It is the 3rd largest city in Uttar Pradesh and is also considered as the cultural capital of India.The name Kashi is derived from the fact that it gives prakash (light) of Brahma or God), and the location between Varuna and Asi rivers gives it the name Varanasi.One of the 7 mokshdaayi Puries in India, Kashi is a holy city for not only Shaivs, Vaishnavs, and Shakts but also Jains and Buddhists.Kashi is considered as the most ancient continually inhabited city in the world.
"The ultimate dream of every Hindu devotee is to take a dip in the holy Ganges and breathe his last at this sacred piece of land and be bestowed with Moksha."
The cascading waters of the holy Ganga humbly envelop the feet of Kashi Vishwanath at Banares, fondly known as "the Royal Residence of the Lord." This region is a grand pilgrimage center, which attracts countless devotees from time immemorial. It is believed that those who take a dip in the holy River Ganga attain Moksha. It is believed that Kashi Vishwanath has the mantra to emancipation and those who live in Kashi attain Dharma (lawfulness), Karma (ability to act freely), Arth (meaning of life), and Moksha (salvation).
According to the Shaiva philosophy, it is considered that Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the midpoint of the worship for a long time. There is a Gyanvapi Mosque located adjacent to the temple. During spiritual occasions such as Shivratri, the king of Kashi (Kashi Naresh) comes to the temple. At that time nobody is allowed to enter the temple. Other devotees are allowed to the temple only after Kashi Naresh has completed his worship.
About Legend:-
At the time of creation when no one was there , only Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were present. They both started to fight for supremacy. They both used their most powerful weapons against each other after thousands of years fighting. When the two weapons were about to hit each other causing total destruction , an endless pillar of fire rose between the two absorbing their weapons.
Both Brahma and Vishnu wanted to known the end. Brahma assumed the form of Swan and flew up and Vishnu assumed the form of Boar and went down to find their ends and declared that whoever finds the end first would be the winner . Both couldn’t find the ends and came back after 100 years. Vishnu told that he couldn’t find the end whereas Brahma along with false testimony flower Kewada and cow told that he found the end of the pillar.
This angered Lord Shiva and he emerged from the fire and declared that All the three are forms of same Omkaar and Brahma is Creator , Vishnu is Preserver and Shiva as Destroyer. Since Brahma had told lies , Lord Shiva cursed him that no one will worship him and He gave Lord Vishnu the title of Purushottam being the Supreme being . The pillar of fire vanished from then and small portion of it remained at Varanasi as jyotirlinga called Kashi Vishwanath. Lord Shiva being the last to complete the cycle is called Mahadeo or great God and giver of Moksha. Those who have bath in Ganges and worship Kashi Vishwanath , Lord Shiva utters Tarak mantra in his ears at the time of death which gives Salvation.
Significance of Vishwanath Temple:-
Also famous by the name of Shiv Vishwanath Kashi, Shri Vishweshwar Temple is said to be dear to Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that those who come and die here attain liberation. It is said that Lord Shiva gives the Tarak Mantra to the ones who are going to die here. Some also believe that the Lord resides here and is the giver of liberation and happiness. The one who prays and worships Vishweshwar with devotion attains all his desires and one who incessantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets liberated.
According to Purana's of Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga:-
Nirvikar cahitanya and Sanatan Brahma have assumed the form of Saguna Vishwarupa from the initial Nirgun Roopa or form. The Shiva Shakti roopa became the Purusha (man) and Stree (the woman) again. Prakriti and Purusha (Nature and man) (Shiva-Shakti) were once ordained by Shiva to do tapas in the universe in order to create the best being. He specified the best place for this purpose. When a prayer was held, Nirgun Shiva, with His own powers and aura, created a wonderful city called Panchakoshi. Vishnu, who resided there, spent a lot of time praying to Shiva after which several watersprings originated there. Vishnu was amazed at this wonderous event, and even as he tilled his head, a gemstone fell from his ear. Because of this place, it was also called Manikarnika. The entire Panch Koshi area of Manikarnika waters were then gathered into the Trident by Shiva. Then from the navel of Vishnu was born a lotus flower with Brahma in it. Brahma was ordained by Shiva to create a world, at which Brahma created this wonderful world. It had fifty crore Yojanas of area and fourteen lokas. In order to save the lives of these who are bound by their own actions or karma. Shiva kept panchakoshi city away from the entire universe. In this city, Shiva Himself established the saviour Muktidayak JyotirLinga, which He can never leave. Shiva removed this very Kashi from His Trident and set it in this mortal world. It was not to be destroyed when Brahma’s day ends, but during Pralay i.e., final destruction of the world, Shiva saved it by keeping it safe in his trident. So the kashi is called avimukta kshetra. In Kashi, the Avimukteshwar Linga is there forever. Those who can never hope for salvation, attain Moksha here.
This holiest city of Panchakoshi, with its capacity to destroy every conceivable sin, is the vehicle of a special Moksha by the name “Samyugha”. That is the reason why this city which is ruled by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha, is the place, where even divines want to die. Sarwaguna from inside and Tamoguna from outside, are the qualities of Rudra here. When prayed to, Vishwanatha Bahagavan Sri Shankar made this abode and resided there with Parvati.
History of the Kashi VishwanathTemple:-
Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is also called Golden Temple which was at times in full of ups and downs. This particular temple and city of Varanasi has always been on the receiving end for the invaders be it Afghans, Turks, Rohilas or Marathas.
Kashi Vshwanath Temple:-
The Shiva temple has been mentioned in Puranas including Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana. In 11th century A.D., Hari Chandra reconstructed the temple. Muhammad Ghori destroyed it along with other temples of Varanasi during his raid in 1194. Reconstruction of the temple started soon after. This was demolished by Qutb-ud-din Aybak. After Aybak's death the temple was again rebuilt. In 1351 it was
destroyed again by Firuz Shah Tughlaq. The temple was rebuilt in 1585 by Todar Mal, the Revenue Minister of Akbar's Court. Aurangzeb ordered its demolition in 1669 and constructed Gyanvapi Mosque, which still exists alongside the temple. Traces of the old temple can be seen behind the mosque. The current temple was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.The temple spire and the dome are plated with 1000 kg of gold donated by the mighty Jat Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, in 1835. In the year 1785 a Naubatkhana was built up in front of the Temple by the then Collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan at the instance of Governor General Warren Hastings. In 1839, Two domes of the Temple were covered by gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Third dome but was remained uncovered, Ministry of cultures & Religious affairs of U.P. Govt. took keen interest for gold plating of third dome of Temple.
Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the highly revered shrines of Lord Shiva. Located in the holy city of Varanasi, Vishwanath Temple rests on the western banks of Ganges. Varanasi is a small city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India. With 3500 years of documented history, this holy city is acclaimed to be the oldest living city in the world. Earlier, Varanasi used to be known as Kashi, perhaps this is the reason the shrine is popular as Kashi Vishwanath.
Vishwanath Mandir is known for comprising one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (Linga of light) of Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is known as Vishwanath or Vishweshwara, suggesting the "ruler of the world". In the sanctum sanctorum, the holy 'jyotirlingam' is placed in a silver alter. This sacred 'Lingam' of Lord Shiva captures the main devotional focus of Varanasi. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims come of offer their obeisance to Lord Shiva. Vishwanath Temple has been mentioned in the holy scriptures for numerous times. In the Hindu religion, the temple is regarded as one of the most important places of worship. As per the Hindu folklore, the temple must be visited once in the entire lifetime. A holy dip in Ganga River along with the 'darshan' of Lord Vishwanath is regarded as the leading way to 'Moksha' (salvation). Due to the reason, people seek to visit the place at least once in their life span.
Religious Significance:-
The impressive shrine holds a strong spiritual importance for Hindu devotees. It is believed that the first ray of light feel on Kashi, when the earth was formed. Since then Kashi has turned out to be a centre for spirituality and knowledge. As per legend, after spending numerous years of exile, Lord Shiva appeared in Varanasi and stayed at this place. Lord Brahma greeted him by sending a chariot of 10 horses on the ghat Dashaswamedh, which means 10 horses. It is said that the shrine of Lord Shiva is the minder of Varanasi.
Architecture of Kasi Viswanath Mandir:-
The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Banaras consists of a mandapa and a sanctum, besides many subsidiary shrines. The sanctum has a linga made of black stone and is set into the center of the floor in a square silver altar.The linga of the main deity at the shrine is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference housed in a silver altar.There are small temples for Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex. There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi (the wisdom well) and it is believed that the Jytorlinga was hidden in the well to protect it at the time of invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple jumped in the well with the Shiv Ling in order to protect the Jyotirlinga from invaders.
There is another linga called Avimukteshvara which is seen on the right, near the entrance. Some people suggest that original Jyotirlinga at the place is not the Vishwanatha but the Avimukteshvara Jyotirlinga.
According to some scholars the other lingas like the Mahakala, Nikumbheshvara, Dandapanisvara, Vaikuntheshvara, kala Bhairava, kapileshvara, Kubereshvara bear the names of Yakshas. There are also images of Saubhagya Gauri, Shringar Gauri, Savitri, Vighneshvara Ganesha, Vyaseshvara, etc. along with a cluster of small lingas to the north which is called the court of Vishwanatha.
The Vishwanatha temple consists of a mandapa and a sanctum. Inside the sanctum a linga is set into the center of the floor in a square silver altar. The linga is of black stone. Though the interior of the temple is not large and elaborate it presents the peaceful atmosphere ideal for worship.
The Temple is always occupied by millions of Indians who seek spiritual peace by the darshan of Jyotirlinga which confers liberation from the bondages of maya and even the inexorable entanglements of the world. A very simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is really a vital soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti.
The Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga which is considered as the one among all the jyothrilinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. Tradition says that merits earned by the darshan of other jyotirlinga which are scattered in various parts of India is accrued by a devotee by a single visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Inherently for long years the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living incarnation of our timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values. The Vishwanath Temple has been visited by all great saints like Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and even several other spiritual personalities.
Gyan-Kupor:-
There is a well called Gyan-Kupor (the well of Knowledge), located beside the temple. Legend has it that when the Shiva Lingam was removed from the original temple, it was hidden in this well to protect it from Aurangazeb.
Annapurna or Annapoorna (Devanagri: अन्नपूर्णा, from Sanskrit meaning the giver of food and nourishment) is the Hindu goddess of nourishment. Anna means "food" or "grains". Purna means "full, complete and perfect". She is an avatar (form) of Parvati, the wife of Shiva. Annapurna is eulogized in Annada Mangal, a narrative poem in Bengali by Bharatchandra Ray.
Adi Sankara who had immortalized the power and glory of Annapoorneswari in his immortal hymns Annapoornastakam - eight verses rendered there, implores on our behalf the grant of Gnana Vairagyam -- the steadfastness born out of realization. The beautiful golden image of Annapoorneswari in the temple, which is hundred yards away from the Visweswara Temple is thrown open for darshan to the devotees during Deepavali festival on Dhanathriodasi Day when Pooja is performed for the golden idol and throughout next day on Chotti Deepavali Day it is kept open for public darshan. and it is indeed a great sight! Annapurna sits in the middle with her trademark bowl and ladle. On her left is Lakshmi (Sridevi- the goddess of wealth) and on her right is Bhudevi (the goddess of the earth). All these idols are of pure Gold, and are beautiful to look at. In front of them stands Shiva, made of silver, asking for alms.
In the sanctum of the temple, the idol of the goddess is a small one, which is always decorated in a sari when open for darshan. A silver mask covers her face, and little else can be seen. All the idols of Annapurna available show her in a sitting position, and we naturally assumed that that was how she was in this temple. However, we were in for a pleasant surprise. We had arranged for Abhishekam at the temple, and were allowed into the sanctum to perform the Abhishekam ourselves. It was then that we realized that the idol of Annapurna is made of black stone, quite small, and she is in the standing position. The image is simple, holding only the bowl and ladle, with practically no decorations at all. But goodness, she is so beautiful! The smile on her face is so charming, so real, it almost seems She is standing in front of us!
Assi Ghat is an important ghat of Varanasi and it’s the southeren most end of the ancient city. Numerous References about this ghat are found in Matsya purana, Kurmu purana, Padma purana & Skanda purana. According to a belief It is the same place where after slaying demon Durgasur, the sword (Khadga) from the hand of Goddess Durga fell. The place, where sword (Khadga) had fallen resulted in flowing of big stream known as Asi river. The confluece place of river Ganga and Asi known as Asi or Assi ghat.
JAIN GHAT :-
AHILYABAI GHAT :-
MAAN MANDIR GHAT :-
At Manikarnika Lord Shiva gives Tarak Mantra ( “Prayer of the crossing”) in the ear of the dead, therefore the form of Shiva as Tarkeshwar, (the temple is at the ghat), is propitiated whenever a Hindu dies. The name Manikarnika derives its origin from the story of the dropping of earring of Lord Shiva. The historical sources mention this site in the Gupta inscriptions of C.E.4th century. This is the first ghat made pucca by the two king brothers in C.E.1302; and was rebuilt and repaired in 1730 under the patronage of Bajirao Pesava, and in 1791 Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt the entire ghat. Again in 1872 repairing and renovations were done.
Formerly it was known as Vireshwar Ghat, after the temple of same name lying at the top. In 1780 Ahilabai Holker of Indore made the ghat pucca. In 1829 queen Baija bai had get it repaired and remodeled; and again in 1937 Daulatarao Scindhia made the entire ghat pucca. The shrines of Vsistha and Vamadeva, and Atmaviresvara are at the top. The Paravata tirtha lies in the close by Ganga river.
RAAJ GHAT :-
"The ultimate dream of every Hindu devotee is to take a dip in the holy Ganges and breathe his last at this sacred piece of land and be bestowed with Moksha."
The cascading waters of the holy Ganga humbly envelop the feet of Kashi Vishwanath at Banares, fondly known as "the Royal Residence of the Lord." This region is a grand pilgrimage center, which attracts countless devotees from time immemorial. It is believed that those who take a dip in the holy River Ganga attain Moksha. It is believed that Kashi Vishwanath has the mantra to emancipation and those who live in Kashi attain Dharma (lawfulness), Karma (ability to act freely), Arth (meaning of life), and Moksha (salvation).
According to the Shaiva philosophy, it is considered that Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the midpoint of the worship for a long time. There is a Gyanvapi Mosque located adjacent to the temple. During spiritual occasions such as Shivratri, the king of Kashi (Kashi Naresh) comes to the temple. At that time nobody is allowed to enter the temple. Other devotees are allowed to the temple only after Kashi Naresh has completed his worship.
About Legend:-
At the time of creation when no one was there , only Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were present. They both started to fight for supremacy. They both used their most powerful weapons against each other after thousands of years fighting. When the two weapons were about to hit each other causing total destruction , an endless pillar of fire rose between the two absorbing their weapons.
Both Brahma and Vishnu wanted to known the end. Brahma assumed the form of Swan and flew up and Vishnu assumed the form of Boar and went down to find their ends and declared that whoever finds the end first would be the winner . Both couldn’t find the ends and came back after 100 years. Vishnu told that he couldn’t find the end whereas Brahma along with false testimony flower Kewada and cow told that he found the end of the pillar.
This angered Lord Shiva and he emerged from the fire and declared that All the three are forms of same Omkaar and Brahma is Creator , Vishnu is Preserver and Shiva as Destroyer. Since Brahma had told lies , Lord Shiva cursed him that no one will worship him and He gave Lord Vishnu the title of Purushottam being the Supreme being . The pillar of fire vanished from then and small portion of it remained at Varanasi as jyotirlinga called Kashi Vishwanath. Lord Shiva being the last to complete the cycle is called Mahadeo or great God and giver of Moksha. Those who have bath in Ganges and worship Kashi Vishwanath , Lord Shiva utters Tarak mantra in his ears at the time of death which gives Salvation.
Significance of Vishwanath Temple:-
Also famous by the name of Shiv Vishwanath Kashi, Shri Vishweshwar Temple is said to be dear to Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that those who come and die here attain liberation. It is said that Lord Shiva gives the Tarak Mantra to the ones who are going to die here. Some also believe that the Lord resides here and is the giver of liberation and happiness. The one who prays and worships Vishweshwar with devotion attains all his desires and one who incessantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets liberated.
According to Purana's of Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga:-
Nirvikar cahitanya and Sanatan Brahma have assumed the form of Saguna Vishwarupa from the initial Nirgun Roopa or form. The Shiva Shakti roopa became the Purusha (man) and Stree (the woman) again. Prakriti and Purusha (Nature and man) (Shiva-Shakti) were once ordained by Shiva to do tapas in the universe in order to create the best being. He specified the best place for this purpose. When a prayer was held, Nirgun Shiva, with His own powers and aura, created a wonderful city called Panchakoshi. Vishnu, who resided there, spent a lot of time praying to Shiva after which several watersprings originated there. Vishnu was amazed at this wonderous event, and even as he tilled his head, a gemstone fell from his ear. Because of this place, it was also called Manikarnika. The entire Panch Koshi area of Manikarnika waters were then gathered into the Trident by Shiva. Then from the navel of Vishnu was born a lotus flower with Brahma in it. Brahma was ordained by Shiva to create a world, at which Brahma created this wonderful world. It had fifty crore Yojanas of area and fourteen lokas. In order to save the lives of these who are bound by their own actions or karma. Shiva kept panchakoshi city away from the entire universe. In this city, Shiva Himself established the saviour Muktidayak JyotirLinga, which He can never leave. Shiva removed this very Kashi from His Trident and set it in this mortal world. It was not to be destroyed when Brahma’s day ends, but during Pralay i.e., final destruction of the world, Shiva saved it by keeping it safe in his trident. So the kashi is called avimukta kshetra. In Kashi, the Avimukteshwar Linga is there forever. Those who can never hope for salvation, attain Moksha here.
This holiest city of Panchakoshi, with its capacity to destroy every conceivable sin, is the vehicle of a special Moksha by the name “Samyugha”. That is the reason why this city which is ruled by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha, is the place, where even divines want to die. Sarwaguna from inside and Tamoguna from outside, are the qualities of Rudra here. When prayed to, Vishwanatha Bahagavan Sri Shankar made this abode and resided there with Parvati.
History of the Kashi VishwanathTemple:-
Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is also called Golden Temple which was at times in full of ups and downs. This particular temple and city of Varanasi has always been on the receiving end for the invaders be it Afghans, Turks, Rohilas or Marathas.
Kashi Vshwanath Temple:-
The Shiva temple has been mentioned in Puranas including Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana. In 11th century A.D., Hari Chandra reconstructed the temple. Muhammad Ghori destroyed it along with other temples of Varanasi during his raid in 1194. Reconstruction of the temple started soon after. This was demolished by Qutb-ud-din Aybak. After Aybak's death the temple was again rebuilt. In 1351 it was destroyed again by Firuz Shah Tughlaq. The temple was rebuilt in 1585 by Todar Mal, the Revenue Minister of Akbar's Court. Aurangzeb ordered its demolition in 1669 and constructed Gyanvapi Mosque, which still exists alongside the temple. Traces of the old temple can be seen behind the mosque. The current temple was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.The temple spire and the dome are plated with 1000 kg of gold donated by the mighty Jat Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, in 1835. In the year 1785 a Naubatkhana was built up in front of the Temple by the then Collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan at the instance of Governor General Warren Hastings. In 1839, Two domes of the Temple were covered by gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Third dome but was remained uncovered, Ministry of cultures & Religious affairs of U.P. Govt. took keen interest for gold plating of third dome of Temple.
Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the highly revered shrines of Lord Shiva. Located in the holy city of Varanasi, Vishwanath Temple rests on the western banks of Ganges. Varanasi is a small city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India. With 3500 years of documented history, this holy city is acclaimed to be the oldest living city in the world. Earlier, Varanasi used to be known as Kashi, perhaps this is the reason the shrine is popular as Kashi Vishwanath.
Vishwanath Mandir is known for comprising one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (Linga of light) of Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is known as Vishwanath or Vishweshwara, suggesting the "ruler of the world". In the sanctum sanctorum, the holy 'jyotirlingam' is placed in a silver alter. This sacred 'Lingam' of Lord Shiva captures the main devotional focus of Varanasi. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims come of offer their obeisance to Lord Shiva. Vishwanath Temple has been mentioned in the holy scriptures for numerous times. In the Hindu religion, the temple is regarded as one of the most important places of worship. As per the Hindu folklore, the temple must be visited once in the entire lifetime. A holy dip in Ganga River along with the 'darshan' of Lord Vishwanath is regarded as the leading way to 'Moksha' (salvation). Due to the reason, people seek to visit the place at least once in their life span.
Religious Significance:-
The impressive shrine holds a strong spiritual importance for Hindu devotees. It is believed that the first ray of light feel on Kashi, when the earth was formed. Since then Kashi has turned out to be a centre for spirituality and knowledge. As per legend, after spending numerous years of exile, Lord Shiva appeared in Varanasi and stayed at this place. Lord Brahma greeted him by sending a chariot of 10 horses on the ghat Dashaswamedh, which means 10 horses. It is said that the shrine of Lord Shiva is the minder of Varanasi.
Architecture of Kasi Viswanath Mandir:-
The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Banaras consists of a mandapa and a sanctum, besides many subsidiary shrines. The sanctum has a linga made of black stone and is set into the center of the floor in a square silver altar.The linga of the main deity at the shrine is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference housed in a silver altar.There are small temples for Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex. There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi (the wisdom well) and it is believed that the Jytorlinga was hidden in the well to protect it at the time of invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple jumped in the well with the Shiv Ling in order to protect the Jyotirlinga from invaders.
There is another linga called Avimukteshvara which is seen on the right, near the entrance. Some people suggest that original Jyotirlinga at the place is not the Vishwanatha but the Avimukteshvara Jyotirlinga.
According to some scholars the other lingas like the Mahakala, Nikumbheshvara, Dandapanisvara, Vaikuntheshvara, kala Bhairava, kapileshvara, Kubereshvara bear the names of Yakshas. There are also images of Saubhagya Gauri, Shringar Gauri, Savitri, Vighneshvara Ganesha, Vyaseshvara, etc. along with a cluster of small lingas to the north which is called the court of Vishwanatha.
The Vishwanatha temple consists of a mandapa and a sanctum. Inside the sanctum a linga is set into the center of the floor in a square silver altar. The linga is of black stone. Though the interior of the temple is not large and elaborate it presents the peaceful atmosphere ideal for worship.The Temple is always occupied by millions of Indians who seek spiritual peace by the darshan of Jyotirlinga which confers liberation from the bondages of maya and even the inexorable entanglements of the world. A very simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is really a vital soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti.
The Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga which is considered as the one among all the jyothrilinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. Tradition says that merits earned by the darshan of other jyotirlinga which are scattered in various parts of India is accrued by a devotee by a single visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Inherently for long years the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living incarnation of our timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values. The Vishwanath Temple has been visited by all great saints like Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and even several other spiritual personalities.
Gyan-Kupor:-
There is a well called Gyan-Kupor (the well of Knowledge), located beside the temple. Legend has it that when the Shiva Lingam was removed from the original temple, it was hidden in this well to protect it from Aurangazeb.
TEMPLE TIMINGS |
TEMPLE | MANGLA | BHOG | SANDHYA | SRINGAR | SHAYAN |
| SRI VISHWANATH JI | 3.00A.M. | 1.30NOON | 7.00P.M. | 9.00P.M. | 10.30P.M. |
| SRI ANNAPURNA JI | 4.00A.M. | 11.30NOON | 7.00P.M. | 10.00P.M. | |
| SRI KALBHAIRO JI | 5.00A.M. | 01.30NOON | 8.00P.M. | 12.00P.M. | |
| SRI SANKATHA JI | 4.30/6.30A.M. | 02.30NOON | 11.00P.M. | 11.00P.M. | |
| SRI DURGA JI(DURGA KUNDA) | 5.00A.M. | 7.00P.M. | 11.00P.M. | ||
| SRI SANKAT MOCHAN | 4.30A.M. | 12.00NOON | 3.00P.M. | 8.00P.M. | 10.30P.M. |
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Festivals:-
Mahasivaratri:
Shivaratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (Feb or March) every year. On the auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma. On this day Shiva devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga. At our temple this festival celebrated with great spritualism.
Rangbhari Ekadashi or Aamlaki Ekadasi:-
Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the holy fast of Amalakii Ekadasii arrived, conjoined with Dvadasi. This particular fast would bestow especially great benefit. Amalakii is offspring of Lord BrahmA, who can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions. Amalakii, is actually the form of Brahman, and was once worshiped by Lord Ramachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates her is therefore immediately freed of all his sins.
After having bath offered Amalakii tree a pot filled with water, as well as garland and aromatic incense. Then worship Lord Parashurama with these prayers: 'Oh Lord ParashurAma, Oh son of Renuka, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh liberator of the worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalakii tree and accept our humble obeisances.'
If the Amarlaki tree isn't available then worship the sacred Tulasi tree. Also plant the sacred Tulasi seeds, and offer lamps to her.
Annakoot:-
Annakoot is celebrated to commemorate the episode in Sri Krishna's childhood. After the prayers, traditional worship and Aarti, numerous varieties of sweets and 56 bhogs would be raised in the form of a mountain before the deity. After consumed by the Lord, the devotees take Prasad from it.
Shrawan Maah:-
Shrawan Maah is highly auspicious month for the lord Shiva devotees. Special decoration is been done on every Monday of the month. On first Monday of the month lord Shiva's decoration is being performed, on second Monday lord Bhagwa Shankar and mother Parvati's moveable statues are being decorated. On third and fourth Monday , shri Ardhyanarishwar and Shri Rudrakshay , decoration is being performed respectively.
The whole month of Shrawan Maah is celebrated with great enthusiasm, it is highly auspicious as every member of Lord Shiva's family are decorated and special 'Jhoola Sringar' is being performed.
Makar Shakranti:-
Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious day for the Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of the country in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion, fervor & gaiety. Lakhs of people take a dip in places like Ganga Sagar & Prayag and pray to Lord Sun. It is celebrated with pomp in southern parts of the country as Pongal, and in Punjab is celebrated as Lohri & Maghi. Gujarati's not only look reverentially up to the sun, but also offer thousands of their colorful oblations in the form of beautiful kites all over the skyline. They may be trying to reach upto their glorious God or bring about greater proximity with the one who represents the best. It is a day for which Bhishma Pitamah kept waiting to leave his mortal coil.
Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun-God of Hindus begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere. Sun for the Hindus stands for Pratyaksha-Brahman - the manifest God, who symbolizes, the one, non-dual, self-effulgent, glorious divinity blessing one & all tirelessly. Sun is the one who transcends time and also the one who rotates the proverbial Wheel of Time. The famous Gayatri Mantra, which is chanted everyday by every faithful Hindu, is directed to Sun God to bless them with intelligence & wisdom. Sun not only represents God but also stands for an embodiment of knowledge & wisdom. Lord Krishna reveals in Gita that this manifested divinity was his first disciple, and we all know it to be indeed a worthy one too. No Sundays for the Sun, may be because one who revels in its very 'being', the very essence of his own Self, is always in the Sunday mood.
Akshya Tritiiya:-
Akshya Tritiiya is considered one of the four most auspicious days of the Vedic Calendar. It is the third day of the new moon of Vaishakh month (April-May).
How to reach
By Train- Varanasi is a prime railway junction. The city is endowed with trains from all metros and prime cities all over the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Indore and many more.
By Road- Varanasi is also well-interconnected by national highways with all the key Indian cities. There are a number of public and private bus services are available that will drop you to the temple.
By Air- Babatpur airport is the nearest airport, it is 30 km from Sarnath and 22 km from Varanasi. There is a direct flight that links New Delhi and Varanasi and also connects it from Mumbai, Agra, Khajuraho and many more other Indian destinations.
Devalayas of Kashi
| Devalaya | Location |
| Vishveshvar Linga | Vishwanath Ji |
| Mangaleshwar | Shankatha Ghat |
| Aatmavishveshwar | Shankatha Ghat |
| Kukuteshwar | Durga Kund |
| Triparneshwar | Durga Kung |
| Kaleshwar | Dandpani Gali |
| Kaalmadhav | Kath Ki Haveli |
| Prayageshwar | Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Angarkeshwar | Ganesh Ghat |
| Aangneshwar | Ganesh Ghat |
| Upshanteshwar | Ganesh Ghat |
| Prameshwar | Shanktha Ghat |
| Harishchandeshwar | Shankatha Ji |
| Vashistheshwar | Shankatha Ji |
| Kedareshwar | Kedar Ghat |
| Neelkantheswar | Neelkantha |
| Onkareshwar | Chittanpura |
| Kasheshwar | Trilochan |
| Shri Mahamritunjay Ji | Maidagin |
| Shukreshwar | Kalika Gali |
Annapoornasweri:-
Annapurna or Annapoorna (Devanagri: अन्नपूर्णा, from Sanskrit meaning the giver of food and nourishment) is the Hindu goddess of nourishment. Anna means "food" or "grains". Purna means "full, complete and perfect". She is an avatar (form) of Parvati, the wife of Shiva. Annapurna is eulogized in Annada Mangal, a narrative poem in Bengali by Bharatchandra Ray.
Annapoorna Temple:-
Annapoorna Temple is located just besides Kashi Vishawanath temple. Just after having darshan of Kashi Vishwanath linga one can immediately see Annapoorna Mata temple in front.
The most well-known temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna is in Varanasi, U.P., India. Adjacent to the Sanctum of the Goddess is the Kasi Viswanath temple. The two are separated by only a few yards. Annapurna is regarded as the queen of Varanasi alongside her husband Vishweshwar (Shiva), the King of Varanasi.
In the temple, at noon time, food offerings to the Goddess are distributed to the elderly and disabled daily. During the Autumn Navaratri food is distributed on a larger scale.
A temple for Annapoorna has been constructed near Watrap, on the way to Saduragiri. The temple is in the shape of eight-sided pyramid.
Adi Sankara who had immortalized the power and glory of Annapoorneswari in his immortal hymns Annapoornastakam - eight verses rendered there, implores on our behalf the grant of Gnana Vairagyam -- the steadfastness born out of realization. The beautiful golden image of Annapoorneswari in the temple, which is hundred yards away from the Visweswara Temple is thrown open for darshan to the devotees during Deepavali festival on Dhanathriodasi Day when Pooja is performed for the golden idol and throughout next day on Chotti Deepavali Day it is kept open for public darshan. and it is indeed a great sight! Annapurna sits in the middle with her trademark bowl and ladle. On her left is Lakshmi (Sridevi- the goddess of wealth) and on her right is Bhudevi (the goddess of the earth). All these idols are of pure Gold, and are beautiful to look at. In front of them stands Shiva, made of silver, asking for alms.In the sanctum of the temple, the idol of the goddess is a small one, which is always decorated in a sari when open for darshan. A silver mask covers her face, and little else can be seen. All the idols of Annapurna available show her in a sitting position, and we naturally assumed that that was how she was in this temple. However, we were in for a pleasant surprise. We had arranged for Abhishekam at the temple, and were allowed into the sanctum to perform the Abhishekam ourselves. It was then that we realized that the idol of Annapurna is made of black stone, quite small, and she is in the standing position. The image is simple, holding only the bowl and ladle, with practically no decorations at all. But goodness, she is so beautiful! The smile on her face is so charming, so real, it almost seems She is standing in front of us!
Kashi Vishalakshi:-
The earrings or eyes of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen on this holy spot of Varanasi. Vishalakshi Temple is known for its temple festival on Kajali Tij, held on the third day during waning fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August).
The Pithanirnaya or Mahapithanirupana section from the Tantrachudamani originally listed 43 names, but names were added over time making it 51 Pithas. It details the Pitha-devata or Devi (name of goddess at the Pitha), the Kshastradishas (Bhairava) and the anga-pratyanga (limbs including ornaments of Sati). Manikarnika at Varanasi with Vishalakshi as the presiding goddess comes in at number 23. A kundala (earring) is the anga-pratyanga and Kala-Bhairava (Kala) is the Bhairava. In some later versions of the text, Varanasi is not included in the chief 51/52 Pithas. In one of the versions, it is demoted from a Pitha to a upa-Pitha (subordinate Pitha). Here, the kundala is said to be anga-pratyanga, but two Pitha-devatas and Bhairavas are mentioned. First, Vishalakshi with Kalabhairava and secondary Annapurna with Vishweshvara. Vishweshvara is the presiding deity of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the most important temple in Varanasi and the Annapurna temple is nearby.
Annapurna, the goddess of food and form of Shiva's consort Parvati, is given the epithet Vishalakshi, the "wide-eyed". Her most famous temple stands at Varanasi, where patron goddess she is considered. The Skanda Purana narrates the tale of the sage Vyasa cursing Varanasi, as no one in the city offered him food. Finally, Vishalakshi appears in the form of a house wife and grants food to Vyasa. This role of Vishalakshi is similar to that of Annapurna, who offers food to her husband Shiva, whose hunger can be satited by her food. Shiva gratified by Annapurna's food, establishes Varanasi and appoints her as its presiding goddess. The goddess Vishalakshi of the Varanasi temple may have been identified with Annapurna in early times, however over time became a distinct goddess, resulting in the goddess temples
Places to see:-
About Ganga :- According to most legends Ganga is holiest river . Taking dip in Ganga bestows purification from all sins accumulated from previous birth and hence we get salvation here. According to Devi Mahabhagwat , Ganga was elder daughter of Menaka and Himalaya , elder sister of Parvati and incarnation of Supreme Goddess Bhagwati Adishakti Durga.After her birth and she was taken by Brahma to Brahmaloka in his kamandalu. Then he washes Lord Vishnu ‘s feet with Ganga water. Hence from Brahmaloka she comes to Vaikuntha.
Then Bhagiratha one of the forefathers of Lord Rama brought her to earth for attaining salvation of his 60000 ancestors after tremendous penance to Lord Shiva. Thus she came to this earth. Her falling force was so enormous that Lord Shiva has to hold her in his matted hair and release some of it to form river Ganga. Some accounts say that she was married to Lord Shiva in heaven.
Thus this great river is associated with all the three trinities Brahma ,Vishnu and Mahesh.
The Ghats
Pilgrims flock the ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun. The Dasashvamedh ghat offers a magnificent view of the riverfront. Other special ghats are the Asi, Barnasangam, Panchganga and Manikarnika.
The ghats as named and counted by the city of Varanasi are as follows:
- Mata Anandamai Ghat
- Assi Ghat
- Ahilya Ghat
- Adi Keshava Ghat
- Ahilyabai Ghat
- Badri Nayarana Ghat
- Bajirao Ghat
- Bauli /Umaraogiri / Amroha Ghat
- Bhadaini Ghat
- Bhonsale Ghat
- Brahma Ghat
- Bundi Parakota Ghat
- Chaowki Ghat
- Chausatthi Ghat
- Cheta Singh Ghat
- Dandi Ghat
- Darabhanga Ghat
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Digpatia Ghat
- Durga Ghat
- Ganga Mahal Ghat (I)
- Ganga Mahal Ghat (II)
- Gaay Ghat
- Genesha Ghat
- Gola Ghat
- Gularia Ghat
- Hanuman Ghat
- Hanumanagardhi Ghat
- Harish Chandra Ghat
- Jain Ghat
- Jalasayi Ghat
- Janaki Ghat
- Jatara Ghat
- Karnataka State Ghat
- Kedar Ghat
- Khirkia Ghat
- Khori Ghat
- Lala Ghat
- Lali Ghat
- Lalita Ghat
- Mahanirvani Ghat
- Mana Mandira Ghat
- Manasarovara Ghat
- Mangala Gauri Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Mehta Ghat
- Meer Ghat
- Munshi Ghat
- Nandesavara Ghat
- Narada Ghat
- Naya Ghat
- Nepali Ghat
- Niranjani Ghat
- Nishad Ghat
- Old Hanumanana Ghat
- Pancaganga Ghat
- Panchkota
- Pandey Ghat
- Phuta Ghat
- Prabhu Ghat
- Prahalada Ghat
- Prayaga Ghat
- Raj Ghat built by Peshwa Amrutrao
- Raja Ghat / Lord Duffrin bridge / Malaviya Bridge
- Raja Gwalior Ghat
- Rajendra Prasad Ghat
- Ram Ghat
- Rana Mahala Ghat
- Rewan Ghat
- Sakka Ghat
- Sankatha Ghat
- Sarvesvara Ghat
- Scindia Ghat
- Shivala Ghat
- Shitala Ghat
- Sitala Ghat
- Somesvara Ghat
- Telianala Ghat
- Trilochana Ghat
- Tripura Bhairavi Ghat
- Tulsi Ghat
- Vaccharaja Ghat
- Venimadhava Ghat
- Vijayanagaram Ghat
Gange Aarti:-
Gange aarti is the magnificent event during evening in the Varanasi that one must not miss to see it. It makes us to experience the great feelings while Gange aarti become in process. This beautiful ritual makes every moment of the evening period special and fills with the spiritual thoughts. It is performed by the brass lamps which accompanied with the mantra chant in the presence of the huge crowd.
The Ganga Aarti begins with the pandas clapping to the rhythm of the accompanying music.
Counch Shell are blown loudly invoking the name of the river goddess, Ganga
Insence Stick Aarti
Doop Aarti
Multithreaded Aarti
Campour Aarti. It is a final Aarti
All the priests who have to perform the aarti, wear same cloth, the dhoti and kurta which is tightly bind with a long towel. First they make preparation of the Gange aarti by making collection of the five elevated planks, a multi tiered oil lamp, an idol of the Goddess Ganga, flowers, incense sticks, a conch shell, a big and heavy brass lamp having a snake hood at the edge of the River Gange. A group of boats filled with devotees come around the place of aarti at the bank of River. They are very eager to see the event; some of them take live video, photos as well. Ritual of the Gange aarti is performed by the students of the Vedas and Upanishads which is lead by the head priest of the Gangotri Seva Samiti. The whole event takes around 45 minutes.
Timing of Gange Aarti:-
Gange aarti takes place at 6.45 PM in the evening after the sunset for around 45 minutes at the Dashashwamedh ghat in the Varanasi. Devotees have started to come to see the Gange aarti at least one hour before.
A group of young priests starts aarti in a well organized manner by having a lighting lamp in their hand, start a rhythmic chant of mantras. An announcement at 7.00 pm indicates the beginning of the aarti. Music starts by someone and priests involving in the aarti stood up to begin the Gange aarti. Devotees at present make clapping together with the chanting of the mantras. Priests blown the conch shells in between the aarti very loudly and aarti continues with the incense sticks. After completing the mantras, priests do aarti with the multi-tiered brass lamps having firing camphor or kapoor. Gange aarti ends up with the final aarti and after that the environment become very silent.
ASSI GHAT :-
Assi Ghat is an important ghat of Varanasi and it’s the southeren most end of the ancient city. Numerous References about this ghat are found in Matsya purana, Kurmu purana, Padma purana & Skanda purana. According to a belief It is the same place where after slaying demon Durgasur, the sword (Khadga) from the hand of Goddess Durga fell. The place, where sword (Khadga) had fallen resulted in flowing of big stream known as Asi river. The confluece place of river Ganga and Asi known as Asi or Assi ghat.
TULSI GHAT :-
It is named after the great hindu saint poet Tulsidas (1547-1622 A.D.) who wrote Ramcharitmanas stayed here for a very long period. Earlier it was know as Lolark ghat. In 1941 Baldeo Das Birala Made this Ghat pucca. During Hindu lunar month of Kartika (Oct./Nov.) world famous Krishna Leela is also performed here with great conventional Rites.
MATA ANANDA MAYI GHAT :-
Mata Ananda Mayi purchased this ghat & surrounding area from British in 1944 and made this ghat pucca in addition to run an Ashrama (Institution) & a charitable hospital.
JAIN GHAT :-
Seventh Jain Tirthankar Suparshvanath was born nearby. So in 1931 Jain community made a pucca ghat and named it as Jain ghat. At present most of Jain families live here.
CHET SINGH GHAT:-
It is a historical fortified ghat. The place has witnessed a fierce battle between the troops of Warren Hastings and Maharaja Chet Singh in 1781. A.D. The beautiful fort and the ghat has been taken from British by Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh in the later half of 19th cent.
HANUMAN GHAT :-
It is the birth place of Lord Krishna great patron saint Vallabha (A.D.1479-1531). Later on great saint Tulsidas established a Hanuman Temple here during 17th cent. A.D. which made this ghat famous as Hanuman ghat. There also is a shrine of Ruru (” the Dog”) Bhairava, one of the 8th Bhairavas protecting the city from 8th directions .
HARISH CHANDRA GHAT :-
This ghat is name after a mythological King Harish Chandra, who once worked at the cremation ground here for the preservance of truth and charity but at the end the God rewarded him and restored his lost thorn and his dead son to him. This is one of the two cremation ghat, and people also believed it as Adi Manikarnika (” the original creation ground”). In 1740 A.D. Narayana Diksit, a religious guru of Peshvas renovated this ghat and made it partly pucca.
VIJAYANAGARAM GHAT :-
This was made pucca in 1890 century by the Vijayanagaram State of South India. At the top of it is Swami Karapatri Ashram.
KEDAR GHAT :-
It is named after Kedareshwar temple which is a major temple of Varanasi and the patron deity of the southern segment.. At the top of the ghat also exists the Harpapa Tirtha & Gauri Kund in the same way as it is situated at the Kedar Dham. Reference of this ghat and the temple of Kedareshwar comes in many puranic literature.
CHOWKI GHAT :-
This ghat is famous for the huge pipala (Ficus religiosa) tree at the top of the Steps which shelters a great array of stone figures of snakes, nagas. This ghat was built in 1790 century.
MAANSAROVAR GHAT :-
At the top of this ghat there is a sacred pond, which is the representation of highly sacred Kailash Mansarovar Lake lying in Tibet. This ghat was built by Raja Mana Singh of Jaipur in c. 1585, and was rebuilt in c. 1805. The shrines of Rama, Lakshman, and Dattatreya are in the vicinity.
NARAD GHAT :-
Named because of a shiva linga established by “Dev Rishi” (heavenly saint) Narada. The ghat was constructed by Dattatreya Swami, a monastery chief, in c. 1788. The four important images in the upper- side are Naradesvara, Atrisvara, Vasukisvara and Dattatreyesvara.
CHAUSATTHI GHAT :-
This ghat is described in the Kashi Khand of Skanda Puran (61.176-177) which is named after the temple of 64 yoginis called Chausatthi Devi. In c. 1670 King of Udaipur (Rajasthan) renovated thisghat.
RANA MAHAL GHAT :-
It is made by king of Udaipur in c.1670. At the top there is shrine of Vakratunda Vinayaka, one among the yatra of fifty-six ganesha.
DARBHANGA GHAT :-
Together with magnificent building along the ghat and a grand Shiva temple in Neelkantha area, the king of Darabhanga (Bihar) made them in 1915. The building along the ghat shows a massive Greek pillars style. The shrine of Kukutesvara lies at the top.
AHILYABAI GHAT :-
At the place of an old site of Kevelyagiri Ghat, in c. 1778 queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore made this a pucca ghat. For the first time name of a person was added after the ghat. She was also responsible for re-building the Vishvesvar temle, as exists at present, in 1777.
SHITALA GHAT :-
In c. 1740 pt. Narayana Diksit the preceptor of Bajirao Pesava-1, made this ghat pucca. In fact, this is the southern extension of Dashaswamedh Ghat, where exists Dasasvamedha Tirtha and images of Dashaswamedheswar and. After the famous Shitala Temple was made, this portion of Dashaswamedh ghat is called Shitala Temple.
DASHASWAMEDH GHAT :-
This is the busiest and the ancient most referred ghat. Lord Brahma (”the creator” in the Hindu trinity gods) performed the ten-horses sacrifice (dasa-asvamedha) at this site. The temple of Shooltankeswar, Brahmeswar, Varaheshwar, Abhaya Vinayaka, the Ganga (”goddess”), and Bandi Devi are closeby at the top of the ghat. These shrines are linked to several important pilgrimage journeys.
· The southern part of the ghat was made pucca in 1740 by Bajirao Pesava-1, and late in c.1774 by Ahilyabai Holkar of lndore.
PRAYAAG GHAT :-
This ghat (old Prayag Tirtha) together with shrine of Prayagagesvar replicates the existence of “Tirtharaaj” (King of Tirthas) Prayaag in Varanasi. Prayag (of Allahabad city) lies at the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the invisible Sarasvati rivers. It is commonly believed that doing rituals and taking sacred bath here provide exactly the same religious merit as those at Prayaga (80 km away in the west).
RAJENDRA PRASAD GHAT :-
This ghat was northern extension of Dashaswamedh Ghat. And until late nineteenth century a stone statue of horse was at the ghat witnessing the “ten-horses sacrifices” performed by Bhara Siva Nagas in second century, that is how the old name “Ghoda Ghat” (”Horse Ghat”).
MAAN MANDIR GHAT :-
The old name of this ghat was Someswar, but in c.e. 1585 when Raja Savai Mana Singh (of Amber) made his palace and ghat, this is named after him. On the top of the ghat there is a Hindu Observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh during 1710-1737: the other places where he established such observatories are Jaipur, Delhi, Mathura and Ujjain. The closeby shrines at the top of the ghat are Someswar and Sthooladanta Vinayak.
TRIPURA BHAIRAVI GHAT :-
This ghat is named after the Tripura Bhairavi Shrine, a female partner of Tripureswar whose image also exists there. Another important shrine is of Varahi Devi, one of the eight mother-goddesses. In late eighteenth century king of Benares and pandit Mayananda Giri had patronize to make this ghat pucca.
MEER GHAT :-
At the top of the ghat is the temple of Vishalakshi Devi “The Wide-Eyed”, (one of the 52 Sakti-peethas of goddess Sati). Another important site is temple of Dharmeshwar Linga where Yama’s (Lord of Death) got the power over the fate of the dead everywhere on the earth, except in Kashi.
With the notion that due to entrance of low castes (”untouchables”) the temple of Vishveshwar/ Vishwanath became impure, Swami Karpaatri-Ji, a very conservative Brahmin and a cult-chief, has established a ” New Vishwanath Temple” in 1956 at top of the ghat.
LALITA GHAT :-
This ghat is named after the famous goddess Lalita in Kashi and also in Prayag. The well known Ganga Keshav and shrines of Gangatitya, Kashi Devi, Lalita Devi and Bhagirath Tirtha are affiliated to this site. People believe that a glimpse of Lalita Devi brings the same reward as circumambulating the entire world.
At the top of the ghat, close to the Nepali Ghat, as described earlier, lies the Nepali Temple built in c. 1841 under the patronage of king of Nepal and assumed that the lingam there replicates the famous Pashupateeshwar at Kathmandu. The temple has some wooden carving of the erotic scenes, and all the four gateways and doors are fully decorated with geomagnetic architectural frame.
JALASAYI GHAT :-
The name it self indicates “putting dead body into water” which is a ritual performed before putting the corpse on the funeral pyre at the cremation ground of Manikarnika ghat. In the mid- nineteenth century the nearby building and the ghat were built.
KHIRKI GAHT :-
The name of the ghat literally means “the windows” (Khirki) from where attendants can watch the cremation. Close to in 1940 Baldeo Das Birla has built a pilgrims rest house. Under a deserted pipal tree there are five Sati shrines.
MANIKARNIKA GHAT :-
At Manikarnika Lord Shiva gives Tarak Mantra ( “Prayer of the crossing”) in the ear of the dead, therefore the form of Shiva as Tarkeshwar, (the temple is at the ghat), is propitiated whenever a Hindu dies. The name Manikarnika derives its origin from the story of the dropping of earring of Lord Shiva. The historical sources mention this site in the Gupta inscriptions of C.E.4th century. This is the first ghat made pucca by the two king brothers in C.E.1302; and was rebuilt and repaired in 1730 under the patronage of Bajirao Pesava, and in 1791 Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt the entire ghat. Again in 1872 repairing and renovations were done.
In the vicinity are shrines of Manikarnikesvara (a little far in the upper side of the lane), Maheshwar (open air lingam at the ghat) and Siddha and Manikarna Vinayakas.
There also exists the Vishnu’s feet impression Charan Paduka. According to puranic myth long before the Ganga arrived at the heels of Bhagiratha, the Cakra-Puskarini Kunda was present. Vishnu and Lakshmi images are located in the small shrine inside the Kund on the western wall. For 7,000 years Visnu was said to have performed hard worship on this spot, and through the centuries millions of Hindus have sprinkled it with the holy Ganga water and adorned it with flowers.
BAJI RAO GHAT :-
Baji Rao Peshwa built this ghat in c. 1735, that is how it is named after him, and also a palace. Later in 1830 queen Baijabai of Gwalior get it repaired and rebuilt; she had also erected the colonnade around the Gyanwapi well. In the up stream part there is a temple of Dattatreyesvara, so that this was referred as Dattatreya ghat. Presently this is assumed to be a part of the Scindhia ghat.
SCINDHIA GHAT:-
Formerly it was known as Vireshwar Ghat, after the temple of same name lying at the top. In 1780 Ahilabai Holker of Indore made the ghat pucca. In 1829 queen Baija bai had get it repaired and remodeled; and again in 1937 Daulatarao Scindhia made the entire ghat pucca. The shrines of Vsistha and Vamadeva, and Atmaviresvara are at the top. The Paravata tirtha lies in the close by Ganga river.
SANKATHA GHAT:-
Its old name was Yameshwar Ghat after the name of the shrine. At the top in the lane lies temples of Yameshvara and harischandresvara which might be thought of the old cremation area; still at present on the occasion of “Yama Dvitiya” devotees take sacred bath. In late 18th cent. king of Baroda made this ghat, but 1825 Beniram Pandit’s widow, known as “Panditain”, and nephews built this ghat pucca together with a building structure of the temple of Sankatha Devi.
GANGA MAHAL GHAT (2):-
This is a another ghat of the same name. This, in fact, is an old part of Yameshwar Ghat. King of Gwalior had built it in early 19th cent.
MANGALA GAURI GHAT :-
This was built by Balaji Pashwa-I in 1735, after whom this is also known as Bala Ji Ghat. Later in c.1807 Lakshman Bala of Gwalior repaired and renovated this ghat. In a mid-seventeenth century it has a reference. At the top of the ghat in a temple compound there are images of Gabhastisvara, Mangala Gauri and Mangal Vinayaka. Mangala (”Auspiciousness”) Gauri is one among the nine motherly white Goddesses.
PANCH GANGA GHAT :-
This is one of the five water-front sacred most sites, and believed To be the meeting point of five streams, viz. The Ganga, the Yamuna, the Sarswati the Kirana and the Dhutpapa.
DURGA GHAT :-
The name derived its association with the Brahmacharini Durga temple. In 1772 Narayan Dikshit, a guru of Peshwas, had purchased land from local resident fishermen and built two ghats: Durga and the succeeding one, Brahma Ghat. This was rebuilt and repaired in c. 1830 by Nana Phadanavisa, a Diwan of Gwalior State, whose building at the top of the ghat is know as Phadanavisa Wada.
GAI GHAT :-
This ghat records a reference in a 17th century text, the Grivana Manjari. In 12th cent. Varanasi, this was considered to be the southern limit of the city; in the vicinity still exists the symbolic relic of that period, Paatan Darwaza. At the ghat there is a huge image of a cow (gaya/gai), symbolizing the earth, that is how the ghat is known as Gaya Ghat. In early 19th cent. the ghat was made pucca by Balabai Sitole of Gwalior. At the top of the ghat, closeby there are four images : Bageswari Devi, Nageswari Devi(”Snake Goddess”), Mukh-Nirmalika Devi (”Pure-Faced Goddess”) and Samhara Bhairava.
TRILOCHAN GHAT:-
The name derives after famous image of Shiva, Trilochana (”Three-Eyeed”), whose lingam is known as Trilochaneshwar. In the Gahadavala rule, c.C.E. 1100, this was a very famous site for sacred bath and rituals. The renovation and repairing were done by Narayan Dixit in c. 1772. Later around 1795 Nathu Bala of Pune made the ghat pucca.
PRAHLAAD GHAT :-
This is the named after Prahalada, a great mythological devottee of Lord Visnu. In 11th-12th cent. the Ghadavala inscriptions mentioned this ghat. This is spread over a longer distance. In 1937 with the construction of a new Nisada Ghat in the centre (where exists Satsanga Akhara), now the ghat is divided into two parts : the southern and northern. In the southern part exists the shrines of Prahlaadeshwar, Prahlaad Keshav, Vidar Narsimha, and Varad and Picindal Vinayakas.
RAAJ GHAT :-
Upto 1887 this was a famous ferry ghat. On 1st jan. 1887, Lord Duffrin bridge (road-cum-rail) was made and its importance as ferry points had lost. The bridge is named as Malaviya Bridge in 1948 after the founder of Banaras Hindu University, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaiya. In the Gahadavala inscriptions (c. 1100) this ghat is mentioned many times in terms of its glory and merit. There are four water-tirthas affiliated to this ghat: Sankhya, Uddalaka, Hayagriva and Nilagriva.
ADI KESHAV GHAT :-
Adi Keshav ghat is the place of confluence of Ganga & Varuna river. After bathing at this ghat one who worship Sangameshwar “Lord of Confluence” makes the Lord Vishnu very pleased and gets special blessings in return.
It is the place where Lord Vishnu washed his feet before entering to Kashi (That’s why it is also called “Padodak Tirtha”). After washing his feet, Lord Vishnu self placed a statue of his here by the name of Adi Keshav and established a Shivlinga called Sangameshwar, too.
According to a folk legend the five most sacred water-front holy spots represent the bodily parts of the Lord: “Asi is the head; Dashaswamedh is the chest; Manikarnika is the naval; Panchganga is the thighs; and Adi Keshav is the feet” (Eck 1982:233). This reminds that Vishnu first placed his holy feet here in Varanasi. His foot prints (Charan Paduka) in the Adi Kesava temple symbolize that occasion; another foot prints are at Manikarnika Ghat.
Kaalbhairav Temple Kashi:-
In Kashi Vishwanath legend, when Lord Shiva gets angry on Lord Brahma , he creates a dangerous form called Kaalbhairava . Bhairava beheaded one of Brahma’s five heads and since then Brahma has only four heads. When depicted as Kala Bhairava, Bhairava is shown carrying the decapitated head of Brahma. Cutting off Brahma’s fifth head made him guilty of the crime of killing, and as a result, he was forced to carry around the head for years and roam as Bhikshatana, a mendicant, until he had been absolved of the sin.His head was released when he reached the city of Kashi . From there on he lived in the city of Kashi and started guarding it. Hence he is called The Kotwal of Kashi. No one can enter Kashi without the permission of Bhairava.
construction of Kaalbhairav Temple Kashi:-
To go towards Kaalbhairav temple, one has to come out of kashi Vishwanath lane at Chowk Godowlia road and then via cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw can go towards Kaalbhairava Temple which is One KM away . The full temple is painted in orange colour . One has to take black threads and offer them to Kaalbhairav and take them an tie them on the hand for his protection. The whole atmosphere in Kaal Bhairav Temple is mesmerising with immnese power and mantra chanting. When one looks at the idol he is allured by his emmision of powerful rays , such is the beauty of the temple. Its a must visit and not to be missed.It is said that unless you visit Kaalbhairav Temple , Kashi Yatra is incomplete.
Tulsi Manas Mandi:-
7 km from the railway station, it is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. Believed to be situated where saint-poet Tulsi Das lived and wrote the epic Ram Charit Manas. An exquisite structure of white marble, it has the text of Ram Charit Manas engraved on its walls.
Durga Temple:-
7 km from railway station, is one of the important temples dedicated to Goddess Durga. Constructed in the 18th century in the Nagara style of architecture, it has five shikharas (spires), which start from the bottom and converge on the top. Locally known as 'Monkey temple' because of the large number of monkeys inhabiting the place.
Dundi Ganapathi Temple:- Its in the Kasi Viswanath Temple premises only.
Sakshi Ganapathi Temple:- Its also in the Kasi Viswanath Temple Premises Only. This Ganapathi has gives the witness.
Mrutunjaya Mahadev Mandir:- One more Important temple, near Varanasi. Its 2KM distance from the Kasi Viswanth Temple. Lot of small small shiva lingas you can find out in that temple
Ganga Harathi:- In the evening it will start at 7PM. Lot of people has attend this Ganga Harathi in this evening time.
Ganga Temple:- Its near the Ganga Ghat.
Bindu Madhava Temple:- One more important Temple in Varnasi. This is one of the Pancha Madhava Temple in India. It has located near Ganga Ghat.
