Bankhandi Mahadev Temple Varanasi

 

The Bankhandi Mahadev is one of the popular Hindu Temple located in Ravindrapuri, Varanasi, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 18th century and is famous for its massive Shivling. The Shivling is 20 feet tall and 12 feet in diameter, making it one of the largest Shivlingas in India.

The temple was built by saints of the Udasin sect in the 18th century. The name "Bankhandi" comes from the fact that the Shivling is made from a massive piece of wood. The temple complex also has a small well called "Ganga Kund". It is said that this well is connected to the Ganges River.

The Bankhandi Mahadev Mandir is an important religious site and is considered very holy in Hinduism. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year.

There are many religious events held at the temple throughout the year, but the most important festival is Mahashivaratri. On the day of Mahashivaratri, special pujas and rituals are held at the temple. On this day, lakhs of devotees come to the temple to have darshan of Lord Shiva.

The Bankhandi Mahadev Mandir is one of the major tourist attractions in Varanasi. The temple is located in the old part of the city and can be easily reached on foot or by auto-rickshaw.

Annapurna Temple Varanasi

 The Annapurna Devi Mandir, also known as Annapurna Mata Mandir, is a well-known Hindu temple in Varanasi, a sacred city in India. This temple is close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and holds significant religious importance in Hinduism. It is dedicated to the goddess Annapurna, a form of the goddess Parvati who symbolizes nourishment.The temple was built in 1729 A.D. by Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I.

According to a myth, there was a time when Lord Shiva referred to food as an illusion, causing Goddess Parvati to become upset. In response, she removed all the food from the Earth, leading to starvation and infertility. To alleviate the suffering of her devotees in Varanasi, the abode of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati reappeared and established a kitchen. She personally prepared and offered food to Lord Shiva, emphasizing the importance of creation and sustenance.

Another myth associated with Annapurna tells of a moment when Goddess Parvathi closed all three eyes of Lord Shiva, plunging the world into darkness. To restore balance, Lord Shiva advised her to distribute food in Varanasi. By doing so, Goddess Parvati regained her fair complexion, and this practice is believed to be followed by devotees.

The temple observes the tradition of offering food to beggars, the poor, and devotees as a form of blessing from the goddess. It is said that Goddess Annapurna is considered the Queen of Varanasi City, while Lord Shiva is regarded as the King. Devotees believe that the goddess does not consume food until all her devotees are provided for.

The temple has various names, and there are hymns like Annapurna Shatnam Stotram and Annapurna Sahastranam Stotram that list 100 and 1000 names of the goddess, respectively. These names are part of the rich tradition of naming deities in the Indian pantheon. Overall, the Annapurna Devi Mandir holds a special place in the hearts of devotees who worship the goddess for nourishment and sustenance.