Varanasi Temple Timings
Your complete guide to darshan hours, Aarti schedules, and insider tips for all major temples and sacred sites in Kashi — the spiritual capital of India.
Major Temple Timings
Plan your pilgrimage with accurate timings for Varanasi's most revered temples
Open Daily
Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)
Open Daily
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Open Daily
Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir)
Afternoon Break
Kal Bhairav Temple
Afternoon Break
New Vishwanath Temple (BHU Campus)
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The world-famous evening Ganga Aarti is the spiritual heartbeat of Varanasi — a magnificent ceremony of fire, chants, and devotion
Morning Aarti
Begins at 5:30 AM daily. A serene, intimate ceremony at sunrise — far less crowded than the evening spectacle.
Evening Aarti
Announcement at 6:45 PM, ceremony starts at 7:00 PM sharp. Lasts approximately 45 minutes. Arrive 90 minutes early for best spots.
Location
Dashashwamedh Ghat — just 500 metres from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The most prominent ghat in all of Varanasi.
From the River
Book a boat to watch the Aarti from the Ganga — an unforgettable perspective with temple spires glowing behind the fire ceremony.
Special Aartis
Enhanced ceremonies on Tuesdays, religious festivals, and special occasions with additional rituals and decorations.
Entry
Completely free and open to all faiths. No tickets required. Dress modestly and remove shoes at the ghat.
Plan Your Temple Visit
Dress Code
Wear decent, modest clothing. Many temples require covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering. Some temples may restrict non-Hindu entry to the inner sanctum.
Best Timing Strategy
Visit temples in the early morning (4-6 AM) for peaceful darshan. Use afternoon for museums. Reserve evenings for Ganga Aarti. Avoid peak festival days if you prefer shorter queues.
Getting Around
Most temples are in narrow lanes accessible only on foot. Wear comfortable sport shoes. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws can take you to main roads — the final stretch is always on foot.
Common Questions
The temple opens at 2:30 AM and closes at 11:00 PM. General darshan runs from 4 AM to 11 AM and 12 PM to 7 PM. Multiple Aartis are performed throughout the day with brief darshan pauses.
The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is announced at 6:45 PM and begins at 7:00 PM. It lasts about 45 minutes. Arrive 60-90 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot on the steps.
Most temples offer free entry. Kashi Vishwanath offers optional Sugam Darshan at ₹300 per person for quicker access with a guide escort. Special pujas have separate charges.
Yes, all major temples in Varanasi are open seven days a week, including Sundays. Some temples may have slightly different timings during major festivals.
Varanasi Junction is about 2-3 km from the old city temple area. Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and cabs are available from the station. The airport is about 20-25 km away with taxi services available.
Plan Your Complete
Varanasi Temple Tour
Let us arrange your temple darshan, boat rides, and Ganga Aarti experience — hassle-free with local expert guidance.