Updated May 25, 2023
About Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among the most sacred and important temples of the Hindu religion, located in the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This temple has devoted to Lord Shiva, and it has believed that Lord Shiva himself built it. The temple is among the 12 Jyotirlinga s, the spiritual and holiest places of worship for Hindus worldwide. The temple is known for its grand architecture and is a beautiful sight to behold. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust manages the temple, responsible for its upkeep and maintenance.
History of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among India’s most critical holy temples, and its location is in the sacred city of Varanasi (Banaras) in Uttar Pradesh. It is devoted to Lord Shiva and is among the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred Hindu temples. This temple has believed to have been built by King Divodasa, who reigned in the 8th century BC. According to Hindu mythology, in 1780, the Maratha emperor, Ahilyabai Holkar, created the current temple. The temple was destroyed and reconstructed several times over the centuries, most notably by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1669. Then in 1780, the Maratha emperor Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt it.
This temple is a primary Hindu pilgrimage site and is visited by millions of devotees annually. It has believed that this temple has the power to fulfill its wishes. This temple is also known for its grand architecture and majestic spire, as it has a gold-plated dome with small shrines dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. The main temple complex is also home to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, devoted to Lord Shiva.
Structure of Temple
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva and is among the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. The temple stands on the divine river bank of the Ganga and is one of India’s most sacred and important temples.
The temple consists of two main structures, the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and the Shikhar (tower). The Garbhagriha is a four-walled structure made of stone and topped with a golden spire called Kalash. The Shikhar is a large tower covered in gold plating. The temple also has a large courtyard surrounded by high walls. There are shrines dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities inside the temple.
The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, drawing thousands of devotees worldwide yearly. The temple is also a popular tourist attraction for its architectural beauty and rich cultural history.
Cultural Events
- Makar Sankranti: among the main highlights of the Makar Sankranti celebrations at the temple is the grand puja held in the main sanctum sanctorum. The puja involves offering the deity flowers, incense, and other items and reciting prayers and mantras.
- Mahashivratri: Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It marks the night of the Shukla paksha of Phalgun. Devotees gather to perform pooja and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
- Akshaya Tritiya: Akshaya Tritiya is a Hindu festival celebrated at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and at many other temples throughout India. The festival, also known as “Akha Teej,” is observed on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha and is a time of great devotion and celebration.
- Annakoot: Among the main highlights of the Annakoot celebrations at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the elaborate feast prepared and served to the devotees. “AnnakootBhandara,” is the dinner served to the devotees, which consists of a vast array of delicious vegetarian dishes that temple priests and volunteers prepare.
- Diwali: Diwali is a major Hindu festival celebrated in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. On this day, devotees gather to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
How to Get to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is on the bank of the river Ganga. The easiest way to get to the temple is by car or taxi from Varanasi. It is about 15 km from the city center and takes about 30 minutes to reach. You can also take public transport to get to the temple, such as buses or auto-rickshaws.
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