwanatha, Lord of the Universe.

LocationVaranasi (Kashi), on the Ganga
State / RegionUttar Pradesh
Worshipped asVishwanatha / Vishweshwara
Best time to visitOctober to March; Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima) is spectacular

Religious significance

Kashi is believed to be held on the tip of Shiva's trishul, and dying here is traditionally believed to grant moksha. The present temple was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore; Maharaja Ranjit Singh later donated gold for its spires. The Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, connecting the temple to the Ganga ghats, opened in 2021.

Traditional story

In the Shiva Purana, Kashi is Shiva's own city — created by him and never abandoned, even at the dissolution of the worlds. It is the place where Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra into the ears of the dying.

Legends are presented as they are told within the tradition; they hold spiritual meaning for devotees and are not offered as historical record.

Visitor guidance

  • Mobile phones, bags and electronics are not allowed inside; use the official lockers.
  • Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening.
  • Take a sunrise boat ride along the ghats.

Continue the journey

More 12 jyotirlingas

All sacred places

Gujarat

Somnath

Standing on the Arabian Sea shore at Prabhas Patan, Somnath is honoured as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar

On Mandhata island in the Narmada — an island said to be shaped like the sacred syllable ॐ — Omkareshwar is one of the most beautiful settings of any Jyotirlinga.

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