Temple History

Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands in the heart of Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities and the spiritual capital of India. The present temple was built in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. In 1839, Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold to cover two of the temple's domes, giving rise to its popular name, the "Golden Temple." As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kashi Vishwanath holds a unique place in Hindu tradition, and devotees believe that a visit here brings the spiritual benefits of worshipping all Jyotirlingas. The temple has been visited by revered saints and spiritual leaders, including Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Goswami Tulsidas, and Guru Nanak, making it a living centre of faith, devotion, and spiritual learning.