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Introduction
From the oldest living city in the world, Kashi is one of them. The city Varanasi in ancient times was known as Kashi; therefore, the name of the temple is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Mark Twain, English literature and author, has also depicted Kashi. It is believed that the Ganga has the power to wash away the sins of the sinners. It was the home of lords Shiva and Parvati, although the origin of Kashi is unknown till today. Along with the jyotirlinga of Shiva, there is the jyotirlinga of Vishwanath or Vishveshvara. Inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath temple, many different temples across India were built in its style.
Kingdom of Kashi
King kasha expanded the city of Kashi. He was the grandson of kshatravriddhas and the great-grandson of Ayu. So on the name of king ‘Kasha,’ the town of Varanasi was known as Kashi. The kingdom of Kashi was a historical Indian province situated in the area near the capital city Varanasi. The river Varuna was bounded to the north, and Asi to the south, and the east part has Son river. At the beginning of the 6th century BCE, in northern India, there were 16 ‘mahajanapadas’ from which Kashi was one of them. The Son river was the western part of the state ‘Magadh.’
Technically, the province of Kashi today would be overlooked by the Bhojpuri people. As stated in the Puranas, Kashi mahajanapada might still be greater than covered in Panch Kosh Kashi. Despite the superiority of Magadh, in the era of Chanakya, Kashi was still the centre for Secular and Vedic education. As per the report by the Chinese travellers, when Varanasi appeared under the significance of Buddhism, Shahabad was the sovereignty of Hindu Shaivite culture. Varanasi was one of the prosperous cities of India, known for its wealth and extravagance as per the Jataka Tales.
The king of Kashi Brihadrath dominated Kosala, but during the time of the Buddha, king Kansa combined Kashi into Kosala. The preaching of Buddhism was primarily begun by Siddharth Gautam in Kashi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple is an ancient temple built in Kashi, also known as the Golden temple. The Temple of Kashi Vishwanath is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the year 1780. Kashi Vishwanath temple is among the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas.’ The temple is situated on the western part of the river Ganga. The main God is recognized as ‘Shri Vishweshwara’ and ‘ Shri Vishwanath’ – Lord of the Universe. The temple is referred to in the Puranas, comprising the Kashi Khand of Skanda Purana.
Structure of Temple
Near the river, there is a small lane called Vishwanath Gali temple located there in many small shrines. The main linga of God at the temple is 60cm tall and 90 cm in girth in a silver avatar. The main temple is surrounded by many other shrines of gods, which includes small temples of Kartikey, Kala Bhairav, Vishnu, Shani, Ganesh. There is a well-known Gyan Vapi in the temple.
Inner is the Garbha Griha, and outer is Sabha Griha( congregation hall). There is a silver platform on which the esteemed Jyotirlinga is placed, which is of dark brown coloured stone. Basically, the structure of the temple comprises three parts. The first part includes a spire on the temple. Second is the golden spire atop the shrine holding a trident and flag. And the third is a dome made up of gold.
Conclusion
Varanasi was recognized as Kashi (shining) in previous times; that’s why the temple of lord shiva is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is widely considered one of the most important holy places for Hindus. The first Jyotirlinga of Shiva is believed to be in Kashi. The temple was many times demolished and reconstructed.
