Kashi Vishwanath runs on an official schedule: the temple opens 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with darshan in three blocks — 4:00–11:15 AM, 12:20–7:15 PM and 8:30–9:00 PM. Those figures come from the temple’s own FAQ and daily-schedule pages, checked 01 October 2026.
Two ways exist to see the deity: free general darshan in the queue, or paid Sugam Darshan (queue-less, 6 AM–6 PM) — and one hard rule: no electronics, bags or leather inside.
Darshan blocks
| Block | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 4:00–11:15 AM | Contains the 11:15 AM Bhog aarti pause |
| Afternoon–evening | 12:20–7:15 PM | Contains the 7:00 PM Sapta-Rishi aarti window |
| Night | 8:30–9:00 PM | Leads into the 9:00 PM Shringar/Bhog aarti |
Source: shrikashivishwanath.org FAQ, last checked 01 October 2026. The FAQ carries a 2022 update date — timings can be revised; re-check the official site within days of travelling.
Free darshan vs Sugam Darshan
| Free general darshan | Sugam Darshan | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ₹0 | ₹250 (daily-schedule page) or ₹300 (pooja-list page) — official conflict, confirm at booking |
| Hours | Queue through darshan blocks | 6:00 AM–6:00 PM, not during aartis |
| Queue | Standard line | Queue-less, “in 3 easy steps”, Shastri escort |
| Extras | — | Free locker, Mewaladdu prasadam (official description) |
The official pages themselves disagree on the Sugam price, so we show the conflict instead of picking a figure. Booking mechanics live on the Sugam Darshan walkthrough.
Entry rules you must plan around
- No electronics of any kind — phones, cameras, earphones — plus no bags, leather items, remote keys, food or cigarettes (official FAQ).
- Dress: the FAQ bars what it calls disrespectful dress; modest attire is the safe default.
- Lockers: free locker facilities are reported near the corridor gates (including the Godowlia/Gate-4 side); Sugam tickets include one officially.
- Foreign nationals: a Darshan Booking Desk process exists — original passport plus visa photocopy (official page).
- Helpdesk: +91 63931 31608 / 7080292930, 9 AM–6 PM (official).
When to come for calm darshan
Early in the morning block — right after 4:00 AM — is the quietest window by consistent traveler report (unconfirmed by any official count). Mondays and the Sawan month are the reported heavy days; Dev Deepawali week runs on a different city-wide system entirely (see the festival guide).
Frequently asked questions
What time does Kashi Vishwanath open?
3:00 AM; darshan blocks run 4:00–11:15 AM, 12:20–7:15 PM and 8:30–9:00 PM (official FAQ, checked 1 October 2026).
Can I carry a phone inside?
No — the FAQ bans electronic and non-electronic gadgets, bags and leather items. Use the reported free lockers near the gates.
How much is Sugam Darshan?
Official pages conflict: ₹250 vs ₹300. Confirm on shrikashivishwanath.org when you book.
Is there a fee for general darshan?
No — the fee applies only to aarti attendance and Sugam Darshan.
