Beware of scammers on the ghats. Touts and self-styled “guides” or “priests” roam the Ganga ghats and temple lanes, offering VIP darshan, pujas, boat rides or “donations for cremation wood”. Never pay anyone in advance, and never pay for a service before you have actually received it. Book temple services only through the official trust.
Timings below are the regular schedule as published by the temple trust and widely reported by travel guides; sources differ by up to 30 minutes. They change on festivals (Mahashivratri, Shravan Mondays, eclipses) — always confirm on shrikashivishwanath.org the day before.
The daily aarti schedule
Darshan pauses briefly while each aarti is performed in the sanctum. Aarti tickets let you sit inside for the ceremony; everyone else continues darshan once it ends.
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2:30 AM
Entry for Mangala Aarti ticket holders
Only devotees with a Mangala Aarti ticket are let in at this hour.
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3:00 – 4:00 AM
Mangala Aarti
The first and most sought-after aarti, as the temple wakes. Tickets sell out weeks ahead, especially in winter and on Mondays.
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4:00 AM
Temple opens for general darshan
Queues start forming well before 4 AM on Mondays and festival days.
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11:15 AM – 12:20 PM
Bhog Aarti (Madhyan Bhog)
The midday offering of food to Baba Vishwanath.
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7:00 – 8:15 PM
Saptarishi Aarti
Performed by seven priests representing the seven sages. Many consider it the most beautiful aarti of the day.
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9:00 – 10:15 PM
Shringar / Bhog Aarti
The lingam is adorned and offered bhog. Darshan during shringar is especially loved by devotees.
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10:30 – 11:00 PM
Shayan Aarti
The night aarti, as the Lord is put to rest. The temple closes after it.
Ways to have darshan
Free
General darshan
Open to all, including foreign nationals. Join the queue at an entry gate, pass security, and move through the corridor to the sanctum. You can usually see — and on many days touch — the jyotirlinga.
Paid · official site only
Sugam darshan
A separate, faster queue (about ₹250 per person) with an escort, a free locker and laddu prasad. Book a slot on the official website or app; not available during aartis. Ideal for elderly travellers and tight schedules.
Read morePaid · limited seats
Aarti tickets
Attend one of the five aartis inside the temple. Tickets go on sale on the official website; Mangala Aarti is the hardest to get.
Read moreAssisted
Senior & divyang devotees
Differently abled devotees are reported not to need a paid ticket, and children under 12 do not need one either. Wheelchairs are available at the help desks.
Read moreHow long will I wait?
| When | General queue | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday, 4–7 AM | 30–60 min | The best window. Cool, calm, and you are back in time for a boat ride. |
| Weekday, 10 AM–4 PM | 1–2 hours | Fine in winter; tiring in summer heat. |
| Weekday evening | 1–2 hours | Combine with Saptarishi or Shringar aarti timings. |
| Mondays (Somvar) | 2–4 hours | Monday is Shiva’s day. Go very early or book Sugam. |
| Shravan Mondays (Jul–Aug) | 4–8+ hours | Kanwariyas arrive in huge numbers. Special rules apply. |
| Mahashivratri, Dev Deepawali, New Year | Very long / restricted | Sugam and aarti tickets may be suspended. Plan for crowds all day. |
Typical waits from our team’s experience; they vary with season and security arrangements.
Best time for darshan
- Early morning, right after 4 AM, is the calmest time on most days.
- Avoid Mondays if you can — or come prepared for a long wait.
- Winter mornings are cold and foggy; carry a shawl, as you will be barefoot on stone.
- In summer, go early or late. The corridor floor gets very hot by noon even with mats laid out.
- Pair darshan with a nearby experience: dawn boat ride after Mangala Aarti, or the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh before the evening aartis.
Local tip. Leave your phone, bag and leather items at the hotel. You will save 15–20 minutes at the locker counter and walk straight into the queue.
Before you go
- Read the entry rules — what is allowed, lockers, and the dress code.
- Know which gate to use from where you are staying.
- Offerings (flowers, milk, bel patra, Ganga jal) are sold outside. Prices vary — agree before you buy.
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