Shiva Worship — Vedic Puja Vidhi
Kashi Puja
Kashi Puja is a ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kashi Vishwanath — the lord of the universe — and to the sacred city of Varanasi (Kashi) itself, which is believed to rest on Shiva's trident. Kashi is considered the most sacred tirtha in Hinduism, where dying grants automatic moksha. The puja invokes the blessings of Kashi Vishwanath and the presiding deity Annapurna Devi. It is performed for liberation from sins, ancestral peace (pitru shanti), and spiritual awakening. The ritual includes Ganga snan (holy bath), Vishwanath abhishek, and Ganga aarti.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Grants liberation from accumulated sins across lifetimes, ensures peace for ancestors (pitru tarpan), accelerates spiritual awakening, removes all forms of suffering, bestows divine wisdom, and brings the devotee closer to moksha.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Take a bath in the Ganga (or sprinkle gangajal if not in Kashi). Offer water and sesame seeds to the sun. Visit or set up Kashi Vishwanath altar. Perform abhishek with panchamrit and gangajal. Offer bel patra, dhatura, and akanda flowers. Recite Shiva Sahasranama or Kashi Vishwanath Ashtakam. Perform Ganga aarti at dusk. Offer pind daan or tarpan for ancestors.
Best Time (Muhurat)
Kartik month (especially Kartik Purnima), Mahashivratri, Shravan Mondays, and Pitru Paksha for ancestral rites. Dawn (Brahma Muhurta) is most sacred.
Materials Required (Samagri)
- ·Shivalinga or Vishwanath image
- ·Gangajal
- ·Panchamrit
- ·Bel patra
- ·Dhatura
- ·Akanda flowers
- ·Sesame seeds
- ·Camphor
- ·Incense sticks
- ·Ghee lamp
- ·Flowers
- ·Black sesame (for tarpan)
FAQ
Q.What is Kashi Puja?
Kashi Puja is a ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kashi Vishwanath — the lord of the universe — and to the sacred city of Varanasi (Kashi) itself, which is believed to rest on Shiva's trident. Kashi is considered the most sacred tirtha in Hinduism, w...
Q.What are the benefits of Kashi Puja?
Grants liberation from accumulated sins across lifetimes, ensures peace for ancestors (pitru tarpan), accelerates spiritual awakening, removes all forms of suffering, bestows divine wisdom, and brings the devotee closer to moksha.
Q.What is the best time to perform Kashi Puja?
Kartik month (especially Kartik Purnima), Mahashivratri, Shravan Mondays, and Pitru Paksha for ancestral rites. Dawn (Brahma Muhurta) is most sacred.
Q.What materials are needed for Kashi Puja?
Shivalinga or Vishwanath image, Gangajal, Panchamrit, Bel patra, Dhatura, Akanda flowers, Sesame seeds, Camphor, Incense sticks, Ghee lamp, Flowers, Black sesame (for tarpan).