25 Lakh Devotees Expected | 6 KM Walk Mandatory | No VIP Darshan

On Mahashivratri, approximately 25 lakh devotees will visit Kashi, the city of Lord Shiva. To manage the large crowd, authorities have restricted vehicle movement—cars and bikes will be stopped 3 km before the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, making the surrounding area a no-vehicle zone. Every devotee will have to walk at least 6 km to reach the temple.

Barricades have been placed at various locations, and when Naga sadhus arrive from their akharas, general darshan for devotees will be temporarily halted.

Temple Darshan & Aarti Timings

• The temple will open for devotees after Mangala Aarti at 3:30 AM on February 26.
• Darshan of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mahadev’s Jhanki will continue throughout Mahashivratri.
• Saptarshi Aarti and Shringar Aarti will not be performed during this period.
• Devotees will be allowed darshan until 1:00 AM on February 28.

Entry and Exit Gates for Darshan

1. Ganga Dwar – For devotees arriving after bathing in the Ganga.
2. Dhundhiraj Ganesh Dwar – Entry for those in queues from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
3. Saraswati Dwar – Entry for devotees coming via Godaulia through Bamboo Gate.
4. Nandi Dwar – For those arriving from Maidagin and Godaulia.

Darshan Duration & VIP Darshan Ban

• Devotees will face 4-5 km long zig-zag queues at all temple gates.
• Darshan is expected to take 3-4 hours on average.
• VIP Darshan has been banned from February 25-26.

Baba Vishwanath’s Wedding Festival

• The wedding rituals of Baba Vishwanath will take place within the temple premises from 8:00 PM on February 26, followed by Baba’s Shringar Puja.

Prasad & Offerings

• No prasad can be offered inside the temple. However, devotees can offer water, milk, and flowers through a long tray from outside the sanctum sanctorum.
• Prasad is available inside the temple complex and can be taken home.
• Over 500+ shops outside the temple also offer prasad for devotees.

Prohibited Items Inside the Temple

• Mobile phones, shoes, pens, and pan-masala are not allowed inside.
• Security checking is conducted at the entrance.
• Only baskets of prasad, milk, Ganga water, and flowers are permitted.

Travel & Parking Arrangements

By Road

• No entry for private vehicles inside Kashi.
• Parking is available on highways and designated areas outside the city.

Parking Locations Based on Entry Routes:

1. From Prayagraj: Large vehicles park at Jagatpur Rohaniya, smaller ones till Lahartara. Walk 2.5 km from Police Barrier (Piplani Katra).
2. From Lucknow: Parking at Nadesar (Cutting Memorial Grounds). Walk 2.5 km from Piplani Katra.
3. From Kanpur: Parking at Kashi Vidyapeeth playground. Walk 2.5 km from Piplani Katra.
4. From Jaunpur/Ghazipur: Parking at Sampurnanand University near Chowka Ghat. Walk 3 km from Lahurabir Chowk.
5. From Chandauli: Parking at Gandhi Seva Ashram Ground, Namoghat or Sampurnanand University. Walk 3 km from Lahurabir Chowk.

• Expect 5-6 km long traffic jams before entering Varanasi city.

By Train

• Varanasi has four major railway stations serving different routes:

  • Banaras Station (Mumbai, Delhi, Bhopal, Prayagraj, Kanpur routes) – 4.4 km from temple, 1.5 km walk after police barrier.
  • Varanasi Cantt (Lucknow, Gujarat, Howrah, Ayodhya routes) – 5.4 km from temple, 2 km walk after Lahurabir crossing.
  • City Station (Ballia, Bihar, Gorakhpur routes) – 3.4 km from temple, 2.5 km walk from barricade.
  • Shivpur Station (Lucknow, Ayodhya routes) – 5.6 km from temple, 2 km walk after Lahurabir.

• Special Maha Kumbh trains are terminating at Lohta Station, requiring a 4 km walk to Chandpur and an e-rickshaw to Lahurabir, followed by a 2 km walk.

• 107 regular and 20 special trains are operational. Check https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/ for updated train timings.

By Air

• From Babatpur Airport (Varanasi Airport), take a car/auto to Beniyabagh Tiraha, then walk 1.5 km to Godaulia Chauraha, where darshan queues begin.

Ganga Snan (Holy Bath)

• Recommended bathing ghats:
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat (2 km from Godaulia).
  • Assi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Bhadaini Ghat.

Boat Rides & Charges

• Available at: Assi Ghat, Namo Ghat, and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• Pricing:
  • Bajada (big boat) – ₹100 per person.
  • Cruise – ₹300 per person.
  • Small boat bookings are closed.

Akhada Procession of Naga Sadhus

• On February 26 at 6 AM, the 7 Akhadas will begin their grand procession from Hanuman Ghat.
• The sadhus will perform acrobatics and walk 3 km to the temple.
• Five Akharas will enter together, while two will arrive separately with a royal procession.
• General devotees will not be allowed darshan during this period.

Accommodation Near Kashi Vishwanath

• 12,000+ hotels, lodges, and homestays are available in Varanasi.
• Rooms range from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 per night.
• Luxury hotels (₹1,500 – ₹70,000/night): Taj, Clark, Padmini, Ramada, etc.
• Free accommodations:
  • Rest areas at Varanasi Junction (Platform 9 & 1).
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat, with free sleeping areas on identity submission.

Food & Free Meals

Famous Food Spots Near the Temple

• Godaulia Char Rasta – Kachori, tea, chaat, sweets.
• Chowk Police Station Lane – Hing Kachori, samosas.
• Lanka Chowk – Famous Pehalwan Lassi (3 km from temple).
• Church Chowk – Kashi Chai Bhandar.

Free Food Options

1. Temple Annakshetra:

   • Free Sattvic meals from 12 PM – 5 PM.
   • Annapurna Temple offers vegetable-roti, sambar-rice, sweets (8 AM – 4 PM) & evening snacks (5 PM – 9 PM).

2. Community Bhandaras:

   • Organized from Gate No. 4 towards Maidagin & Godaulia.
   • Halwa-Puri, Khichdi, and Chana Aloo Sabzi-Puri are served free of cost.

For a smooth experience, follow these guidelines and plan accordingly for a divine and hassle-free Mahashivratri darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. 🚩