Where the Varuna and Asi rivers join the Ganges, a beautiful city was
built there in the ancient times. It was named Varanasi. Varanasi, a
prime place of pilgrimage, a tribe called kasha used to live. Therefore,
Varanasi was also known as Kashi. Near Kashi, Ganga flows in the shape
of a bow. Hence it acquired special importance. A king called Deivodas
expanded this area.
Varanasi is located in Uttarpradesh, in the Gangetic plains.
Purana of kashi vishwanath jyotirlinga
Nirvikar cahitanya and Sanatan Brahma have assumed the form of Saguna
Vishwarupa from the initial Nirgun Roopa or form. The Shiva Shakti
roopa became the Purusha (man) and Stree (the woman) again. Prakriti and
Purusha (Nature and man) (Shiva-Shakti) were once ordained by Shiva to
do tapas in the universe in order to create the best being. He specified
the best place for this purpose. When a prayer was held, Nirgun Shiva,
with His own powers and aura, created a wonderful city called
Panchakoshi. Vishnu, who resided there, spent a lot of time praying to
Shiva after which several watersprings originated there. Vishnu was
amazed at this wonderous event, and even as he tilled his head, a
gemstone fell from his ear. Because of this place, it was also called
Manikarnika. The entire Panch Koshi area of Manikarnika waters were then
gathered into the Trident by Shiva. Then from the navel of Vishnu was
born a lotus flower with Brahma in it. Brahma was ordained by Shiva to
create a world, at which Brahma created this wonderful world. It had
fifty crore Yojanas of area and fourteen lokas. In order to save the
lives of these who are bound by their own actions or karma. Shiva kept
panchakoshi city away from the entire universe. In this city, Shiva
Himself established the saviour Muktidayak JyotirLinga, which He can
never leave. Shiva removed this very Kashi from His Trident and set it
in this mortal world. It was not to be destroyed when Brahma’s day ends,
but during Pralay i.e., final destruction of the world, Shiva saved it
by keeping it safe in his trident. So the kashi is called avimukta
kshetra. In Kashi, the Avimukteshwar Linga is there forever. Those who
can never hope for salvation, attain Moksha here.
This holiest city of Panchakoshi, with its capacity to destroy
every conceivable sin, is the vehicle of a special Moksha by the name
“Samyugha”. That is the reason why this city which is ruled by Brahma,
Vishnu and Mahesha, is the place, where even divines want to die.
Sarwaguna from inside and Tamoguna from outside, are the qualities of
Rudra here. When prayed to, Vishwanatha Bahagavan Sri Shankar made this
abode and resided there with Parvati.
History of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Varanasi, which was a pious place of pilgrimage for the hindus, soon
became an eyesore and source of jealousy for the Muslims. From 1033 to
1669 AD Kashi came under several destructive attacks. Temples were
demolished and Masjids built there instead. But due to the dedication of
the Hindu devotees, the JyotirLinag pilgrimage place continued to
develop. During the reign of the British and the Marathas, this place
really developed well. Even the Jaina and Boudha monks helped to keep
the place of the city intact.
The Kashi Vishweshwar temple as we see it now was built by Ahalya
Devi Holkar in 1777 AD. In 1785 AD, the then King of Kashi, Mansaram
and his son Belvant Singh built many more temples near Varanasi. In 1755
AD, the Avadh pantof pratinidhi (representative) got the old temple of
Bindumadhava repaired and renovated it beautifully. The kalabhairava
temple was built by Srimant Baji Rao Peshwa in 1852 AD.
King Ranjit Singh had the Kashi Vishwanath temple towers covered
in gold. A huge bell hangs in the temple. It was donated by the King of
Nepal. Surrounding Saranath, there are many Budhhist stupas, Viharas and
Chaitra grihas. In 1931 AD the mahabodhi society had built a very
beautiful Buddha temple in Saranath.
The Hindu devotees visit Kashi to make offering. Here they
perform many rituals and consider themselves blessed. Along side,
several foreign tourists visit this place regularly. Places worth seeing
include Ghats, temples, tapobhoomi and the scenic beauty of the
surroundings. Kashi Kshetra and Sri Vishweswara JyotirLinga are
connected as the holiest shrines in the world. The Ganga water here is
considered as the nectar of the earth. Dying in Kashi or performing the
final rites is considered as the way to the Heavens. Kashi -
Rameshwar(1) yatra is the prime pilgrimage for the Hindus.
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Where Kashi Vishwanath temple is Located?
The temple is located on the banks of River Ganges in Varanasi. The temple is located 5 km away from the Cantt railway station. Maduadih railway station is just 4 km away from the temple. You can reach the temple by taxi or auto rickshaw.
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Best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath temple
The temple will be at prime beauty throughout the year. Winter (October – March)
has a pleasant climate which makes sightseeing easier. The rituals
starts early by 3 am in the morning. The second ritual starts by 11:15
am. In the evening, rituals starts at 7 pm, 9 pm and 10:30 pm. The
temple closes by 11 in the night.
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Cost / Entry Fee
There is no entrance fee to enter the temple. If you are planning to
perform rituals under your name, you need to buy tickets for the same.
Buying flowers for the deity from the shops near the temple is a common
act. It is not compulsory to buy flowers. Giving donations to the priest
or putting money in the hundi is not compulsory.
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What to See in Kashi Vishwanath temple
The temple complex consist of numerous shrines. The main shrine has a
linga (form of Shiva) which is 60 cm tall, placed in a silver altar.
The shrine is built in a quadrangle shape and there are many small
shrines that surround this main shrine.
Jnana Vapi :
This is a well inside the temple. It is said that the jyotilingam
(holiest form of linga) is hid in this well to protect it from the
invaders. According to legends, the head priest of the temple jumped
into the well with the deity statue when invaders attacked the temple.
The well borders the mosque and the temple.
Sabha Gurh :
This hall leads to the sanctum. In the sanctum, you will find a black colored linga placed on silver platform.
Domes :
There are three domes in the temple. All the three domes are made out of gold.
