Vishalakshi Temple stands in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is a shrine to Goddess Vishalakshi, the wide-eyed form of Parvati/Shakti. It is also known as Kashi Vishalakshi Devi Temple, Vishalakshi Gauri Mandir.
Vishalakshi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Sources differ on exactly which part of Sati fell here, some say her earrings, others her eyes or face, so this detail is left general rather than stated as settled fact. The present temple at Mir Ghat was built and has been maintained since the 19th century by the Nattukottai Nagarathar (Chettiar) trading community originally from Tamil Nadu, giving it a distinctly South Indian architectural character within the old city of Varanasi.
Uttar Pradesh carries a distinct temple identity of its own: The spiritual heartland of India, home to Kashi, the birthplaces of Rama and Krishna, and revered Shakti and Vaishnava shrines along the Ganga and Yamuna.
Darshan hours and daily worship
| Session | Timing (as published) |
|---|---|
| Morning | 6:00 AM |
| Evening | 7:00 PM |
One source lists hours as 5:00 AM to 9:40 PM; exact timing varies by source
Poojas and daily rituals
Abhishekam and havan rituals
Festivals and special-day timings
Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.
| Festival | Period | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Navaratri | Chaitra (March-April) and Ashwin (September-October) | Two annual Navaratri observances, both major celebrations at the temple |
| Kajali Teej | Third day of the waning fortnight of Bhadrapada (August) | Prominent temple festival associated with Vishalakshi |
History and architecture
Architecture
South Indian Dravidian-style gopuram built into a haveli-like structure, with elaborate carvings and Shivlingams; the sanctum holds a small black-stone Adi Vishalakshi idol alongside a larger jewelled image
History
The present temple at Mir Ghat was built and has been maintained since the 19th century by the Nattukottai Nagarathar (Chettiar) trading community originally from Tamil Nadu, giving it a distinctly South Indian architectural character within the old city of Varanasi.
Planning your visit
How to reach
At Mir Ghat near Manikarnika Ghat, about a five-minute walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple; Varanasi Junction railway station and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport are the main gateways, with autorickshaws and cabs covering the last stretch
Where this information comes from
Confidence: Medium. Sources disagree on which body part fell here (earrings vs eyes vs face) and give slightly different daily timings