Indian Temples : Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple –Iconic Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

 


Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi), is one of the Twelve Jyotirlingas and a prime center of Shaivite worship. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Vishwanath or the "Ruler of the Universe", the temple is situated on the western bank of the Ganges River, near Dashashwamedh Ghat.

The temple is not only a religious shrine but also a spiritual axis of Indian civilization — it is believed that a visit to Kashi Vishwanath grants moksha (liberation).

📖 History in Detail

  • The history of the Kashi Vishwanath temple dates back to ancient times, mentioned in several Puranas, particularly the Skanda Purana and Kashi Khanda.

  • Original structure believed to have existed over 2,000 years ago. Over centuries, the temple has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt multiple times.

  • The present temple structure was built in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen of Indore. She is revered for restoring many Hindu temples.

  • The golden spires and dome of the temple were added later, funded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in the early 19th century.

  • The temple faced several demolitions, particularly under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Sikandar Lodi, and Aurangzeb, who built the Gyanvapi Mosque adjacent to the temple on a part of the original site.

  • Despite these historical challenges, the devotion of millions kept the sanctity of the site alive, and pilgrimage never stopped.

  • The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, inaugurated in 2021, has revived and expanded the temple’s surroundings for better access and facilities.


Religious Significance

  • It is believed that Lord Shiva resides eternally in Kashi, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the spiritual epicenter of Hinduism.

  • It is one of the Twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred Shiva temples across India.

  • A visit to this temple and a dip in the Ganges is believed to wash away sins and free one from the cycle of birth and rebirth (moksha).

  • The Jyotirlinga here is believed to represent the boundless cosmic light of Shiva.

  • Thousands of devotees visit daily, especially during:

    • Mahashivaratri
    • Shravan month (July–August)
    • Dev Deepawali
    • Monday (Shiva’s Day)

🛕 Temple Details (Architecture and Features)

  • The main sanctum houses the black stone Jyotirlinga, installed in a silver altar. It is bathed in Ganga water, milk, honey, and bel leaves.

  • The temple has three domes, two of which are gold-plated — donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

  • The Gyanvapi Well beside the temple holds religious and historical importance; believed to have protected the original lingam during invasions.

  • Other shrines within the complex are dedicated to:

    • Kala Bhairav
    • Maa Annapurna
    • Lord Vishnu
    • Lord Hanuman

  • The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project has added:

    • Wider pathways from the ghats to the temple
    • Open spaces, gardens, resting spots, and improved sanitation
    • Facilities for elderly and disabled pilgrims

🕒 Timings

  • Temple Open Daily:

    • Morning: 3:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Afternoon: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    • Evening: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Darshan & Aarti Timings:

    • Mangala Aarti – 3:00 AM (Ticketed)
    • Bhog Aarti – 11:15 AM
    • Sandhya Aarti – 7:00 PM
    • Shringaar Aarti – 9:00 PM
    • Shayana Aarti – 10:30 PM

Note: Devotees can attend general darshan or pre-book paid aarti tickets online or at counters.

🚗 Connectivity

  • Location: Vishwanath Gali, near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – right along the Ganges.

🚌 By Road:

  • Well connected by state and private buses.
  • E-rickshaws, autos, and taxis are easily available to reach Godowlia Chowk (pedestrian zone to the temple).

🚉 By Rail:

  • Varanasi Junction (Cantt) – ~5 km
  • Kashi Railway Station – ~6 km
  • Manduadih Station – ~4 km

✈️ By Air:

  • Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur – ~25 km
  • Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs available from the airport.

🕌 Nearby Religious & Heritage Spots

  • Annapurna Devi Temple
  • Kaal Bhairav Temple
  • Gyanvapi Mosque
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat
  • Sankat Mochan Temple
  • Tulsi Manas Temple
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and New Vishwanath Temple

🌺 Legacy

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a beacon of devotion, resilience, and continuity of Hindu traditions.

  • Saints like Adi Shankaracharya, Tulsidas, Swami Vivekananda, Goswami Tulsidas, and countless yogis have visited this shrine.

  • The temple symbolizes eternal divine presence; it is believed that even at the end of time, Kashi will be untouched by destruction because Shiva whispers the Tarak Mantra in the ears of the dead here, granting liberation.

  • The rejuvenation through the Corridor Project has restored its ancient glory while adapting it for modern pilgrim needs.

  • The temple remains a living embodiment of India’s spiritual soul, drawing millions in search of salvation and divine blessings.



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