Kashi Vishwanath
Darshan Online Booking
Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to plan your darshan at one of India’s most sacred Jyotirlingas — from booking your slot online to navigating the divine corridors of Kashi.
Book Darshan Now at shrikashivishwanath.orgHow to Book Kashi Vishwanath Darshan Online in 2026 — A Real Devotee’s Guide
The golden spires of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi — a sight that has drawn seekers for over three thousand years.
Why Kashi Vishwanath Temple Is Unlike Any Other
Nestled in the ancient lanes of Varanasi on the western bank of the holy Ganga, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is not just a place of worship — it is believed to be a doorway to moksha. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Vishwanath, the Lord of the Universe, and the temple enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it one of the most spiritually potent shrines in the entire Hindu tradition.
According to ancient scriptures, Kashi rests on the tip of Lord Shiva’s trishul, suspended above the ordinary world. The Skanda Purana mentions that those who die in Kashi receive the Tarak Mantra directly from Shiva himself — an assurance of liberation. This single belief has kept millions of seekers returning to these ghats for more than three thousand uninterrupted years.
The current temple structure was lovingly rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. In 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor transformed the surrounding area into a sprawling spiritual complex of over 5 lakh square feet, connecting the Jyotirlinga directly to the Ganga for the first time in centuries. Today, the temple welcomes approximately 45,000 pilgrims daily — which is exactly why booking your darshan slot in advance has become such a sensible idea.
Devotees immersed in morning prayer at the ghats of Varanasi — a sight unchanged for centuries.
Types of Darshan Available in 2026
The temple offers multiple ways to receive the blessings of Lord Vishwanath. Understanding each one helps you decide what fits your schedule and intentions.
General Darshan
Open to all devotees without any prior booking. The queue can stretch for 2–6 hours on busy days, especially during Mondays, Mahashivratri, and Shravan month. Spiritually, the experience is identical to Sugam Darshan.
FREESugam Darshan (VIP Darshan)
A dedicated queue with faster, organized entry. Introduced by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust to reduce waiting times, especially for senior citizens, families, and those on tight schedules. Book at least 2 days ahead.
₹250 per personSparsh Darshan
A rare and deeply sacred opportunity to physically touch the Shivling. Limited slots are available each day, and tickets can be booked up to 45 days in advance. This experience is understandably the most sought-after and fills quickly.
₹300 per personGood to know: Sugam Darshan does not give exclusive access to the sanctum — it provides a dedicated queue and better crowd management. The spiritual experience is the same as general darshan. Think of it as planning your travel rather than upgrading your flight.
Kashi Vishwanath Darshan Timings 2026
The temple follows a rhythm of daily rituals and aartis. Darshan pauses during these sacred rituals, so planning around them is key to a smooth visit.
| Time | Event / Darshan | Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:30 AM | Temple Opens | — | — |
| 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM | Mangala Aarti | Aarti | ₹500 |
| 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Morning General Darshan | General | Free |
| 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Morning Sugam Darshan | Sugam / VIP | ₹250 |
| 11:15 AM – 12:20 PM | Bhog Aarti (Temple Closed) | Aarti | ₹300 |
| 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Afternoon / Evening General Darshan | General | Free |
| 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Afternoon Sugam Darshan | Sugam / VIP | ₹250 |
| 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM | Saptrishi Aarti | Aarti | ₹300 |
| 9:00 PM – 10:15 PM | Shringar Aarti | Aarti | ₹300 |
| 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Shayan Aarti (Last Aarti) | Aarti | ₹300 |
| 11:00 PM | Temple Closes | — | — |
During Mahashivratri, Shravan month, and special Mondays, timings may shift and the temple sees extremely heavy footfall. On these days, Sugam Darshan booking is not just recommended — it’s practically essential. Prices may also be revised upward during peak festival periods.
How to Book Kashi Vishwanath Darshan Online — 2026
The official booking portal at shrikashivishwanath.org is the only authorized place to book your darshan slot. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Visit the Official Temple Portal
Open shrikashivishwanath.org in your browser. Look for the “Online Services” or “Bookings” section on the homepage and click “Ticket Booking.” Avoid third-party websites, as the temple does not authorize any external booking agents for official darshan slots.
Register or Log In
New visitors should click “Sign Up” and register using a valid mobile number and email address. An OTP will be sent to verify. Returning devotees can log in with their existing credentials. Registration is one-time and takes under 2 minutes.
Select Your Darshan Type
Click on “Sugam Darshan” from the menu. If you wish to book Sparsh Darshan (physical touch of the Shivling), select that option. Availability varies by day, so check early morning for the best slot choices.
Choose Date & Time Slot
Pick your preferred visit date (available up to 45 days ahead) and select an open time slot. Morning slots from 6 AM to 9 AM and evening slots from 5 PM to 7 PM tend to fill up fastest. Book at least 2 days in advance to secure your preferred time.
Fill in Visitor Details
Enter details for each devotee: full name, age, address, and mobile number. Keep your government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID) ready — you’ll need to carry the same ID to the temple on the day of your visit.
Complete the Payment
Pay ₹250 per person securely via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. The payment gateway uses industry-standard encryption. No additional booking fee is charged by the official portal. Keep your payment receipt handy.
Download Your E-Pass
After successful payment, your booking confirmation and e-pass will be sent to your registered mobile number and email. You can present this digitally (screenshot or PDF on your phone) or as a printout at the temple’s dedicated Sugam Darshan entrance. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your slot.
If you miss your allotted time slot, entry is generally not permitted later and the fee is non-refundable. The temple runs on ritual time, not tourist time — Kashi doesn’t rush, and neither should you. Give yourself plenty of buffer.
Things to Know Before You Go
Mobile phones, cameras, bags, belts, and wallets are not permitted inside the temple. Deposit them at the free cloakroom near the entrance before entering.
Wear modest, traditional clothing — dhoti, kurta, saree, or salwar are appropriate. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing outfits are not allowed inside the sanctum.
Carry your original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID) matching the one used during booking. Security checks are thorough.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your slot. The dedicated Sugam Darshan queue is separate from the general queue — security staff will direct you once you show your e-pass.
The early morning slot (6 AM–9 AM) is the most peaceful. Fewer crowds, cooler weather, and the energy of a freshly lit temple makes for a deeply moving experience.
Speak softly or remain silent inside. Loud talking, rushing, and misbehavior can result in being asked to leave by temple security — this is a live place of worship.
The ghats of Varanasi at sunrise — arrive early for the most serene darshan experience.
Special Poojas & Rituals You Can Book
Beyond regular darshan, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust offers a range of special rituals for devoted pilgrims. These are typically booked separately through the official portal or directly at the temple office.
Rudrabhishek Pooja
A sacred ritual where the Shivling is bathed with holy offerings — milk, water, honey, and more — while priests chant Vedic mantras. Profoundly auspicious for health and well-being.
Mahamrityunjaya Path
Priests chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra 108 times on your behalf. Many devotees book this during health challenges or at life transitions. Includes special abhishek and offerings.
Aarti Participation
You can pay to attend the five daily aartis — Mangala, Bhog, Saptrishi, Shringar, and Shayan. Each aarti carries a different energy and is considered deeply meritorious for the soul.
For customized rituals like anniversary poojas, birthday abhisheks, or Purnima ceremonies, contact the temple office directly through the official portal. Availability is limited, especially during Shravan month.
Ready to Plan Your Darshan?
Book your Sugam Darshan slot today at the official Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple portal. Takes less than 10 minutes, and your slot will be confirmed instantly.
Related Guides for Your Varanasi Pilgrimage
Planning a complete trip to Kashi? These guides will help you experience every sacred corner of this ancient city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the official temple portal at shrikashivishwanath.org. Register with your mobile number and email, then select Sugam Darshan or Sparsh Darshan. Choose your date and time slot, fill in visitor details including a valid photo ID, pay ₹250 per person securely online, and download your e-pass. The whole process takes under 10 minutes.
The Sugam Darshan ticket is ₹250 per person as of 2026. General darshan remains completely free. Sparsh Darshan (touching the Shivling) costs ₹300 per person. Prices may increase during peak festival periods like Mahashivratri and Shravan month — check the official portal for the latest rates before booking.
The temple opens at 2:30 AM and closes at 11:00 PM. Darshan is available from 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The temple pauses for the Bhog Aarti from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Five aartis are held daily: Mangala Aarti at 3 AM, Bhog Aarti at 11:15 AM, Saptrishi Aarti at 7 PM, Shringar Aarti at 9 PM, and Shayan Aarti at 10:30 PM.
Sparsh Darshan is a rare privilege that allows devotees to physically touch the sacred Shivling — an act of great spiritual intimacy. It is limited to specific slots each day and costs ₹300. Sugam Darshan, on the other hand, is a faster queue for regular darshan (viewing the Shivling) without touching, costing ₹250. Both must be booked online in advance.
You can book Kashi Vishwanath darshan up to 45 days in advance on the official portal. It is strongly advised to book at least 2 days before your planned visit. During Shravan month, Mahashivratri, and peak pilgrimage seasons, slots fill up days in advance — so booking early is essential.
No. The darshan fee is non-refundable and if you miss your assigned time slot, re-entry is generally not permitted. This is why arriving at least 30 minutes before your slot is so important. If you are visiting during a festival when the temple schedule may change, check the official website a day before your visit.
Mobile phones, cameras, electronic devices, bags, belts, wallets, and large accessories are not allowed inside the sanctum. A free cloakroom is available near the entrance for depositing these items. You should carry only your e-pass (digitally on a dedicated device or as a printout) and your original government-issued photo ID.
Yes, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is open 365 days a year, including all festivals and holidays. In fact, special festival days see enhanced rituals and enormous crowds. On Mahashivratri, the temple stays open through the night for uninterrupted darshan. Timings and slot availability may vary on major festival days, so check ahead.
A Last Word Before You Visit
Kashi is not just a destination. For millions of Hindus across generations, this city is the very axis of the spiritual world — a place where time seems thinner, where the divine feels closer. No matter which darshan you book, the moment you stand before the Jyotirlinga in that ancient, lamp-lit sanctum, the details of your booking process will fade completely.
What will remain is the silence between the chants, the smell of camphor and marigolds, and something quietly vast that is hard to explain in words. Go with an open heart. Kashi takes care of the rest.
हर हर महादेव 🔱