Mangala Aarti is also performed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Banaras. It, in fact, is the most important aarti of the temple. Mangala Aarti is done to wake up the gods every morning. At Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mangala Aarti starts at 3 AM and gets over at 4 AM. It is, thus, done in Brahm Muhurt, i.e., before the sunrise. The preparation of Mangala Aarti at Golden Temple of Varanasi gets started much before and things are ready till 2:45 AM. The devotees are allowed to visit and experience the ‘aarti’ but they have to present in the temple campus at least 30 minutes prior the ‘aarti’ begins. Until the ‘aarti’ starts at 3 AM, the devotees aren’t allowed to go inside the temple to see the preparations. They can wait outside and watch the Jyotirlinga from outside. As part of preparation of Mangala Aarti, the old flowers and garlands are removed from Jyotirlinga and the devotees can see the real lingam. This ‘aarti’ is also followed by ‘abhishekam’ (अभिषेकं) post which new garlands and flowers are used to decorate the lingam. Once the ‘aarti’ and ‘abhishekam’ are done, ‘Prasad’ (प्रसाद) is given to the devotees after offering it to the God. This is how Mangala Aarti gets completed.
The hour in which this aarti is performed is called as Brahm Muhurta & it is one and half hour before the sunrise. The sunrise time is considered extremely auspicious because the sun rises and spreads out all its positive energies in the world during dawn hours. Spread of light in compared with awakening and intelligence among all creatures, particularly humans. Sun is the source of life on the earth, therefore sunrise is linked with every living being. This is the reason, Mangala Aarti is performed at this hour. It is believed that if we offer our attention, affection, devotion and positive energies for glorifying the Lord, it is beneficial for us. Listening mantras, singing devotional bhajan, chanting pious hymns, reverberating abstruse ‘shlokas’ and experiencing the auspicious ‘aarti’ are always good for the humans.
The devotees have to purchase ticket and book their seat for witnessing Mangala Aarti ceremony in Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The devotees will have to book the tickets in advance to attend this ‘aarti’ and the price of the ‘aarti’ is different for different occasions like on the usual days, it is INR 351; on every Monday during the month of Shravan (श्रावण), it is INR 1200; on other days of Shravan month, it is INR 600; and on the day of Shivratri, it is INR 1800. The price is per person in all the cases. The tickets can be booked even one hour before the commencement of ‘aarti’.
Tips for Mangala Aarti in Kashi Vishwanath Temple
a. Since a large number of devotees surge to attend Mangala Aarti in Kashi Vishwanath, so, in order to avoid any last minute glitches, it is suggested that the entry ticket should be booked at least one day in advance; though online tickets can be booked an hour prior the start of Aarti.
b. The tickets can be booked online as well as physically from Administration Counter. Optima Travels can book Mangala Aarti ticket for its guests from the counter by employing services of our staff.
c. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a high security zone and every person is frisked before entering the temple campus. Though it is not mandatory to carry any identity proof but we suggest every visitor to carry his / her ID proof, in case any need arises.
d. If you have booked our services with respect to Mangala Aarti, we will ensure your pick-up from place of stay in Varanasi, in-time transfer to the temple site and, after the ceremony, drop off at again at your place of stay. It will be carried out in a private air-conditioned car.
e. Please be mindful of the fact that transportation means are hard to be found in such early morning hours, especially in winter season. So, it is safe to book cab / transport in advance.