Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the city of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) on the banks of the holy river Ganges, which is also called the “heart” of Hindus.
Historical Significance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The temple of Kashi Vishwanath has a long and rich history. The temple was attacked many times over the centuries, then rebuilt, then attacked again and then rebuilt again.
In 1780, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore redeveloped the current Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Despite so many attacks on Kashi Vishwanath temple, this temple is still the same due to the devotion of the devotees. The atmosphere around the temple is always devotional.
Story of Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
There are 2 stories prevalent for Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga.
According to the first story, after the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, Mata Parvati lived in her father’s house but she longed to meet Lord Shiva and prayed to take her with him, then Lord Shiva brought Mata Parvati to Kashi and settled here.
According to the second story, once there was a fight between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma over who was superior, to test them, When Lord Shiva changed as Jyotirlinga, he challenged them both to locate the Jyotirlinga’s beginning and end.
Lord Brahma went upwards, Lord Vishnu went downwards, Lord Vishnu accepted his defeat but Brahma ji lied, then Lord Shiva got angry and in the form of Bhairav cut off Brahma ji’s majestic head and cursed him that no one will worship him in the festivals, while Lord Vishnu will be worshiped for eternity.
Religious Importance of Kashi Vishwanath
Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is known as a spiritual city all over the world. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva has declared Kashi as his eternal abode, it is also believed that visiting Kashi Vishwanath temple and taking bath in the holy river Ganga leads to salvation.
There are 4 gates to enter Kashi Vishwanath temple, South Gate, East Gate, North Gate and West Gate
South Gate: This is the main entrance to the temple, also known as Gyanvapi Gate.
East Gate: It is known as Assi Gate.
North Gate: It is known as Godaulia Gate.
West Gate: This is a VIP gate in which only devotees with special permission are allowed. Also known as Nandi Gate.
Architecture of the Temple
The architecture of Kashi Vishwanath Temple reflects ancient Sanatan traditions which looks very magnificent. The temple is topped with a golden dome donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. Devotees offer their prayers and rituals at the black stone Jyotirlinga in the sanctum sanctorum. There are many temples of other deities too in the temple complex.
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project
In recent years, the premises of Kashi Vishwanath temple have been developed very fastly so that devotees do not face any problem in visiting the temple, now a corridor has been built connecting the temple directly to the river Ganga. Roads and footpaths have been reconstructed where all the modern facilities are available for the devotees, which looks even more beautiful than before.
How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple
By Air
The nearest airport to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport located about 25-30 km away.
By Train
There are 2 nearest railway stations to Kashi Vishwanath Temple which are nearby, including 1) Varanasi Junction, 2) Kashi Railway Station, which are directly connected to almost all the cities of the country.
By Road
The last way to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple is by road, for which regular buses and taxis run, Varanasi can be easily reached by road from all the cities.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is always open but the best time to visit is during winters (October to March) as the temperature is pleasant during this time and there is not much crowd around the temples and the surroundings are peaceful.
Nearby Attractions
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most prestigious ghat of Varanasi. Every evening, the famous Ganga Aarti takes place here. Thousands of devotees gather for the Aarti, which makes the Aarti even more grand.
Manikarnika Ghat
It has great spiritual meaning for Hindus, who think that being cremated here results in moksha, or freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
Assi Ghat
Devotees come to Assi Ghat to take a bath, which gives them the virtue of all the pilgrimages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kashi Vishwanath Temple
How can I book Aarti?
You can Visit Here for booking Aarti.
Is there any registration required for Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
No.
Is there any dress code for Temple?
Devotees should wear traditional attire.
is phone allowed ?
No.
What time is Aarti in Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
You can Check Here.
