The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the holiest Hindu shrine in Varanasi and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples — the most sacred shrines of Shiva in Hinduism. Its famous gold-plated dome (the gold donated in 1835 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire) is the defining image of the Varanasi skyline. The presiding deity, Vishwanath or Vishweshwara (Lord of the Universe), draws pilgrims from across India throughout the year.
Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main sanctum, but the approach through Vishwanath Gali — the narrow lane leading to the temple from Dashashwamedh Ghat — is an experience in itself, lined with flower sellers, sweet shops, and priests. The area is now connected to the Ganges riverfront by the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, a large redevelopment project inaugurated in 2021 that significantly improved access.
Security is tight in the approach lanes and bags are not permitted inside the temple complex. Leave them at the luggage counters at the lane entrance. Dress modestly — cover shoulders and legs.