Why to visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or temples, devoted to Lord Shiva is Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is located in Varanasi on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. Lord Shiva is the principal deity of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple's tower is covered in 800 kilograms of gold.
Architecture:
- The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a complex of shrines that is made up of a number of smaller shrines and is situated close to the river in a narrow street known as the Vishwanatha Galli.
- The main temple is built in the shape of a quadrangle, and shrines to various gods are located all around it.
- The gods Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Vishnu, Virupaksha, and Virupaksh Gauri are honoured in these temples.
- The main Shivalinga of the temple is made of black stone and measures 60 cm tall by 90 cm in circumference. It is housed on a silver altar.
- The temple's structure is divided into three sections. The first one depicts a spire on the Lord Vishwanath temple, the second one is a gold dome, and the third one is a gold spire on top of the Vishwanath holding a flag and a trident.
- Here is also where Gyaan Vapi, a holy well, is located.
Significance:
- The temple is crowded with pilgrims throughout the year since it is commonly believed that a trip to the temple followed by a dip in the sacred Ganges is the only way to achieve liberation or "Moksha."
- Another myth is that when someone passes away naturally at the Vishwanath Temple, Lord Shiva himself whispers the mantras of redemption into their ears.
- Many notable Hindu saints have visited this temple, including Goswami Tulsidas, Swami Vivekananda, Adi Sankaracharya, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak Dev, and Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
Things to do around the temple:
- One must pass through the Kashi Vishwanath Gali, which is renowned for its stores selling pooja supplies and sweets, in order to get to the temple. The street also has a well-known ladies' corner where a variety of goods are sold, including Banarasi sarees, dresses, religious objects, and jewellery.
- Snacks are also available at a few roadside stands for those unforeseen hunger cravings. Devotees may also visit this location for some reasonably priced shopping after having their darshan of Lord Shiva.
Kashi Vishwanath Pooja Timings & Fees:
- Sugam Darshan: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (INR 300)
- Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM (INR 350 onwards)
- Bhog/Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM (INR 180)
- Saptirishi Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM (INR 180)
- Night Shringar/Bhog Aarti: 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM (INR 180)
- Night Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM (Free)
- Rudrabhishek: 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM (INR 450 onwards)
Nearby Attractions:
- Dashashvamedh Ghat (92 m)
- Nepali Temple (0.5 km)
- Kedar Ghat (0.8 km)
- Man Mandir Ghat (0.2 km)
Nearby Restaurants:
- Aadha-Aadha Cafe (0.1 km)
- Bowl of Compassion (0.3 km)
- Vishnu Tea Emporium (0.2 km)
- Baba Lassi (0.2 km)