Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines of Lord Shiva; it is believed that Lord Shiva himself visited these places and hence they have a special place in the hearts of devotees. There are 12 of them in India.
Jyotirlinga means ‘column or pillar of light’. The ‘stambha’ symbol represents that there is no beginning or end.
When Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had an argument about who was the supreme god, Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light and asked each one to find the ends. Neither could do it. It is believed that the places where these columns of light fell is where the jyotirlingas are located.
Of the 12 jyotirlingas, Vishweshwar or Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is the most famous as it is considered one of the holiest shrines in the world. Vishwanath means ‘Ruler of the World or Universe.’
Where is the Vishweshwar Jyotirlinga located?
It is located in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India, on the western bank of the Ganga River. Varanasi was formerly called Kashi, and so this temple is popularly known as Kashi Vishwanath temple.
History of Vishweshwar Jyotirlinga
The earliest mention of this temple is in the Puranas.
It has been demolished by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in 1194 AD and then by other invaders over the centuries including Mughal emperor, Aurangazeb, in 1669, who built a mosque on its site.
It was re-built by various rulers including Mughal emperor Akbar’s general, Raja Man Singh, and his finance minister, Raja Todar Mal.
The current structure was built on an adjacent site by Maratha ruler, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, of Indore, in 1777.
Special features of Vishweshwar Temple
The jyotirlinga is at the center of the sanctum on a silver altar. There are shrines to other gods such as Vishnu, Vinayaka, Kalabhairav and Saneeshwara.
There is a well inside the temple, which is called the wisdom well or jnana vapi. It is believed that the linga was hidden here when the Mughals came to destroy the temple.
The spire or shikhara was plated with gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (who ruled the North-west of the Indian subcontinent) in 1835. Since its three domes are gold-plated, tourists call it the ‘Golden Temple of Varanasi’.
What is the story behind Vishweshwar Jyotirlinga?
It is believed that Lord Shiva lived here but his mother-in-law was unhappy with his abode. To please his consort, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva requested the demon, Nikumbha to make the place suitable for his family at Kashi. Parvati was so pleased with the residence that she offered food to everyone and that is why she is worshipped as Annapoorani or Annapurna. Even Lord Shiva is believed to hold a begging bowl in front of her, seeking food.
Interesting facts about Vishweshwar Jyotirlinga
It is believed that those who live or/and die in Kashi will attain Moksha or enlightenment. Any act of goodness here will eliminate all sins.
Kashi is one of the oldest cities in the world.
It is believed that if you see the golden spire and then make a wish, it comes true!
While you can visit this spiritual spot at any time in the year, it would be best to visit it during winters between October and March. Visiting this ancient and divine destination during Mahashivratri would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!
Situated on the western banks of the mighty Ganga, the Kashi Vishwanath shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most significant temples in the country. Here, Lord Shiva is hailed as the Lord of the Universe.
The spiritual history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
The most important shrine in Kashi is dedicated to Lord Shiva's Vishwanath form
Located on the western banks of the mighty Ganga, Kashi, also known as Benaras or Varanasi, is hailed as the cradle of spirituality or the spiritual capital of India.
This is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines
Among the myriad ancient temples and monuments with great spiritual history, the Kashi shrine, with a Jyotirlinga (Lord Shiva) as the presiding deity, finds a special mention.
Located on the western banks of the mighty Ganga, Kashi, also known as Benaras or Varanasi, is hailed as the cradle of spirituality or the spiritual capital of India.
Interestingly, Lord Shiva, who manifested in the form of a fiery pillar to prove his might, split the earth's surface and flashed up to the skies. A segment of this dynamic light manifested in Jyotirlingams in twelve different sites. And Kashi is one of them.
Here, Lord Shiva is hailed as Vishwanath or The Lord the Universe and Vishveshvara (Vishwa+Ishwara), the God of the Universe. And this boundless beam of light symbolises the infinite nature of Lord Shiva and his might.
Moreover, Kashi is believed to be the oldest surviving city globally! Besides the magnificent temple, the Ganga aarti conducted at the adjacent Dashahwamedha Ghat attracts thousands of visitors. And the same holds true for the other shrines and ghats in the city known for its spiritual leanings.
But how old is the Kashi Vishwanath temple, and why is it so significant?
The present shrine was built by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780, and before this, several rulers attempted to rebuild the structure that faced persistent destruction by invaders. And this establishes the fact the temple has been in existence for many centuries but has witnessed several attacks and resurrections.
The present temple structure is said to have three domes, out of which two are covered in gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the king who once ruled Punjab. Interestingly, an ancient well, known as Gyana Vapi (the well of wisdom), continues to narrate the tale of the long past. Belief suggests that the idol of Kashi Vishwanath was hidden in this well to guard it against invaders.
But why is this temple so significant? Interestingly, Lord Shiva is often hailed as the constructive destroyer and associated with timelessness and death. Therefore, devotees seeking liberation from the vicious cycle of birth, life and death, visit the holy town of Kashi and seek refuge in Kailasha, the Lord's heavenly abode, after their journey on earth comes to an end.
Moreover, traditional belief suggests that Lord Shiva's messengers escort his devotees during their final journey. Therefore, here, in Kashi, the Shiva Ganas aid devotees end their journey and not the agents of Yama (the Lord of Death). Folklore also indicates that Lord Shiva chants the salvation mantra into the ears of those who visit Kashi and spend the rest of their lives there to seek liberation.
Furthermore, it is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. This fact has been established repeatedly by great personalities such as Adi Sankaracharya, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Bamakhyapa, Goswami Tulsidas and several other men and women with spiritual powers. Last but not least, a visit to this Jyotirlinga shrine is said to be equivalent to visiting the rest of the eleven sites.
In a nutshell, the Kashi Vishwanath shrine embodies India's spiritual and cultural values and is, therefore, deemed most significant. And with the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor consisting of several ancient monuments, later during the day today, the importance of this temple is expected to increase manifold.
In this article, we will learn about the temple of Kashi Vishwanath, its location, and its importance. We will talk about its origin and the history of the demolition and the reconstruction of the temple in various periods.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a well-known Hindu shrine in Kashi, India. Lord Shiva is the deity worshipped in the temple. It is located on the bank of Ganga, the holy river. The temple is one of the twelve holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Jyotirlingas. It is located in the city of Varanasi at Vishwanath Gali in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Varanasi was once called Kashi, which meant “shining”. Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara mean “Lord of the Universe”; these are the names of the main deity of the temple. Hence the name Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been given to the shrine. The temple has been managed by the Uttar Pradesh government since 1983.
Origin and History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The temple had been repeatedly destroyed by the invaders. Many Indian kings tried to rebuild and repair the temple premises. The final reconstruction was done by Indore’s Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 1780s. This shows that the temple existed for a long time while being subjected to multiple destructions and reconstructions.
The present temple structure consists of three domes. The ruler of Punjab at the time, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, donated gold to cover two of the three domes. A historic well called the GyanVapi or Wisdom Well still exists on the temple premises. According to a legend, the well was used to hide the idol of Kashi Vishwanath to protect it from invasion. The history of the temple can be studied based on different periods.
Ancient Era
The Kashi Vishwanath temple finds its mention in the Puranas. It is mentioned in the Kashi Khanda segment of the Skanda Purana.
Sultanate Era
The ancient Vishwanath temple was damaged in the battle between Qutubuddin Aibak and the Raja of Kanauj in 1194 CE. A few years later the Razia Mosque was built in its place. A Gujarati trader reconstructed the temple in 1230 when Iltutmish was the Sultan of Delhi. But it was destroyed again when Hussain Shah Sharqi and Sikandar Lodhi were the rulers of Delhi.
Mughal Era
Raja Man Singh constructed the Vishwanath temple again during the rule of Akbar, the 3rd Mughal emperor. Raja Todar Mal rebuilt the temple in its original place in 1585, but traditional Brahmins boycotted it because Raja’s daughter had married an Islamic ruler. Vir Singh Deo, during Jahangir’s reign, completed the older temple’s construction. In 1669 Aurangzeb, the 6th Mughal emperor demolished the temple and the lingam. He built Gyanvapi Mosque in its place.
Pre-Independence British Era
In 1742, Maratha emperor Malhar Rao Holkar planned to build the temple again in its place after bringing down the mosque. But the in charge of the province, Avadh’s Nawab, did not let him do so. Then, Jaipur’s Maharaja planned to buy land surrounding the mosque to construct the temple in 1750. But his plans also did not come to completion. In 1780, the current temple was constructed in the proximity of the mosque by Ahilya Bai Holkar, the daughter-in-law of Malhar Rao Holkar.
Between 1833 and 1840, many neighbouring temples and ghats were constructed around Gyanvapi well. Contributions were made to the temple by many Indian royal families and kingdoms. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of the Sikh Empire contributed gold for the dome plating of the temple in 1835. He did this as per his wife, Maharani Datar Kaur’s request. Nagpur’s Raghuji Bhonsle III contributed silver for the temple in 1841. Around 1860, the Rana of Nepal gifted a stone statue of the Nandi bull, 7 ft in height, which still stands to the colonnade’s east.
Post-Independence
The temple complex is made up of a collection of smaller shrines that are placed along the river in a little alley known as the Vishwanatha Galli. In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project. The project was executed to improve the access between the Ganga ghat and the temple by increasing space and preventing overcrowding. As per the project, the total area of the temple will be increased to about 50,000 sq. metres. Approximately 1,400 households and businesses in the corridor’s vicinity were relocated and given compensation. During the renovation, more than 40 centuries-old damaged temples were found and reconstructed. The Prime Minister inaugurated the site for the pilgrims on December 13, 2021, in a ceremony. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum was gold-plated in February 2022 after an anonymous South Indian donor contributed 60 kg of gold to the temple.
Conclusion
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kashi, India. It is located on the bank of Ganga, the holy river. The temple is one of the twelve holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Jyotirlingas. It is located in the city of Varanasi at Vishwanath Gali in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. The temple had been repeatedly destroyed by the invaders. Many Indian kings tried to rebuild and repair the temple premises. This shows that the temple existed for a long time while being subjected to multiple destructions and reconstructions. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project was started in 2019 to improve the access between the Ganga ghat and the temple. In December 2021, the first phase of the project was completed and dedicated to the pilgrims.
Some locations in the world simply attracted you as a traveler and make an enduring impression on your soul. Kashi, commonly known as Varanasi or Banaras, is one of these holy locations. The holy city of Varanasi offers many beautiful places to the visitors. From the beauty of the Ghats to the spirituality of the temples people have a lot of things to discover.
Among all, the place that attracts visitors to the incredible city of Varanasi is “Kashi Vishwanath Temple”. The major god of this temple is known as Vishwanath or Vishveshvara, which means “Ruler of the World”. Because the city of Varanasi is also known as Kashi, the temple is commonly referred to as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. According to Hindu belief, visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and bathing in the Ganges River are significant steps on the way to freedom, or moksha. Thus, devotees from all over the country make an effort to visit Varanasi at least once in their lifetime.
Awe Inspiring Architecture of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The temple’s magnificent carvings and architecture is a pleasure to the eyes. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a glorious example of magnificent architecture. It is an awe-inspiring sight in the holy city of Varanasi. The Vishwanatha Galli is a narrow street that runs alongside the river and is home to a number of smaller temples that make up the larger temple complex. The main temple is in the shape of a square, and there are smaller shrines of other gods all around it. The major deity’s linga is covered with a silver altar and measures 60 centimeters (24 inch) in height and 90 centimeters (35 inch) in circumference.
The Mandir’s structure is divided into three sections. The first one is a spire on the building. The second is a golden dome, and the third is a golden tower with a flag and trident at the top. Small temples devoted to the god Kala Bhairava, Shiva, Kartikeya, Avimukteshwara, Ganesha, Vishnu, Shani, and Parvati can be found throughout the complex. The temple is home to a small well, known as the Jnana Vapi or the Gyan Vapi (the well of knowledge). Those who are lucky enough to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple should make the most of their time there and reflect on the spiritual journey it represents.
Religious Significance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest places on Earth where Shiva is worshiped. The temple’s past begins with a story from legend. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got into a fight over who was the most powerful. As a judge, Lord Shiva took the form of a beam of light that went through three worlds. Shiva told them to find the root of the light. Whoever found the light’s tip would be seen as the most powerful. Lord Brahma rode up on a horse to find the tip, while Vishnu took the form of a pig and dug down to find it. The 12 jyotirlingas are where Shiva’s light went through the earth, and this temple is one of them. A visit to this temple is a genuinely spiritual experience that should not be missed by anyone visiting Varanasi.
Exploring the Rich History of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Vikramaditya constructed a magnificent Shiva temple on the site of the current Gyanvapi Mosque. Over the centuries, the temple had been destroyed multiple times by Muslim kings, most recently by Aurangzeb, who used the site to build the Gyanvapi Mosque. It is claimed that various Indian rulers have reconstructed the Kashi Vishwanath Temple since then.
In 1780, the Maratha queen Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore supervised the construction of the current temple. In 1835, the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave one tonne of gold to plate the temple’s dome at the insistence of his wife, Maharani Datar Kaur. Nagpur’s Raghuji Bhonsle III gave the silver to the temple in 1841. In February 2022, an unidentified donor from South India gave the temple 60 kg of gold, which was used to cover the sacred area in gold.
The Incredible Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
In 2019, PM Narendra Modi initiated the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project to widen the area between the temple and the Ganges River in an effort to ease overcrowding. Now, the crowded streets have been turned into wide pathways to help people get around. It linked the old temple to Ganga’s bathing steps. Under the project, the temple now has four entrances for the ease of the devotees. The temple is on the western side of the Ganga River. A total of 23 structures, including a museum, a viewing room, a food court, and a tourist information center are part of the project. During the work on the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, more than 40 old buildings were found again. On 13 December 2021, Modi opened the corridor with a holy ceremony.
Mysteries of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the oldest places in the world is Kashi. Kashi is named as moksha nagri in the Rig Veda because those who die here are said to instantly attain salvation. Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana (fourth-fifth century) refers to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The holy jyotirlinga at Varanasi was visited by many great saints, including Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, Goswami Tulsidas, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, and Guru Nanak.
Also known as the ‘Golden Temple’, it is one of the twelve holy Jyotirlinga or homes of Lord Shiva. There are about three thousand daily visits to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. On occasion, the numbers hit 1,000,000 and even higher. It is said that worshiping at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple can strengthen your connection to Lord Shiva.
Magnificent View of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Upon entering the temple, one is immediately taken aback by its stunning design. Seeing such a vast area so beautifully decorated with incredible works of art is quite breathtaking. The surrounding mood is one of devotion and reverence, with the sound of bells and chanting creating an aura of spirituality and peace.
The view from Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath temple is truly breathtaking. As you get closer, the sun and the holy Ganges river make the temple look enchanting. The temple’s majestic dome stands out against the clear blue sky, and the historic city below is laid out before you like a painting. The domes of the temple are a sight to behold from afar. Offerings are offered and prayers are said to the deities, filling the air inside the temple with a sense of reverence and calm. It’s easy to feel touched by this grand building and the sight. This is an experience that can’t be matched by anything else, and the view is nothing short of breathtaking.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Live Darshan
Kashi Vishwanath Temple ticket price
You do not have to pay anything to get into the premises. It’s free, but you have to stand in a long line and get pushed around. If you want to take part in activities under your name, you need to buy tickets. People often buy flowers for the god at the shops near the temple. However, it is not compulsory to buy flowers. You don’t have to give money to the priest or put money in the donation box. On a normal day, it takes at least two to three hours to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple. But, if you go on Monday or other special day it could take more hours than usual.
Offered Prayers and Rituals at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Devotees can offer prayer and perform rituals at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. But for this devotees have to pay fees accordingly. The timing and fee of different rituals are mentioned below.
Mangla Aarti
Being the first aarti of the day, Mangla aarti holds a special significance. Every morning at around 3:00 or 4:00, the Aarti is performed. The temple is open to worshippers from 2:30 AM to 3 AM. It is during the “Brahma muhurta” that the aarti is performed. At the temple’s main entrance, you’ll need to show your ticket to enter; however free entry is allowed for Children less than 12 years. However, the scheduled Darshan time cannot be altered. The cost of attending Mangla Aarti is 500 Indian Rupees (INR).
Mid-Day Bhog Aarti
The Bhog Aarti ceremony takes place at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple every day at noon. The Aarti is conducted daily at 11:15 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. However, devotees should get to the temple at least half an hour before the Aarti begins (at 10:45 a.m.). After the Mangla Aarti, this is the next one. The Bhog Aarti is the ritual of giving thanks to the Lord for the provision of food. Prasad is the food that is shared among all the worshippers present after an offering has been made. Attending the Midday Bhog Aarti costs devotees INR 300.
Sapt Rishi Aarti
More than 750 years have passed since the rite known as the Sapta Rishi Aarti was first performed. The Aarti is concurrently performed by seven Shastris/Pandits, each of whom is from a different Gotra. Every night between 7:00 and 8:15 PM, the Aarti is recited. The suggested time of arrival for devotees to the temple before the Aarti is 6:30 p.m. However, on the day of Purnima, sapt rishi Aarti will begin early, at least an hour before the actual time. People think that the Saptarishis, who are the seven great sages, come every evening to perform Aarti to the god. Because of this, this puja is done every evening at 7 pm. The cost of attending Sapt Rishi Aarti is INR 300.
Shringaar / Bhog Aarti
Shringar Bhog Aarti is an evening ritual held at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After the Sapt Rishi Aarti, this is the fourth Aarti of the day. Every day from 9:15 to 10:15 PM, the Aarti is recited. The suggested time of arrival for devotees at the temple prior to the Aarti is 8:30 PM. Shringar Bhog Aarti is a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, who provides us with a living. Prasad is the food that is shared among all the worshippers present after an offering has been made.
Rudrabhishek
Lord Shiva is also known by the name Rudra. During this puja, the Shivling is given a holy wash with various materials, such as Panchamrit or fruit soaked in honey, and the holy chant of Sri Rudram from the Yajur Veda is chanted. The hours of Rudrabhishek are from 4 am to 6 pm. The cost is adjusted based on the total number of Shastri.
Sugam Darshan
This is an exclusive procedure for a quick, easy, and stress-free darshan visit. This costs 300 rupees. It’s intended for devoted individuals who are too busy or who have special needs (such as divyangs) to can’t wait in line. The devotee is accompanied by a Shastri and given special Prasad after receiving direct darshan without waiting in line. Sugam darshan is prohibited during aarti and on other important days. Sugam darshan can be scheduled only within the devotee’s allotted darshan time for the day. There is no way to make bookings by phone.
How to Reach this Glorious Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
If you want to experience the beauty of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you can visit the temple easily through all the means of transportation. Nearby, there are dharmshalas, paid guest rooms, and other hotels and lodges. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust also runs a guest house.
By Roadways: Autorickshaws or taxis can take you to the temple along Vishwanath Gali, a famous street in Varanasi with shops selling sweets, puja items, clothes, and fashion jewelry. If you want to take a bus, the Chaudhary Charan Singh bus stand is 3 km away and the closest one to the temple.
By Airways: The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur is the closest airport to the temple. The temple is about 25 km away, which is less than an hour by car. Take a trip to the Varanasi airport and then a taxi or bus to get to the temple.
By Railways: Trains run to the city from every big city and metro area in the country. The city of Varanasi is easy to get to by train, and the temple is close to a number of railway stations. The temple is about 6 km from Varanasi Junction. The station that is the farthest away is Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Junction, which is 17 km away. Banaras station is about 4 km away from the temple. Most of these stops are easy to get to from India’s biggest cities. From the train stations, you can reach Vishwanath Gali by any type of road travel.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Facts for the Visitors
It is thought that Kashi was the first place where the light fell when the earth was made.
The shrines here are built in the Nagara style, with spires that meet at the top.
The government of Uttar Pradesh is now in charge of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
People who can’t go to the temple physically to see the Jyotirlinga can view it live online.
In the 1860s, the Rana of Nepal gave the stone figure of Nandi Bull to the temple.
There are a lot of hotels in Varanasi close to the temple, so you can book one there to make it easier to get there.
You can’t take a cigarette, a lighter, alcohol, a belt made of metal, or any kind of weapon into the temple.
Inside the temple, there is always a crowd so be careful with your things and your kids.
No matter what faith you practice, you can’t touch the god.
Quick Facts
Old structure built in: 1780 Creator: Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar Opening time of the temple is: 3:00 am
Aarti time: Mangala Aarti : 3 AM- 4 AM (Morning) Bhog Aarti : 11.15 AM to 12.20 PM (Day) Sandhya Aarti : 7 PM to 8.15 PM (Evening) Shringar Aarti : 9 PM to 10.15 PM (Night) Shayan Aarti : 10.30 PM – 11 PM (Night)
Distance from Temple to Railway Stations:
Varanasi Junction: 6 Km Mughalsarai Junction: 17 Km Banaras Railway Station: 4 Km Varanasi City Railway Station: 2 Km
FAQs on Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Q.1 What is the price of VIP ticket in Kashi Vishwanath temple?
Ans. At the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the cost of a VIP Darshan ticket is 300 rupees for each individual.
Q.2 What is the meaning of Sugam Darshan?
Ans. Sugam darshan is an early darshan procedure to avoid the huge crowd. It was made for followers who don’t have time to wait in queue or who have divyangs or other disabilities that make it hard for them to do so.
Q.3 Why Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is famous?
Ans. Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga, which are believed to be Shiva’s holiest abodes.
Q.4 Where is original Kashi Vishwanath temple?
Ans.The original Kashi Vishwanath temple is situated in Vishwanath Gali, which is in the city of Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The replica of Kashi Vishwanath temple stands in the campus of BHU.
Q.5 What is 5000 Rs Kashi Yatra?
Ans. The Karnataka government initiates the Kashi Yatra Scheme. Under the programme, people who want to go on a trip to Varanasi will be given 5,000.
Q.6 What is the dress code for Kashi Darshan?
Ans. To touch the lingam, men visitors will be required to wear a dhoti. Women devotees will only be permitted to touch the Deity if they are dressed in a sari. Devotees dressed in trousers, shirts, jeans or suits will only be able to see the deity.
Q.7 What is VIP break Darshan?
Ans. VIP break Darshan is the fastest way of darshan. When regular people buy VIP Darshan tickets, they can go to the same parts of the temple as the VIPs.
Q.8 What time is Kashi Vishwanath temple less crowded?
Ans. Although, the temple remain crowded the whole day but going in the early morning will save you from the long queues.
Q.9 Do we need booking for Kashi Vishwanath temple?
Ans. No, there is no ticket for Kashi Vishwanath temple but if you want a hassle-free darshan or perform any ritual, you will need to buy tickets.
Q.10 How much is Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan?
Ans. Prime Minister NarendraModi started the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train from Bengaluru. The State Government decided that each person who booked a ticket would get a special deal of 5,000. Each person’s ticket costs 20,000. So, the whole trip will cost 15,000 Rs per person. In its 8-day trip, the train stops at the important religious sites of Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
Q.11 Why did Lord Shiva came to Kashi?
Ans. There are several stories associated with Lord Shiva’s presence in Kashi. After getting married, God Shiva and Devi Parvati wanted to live in the “Land of Siddhas.” So, they decided to come to Kashi.
Q.12 What is the old name of Kashi?
Ans. Kashi is the oldest name of the city which is today known as Varanasi.
Q.13 Which time is best for Kashi Yatra?
Ans. The best time to explore Varanasi is from November to February, which is in winter. Even though winters are pretty cold, this is the best time to visit the holy city without getting too tired.
Q.14 Can I wear jeans in Varanasi?
Ans. Yes, one can wear jeans or clothes of their choice in Varanasi.
Q.15 Is mobile allowed in Kashi Vishwanath?
Ans. Mobile phones, cameras, belts with metal clips, shoes, Gutka, cigarettes, and lighters are not allowed on the temple premises.
CAQM announces revision of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to further strengthen measures to combat sudden/ anticipated deterioration of air quality in NCR during winter months
The revised GRAP to come into force w.e.f. 01.10.2023 in the entire NCR
The Citizen Charter has also been amended to enable citizens to more actively contribute towards pollution control measures
Posted On: 28 JUL 2023 5:25PM by PIB Delhi
Towards its continued commitment to ameliorate the overall air quality of the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has taken significant efforts to abate air pollution and strategically address the air pollution related challenges across different sectors in the region. Moving ahead with this vision and to further strengthen the measures to combat air pollution especially ‘Severe’ and ‘Severe+’ air quality stages generally encountered in NCR during peak winters, the Commission today announced revision in the existing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The revised GRAP will come into force w.e.f. 01st October, 2023 in the entire NCR. GRAP is an emergency response mechanism based on AQI level of Delhi and brings together multiple stakeholders, implementing agencies and authorities to respond to situations of deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR.
Following a differentiated approach, GRAP for NCR was formulated after careful consideration of scientific data, stakeholder inputs and expert recommendations and GRAP has now been revised based on the experience and learning of last year. The revised GRAP contains targeted actions that need to be taken by the agencies responsible/ implementing agencies when Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi goes beyond a certain threshold or is expected to go beyond a certain threshold as per the dynamic model and weather/ meteorological forecast provided by IMD/ IITM.
The key changes/ revisions in the GRAP schedule include the following:
Stage I – ‘Poor’ Air Quality
(DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300)
Actions
Strictly enforce NGT / Hon’ble SC’s order on overaged diesel / petrol vehicles and as per extant statutes.
Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality
(DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400)
Actions
Ensure focused and targeted action for abatement of air pollution in all identified hotspots in NCR. Intensify remedial measures for the predominant sector(s) contributing to adverse air quality in each of such hotspots.
Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality
(DELHI AQI ranging between 301-400)
Schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential and Office establishments etc.
Capacity Range
Regulations for use
All Power gensets running on LPG/ Natural Gas/ Bio-gas/Propane/Butane
No restrictions
New power generating sets up to 800 kW capacity as per standards laid down in MoEFCC notification Q-15017/05/2012-CPW dated 03.11.2022.
No restrictions
DG sets of any capacity running purely on Diesel and not equipped with ECDs or working in dual fuel mode
Not allowed
Portable DG sets (below 19 kW)
Not allowed
19 kW to less than 125 kW
Running on Dual fuel mode
Permitted to run for maximum 2 hrs. in a day
125 kW to less than 800 kW
Running on Dual fuel mode
and
Retro-fitted with ECDs
No restrictions.
800 kW and above
Running on Dual fuel mode
or
With any other pollution control device/System
To be permitted to run for maximum 2 hrs. in a day, subject to compliance of prescribed standards for stack emissions as per Direction No. 73 dated 01.06.2023.
Stage III – ‘Severe’ Air Quality
(DELHI AQI ranging between 401-450)
Actions
NCR State Govts. / GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar.
State Govts. in NCR and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conducting classes in an online mode.
Stage IV – ‘Severe +’ Air Quality
(DELHI AQI > 450)
Actions
Do not permit LCVs registered outside Delhi, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services.
NCR State Govts. and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes even for classes VI – IX, class XI and conduct lessons in an online mode.
State Governments may consider additional emergency measures like closure of colleges/ educational institutions and closure of non‑emergency commercial activities, permitting running of vehicles on odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.
The aforesaid changes indicate only the key amendments in the revised GRAP. The complete details of the revised GRAP are available on the official website of the Commission i.e., caqm.nic.in. The revised GRAP shall serve as a tool towards abatement of adverse air quality in NCR generally witnessed during the winter months.
The Citizen Charter has also been amended to enable citizens to actively contribute towards pollution control measures. CAQM urges citizens to follow the Citizen Charter sincerely towards control and prevention of air pollution in the National Capital Region.
