Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in India, also known as the Golden Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the western bank of the holy river Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is one of the twelve most sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Varanasi city is said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Lord Shiva manifested his sovereignty over other gods, broke the surface of the earth and flared towards the heavens. The main deity is known as Vishwanath or Vishwanathar or Visveshvara, who means the ruler of the universe.

Kasi Vishwanath Temple was constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha Empress of Indore. The Gopuram /tower of the temple is gold-plated with 800 kg of gold.

Devotees believe that praying Kashi Vishwanath and performing pooja of Lord Shiva will fulfill their desires, also People believe that if you die in Kashi, you will be released from the cycle of birth 

It is said that the holiness of this place rises during Aarti and has the power to change one’s life and lead one to the path of knowledge and devotion. Kasi Vishwanathar Temple Aarti and Kasi Vishwanathar Darshan are, in fact, very popular among Hindu devotees all over India and are also important places for foreigners.

History of Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi UP

Varanasi, or Banaras or Benares, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world with 3500 years of documented history. The city is mentioned in the Rig Veda and has been the center of cultural and religious activities since the Bronze Age.

There is always confusion about Kashi and Varanasi. In fact, Kasi is the old name of the city, which was later renamed as Varanasi. ‘Kasi’ means ‘bright one’ or ‘city of light’ and its name comes from ‘Kasha’ which actually means ‘brightness’. The name Varanasi is also a derivative. Varanasi derives its name from the fact that it is located on the banks of two tributaries of the Ganges, the Varuna and the Asi.

Apart from being one of the most significant pilgrimage places, the Varanasi city is also known for its tradition in culture, religion music art and literature. It is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, but the origin of the city has not yet been discovered. The Kasi Vishwanathar Temple, which is the most important place of worship for Lord Shiva. A twelve of one Jyotirlinga’s place the place where people worship Lord Shiva in the form of light Linga. Due to this the city is also known as the City of Light.

The city has always been considered sacred and is closely associated with Lord Shiva. There are many stories and myths that tell us the importance. One of the many legends says that Lord Shiva stood with Goddess Parvati when he first started beating time in Varanasi.

Another story says that after Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, he left his abode in the Himalayas and moved to Varanasi with all the other gods. Many religious scholars and theologians believe that the city was founded by Lord Shiva. The city is closely associated with Lord Shiva as the Kasi Temple is dedicated to the trinity of Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.

Temple History

Kashi became the capital of the kingdom in the 6th century. The Kashi Vishwanath temple was completely destroyed by the Mughals and rebuilt in 1780 by Ahilya Bai, the Maratha ruler of the Malwa kingdom. During the reign of the Mughal emperor, the Aurangzeb Temple was demolished again and a mosque was built there. To this day, the ruins of the Kasi Vishwanathar Temple can be seen behind the main structure of the mosque. But when India finally gained independence in 1947, the city was declared Varanasi, later called by that name or sometimes referred to as Banaras.

Places To Visit in Varanasi / sightseeing in Varanasi

Want to experience the spirituality of India with its very pulse? Go to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This ancient city, which has been inhabited continuously for about 2,800 years (and counting), is one of the most sacred places for Hindus. Devotees believe that Varanasi is free from the cycle of rebirth and unites with the divine after death.

Dashashwamedh Ghat :

Dashashwamedh Ghat is a major ghat located in Varanasi on the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh. It’s located near the Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular ghat. more..

Assi Ghat :

This sacred Ghat is located at the confluence of the Ganges and Asi rivers. Before the devotees bathe here, they worship a huge Shiva lingam placed under a peepal tree near the foothills. more..

Manikarnika Ghat :

Manikarnika Ghat, popularly known as Maha Samshan, Large Cremation or Burning Ghat, is one of the important Ghats of Varanasi. It is also known as the Burning Ghat because the bodies of the dead are constantly burned here. more..

Dhamek Stupa :

The Dhamek Stupa is one of the most significant places of Sarnath, and it is due to its antiquity and the importance of the exact location of the first sermon of the Buddha. It was here that he revealed the eightfold path that leads to nudity. more..

Darbhanga Ghat :

Darbhanga Ghat offers a magnificent view of Varanasi. The stairs leading down to the river are crowned by a very luxurious Brijrama Palace, which is an old castle that’s been converted into a traditional hotel. The Greek pillars and rounded balconies of the property give the area (and your photos) a royal backdrop.

Harish Chandra Ghat:

Harish Chandra Ghat is one of the two cremation Ghats and is also known as Adi Manikarnika, i.e. the original creative land. It is much smaller than the Manikarnika, which is the most significant cot for cremation. However, many Hindus come to this Ghat from distant places to bury their dead here as many believe that they’ll get Moksha (salvation). more..

Scindia Ghat :

Scindia Ghat also known as Shinde Ghat in Varanasi, is famous for its numerous shrines. The Shiva Temple in Varanasi is a major tourist attraction as its part of the area is submerged in water. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where God Agni (fire) originated. more..

Ahilyabai Ghat :

Ahilyabai Ghat was formerly known as Kavalgiri Ghat, but in 1778 the popular Queen Ahilyabai Holkar ordered its reconstruction and converted it into a concrete ghat. It is believed to be the first Ghat in Varanasi named after a person. more..