Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Facts
Deity | Lord Shiva |
Location | Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand |
Darshan Timings | 06:00 am to 08:00 pm |
Entry Fees | Free |
Dress Code | Traditional Wear |
Festivals | Maha Shivratri, Magh Mela |
The lingam is a Swayambhu, that is, the lord has manifested the lingam himself. During the Magh Mela, devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the river Bhagirathi.
The Shiva lingam in the temple is 56cm in height and is tilted towards South.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi – Aarti Timings
Here are the timings of the temple:
Timings | From | To |
Mangala Aarti | 3 AM | 4 AM |
Bhoga Aarti | 11:15 AM | 12:20 PM |
Sandhya Aarti | 7 PM | 8:15 PM |
Shringara Aarti | 9 PM | 10:15 PM |
Shayana Aarti | 10:30 PM | 11 PM |
What is the significance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?
The significance of the temple is that Lord Shiva is present here in the form of a self-manifested lingam, immersed in deep meditation. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple also has Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
Nandi is also present in the outer chamber of the temple.
According to beliefs, a true devotee of Shiva attains ‘Moksha‘ (salvation) and also lives with Shiva in his abode at Mount Kailash after truthful service and worship at the Temple.
Devotees also believe that Lord Shiva himself blows the mantra of salvation in the ears of the people who die naturally at the temple. Hence, it is an important halt in the tour of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.
What is the history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?
- However, as per records, Maharani Khaneti, the wife of Sudarshan Shah renovated the temple in 1857.
- The current temple is present over its pre-existing altar. Also, it has a traditional Himalayan architecture.
- As per beliefs, Lord Vishwanath considers this his abode from the second part of Kalyuga.
- Devotees also believe that Lord Kashi Vishwanath will be shifted to this location when Varanasi (Kashi) will get submerged.
- According to mythology, Lord Shiva himself protected Rishi Markandeya from Lord Yama, the God of death.
- Moreover, the temple has an image of Sakshi Maharaj and Rishi Markandeya in meditating posture.
What are the festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?
Some of the festivals celebrated at the Temple are:
- Maha Shivratri: Mahashivratri is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva also popular as Shankara. Priests wash the Shivalinga every three hours that day with cow’s milk, curd, honey, cow ghee as well as water. Also, women pray for the well being of their husbands and children. Girls keep fast so that they get a good and understanding husband. During this festival, the devotees decorate the lingam with flowers and conduct the Abhishek with milk.
- Magh Mela: It is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti in the month of Magh, according to the Hindu calendar. Traditional and cultural activities take place in the Magh Mela such as taking out a procession of dolls to the Vishwanath temple.
How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?
Here’s how to reach the Temple:
- Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, at a distance of 171 km from the temple.
- Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh as well as Dehradun (about 167 km from the temple)
- Road: The temple is located near NH 34 and state transport buses are available for commuting.
Where to stay near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?
Some of the places where one can stay near the Temple area:
- Hotel Bahuguna Palace: This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. Other facilities also include a terrace and free WiFi is available. Moreover, guest rooms at the hotel have a seating area and a TV.
- 5 Elements Hotel: With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. The hotel also provides 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas to ensure our guests the greatest comfort on the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.
- River- View Resort: Featuring a shared lounge, the resort has air-conditioned rooms as well as free WiFi. There is also a restaurant. Moreover, all rooms have a toaster, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bidet, free toiletries, and a desk. The resort also provides certain rooms that include a balcony.
lease carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.
What are some temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?
Some temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi are:
- Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for Goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popular as ‘Bilwa Tirth‘, this temple is among the panch tirth within Haridwar. ‘Mansa‘ means ‘wish‘ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
- Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Chandi Devi Temple present at the Neel parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is in the honor of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar. Moreover, the presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
- Shakti Temple: This temple is present on the opposite side of the Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi and is in honor of Goddess Parvati. Also, the main attraction of the temple is a huge ‘Trishul’ which is 6 meters high. Moreover, it is over 1500 years old. One amazing feature of the trishul is that it cannot be moved with your entire body force but it vibrates the moment you apply pressure with one of your fingers.
These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations of Uttarakhand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi
The temple timing of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi is from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
The Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi is dedicated to Lord Shiva.