What is the traditional Kashi pilgrimage route?
A common traditional sequence is Ganga snan at dawn, darshan of Kashi Vishwanath, then Annapurna Devi, Vishalakshi and Kal Bhairav, with the evening Ganga Aarti. A second day often includes Sankat Mochan, the Durga Temple and family rites at the ghats. Customs vary between families and communities.
The itinerary
A suggested plan by our editors, not an official schedule. Times are approximate; check current temple timings and conditions on the day.
Day 1 — Vishwanath and the old city
Dawn
Bathe near the steps or sprinkle Ganga water.
Morning
Offer Ganga water and bel leaves as staff permit.
After darshan
The goddess of nourishment.
Late morning
Vishalakshi Temple
Kashi's Shakti Peetha, near Manikarnika.
Midday
The guardian of Kashi.
Sunset
At Dashashwamedh.
Day 2 — Shrines of south Kashi and family rites
Dawn
Offer a lamp (diya) on the river.
Morning
Associated with Tulsidas.
Late morning
Durgakund.
Afternoon
Family rites (if planned)
Shraddha or pind daan with a family priest at the ghats or Pishach Mochan; agree details in advance.
Evening
Sapta Rishi Aarti (booked) or evening darshan
Book on the official portal.
See the Kashi pilgrimage guide for background.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Vishalakshi Temple?
Near Manikarnika Ghat, in the old city — a short walk from Kashi Vishwanath.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Banaras: City of Light — Diana L. Eck (Knopf, 1982; Columbia University Press reprint) (opens in a new tab)
Columbia University Press — Scholarly source, checked September 2026
- Rituals and daily schedule (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
- Kashi Pilgrimage GuideA practical Kashi pilgrimage guide: the traditional sequence of Ganga snan, Vishwanath, Annapurna and Kal Bhairav, key rituals, how long to stay and how to plan.
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