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The temples of Kashi dedicated to Lord Shiva are located in the Kashi Vishwanath Gali of Banaras. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. The main deity is named Vishva Nath. The temple stands on the Western bank of the holy river Ganga. The temple was built during the reign of King Khashayaraja (12th century). This temple is also known as Vishweshwar Mahadeo. It is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva himself. The allure of this area has attracted visitors from all across India and overseas for centuries. Varanasi is colourful, with historic domes, mouths, ashrams, priests, and small streets lined with stores selling Banarasi silk sarees.
Archaeological and Historical Significance of the Kashi Vishwanath temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple and New Vishwanath Temple share a similar structure. The temple was created by Sri Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU’s founder, and is constructed out of marble. The temple boasts the world’s tallest tower, standing at 253 feet. It is, in reality, a seven-temple complex. The Shiva temple sits on the ground floor, with the Durga and Lakshmi Narayan temples on the first floor. Stunning statues of Hindu gods and goddesses decorate the temple’s walls. There are small temples dedicated to Kala Bhairava (black god), Kartikeya (god of war), Avimukteshwra (god of learning), Vishnu, Ganesa, Shani, Shiva, and Parvati. A small well called the Jnana Vapi (wisdom well) is situated in the temple. The Jnana Vapi well sites to the North of the main temple were believed to have hidden the Jyotirlingas when the Mughals invaded it. The head priest of the temple jumped into the well with the Linga to protect the jyotirlinga from the invading army.
Historic Mythology
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is one of Varanasi’s more prominent temples. This temple now belongs to the state of Uttar Pradesh. It was maintained by Dr Vibhuti Narayan Singh, then by Kashi Naresh, until 28 January 1983. It was built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, a Maratha monarch ruling in 1780.
It is said that once the two superpowers, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, argued about who was mightier. Lord Shiva pierced the world with a massive pillar of light to tackle this situation. Lord Vishnu, to prove himself, took the form of a boar, while Lord Brahma took the form of a swan. Brahma, out of his arrogance, falsely produces a flower as proof of him receiving that light first. Lord Shiva punished Lord Brahma after knowing the truth so that not he but Lord Vishnu would be worshipped at the same temple.
The original Kashi Vishwanath temple was destroyed by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak when he was looking after Kannauj. A Gujarati merchant rebuilt Vishwanath temple during the reign of Iltutmish, a Delhi sultan.
Themes on the Temple
The theme of Kashi Vishwanath temple is shown by stunning statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses decorating the temple’s walls. Other attractive statues of deities make this temple a must-visit place. One can find statues of Nataraja, Mata Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Lord Hanuman, Saraswati, and Nandi inside the main temple. It is one of Varanasi’s most ancient temples.
Tourism and Cultural Events
Due to some methodological stories, people believe that Lord Brahma is not worshipped in the temple because of Lord Shiva’s curse. Devotees believe that a visit to this temple can shield one from all problems. Durga Temple is also known as Monkey Temple because of the presence of monkeys at the location of worship.
According to tradition in Kashi Vishwanath temple, before Holi, Baba Vishwanath returns to Kashi after having a cow in the form of a mother Bhagwati. People celebrate this event with great enthusiasm. Several famous people have visited this temple.
Exploring the sacred geography of this city will be thrilling, with intimate life and death ceremonies being conducted side by side on the Ghats. For a memorable experience at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Banaras, one must visit it in the evening, take a walk through the crowded alleys and observe the sunrise from a boat.
It is devoted to Lord Shiva, the city’s patron deity, and is also referred to as the Golden Temple. Varanasi is the location where the first jyotirlinga, a burning pillar of light that displayed Shiva’s superiority over all other gods, destroyed the Earth’s crust and erupted it towards the spiritual world.
