Masan Holi: Why is Holi played with the ashes of pyre in Kashi?

Holi is played in different ways in every region of India. Along with religious importance, this festival is also of mutual brotherhood and harmony. Along with Holi with colors, Holi is also played with the ashes of pyre. At the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, Shiva devotees play Holi with the ashes of the pyre, which is called Masan Holi. It is believed that on this day Bholenath blesses his devotees from the great crematorium. They reach Manikarnika and play Holi with gulal as well as pyre ashes.

It is believed that on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, Lord Shiva takes Maa Gauri to his abode by making her Gouna. Shiva along with the gods and humans play Holi on that day. But the ghosts, who are considered dear to Shiva, are unable to participate in this festival, so the next day Shiva plays Masan Holi with them on the Marghat with the ashes of the pyre. With this belief, in the 16th century, Raja Man Singh of Jaipur built the Masan Temple in Kashi, where devotees play Masan Holi every year.

Devotees start gathering at the Ghat in the early morning, during this time everyone plays Masan Holi with ashes, this festival of Holi with burning pyres beside gives goosebumps. But fear dwarfs in front of the enthusiasm of the devotees. This amazing view of Moksha Nagri Varanasi stuns every beholder. People from all over the world come to see this special Holi.

Holi festival is associated with Lord Krishna all over the country, but in Banaras, it is celebrated in the celebration of Lord Shiva's cow. In Banaras, the festival of colors Holi starts a few days before Ekadashi. The festival begins with the ritual of Gauri's gauna. She leaves her father's house and comes to Shiva's abode. First of all, Shiva reaches Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, then the next day Rudrabhishek is performed before Gauna. Shiva and Parvati are brought to the main temple in a silver palanquin. In this procession, devotees keep blowing colors and gulal. People also put flower petals and colors on the Shiva procession from the roof of the houses. Shiva enters the main temple amid the sound of drums and drums. Then worship takes place in the sanctum sanctorum. After this Lord Shiva orders Varanasi to play Holi.

Brief Information about Banaras Ghats

Varanasi is commonly called the city of ghats and temples. This city is also known by many different names Varanasi, Kashi, and Banaras. All the ghats here are situated on the banks of the river Ganges. There are a total of 88 ghats in the city of Varanasi. Most of these ghats are used for bathing and worship ceremonies. While two ghats are exclusively used as cremation sites.

History of Ghats of Banaras
Most of the ghats in Varanasi were rebuilt after 1700 AD when the city was part of the Maratha Empire. The patrons of the present Ghats are Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwais. Many of the ghats here are associated with legends or mythology, while many are privately owned. Tourists come here in large numbers to watch the early morning of Banaras and boat ride along the Ghats.

Assi Ghat
Foreign students, researchers, artists and tourists visit this Ghat in large numbers. Around 300 people come here daily in the morning and around 2500 people per hour during festivals. Around 22,500 people gather at this ghat at a time during Shivratri. According to a belief, Goddess Durga threw her sword here after killing the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. The river where the sword fell was known as Asi river. The confluence of river Ganges and Asi is known as Assi Ghat.

Ahilyabai Ghat
The Keolagiri Ghat was expanded in 1778 and built under the patronage of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Madhya Pradesh. That's why this Ghat was named after him. Apart from the palace, there is a huge residential complex and Hanuman temple on this Ghat and there are two other temples.

Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is known as the main Ghat in Varanasi. It is located close to the Vishwanath Temple and is one of the most spectacular ghats. Lord Brahma is believed to have built it to welcome Lord Shiva. There is an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh here. The Ganga Aarti of this ghat is very famous which is performed every evening. Aarti is performed here for Lord Shiva, Ganga, Surya, Agni and the entire universe. 

Narad Ghat
The old name of this Ghat is Kuwai Ghat. It was built in 1788 by Dattatreya Swami, a mutt head. The four important idols at Narada Ghata are Naradeshwara, Atriswara, Vasukishwara and Dattatreyaswara.

Ganga Mahal Ghat
Ganga Mahal Ghat is one of the main Ghats of Varanasi. It was built by the Narayan dynasty in 1830 AD. Since the palace was placed on a ghat, the ghat was named "Ganga Mahal Ghat". This palace is now used by educational institutions. The first floor is used by the "World Literacy Program of Canada" and the upper floors are used by the "Indo-Swedish Study Center" hosted by Karlstad University.

Lalita Ghat
The late king of Nepal built this ghat in the northern region of Varanasi. It is the site of the Ganga Keshava Temple, a wooden temple built in the Kathmandu style, the temple houses an idol of Pashupatieshwara, a form of Lord Shiva. It is a favorite site for painters and photographers.

Harishchandra Ghat
Harishchandra Ghat is one of the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. The ghat is named after a legendary king Harishchandra, who once worked at the cremation ground here for the firmament of truth and charity. It is believed that the gods rewarded him for his resolve, charity and truthfulness and returned his lost throne and his dead son. It is believed that if a person's last rites are performed at Harishchandra Ghat, then that person attains salvation.

Chet Singh Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat is a historical Garh Ghat. A battle took place at this place in 1781 between the army of Warren Hastings and Chet Singh. Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh took over the fort and the ghat from the British in the late 19th century. There are four parts of this Ghat which are known as Cheeta Singh Ghat, Niranjani Ghat, Nirwani Ghat and Shivala Ghat.

Jain Ghat
Jain Ghat was named after Suparshvanatha, the 7th Jain Tirthankara who was believed to have been born in the neighborhood. A temple was built in his memory in 1885 on the upper part of the Ghat. Before 1931 it was a part of Vacharaja Ghat, but when Babu Shekhar Chanda separated this part with the help of Jain monks, since then it is called Jain Ghat.

Scindia Ghat
Scindia Ghat is at the top of Manikarnika Ghat and is also known as the range of Shinde Ghat. The Shiva temple located here is about 150 years old and is partially submerged in the river.

Manikarnika Ghat
It is said that when Lord Shiva was carrying the burning body of Goddess Sati to the Himalayas, parts of Sati's body started falling on the earth. Wherever the pieces of the body of Goddess Sati fell, Lord Shiva established Shakti Peetha. The ear's ornament of Mata Sati had fallen at Manikarnika Ghat. It is one of the most famous, sacred, and oldest ghats in Varanasi. The last rites can be performed at this ghat according to Hindu rituals.

Rajendra Prasad Ghat
Earlier it was a part of Dashashwamedh Ghat. In 1979, the Ghat was named Rajendra Prasad Ghat in memory and honor of the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad. The Bharashiva Naga kings are believed to have performed horse sacrifices here in the 3rd century AD. By the early 980s, the wharf was used for trade in timber, sand, and stone plates.

Vizianagaram Ghat
This Ghat was named after the then Vizianagaram princely state of South India. The Maharaja of Vizianagaram provided funds for the construction of this ghat in 1890. This is the only Ghat in Andhra Pradesh. There are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nispapeshwar.

Raja Ghat
This ghat was built by Rajarao Balaji in 1720. There is a palace in the northern part of this Ghat and Annapurna Math in the southern part. In 1965, the Uttar Pradesh government renovated the ghat and built steps made of red stone. Oil Deepotsav is organized at this Ghat in honor of Maa Ganga.

Varanasi: What is the story of India's oldest religious city?

Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River in the south of Uttar Pradesh, the mysteries of Kashi or Varanasi have been attracting pilgrims from India as well as foreigners for centuries. Varanasi, a city of ancient domes, temples, ashrams, saint-priests, shops adorned with Banarasi sarees, busy streets full of different exquisite tastes and balanced modernity, represents the colorful and charming India of dreams. There is an impression of Lord Shiva in every street of this city.

Kashi is one of the oldest and holy cities of the world. Lord Shiva has established this city. It is said that this city was built by Lord Shiva on his trident as his abode after his marriage with Goddess Parvati. Hence, it is said that even if the world ends, the city of Kashi will remain at that time.

Kashi is one of the seven holy cities of India
Kashi is one of the seven holy cities of India (Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Haridwar, Kanchipuram, Ujjain and Dwarka). The city has about 84 Ghats and big shrines which have been present since the time of the Vedas. It is said that whoever stays here attains spiritual knowledge and salvation. It is also believed that the nine houses do not affect the people living in Kashi, as they follow the rules of Lord Shiva. They cannot even enter this city without the permission of Lord Shiva.

Kashi is mentioned in all ancient texts.
Kashi i.e. Varanasi or Banaras is definitely mentioned in almost all the ancient texts of India. In the 'Kashi Khand' of Skanda Purana, description of different pilgrimages of Kashi is found in about 15,000 verses. In the Puranas, this city is also mentioned as Adyvaishnava land and Lord Brahma is believed to have performed ten Ashwamedha Yagyas at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Along with this, this place is also important for the devotees of Goddess Sati, as the city is also home to a Shakti Peeth. 

Arrival of these great personalities in Kashi

Located near Kashi Vishwanath temple on the banks of river Ganges, Manikarnika Ghat is considered as a Shakti Peeth. Apart from Lord Shiva, the name of this holy city is associated with many great personalities of India like- Raja Harishchandra ji, Adi Shankaracharya ji, Goswami Tulsidas ji, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Rani Lakshmibai ji etc. Many ancient saints like Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda and Guru Nanak have sung their glory many times after visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Meerabai's Guru Sant Raidas was also born in Banaras.

Why Kashi is named Varanasi
Known as the city of Lord Shiva, the city of temples, the city of knowledge, the religious capital of India, the city of lights, Kashi is given twelve different names in the Skanda Purana, among which Varanasi, Ananda-Kanan, Avimukt, Rudravas, Shri Shivpuri and Muktibhoomi are prominent. The name 'Kashi' means light or light of Brahma and Vishnu. The name Varanasi is probably derived from the two local rivers Varuna and Asi. These rivers come from north and south respectively and join the Ganges river.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple
There are innumerable temples of Lord Shiva in this city, of which Kashi Vishwanath Temple is paramount. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred places in the world. The holy Ganges river flows beside the temple, which increases the spiritual value of the temple manifold. Kashi Vishwanath temple has been mentioned countless times in ancient texts of India like Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, Upanishads and Vedas.

The Shivling of Lord Vishwanath is one of the twelve Maha Jyotirlingas. Jyotirlinga means the self-manifestation of Shivling. It is said that a one-time visit to Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is equal to the journey of the remaining eleven Jyotirlingas. These Jyotirlingas are also considered to be the first of all Jyotirlingas and they are also called the king of Jyotirlingas.

A popular tradition that is followed even today is that after visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the water taken from the river Ganges is used for the consecration of the Jyotirlinga of Sri Ramanathaswamy at Rameshwaram. The sand from the temple is brought back to Varanasi and given as Prasad to Lord Shiva. It is believed that pilgrimage to Kashi and Rameshwaram leads to complete salvation and knowledge.

The complex of Kashi Vishwanath temple is quadrangular, with many small and big temples dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, Lord Vinayaka, Kalabhaivar, Avimukteshwar, Lord Vishnu, Virupaksha, Virupaksha Gauri and Lord Shanishwar. The temple has three distinct areas- the first is a shikhara over the temple of Lord Vishwanath, the second is a golden dome and the third is a trident and a flag on top of it. The temple has an auditorium, which leads to the sanctum sanctorum where the Shivling is situated.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Rani Ahilyabai Holkar
How many times the invaders have tried to destroy the Kashi Vishwanath temple, it is not hidden from anyone. When PM Modi got the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor constructed, bringing back the old glory of Kashi, he also got the statue of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar installed in it. The reason for this is that in 1780, Rani Ahilyabai ji got the Kashi Vishwanath temple rebuilt. And not only Kashi, but he also got the construction of temples done in far Gaya and up to the Himalayas.

He also got the temple rebuilt at Somnath in Gujarat. Rani Ahilya Bai ji built temples in famous pilgrimages and places across India, appointed scholars in temples, built ghats, built wells and stepwells, built new roads, built many buildings and dharamshalas, other areas for the hungry. Open it and put a cup for the thirsty. Indian society is indebted to the Queen for her great and public welfare works.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings
Kashi Vishwanath Temple opens daily at 2:30 and closes at 11 pm. Mangala Aarti between 3 am to 4 pm, Midday Bhog Aarti between 11:30 am to 12 noon, Sapt Rishi Aarti between 7 pm and 8:30 pm, Shringar Bhog and Aarti at 9 pm, 10:30 pm Shayan Aarti begins. The general darshan timings are from 4 am to 11 am, 12 noon to 7 pm and 8:30 pm to 9 pm.

Other Famous Temples of Varanasi

Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman ji. The temple is said to have been built at the place where Saint Goswami Tulsidas composed Shri Ramcharitmanas. On the walls of the temple, the four quarters of this holy book have been engraved.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
This is a very Siddha temple, which was established by Goswami Tulsidas ji. Actually, Tulsidas ji was able to see Lord Shri Ram ji only by the grace of Hanuman ji, and by the grace of Hanuman ji he could compose Ramcharitmanas, so Tulsidas ji considered Hanuman ji as his guru and in Ramcharitmanas he Hanuman ji is worshiped as his guru.

Mata Annapurna Temple
This temple is dedicated to Annapurna Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This is the only temple in the world where Prasad is distributed among the devotees before offering Bhog to the Lord. It is said that whoever worships Mother Annapurna ji with devotion, there is never any shortage of food in his life.

Kal Bhairav ​​Temple
The temple is located 1 km away from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is said that one must visit this temple to complete their Kashi journey. He is believed to be the protector of Kashi and no one can enter Kashi without his permission.

Ganga Aarti Timing in Varanasi

Varanasi is considered to be one of the oldest places in the world. The places happen to be one of the seven holiest places in the country. Hence, Varanasi is a part of the Sapta Puri. The other cities of Sapta Puri include Mathura, Ayodhya, Kanchipuram, Haridwar, Dwarka, and Ujjain. As per Hindu mythology, Varanasi is regarded as the favorite place of Lord Shiva since the place is said to have been established by him. Shiva had cut off one of the heads of Brahma and carried it with him as a sign of his victory. When he reached Varanasi (as it is called now), Brahma’s head fell on the ground from Shiva’s hand and simply disappeared. Since then, Varanasi is regarded as one of the holiest places for the Hindus. Located along the banks of the holy river Ganga, Varanasi is known as the spiritual capital of India.

The Ganga at Varanasi
Varanasi is known as the land of temples and Ghats. The Ganga is considered to be the holiest river according to the Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, a dip in the Ganga River can cleanse all the sins one has ever done in a lifetime. Devotees come to Varanasi from all over the world to do a “Ganga Snaan.” The Ganga ghats of Varanasi are also known for the Ganga Aarti which is performed by the priests of Varanasi every evening. Some of the most famous Ghats that people visit in Varanasi to witness the Ganga Aarti are the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is located just beside the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, and Assi ghat. Although, the most famous ghat known for the Ganga Aarti remains the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Coming to Varanasi and not watching the Ganga Aarti is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can ever make. You need to check the Ganga Aarti timing inVaranasi before the visit.

The famous Ganga Aarti at Varanasi
The Ganga Aarti is one of the most serene things that you will get to see here in Varanasi. One moment there is hustle-bustle, but as soon as the conch is blown all the hustle-bustle immediately stops and there is absolute silence and peace. The blowing of the conch is a reminder to grab the attention of the people and tell them that the Ganga Aarti is about to begin. You will also see a statue of the goddess Ganga among the many raised platforms. The sound of the conch, along with the sound of the bells, accompanied by the smell of the incense sticks will give you goosebumps. Ganga Aarti timing in Varanasi is the busiest time in the city, on the Ghats.

However, as a tourist, you might get confused about the exact Ganga Aarti timing in Varanasi. The Ganga Aarti at Varanasi used to mainly happen in the evenings. The scheduled time for the Aarti was always after sunset. For summers, the Ganga Aarti in the evening would start at 7 PM, and for the Winters, it started at 6 PM.

The morning Aarti starts before dawn. The timing in the summer is from 5 AM to 7 AM, and during the winter it is from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM. While the evening Aarti focuses on the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the morning Aarti has its focus on the Assi Ghat.

Conclusion
Both the Ganga Aarti has a charm of their own. Beginning the day with the Ganga Aarti at the Assi ghat is one of the serene things to do. While ending your day with the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh ghat will give you goosebumps. Both the Ganga Aarti’s have a charm of their own. However, checking Ganga Aarti timing in Varanasi for the evening Aarti is a must to get a good viewing place since the ghat remains excessively crowded during this time.

What to know before visiting Assi Ghat?

Some important facts you should know before visiting Assi Ghat.

·        Assi Ghat is the most important pilgrimage destination of the city Varanasi. It is located in the southernmost part of the city and is among the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. This river got its name because of the confluence of the Ganga and Assi River. 

·        It is a mythical saying that Goddess Durga killed the demon Shumba-Nisumbha and after that, her sword fell down and led to the emergence of a river and the Assi Ghat got its name, because of this. It is among the 5 pilgrims located in Varanasi and is known as the most authentic Ghats.

·       It is a saying that if a person has a bath in the Ghat, he will become free of all the sins and curses. A huge Shivling is located under a Peepal tree, where people pay their homage after having a bath. 

·        Tulsidas lived in a cave on Assi Ghat only, and created Shri Ramcharitmanas and rested in peace over there. 

·        This Ghat is a combination of societal, cultural, and religious importance. It is a symbolic point of interest for both Indians and foreigners.

·         People start crowding the place from dawn to dusk on a daily basis just because of the religious significance, so is prepared for the crowd, if you really want to visit the Ghat.

·        You can take a boat ride if you want to see the mesmerizing sunset in the evening.

·        The place is overcrowded at the times of ekadashi, purnima, and amavasya but in case you really want to take a dip in the river, be prepared for dealing with the crowd.

·       Mahashivratri is the best time to visit Assi Ghat; you can take a holy dip into the river and after paying homage to the huge shivling nearby.

The Assi Ghat is mentioned in many Hindu Holy Scriptures namely Karma Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana and Agni Purana. People visit Assi Ghat for various reasons, to soak up the spiritual atmosphere, enjoy the famous night aarti and get a glimpse of the local culture. After twilight, the Ganga Aarti is breathtaking, with the echo of chants and spiritual giants performed by skilled saints (Pandas in Hindi). Birth, Mundan Sanskar, Upanayan, Marriage, Ganga Pujayya, and other rituals are performed. As a testimony, Manglik's works and other festival celebrations are done at this ghat.

Ways to reach Assi Ghat Varanasi
The total distance between Assi Ghat and Varanasi Railway Station is around 8 kilometers. If you drive with your own conveyance, it takes around 9 minutes. In case you are going to take a public conveyance or a cab, it’s totally dependable on you. By public conveyance or cab, it will take around 15-20 minutes.

The nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur which is almost 28 km from the Ghat, and it takes about an hour to reach Assi Ghat from the airport.

Conclusion
if you really want to visit the Ghats of Varanasi and look for local culture, then distance does not matter. Everything that matters is your devotion and your willingness to get spiritual peace, as each and every Ghat and temple has a separate significance. Varanasi is a confluence of various ghats and temples and if you are visiting, visiting Assi Ghat is a must. You can enjoy mesmerizing sunsets, sitting on a boat in the middle of the river.

Dashashwamedh Ghat- Importance

Ganges Attraction- Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is Varanasi's main attraction in the Ganges. Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this is probably the most spectacular Ghat and is quite famous for Ganga Aarti. This is the best place to see Ganga Aarti. Dashashwamedh Ghat is almost in the middle of a long line of Ghats in Varanasi. To the north is Raj Ghat, where the city once thrived. To the south is Assi Ghat, very popular with bohemians. Dashashwamedh Ghat Banaras is also easiest to access by road, while most others are reached via narrow streets.

Dashashwamedh Ghat - History and Holy Significance

Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Brahma is said to have created this Ghat to welcome Shiva to this city that would always be known by his name.

It is also believed that Lord Brahma performed a special ritual of vengeance there in front of a sacred fire. The coming and going of the carnival is captivating, with a constant stream of pilgrims, Hindu priests, florists and beggars from morning till evening. You can sit and watch the views for hours without getting bored.

Literally, Dashashwamedh means 10 Ashwamedha Yagnas. Ashwamedha Yagna is a ritual performed by kings to establish their supremacy over the region.

In the past, Rani Ahilya Bai rebuilt Holkar from the Malwa ghat in the late 18th century.

Dashashwamedh Ghat - Alliance with Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous and extensive.

At Dashashwamedh Ghat, there are two platform games in two different parts of the Ghat. Colorful pavilions adorned with flowers rise on each platform, which is attached to an electric light pole. On top of each platform is another small platform covered in saffron fabric that contains all the veneration objects: flowers, a copper-colored water pot, a damp cloth for heavy and hot metal diyas, and a mussel shell. The platforms are also illuminated by oil lamps that literally transport you to another area.

The central platform houses a small temple dedicated to the goddess Ganga with her anthropomorphic shape adorned with beautiful wreaths of flowers.

Ways to Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat

There are many ways to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat, to view Ganga Aarti. It is totally based on your budget. It is just 4.2 kilometers from Varanasi Railway Station and after that an auto-rickshaw or a cab to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat easily. You can also take a flight and can reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport which is just 24.8 kilometers from Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Must Watch Attractions

• At the time of sunset, there is a live Ganga Aarti.
• Boat trips to all the surrounding Ghats.
• Watch pandits and locals praying for their deceased loved ones under a bamboo umbrella.
• A holy dip in the Dashashwamedh Ghat is said to have a cleansing effect.
• Walk through Vishwanath Gali to shop and enjoy street food and shops.
• Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple after taking a holy dip in the Ghat, is meant to give salvation.
• It is said that the Goddess Ganges will become happy if you pour milk into the river.

Keep these in mind before visiting the New Kashi Vishwanath Mandir

The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of Hinduism's holiest sites in India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. Ahilya Bai Holkar initially established the current edifice of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi in 1780 after being reconstructed several times. 

Here are some recommendations for visiting the Varanasi temple - including Aarti times, security measures, clothing code, the best time to visit, and how to get there.

Brief history and significance of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi

The famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi, one of Hinduism's holiest towns. This temple has been an essential part of Shaiva's philosophy for a long time. It is known for its gold-plated domes and spires and the statue of the Nandi Bull.

The current construction, destroyed and rebuilt several times, is near the ancient temple site. Hindus worldwide aim to visit the New Vishwanath Temple at least once in their lives, believing that a devotee will attain Moksha after receiving temple darshan and taking a bath in the Ganges.

When is the best time to visit?

From October to March, the winter months are the most fantastic time to visit Varanasi for temple darshan. However, cold in December and January, the weather is ideal for tourists because most of the sightseeing is done outside. If you don't plan on attending an Aarti, the best time to visit the temple is at 7 a.m. to avoid long lines.

Timings for Puja/Aarti

Every day at 2.30 a.m., the temple opens. Moreover, five Aarti are performed in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple daily.

• Mangala Aarti: 3–4 a.m.
• Sandhya Aarti: 7:00–8:00 p.m.
• Shayana Aarti:  10:30 – 11:00 p.m.
• Bhoga Aarti: 11:15 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
• Shringara Aarti: 9.00 p.m. – 10.15 p.m. 

Varanasi has a lot to offer

• Explore the Ramnagar Fort, built-in 1750 on the Ganga's eastern bank
• In Sarnath, go to the Dhamek Stupa
• The Gyanvapi Mosque, which shares a wall with the Kashi temple, is a must-see.
• The Sarnath Museum has archaeological artefacts going back to the third century BCE
• Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is famed for its proximity to the temple and its spectacular Ganga Aarti.

Procedures for ensuring the security

As you enter the temple, there are a lot of police checkpoints, and security protocols are carefully followed. Cell phones, cameras, belts with metal buckles, shoes, cigarettes, and lighters are not permitted on the temple grounds. However, lockers can be rented for a small fee.

Learn about the dress code

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple does not have a specific dress code. However, there is a general dress code that is enforced. Visitors must cover their arms and legs when entering the temple. Traditional Indian attire is not required, and western clothing is permitted.

How to reach the temple?

Varanasi is well-connected to the rest of the country by road, train, and air as a significant pilgrim and tourist destination. Moreover, the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is around 25 kilometres from the city centre.

Varanasi has three railway stations: 

• Manduadih Railway Station (about 4 kilometres away)
• Mughal Sarai Junction (approximately 8 kilometres away)
• Varanasi Junction

Some of the important trains that travel to Varanasi from all around India include the:

• Ganga Kaveri Express
• Howrah Jodhpur Express
• Lok Manya Tilak Varanasi Express
• Marudhra Express
• Rajdhani Express
• Sangamitra Express
• Secunderabad Patna Express
• Shivaganga Express
• Vibhuti Express

Kashi Banaras is not just a place; it is an emotion and the peacefulness of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi is unmatchable.