Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir popularly known as Kashi Vishwanath Temple
is the main temple located in the heart of the city on the western bank
of the holy river Ganges. It is one among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines
of Lord Shiva and the main deity is known by the name Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara
meaning the ruler of the universe. Sometimes the temple is referred as
Golden Temple, due to its 15.5m high golden spire. The exact date of construction
of the temple is unknown, but it has been destroyed and rebuilt a number
of times. The present temple structure is believed to have been built
in 1780 by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. In 1839, the spire and
the domes the temple were covered by gold donated by the Punjab Kesari,
Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. On January 28, 1983 the temple was taken over
by the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh.
Kashi Vishwanath temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines,
located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli. The entrance of
the temple is through a narrow street surrounded by unique, souvenir shops
and guards. The shiva lingam, placed in the sanctum is made of smooth
black stone, which is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference. It is sad
that a simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience
that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and Bhakti (devotion).
On the northern side of the temple there is a well called Gyan Vapi (Jnana
vapi) Well or Gyan Kup means ‘wisdom well’ with an ancient
idol of Vishweshwar. It is said that the Jyotirlingam of the Vishwanath
Temple was concealed in this well by the devotees in order to protect
it from the early Muslim invaders. Vishwanath temple is surrounded by
various small shrines dedicated to Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu,
Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri.
The temple opens daily at 2.30 a.m. Different poojas and rituals are
performed in several intervals till it closes at 9 P.M. Non-Hindus are
not allowed to enter the temple. The main festival celebrated here is
Mahashivratri on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (February- March).
On the auspicious day, the observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and
bel leaves on Shiva Linga. Rangbhari ( Aamlaki) Ekadashi, Annakoot, Makar
Shakranti, Shrawan Maah and Akshya Tritiiya are the other special days
for the devotees.
Contact
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi-221 001
Phone : 0542- 2392629
E-mail : Contact
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