Varanasi, India – August 30, 2025: In light of the upcoming total lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) on September 7, 2025, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi has announced modifications to its regular rituals and darshan schedule. The temple administration has confirmed that the temple doors will be closed two hours before the eclipse, in accordance with traditional Hindu customs.
According to Officer Vishwabhushan Mishra, the decision aligns with ancient religious texts and beliefs that prescribe specific rituals during celestial events like eclipses. As a result, the evening Aarti, Shringar Bhog, and Shayan Aarti will be rescheduled for the day.
Devotees planning to visit the temple are advised to complete their darshan and puja rituals well before the revised closing time. The temple authorities have urged pilgrims to stay informed about the updated schedule to avoid inconvenience.
In Hinduism, the Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse) is regarded as a spiritually significant event, often associated with heightened religious observances and fasting. This belief stems from the notion that during an eclipse, cosmic energies are disrupted, creating an auspicious time for introspection, purification, and spiritual practices. Temples across India, especially in sacred cities like Kashi (Varanasi), follow strict protocols during such astronomical occurrences.
This year’s total lunar eclipse is expected to be visible in several parts of India, including Uttar Pradesh. The Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a major pilgrimage site, typically sees a surge in visitors during such events.
In preparation for the upcoming total lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) on the night of September 7–8, the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple administration has announced that its gates will be closed 2.5 hours before the eclipse begins, in line with traditional Sutak period protocols.
Altered Aarti Schedule Ahead of Eclipse
To accommodate the celestial event, the temple’s evening rituals (aarti) have been rescheduled as follows:
- Sandhya Aarti: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Shringar-Bhog Aarti: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Shayana Aarti: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM, followed immediately by the closing of the main temple doors
Lunar Eclipse Timings — India-Wide
According to astronomical data, the total lunar eclipse will be visible across India, with key timings as follows:
- Start of eclipse (penumbral): 8:58 PM IST
- Totality begins: 11:00 PM IST
- Totality ends: 12:22 AM IST
- Eclipse concludes (penumbral end): approximately 2:25 AM IST.
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