Rudrabhishek at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a holy Hindu ritual performed to honour Lord Shiva. It involves giving a sacred bath (Abhishek) to the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, ghee and other pure offerings, while priests chant Vedic mantras, especially the Sri Rudram from the Yajur Veda. The ritual is believed to remove sins, bring peace, prosperity and higher spiritual blessings to devotees.
This ritual can be done in different ways with set charges and formats. A Rudrabhishek (1 Shastri) ticket normally costs around ₹450 and runs from about 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A Rudrabhishek (5 Shastri) costs about ₹1380 and more extensive versions like Rudrabhishek (11 Shastri) cost around ₹2600. There are also video-conference options (e.g. 1 Shastri online for about ₹700) if you cannot attend in person.
In some years and seasons such as Sawan Mondays the rates may change, and online booking is available through the temple’s official channels. The ritual usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and can be booked several days in advance. Devotees are advised to confirm timings when booking
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Online Booking 2026 :VIP Darshan
Rudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Temple Overview
| Aspect | Details / Numbers |
|---|---|
| Rudrabhishek Timings | 4:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily at the temple (special slots may vary) |
| Standard Ritual Duration | Usually 45 min to 1 hour (varies by type) |
| Milk Offer Limit | Up to 5 litres can be offered (outside cost) |
| Rudrabhishek Cost (1 Shastri) | ₹450 (1 priest) |
| Rudrabhishek Cost (5 Shastri) | ₹1,380 (5 priests) |
| Rudrabhishek Cost (11 Shastri) | ₹2,600 (11 priests) |
| Rudrabhishek – Laghu Rudra | ₹5,500 (special 11-priest ritual) |
| Maha Rudrabhishek (11 days) | ₹57,100 (longer extended ritual) |
| Video Conference Options (1 Shastri) | ~₹700 for online participation |
| Booking Notes | Tickets include temple fee, priest service, and pooja thali; milk cost extra |
This table shows the most typical formats and prices, but specific options and slots can change based on season, festivals, and temple rules.
How to book the Rudrabhishek puja at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
simple step-by-step guide on how to book the Rudrabhishek puja at Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
- Visit the Official Temple Website
Go to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple official booking section on shrikashivishwanath.org where special pujas are listed, including Rudrabhishek. Look for the specific Rudrabhishek option (for example 1-Shastri, 5-Shastri or 11-Shastri). - Choose the Type of Rudrabhishek
Select the puja format you want. Common options include:
• Rudrabhishek (1 Shastri)
• Rudrabhishek (5 Shastri)
• Rudrabhishek (11 Shastri)
• Video Conference Rudrabhishek (if you want to participate online) - Select Date and Time Slot
Pick your preferred date and time for the ritual (morning and afternoon slots may be available). Confirm what’s open before proceeding. - Enter Your Details
Fill in your name, contact number and ID details as required during the booking process. Make sure the information is correct. - Complete the Payment
Pay the booking fee online based on the Rudrabhishek option you chose. Prices vary by type (for example ₹450 for 1-Shastri or ₹1,380 for 5-Shastri). - Get Your Ticket
After payment, you will receive a confirmation ticket or e-pass. Print it or save it on your phone. You will need this when you come to the temple. - Visit the Temple on Your Slot
On the selected day and time, bring your ticket and a valid photo ID to the temple. Follow the signs or ask staff for direction to the Rudrabhishek area.
If online slots are full or you need help, some devotees also book at the temple helpdesk counter on arrival, but this depends on availability.
Eligibility & Limitations of Ridrabhishek of kashi vishwanath
Eligibility (Who can participate)
• One ticket is valid for one family – normally this means husband, wife, grandparents, and up to two children under 12 years can join under the same booking.
• Children below 12 years are included free in the family ticket.
• You must book the ritual in advance either online or at the temple helpdesk and bring the printed ticket on the day of the puja.
Allowed numbers and timing
• No more than 6 people are allowed under one Rudrabhishek ticket during the ceremony.
• Rudrabhishek sessions run between 4:00 AM and 6:00 PM (sometimes slightly varying by type or ticket).
Limitations and important rules
• You must carry the hard copy of the ticket and present it when you arrive for the ceremony.
• The cost of milk or other offerings (like up to 5 litres of milk) is not included in some tickets and must be purchased separately.
• Slots can fill up days or weeks in advance, especially for 5-Shastri or 11-Shastri Rudrabhishek, so book early.
• During busy seasons (like Shravan Mondays), availability may be limited and special rules (including timings or restrictions) may apply.
In short, any devotee or family can book Rudrabhishek if tickets are available, but you must follow the temple’s limits on ticket validity, number of participants, timing, and purchase of additional materials on the day of the ritual.
Dress code for Rudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
No official strict dress code
• According to the temple’s own guidelines, there is no formal dress code enforced for darshan or rituals, including Rudrabhishek. Devotees are simply asked to wear decent and modest clothes out of respect when visiting the temple.
Respectful, modest clothing expected
• Most guides and travel advice suggest covering shoulders and legs, and avoiding very casual or revealing outfits like sleeveless tops, shorts and short skirts. Traditional or loose-fitting clothes (like kurta-pajama, salwar suit, saree, etc.) are considered respectful.
Discussion around traditional attire (not yet enforced)
• There have been proposals and media reports about a possible dress code (for example men wearing dhoti-kurta and women wearing saree) for certain inner-sanctum darshan, but as of the latest official statements, no such rule has been formally applied for devotees.
Practical points for Rudrabhishek participation
Booking the Ritual
Before you go, you must book the Rudrabhishekam puja through the temple’s official booking page or helpdesk. You choose the type of ritual (like 1-Shastri, 5-Shastri, 11-Shastri) and pay the fee in advance so a priest (Shastri) is assigned for you. One ticket is valid for one family.
Arrive on Your Slot
On the day you’ve booked, visit the temple at the scheduled time (usually in the morning). Bring your ticket and a valid photo ID with you. Rudrabhishekam is often done between early morning and late afternoon.
Preparation of Materials
Temple staff prepare all required items for the ritual, like holy water, milk, honey, ghee, flowers and bel leaves. These materials are arranged so the priest can begin the ceremony.
Priest Begins the Ritual
The priest starts by chanting Vedic hymns, especially Sri Rudram from the Yajur Veda, to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Holy Bath of the Lingam (Abhishek)
The main part is the Abhishek — sacred bathing of the Shiva Lingam with holy water, milk, honey and other offerings. This is done while the priests continually chant mantras.
Decoration and Offerings
After the bathing, the lingam is sometimes decorated with flowers and bel leaves as part of offerings.
Devotee Participation (Optional)
If you are present, the priest may let you take part in offering flowers, water or other items to the lingam under his guidance.
Conclusion and Prasad
When the chanting and offerings are finished, the priest completes the ritual with final prayers. Many devotees then receive prasad (blessed offerings).
Rudrabhishekam process timings and darshan/prices at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
| Service / Ritual | Timing | Price (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rudrabhishek (1 Shastri) | 04:00 AM – 06:00 PM (general slots) | 450.00 | Includes pooja thali; milk cost extra. One ticket valid for one family (up to 6). |
| Rudrabhishek (5 Shastri) | 04:00 AM – 06:00 PM | 1,380.00 | Extended ritual with 5 priests. |
| Rudrabhishek (11 Shastri) | 04:00 AM – 06:00 PM | 2,600.00 | Larger ritual with 11 priests. |
| Laghu Rudra (11 Shastri) | 04:00 AM – 06:00 PM | 5,500.00 | Special expanded Rudra ritual. |
| Maha Rudra (11 Days) | 04:00 AM – 06:00 PM (daily) | 57,100.00 | Long extended traditional ritual. |
| Sugam Darshan | 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM | ~250 / 300 / 400 | Ticket options vary by perks (such as prasad or rudraksha mala). |
| General Darshan (Free) | ~04:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 12:20 PM – 07:00 PM | Free | Standard queue darshan times. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rudrabhishekam at Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
1. What is Rudrabhishekam?
Rudrabhishekam is a sacred Hindu ritual where the Shiva Lingam at Kashi Vishwanath Temple is bathed with holy substances like water, milk, honey and ghee, while priests chant Vedic mantras, especially the Sri Rudram from the Yajur Veda. It is meant to seek blessings, peace and spiritual purification from Lord Shiva.
2. When is Rudrabhishekam performed?
The standard Rudrabhishekam sessions are scheduled from 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day. You must book your slot according to this timing.
3. How do I book Rudrabhishekam?
You can book online through the official Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple website or at the temple’s helpdesk counter before your visit. You choose the type of Rudrabhishekam you want and pay the required fee in advance.
4. What are the different types of Rudrabhishekam?
There are several types, including:
• 1 Shastri (performed by one priest)
• 5 Shastri (five priests)
• 11 Shastri (eleven priests)
• Laghu Rudra (intensive ritual with multiple chants)
• Maha Rudrabhishekam (extended ritual over 11 days).
5. Who can participate in Rudrabhishekam?
One ticket is valid for one family (husband, wife, grandparents and up to two children below 12 years). Usually no extra ticket is required for children under 12.
6. Do I need any documents for Rudrabhishekam?
Yes, you must carry the printed ticket you booked and a valid photo ID for verification when you arrive for the ritual.
7. Can I offer milk or other items?
Yes, you can purchase milk inside the temple premises and offer it during Rudrabhishekam — the cost of milk is not included in the ritual ticket.
8. Can the date of Rudrabhishekam be changed?
No. Once your date is booked and confirmed, it cannot be rescheduled.
9. What are the typical prices?
Rudrabhishekam rates vary by type: ₹450 for 1 Shastri, ₹1,380 for 5 Shastri, ₹2,600 for 11 Shastri, and ₹5,500 for Laghu Rudra. Longer rituals like the 11-day Maha Rudrabhishekam have higher charges.
10. What is the spiritual significance?
Devotees believe Rudrabhishekam helps remove negativity, bring peace, harmony, prosperity and spiritual blessings by honouring Lord Shiva’s Rudra aspect through mantra chanting and ritual bathing.