What :

In a holy city filled to bursting with temples and religious monuments, Vishwanath Temple stands apart as a beacon to the devout. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, Vishwanath on the banks of the Ganges River in the city of Varanasi is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India that function as the most sacred pilgrimages points on the Indian subcontinent for Hindus.

Practitioners of the Hindu religion are expected to make the pilgrimage to Vishwanath and bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges River at least once in their lifetimes. Though numerous religious structures (both Muslim and Hindu) have occupied the site throughout much of Varanasi’s 3,000 year history, the current temple structure was completed in 1780.

The temple grounds are comprised of a series of smaller shrines dedicated to various gods from the Hindu pantheon ringing a central sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva, which houses a linga (a pillar-like manifestation of Shiva’s cosmic power) resting on a silver alter.

When :

Varanasi’s best weather falls between October and March. April and June are marked by high temperatures that fall to refreshing rains July through September.

Where :

Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi in the Northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The temple is best reached by private vehicle departing from your hotel while on our luxury tours of India.

Who :

Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout the second half of the last millennium, Vishwanath is a delight for history and architecture buffs, and the hundreds of pilgrims that visit every day are a particular treat for cultural enthusiasts.

Appropriate Attire :

Plan for warm weather and dress accordingly, but remember that Hindu temples require arms, shoulders, and knees to be covered while on holy ground, and some areas of temples may require the removal of shoes upon entrance.