Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple

4.7

Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

Because of the Shiva Jyotirlinga, Kashi Vishwanath is famous. In the country, it is one of the 12 most famous jyotirlingas. It is located in Uttar Pradesh in India, in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi. In the 18th century, the present Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, immediately to the south of the mosque. Over the decades it has emerged as one of the major and revered centers of Hinduism. The main deity is known as Sri Vishwanath and Vishveshwar which literally means Lord of the Universe. In ancient times Varanasi was called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In the Shaiva culture by Hindu scriptures, the temple is considered a central part of worship. It was demolished several times by many Muslim rulers, most recently by the sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who built the Gnanabapi Mosque in its place. By the Maratha ruler, the current structure was built on an adjacent site, Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780. In the government of Uttar Pradesh, the temple has been managed since 1983.

Attraction

Varanasi is regarded among the holiest of the Hindu cities, located on the banks of the holy Ganges. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is widely recognized as one of the most important places of worship in Hinduism. Inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishveshwar, or Vishwanath.

History

A Statue of golden color with flowers

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a famous Hindu temple. It is located in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in India. It stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. Madhuri Desai narrates the temple’s history, focusing on a litany of repeated destruction and rebuilding. Pilgrims visiting the present Kashi Vishwanath temple are informed about the timelessness of the Linga. Initially known as the Adi Vishveshwara Temple, The original Vishwanath temple was destroyed in 1194 CE by the Ghurids when Muizz al-Din Muhammad ibn Sam returned to India and defeated Jayachandra of Kanauj near Chandwar and later destroyed the city of Kashi.

Razia Mosque was constructed in its place, in a few years. The temple was rebuilt near the Avi Mukteshwar Temple, in 1230, away from the main site during the reign of Delhi’s Sultan Iltutmish (1211–1266 CE) by a Gujarati merchant. Again during the rule of either Hussain Shah Sharqi (1447–1458) or Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517), it was demolished. During Mughal emperor Akbar’s rule, Raja Man Singh built the temple. In 1585, Raja Todar Mal further rebuilt the temple but orthodox Brahmins chose to boycott the temple because his daughter was married to Islamic rulers. Vir Singh Deo either restored or completed the construction of the earlier temple, during the rule of Jahangir. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple in 1669 CE and built the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place. The foundations, columns, and back of the mosque show remnants of the earlier temple. In 1742, the Maratha ruler Malhar Rao Holkar planned to demolish the mosque and rebuild the Visvesvara temple on the site. However, his plan was not implemented, partly due to the intervention of the Nawab of Awadh, who was given control of the region. The Maharaja of Jaipur commissioned a survey of the land around the site around 1750, with the objective of purchasing land to rebuild the Kashi Vishwanath temple. However, his plan to rebuild the temple was also not implemented. Malhar Rao’s daughter-in-law Ahilyabai rebuilt the present temple adjacent to the Holkar Masjid, in 1780.

Inside/Outside Views

Main entrance to the Shri Vishwanath Mandir temple, inside the campus of the Benares Hindu University. With an impressive tall tower. Varanasi, India

In the temple, there is a small well called the Jnana Vapi also spelled as Gyan vapi. There is a sabha griha or dharma next to the inner griha or sanctum. The structure of the temple consists of three parts. A spire on the temple is the first compromise. The second is the golden dome and the third is the gold spire atop the sanctum bearing a flag and a trident. Notable about the temple is the 15.5-metre-high golden spire and golden dome. There are three domes made of pure gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835.

Opening Hours

Saturday to Sunday 4 Am to 11 Pm open.

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee for visiting the temple.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

The Hideaway Bedzzz, Varanasi
Alka Hotel
Ganpati Guest House
Ganga Fuji Homes And Hostel – Hotel in Meerghat
Ganpati Guest House

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Varanasi airport and it is also well-linked to some of the major cities in India. A person can take taxis or cabs to reach his desired place.

By Train: The nearest railway station is The Varanasi railway station which is well-connected to many other cities in India via rail. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or a cab to explore the city

By Bus: By state-run buses, Varanasi is well-connected to many other cities of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. From nearby cities to Varanasi, private air-conditioned buses are also available.

Tips for Travellers

You should be aware of doing any disturbing acts. You should be polite and wear a decent dress in the temple.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes.

Que-02: Is photography allowed in this place?

Ans: No, You are not allowed to carry cell phones, cameras, belts with metal buckles, shoes, cigarettes, and lighters into the temple premises. You can hire lockers at a nominal charge.