We went to see the Kashi Vishwanath temple with the paid ticket. It’s a bit of a tourist trap. We were taken to a shop where we got the Aarti products along with the services of the pandit. He took us around the complex and got us to do Darshan. Unfortunately it has become very commercial. Every where you go they expect dakshina. We went later on our own and it was more beautiful. We walked around the premises which have now become a part of a Kashi Vishwanath corridor. All the old shops and buildings have been razed and old temples have been restored. The spire of the Kashi Vishwanath is in gold donated by Ranjit Singh. The history of the temple is quite complex as it has been razed many times in the past. The current temple was built by Ahilyabai Holker.

We visited Varanasi recently. We visited the temple twice and worshipped Kashi Vishwanath, Annapoorni and Badri Narayan to our satisfaction. Certain aspects the temple administration is to improve. Rudrabhishekam with 5 priests we booked. Only one priest was present. Even he didn't recite Rudram well. We booked for Sanyasi Bhojan. We thought we will be serving atleast one item to Sanyasis. Nothing was said and done about it. We aren't happy with these aspects.

Visited temple on 11th March 23. whole temple complex has been nicely renovated Lockers arrangements for mobiles too are good with prompt service. We two had booked midday bhog aarti on line in advance. Had darshan of lord Shiva but much more is required to be done for smooth darshan Many persons entered who had not reservation for bhog aarti. when asked the volunteers they expressed helpness. JAI MAHADEV. ANIL UBEROI

Want to share some mistakes made went with group tour organized by tour agency. Turned out to be very costly affair. This is small town with, small roads. No need to hire cab or bus. manage with local autos. Good hotels are in cantonment area. book online . Autos are available outside hotels. smaller the group easier to manage. Ask your auto wala to take you to important temples, shops, eateries. 2 days are enough to cover all sites in Kashi including Sarnath. Allahabad will require separate one day, where you should go by taxi. if you wan to perform Puja, book online. they do not allow you to enter the main temple .Darshan has to be taken from outside. New Corridor is very over rated, nothing special.

We went for 3-4 am Mangal Arati, and for Sulabh Darshan at 4 pm on another day. Mangal Arati tickets are not easily available so advance planning is required. Sulabh Darshan tickets were available easily.

At a certain point the rickshaw will drop you and from there temple is about a kilometer away. So, either you walk from here to the entrance of the temple or take a pedal rikshaw. I believe the temple was recently renovated and it is beautiful. The grounds are very clean. You go through security check before entering the main temple complex and deposit any bags, cell phones camera etc. There are counters to deposit your footwear inside the temple complex as well. The Annapurna temple is also located within and close to the main temple. If you intend to perform Rudrabhishek. buy tickets in advance. Have a great darshan!

Visited this temple in the evening or in night after the ganga Arti. the rickshaw was not allowed to come in night. We have got the facility of VIP darshan so entered from gate no. 4 We kept all our belongings in the lockers outside the temple as only small wallet was allowed. we had the prasad from the shop where we kept our purse and went inside the temple. as we entered inside from gate 4 it was a very peaceful experience. the premises was very neat and clean and after some security check we reached to the temple where the Arti was going on and as soon as the Aarti was finished we got the chance to enter inside the temple. There was huge rush and people was just falling on each other. They just push you and you did not get a chance to take the glimpse of the linga. For me it was very bad experience as I still not have any impression of inside of temple and my mother was just saved by one of my college. Rest of the temple was very beautiful. Just sit and feel the Ganga there.

This is one of the most temples in India and ofcourse the main attraction centre of this city. Visiting this temple is one of the must to do activities. Tickets are usually available for quick visit. We were happy to visit this temple, so much positive energy and vibrations. Our guide also explained the history of this place which was so sad.

Surely PM Modi has done a lot of work here, easily accessible , clean, open, plenty of space, lots of amenities , I even saw a VIP lounge here, and washroom facilities apart from locker. Had divine darshan of Mahadev. You may come here from river Ganges side also on boats. I wish other temple premises could be extended like this.