What is the Sapta Rishi Aarti?
The Sapta Rishi Aarti is the evening aarti at Kashi Vishwanath, performed by a group of seven priests. According to the official schedule it begins at about 7 PM (listed 7:00 – 8:30 PM). The official portal describes it as an ancient ritual dating back more than 750 years. Tickets are booked on the official portal.
Quick facts
- Published time
- 7:00 – 8:30 PM
- Performed by
- Seven priests
- Booking
- Official portal only
On this page
What is the Sapta Rishi Aarti?
The Sapta Rishi Aarti is performed in the early evening by seven priests together. The official portal describes it as an ancient ritual, more than 750 years old, performed by seven priests. It is one of the most distinctive rituals of the temple.
Spiritual significance
The Saptarishi are the seven great sages of Hindu tradition. According to temple tradition, the seven priests who perform this aarti represent the seven sages offering worship to Shiva. The ritual's age, as given by the temple, is a matter of temple tradition; we have not found independent historical documentation of its origin.
Typical timing
According to the official schedule (verified September 2026): 7:00 – 8:30 PM.
Timings can change on festival days and special occasions. See the full daily schedule.
Who can attend
The Sapt Rishi Aarti appears on the official booking list as a ticketed service with limited places.
Booking information
Aarti attendance is sold only by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust through its official portal. You register, choose the aarti, date and slot, enter each visitor's details and pay online. Prices are set by the trust and may change; we do not publish them. See our booking guide.
What devotees should know
- Phones, cameras and bags are not allowed inside. Print or note your booking details and use the lockers. See what not to carry.
- Dress modestly; traditional clothing is appropriate. See the temple rules.
- Viewing space near the sanctum is limited, and staff direct where ticket holders stand or sit.
- Photography is not permitted.
How early to arrive
Reach the entry point at least 45 minutes to an hour before 7 PM, leaving time for lockers and security. Evenings, especially weekends and Mondays, are busy. Check the reporting time and gate shown on your ticket or on the official portal.
Identification and documents
Carry the original government photo ID used for booking (a passport for foreign nationals) and your e-ticket in printed or written form.
Combining with the Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat usually begins around sunset, which in many months overlaps with the Sapta Rishi Aarti. Most visitors choose one on a given evening, or see the Ganga Aarti one day and the Sapta Rishi Aarti the next.
Compare all five aartis in the aarti guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Sapta Rishi Aarti?
Sapta Rishi means 'seven sages'. The aarti is performed by seven priests, who in temple tradition represent the seven sages worshipping Shiva.
Can I attend both Sapta Rishi Aarti and Ganga Aarti on the same evening?
Their timings usually overlap, so most visitors choose one per evening.
How do I book the Sapta Rishi Aarti?
Aarti attendance is booked on the official Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust portal. Choose the aarti, date and slot, enter visitor details and pay online. This website cannot book.
What ID should I carry?
Carry the original government photo ID you entered while booking, along with a printed or saved ticket — phones are not allowed inside.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Rituals and daily schedule (opens in a new tab)
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust — Official temple source, checked September 2026
- Online booking — darshan, aarti and pooja services (opens in a new tab)
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust — Official temple source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
Related guides
- AartiThe five daily aartis at Kashi Vishwanath — Mangala, Bhog, Sapta Rishi, Shringar and Shayan: published timings, meaning, booking and how to attend.
- Mangala AartiMangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath: the pre-dawn aarti that awakens the deity. Published timing, meaning, official booking, arrival time and documents.
- Ganga AartiGanga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: when it starts, how long it lasts, where to watch from (steps or boat), the morning aarti at Assi, monsoon changes and tips.
- Booking GuideWhat you can book at Kashi Vishwanath Temple — Sugam Darshan, aartis, Rudrabhishek and more — how the official portal works, and how to avoid unofficial sellers.
- Bhog AartiThe midday Bhog Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath: the food offering to the deity. Published timing window, meaning, official booking and practical tips.
- Shringar AartiThe night Shringar / Bhog Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath, when the deity is adorned: published start time, meaning, official booking and tips for attending.