The old name of Varanasi is Kashi. The city is best known for its ritual practices and devotional places. Believed to be the oldest city in the world, Kashi is the one place you want to visit at least once in your life. The western banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India is where the city of Varanasi lies. Lord Shiva is what Kashi is all about. Also, know by the name Vishwanath ( The ruler of the universe), the localities consider the lord as “The King Of Kashi.” Mahakaal resides here inside the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
About The Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is perhaps the most well known Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity of the temple is Vishveshvara, The Ruler Of The Universe.
The name Vishwanath is also associated with the priest, who jumped into the Gyanvapi well with the Shivling. He jumped because the conquerors invaded the temple at that time. The soul-purifying aura of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the motivation behind why the passionate Hindu crowd visits this site from various backgrounds and different places of the world.
Mention Of Kashi Vishwanath
The holy temple is mentioned in numerous Hindu scriptures. This is the only Hindu temple that survived the annihilation unleashed by the tyrant Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Annapoorna Devi temple, the Ganga ghat, temple of Bhairon are some of the spiritual sites that add more significance to the temple’s spiritual aspect.
History About The Temple
Construction and Dissolution have been the tale of the temple’s history over time. This holy place was first destroyed on the order of Qutbuddin Aibak. Then it was again restored in a proper shape under the rule of Shams ud-Din Iltutmish.
The temple was destroyed again under the rule of Sikander Lodi (The ruler of the Lodi dynasty after the demise of his father Bahlul Lodi) then again the temple was reconstructed by Jaipur Raja Maan Singh in the time of Akbar’s rule.
The Next Phase Of Kashi Vishwanath
The temple suffered major destruction caused by the cruel Aurangzeb. Who builds the Gyanvabi Mosque in the place of it. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the great Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt the temple in 1780 A.D. What you witness today.
The temple is considered the Golden Temple of Lord Shiva as the domes of the temple were covered with gold. Which was given by the King of Punjab Ranjit Singh.
How Much Time Does It Take For Darshan?
Generally, it takes 1 to 2 hours to visit the temple. But on Monday, it will take several hours for darshan. The reason for the temple being crowded, specifically on Monday, is because the day is dedicated to Lord Shiva himself.
Location Of The Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Lahori Tola is the place where the temple is located. This place is easily assessable by booking a cab or drive your way through public transport.
The temple is 5 km far from the railway station and 25 km from the airport. The actual location of the temple is inside Vishwanath Gali. You can approach that by a slim lane from the Ganges.
Never Carry These Things Inside The Temple
The security of the temple is very high. No phones, smocking items, eatables, a video camera is allowed inside the temple. The guards of the temple are always focused on what is going inside and whatnot.
Pooja Timings
The opening for the temple is 2:30 in the morning every single day of the year. There are 5 different Artis conducted daily in the temple daily.
1. Mangala Aarti: 3 AM – 4 AM
2. Bhoga Aarti: 11.15 AM – 12.20 PM
3. Sandhya Aarti: 7.00 PM – 8.15 PM
4. Shringara Aarti: 9.00 PM – 10.15 PM
5. Shayana Aarti: 10.30 PM – 11.00 PM
Dress Code
There is no specific attire for the darshan of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. However, they upheld the overall clothing standard. Devotees to the temple should cover their arms and legs. The traditional Indian dresses are not obligatory and western garments are permitted.
Legend About the Temple
According to the legend, Lord Shankar married Parvati Ji and then moved to Mount Kailash. Parvati Ji was staying at her father’s house even after getting married, which she did not like at all.
He asked Lord Shiva one day to take me to his house. Even after getting married to you, I have to stay at my father’s house. I do not like to live here. All the girls go to their husbands’ house after marriage, but I have to stay at my father’s house.
The Acceptance Of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva accepted the talk of Mother Parvati and brought her with her holy city of Kashi. After coming here, he was established as Vishwanath-Jyotirlinga. People said that only by seeing this Jyotirlinga does a man get free from all sins.
If a devotee visits him every day, then Lord Shankar takes all the weight of his yogaksham. Such a devotee becomes the official of this abode of Shiva Shankar. Also, Shiva’s grace always remains on him. People believed that Lord Vishwanath himself recites the Taraka mantra to his true devotee at the time of his dying stage.
What More To Do In Kashi?
- Give your visit to Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is known for its nearness to the temple and beautiful Ganga Aarti.
- Visit Gyanvapi Mosque, made by Aurangzeb.
- Sarnath Museum is one place you can visit for its archaeological values in the form of artifacts from the 3rd century BCE.
- Explore the books of time in 1750’s Ramnagar Fort on the eastern banks of River Ganga.
How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple
By Air – The Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Babatpur is very much associated with Indian metros, for example, Delhi and Mumbai. Interconnecting flights are accessible from the Delhi airport. In this way, travelers coming from other Indian urban areas or abroad can arrive at the Delhi domestic airport and load onto a flight headed for Varanasi.
By Train – Varanasi has several railway stations. While Varanasi city station lies just 2 kilometres from Kashi Vishwanath temple, Varanasi railway junction is around 6 kilometres away. Not very a long way from the temple is another railhead in Mughal Sarai (17 kilometers). Also, still nearer, there is Maduadih station (4 kilometres). Practically the connection is firm and well between every one of these railheads and different urban areas of India. From the leave entryway of the railway station, cycle carts and auto-carts can be effortlessly hired.
By Road – To arrive at Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one needs to either take a taxi or a cycle/auto-cart to arrive at a territory called Lahori Tola. When you are there, look out for the entry gate of the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
As you enter this entryway, you will pass into a thin path called Vishwanath Gali. Which is brimming with little shops selling desserts, things for offering worship, traditional eating items, and so forth. Vishwanath Gali is the simple and most well-track section to arrive at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Conclusion
Kashi Vishwanath surely is one of the amazing temples to visit in India.
The richness that implies under its roots will give you goosebumps for sure. No word can describe the beauty and atmospheric charm of this place.
Therefore, The Shiv Shankar Tirth Yatra group provides packages suitable for your pocket as well as your journey to this ancient city. What makes our organization so special is that we serve you with quality. For five 5 decades, we have established here. In the yoga capital of the World, Rishikesh. Serving thousands of people ever since. Quality food, accommodations, and more are just some common highlights in our packages.
Come and join us as your travel buddy to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and make this tour amazing.
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You can contact Shiv Shankar Tirth Yatra at +91-9412050868 / +91-135-2436468
Or can mail your queries to shivstyc@gmail.com. Happy Journey!