Sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple: 11th Jyotirling of Liberation

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the Oldest Temples (continuously inhabited city in the world) and Lord shiva’s favorite and the most sacred of all Hindu temples is Vishwanath Temple. It is located on the Ganges River banks of Varanasi city (oldest civilized city).

Hindus believe if we immerse the ashes of our ancestors in the Ganga they attain moksha (liberation). The Ganga River flows in the shape of a bow, and according to available documentation, Varanasi is claimed to be the oldest surviving city, dating back 3500 years. There used to be a tribe called Kasha, which is how the city got its name, Kashi.

Varanasitu Bhuvanatrya sarabhoota

Ramya Nrinaam Sugatidakhil Sevyamana

Atragata Vividha dushkritkarinopi

Papakshaye virajasha sumanaprakashah

The above sloka is taken from Narada Puran.
 

History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

Ancient Origins • Mythological Roots: Since ancient times the temple is said to have been in existence, as mentioned by Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana about Kashi, or Varanasi. The legend goes that Lord Shiva resolved to make Kashi his permanent abode.
Initial Structures

• Early Temples: It has been mentioned that the earliest temple constructed at this place is said to be in third century BCE. However, this ancient temple has been ravaged and reconstructed several times.

Destruction and Reconstruction

• Medieval Period: The temple was damaged extensively due to different attacks, mainly Muslim invaders attack. Aurangzeb destroyed this temple in the year 1669 and the Gyanvapi Mosque was constructed over there.

Reconstruction • Maratha Rule: Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore, who is well known to have reconstructed hundreds of temples all over India, restored the temple in 1780. She played a very pivotal role in achieving and regaining the glory and sanctity of the temple.
Present Development
20th Century: Since the temple was still free, after India has attained independence in 1947, the same temple was undertaking numerous restorations and developments. It went on to become the epitome of Hindu determination and culture.
Present Relevance

Pilgrimage Center: Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most visited temples from centuries. Now Devotees increased in recent times one can see Millions of devotees arrive here every year and participate in the rituals.

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Significance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

Prakruti and Purusha Shiva-Shakti created a city called Panchakoshi. Here Lord Vishnu lived and prayed to the Lord Shiva for a long time. It is said that because Lord Brahma originated with a lotus flower from the navel of Vishnu, in the inability of this universe going to ruin. It is said that Lord Shiva kept the city of Panchakoshi away from the universe to save lives that are bound by karma. It is the holy city that has all the potentialities of annihilating every thinkable sin.

It is believed that people who live in Varanasi are considered lucky, as they do not need to travel anywhere in the world to attain moksha (liberation). Regardless of one’s gender, be it a man, a woman, an animal, or any other being, if they die in Varanasi, they are said to attain moksha. It is also said that whatever a person does during their lifetime – eating, sleeping, or committing sins – they will attain moksha if they pass away in Varanasi. Even deities are believed to have chosen this city for their final journey.

The king named Banar developed the city and built 1,500 beautiful temples. The tower of Vishweshwara temple is 100 feet in height. It is believed that even if the universe gets destroyed, Kashi remains intact as Dandapani and Kalabhairav guard this city.

We find many Hindu devotees make an offering and perform rituals. We also find many foreign tourists visit this temple and consider that it is flooded with 3000 visitors every day and during the special occasion, it crosses over 10,000. You hear echoing the sound of chanting of the words Jaya Gange, Jaya Vishwanath, and Om Namah Shivaya.

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Myths and Legends: Here are a few of the most popular:

• Of all the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is earth’s most sacred temple of Lord Shiva and originated with an origin story: Brahma and Vishnu began quareling over who was the supreme god. Shiva appeared before them as a pillar of light and challenged them to find out the top and bottom of that pillar. Apparently, Brahma lied and told them that he found the top, while Vishnu confessed that he could not see the bottom. Shiva seemed pleased with the candidness of Vishnu and declared that he would re-incarnate himself as a Jyotirlinga at the site of this pillar of light which had assumed a physical form. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, so legend goes, stands over the region where the Jyotirlinga had taken a physical form.
• City of Shiva: This is one of the oldest cities around. It falls in the tradition of Hinduism; it is considered the holiest city of all. They say that Lord Shiva lives here himself. And death here means moksha or emancipation from the cycle of birth and death.
• The Legend of King Harishchandra: He was a mythical king endowed with indestructible leadership to truth and justice. Such is the story, where he curses the wise sage Vishwamitra that he would give to anybody who asked him everything he had-the kingdom, wife, and son. King Harishchandra accepted this curse laughing and continued with his life following truth and goodness. He regained everything taken from him and is a saint today. Such is the popular claim that even that old Kashi Vishwanath Temple was constructed by Harishchandra.
• Legend of Annapurna Devi: The goddess of nourishment, which is also under her worship. It is known legend that she once came in disguise to Varanasi and fed Lord Shiva in his beggarly form. Not asking for anything more than the boon granted to him by Annapurna Devi, Lord Shiva vowed Varanasi that she would never again know poverty or penury. So, there’s a temple for Annapurna Devi, and this very temple is actually on a bylane straight opposite the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

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Famous Ghats at Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

Manikarnika Ghat Perhaps it’s the most sacred and also one of the best-known ghats of Varanasi. A portion of the jewel, which the Goddess Parvati wore as an ornament, came here and is known as Manikarnika, and it also claims that the flames of funeral pyre never die.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: One of the most famous ghats in Varanasi, and it probably is the most often visited ghat here. The splendid Ganga Aarti in the evening is a charity event attended by hundreds of devotees and tourists, mostly enjoyed for its magnificence.

Panchganga Ghat: So named because there are five holy rivers flowing through this ghat, Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhupapapa. According to their beliefs, bathing here cleanses one’s sins.

Assi Ghat: Where the Ganges and the Assi river have confluence. So it is even a more sacred place for many of the devotees and also for the mythological sage Agastya. One of those silent places where one can only meditate.
Kedar Ghat: Also termed as Lord Kedareshwar ghat, it is that ghat with a stairway and temple that is dedicated to Lord Kedareshwar.

This ghat is crafted very beautifully, hence one of the main tourist attractions. Apart from all these, this location is one of those ghats where some sorts of rituals are performed.
Scindia Ghat:This ghat is constructed by the Scindia family and is known for grandeur as well as architectural beauty.

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Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi Timings:

Temple Timings:

• The temple generally opens its doors quite early at 2:30 AM in the morning.
• Mangala Aarti: This first puja of the day is performed between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Devotees with special tickets can participate in this aarti.
• General Darshan: After the Mangala Aarti, the temple opens for general darshan from 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
• Mid-Day Bhog Aarti: This offering of food (bhog) to the Lord happens between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM.
• Darshan Continues: Following the Bhog Aarti, the temple reopens for darshan from 12:00 PM till 7:00 PM.
• Sapta Rishi Aarti: This evening aarti, dedicated to the seven sages (Saptarishis), is performed between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
• Darshan after Aarti: Darshan is again possible after the Sapta Rishi Aarti, from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
• Shringar/Bhog Aarti: This combined puja involving adorning the deity (Shringar) and offering food (Bhog) takes place from 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM.
• Shayan Aarti: The final aarti for putting the deity to sleep (Shayan) is performed at 10:30 PM.
• Temple Closing: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple closes its doors for the day at 11:00 PM.

Important Rituals:

• Aarti: Aarti is a ceremony performed throughout the day at various intervals. Lamps filled with ghee or camphor are waved before the deity.
• Darshan: Darshan is the act of viewing the deity and seeking blessings. Devotees can participate in the general darshan timings or consider special pujas for a more personalized experience.
• Pooja Archana: Devotees can offer prayers, flowers, and other puja items to the Lord.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Online Booking:

Information on Pooja/Darshan: https://shrikashivishwanath.org/frontend/home/poojadetail/cmFhbWdZK2YxSGVycFlmU3hjUHpMQT09

Places to visit near Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

Assi Ghat 
At the southernmost point of the city, Assi Ghat is one of the quietest locales at the Ganges River. In the evening, it becomes known for the evening Ganga Aarti and a peaceful, calm place to chill and reflect.

Man Mandir Observatory 
As located on the Man Singh Ghat, it’s an ancient observatory, a beautiful specimen of Mughal architecture.
. It is a good destination for a history buff and gives one an idea about the ancient concept of space.

Sarnath
. Buddha after enlightenment, It was the places where his first sermon was done.
. The complex houses the Thai Temple, which is a part of architectural heritage and many ancient stupas and monasteries

Ramnagar Fort
It is the epic example of 18th century Mughal architecture, the fort lies on the east bank of the Ganges.
It houses a museum holding artifacts on an entire collection and a panoramic view of the river.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
People throng to this University to see India’s rich cultural heritage and value given to Education. Also its one of the largest Universities in Asia.
. It happens to be a good place for the search and research in both educational and cultural history of Varanasi.

Dashashwamedh Ghat
This is one of the most popular ghats of Varanasi, especially known for the magnificent Ganga Aarti ceremony. It is a very active hub, and one can avail boat rides while getting to experience the spiritual fervor of this city.

Bharat Kala Bhavan
It is situated in the campus of BHU, and it is a museum for different kinds of Indian art, artifacts, and manuscripts .
This is a treasure house for all the art lovers and historians.   

Annapurna Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, this temple has become popular in the beauty of architecture and religious values.
This is one of the peaceful destinations and gives an insight into the life of religion prevailing in Varanasi.