Priyanka Tiwari
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Mahashivratri is one of the grandest festivals celebrated in the sacred city of Kashi. The entire city resonates with chants of "Har Har Mahadev", as devotees prepare to pay homage to Lord Shiva. With Mahashivratri coinciding with the final phase of the Mahakumbh, Varanasi is expected to witness an overwhelming influx of devotees. Anticipating the massive crowd, the administration is implementing strict security measures to ensure a smooth and safe experience for pilgrims.
If you are planning to visit Varanasi for Mahashivratri on February 26, knowing the Aarti schedule and important guidelines will help you make the most of your spiritual journey.
VIP Darshan Suspended for Three Days
To manage the large number of devotees, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration has suspended VIP Darshan from February 25 to 27. This decision ensures that more devotees can have an uninterrupted darshan of Baba Vishwanath. The temple trust has requested the local residents of Kashi to cooperate with the arrangements, and the people of Varanasi have assured their full support.
Aarti Timings on Mahashivratri (February 26)
On this auspicious occasion, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple will remain open for 32 consecutive hours, allowing devotees to seek blessings of Mahadev. Below are the detailed Aarti timings for the day:
- Mangala Aarti – 2:15 AM to 3:15 AM
- Temple opens for general darshan – 3:30 AM
- Midday Bhog Aarti – 11:40 AM to 12:20 PM
- First Prahar Aarti – 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM
- Second Prahar Aarti – 1:30 AM to 2:30 AM
- Third Prahar Aarti – 3:30 AM to 4:30 AM
- Fourth Prahar Aarti – 5:00 AM to 6:15 AM
Guidelines for Devotees
To ensure a smooth darshan experience, the temple administration has issued important guidelines:
- Plan your visit wisely: Due to the expected heavy rush, devotees should choose a suitable time for darshan.
- Avoid carrying restricted items: Items such as pens, combs, mobile phones, belts, electronic devices, and keys should be left at home or at your hotel to avoid delays in security checks.
- Be prepared for long queues: Due to the massive footfall, waiting times may be longer than usual.
No Entry to the Sanctum Sanctorum
On Mahashivratri, devotees will be allowed only tableau darshan of Lord Shiva; entry into the sanctum sanctorum will be restricted. This measure is taken to ensure safety and efficient crowd management.
Expected Crowd on Mahashivratri
On regular festive days, 5-6 lakh devotees visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. However, with the ongoing Mahakumbh, the daily footfall has already surged to over 7 lakh. On February 26, the number of devotees is expected to reach between 14-15 lakh, making it one of the largest gatherings at the temple.
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