Arulmigu Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Thennādudaiya Sivanē Pōtri
Ennāttavarkkum Iraivā Pōtri

Similar to the spiritual centers of Tamil Nadu, this sacred site located in Northern India is one of the world-famous Jyotirlinga shrines. This temple serves as a place of salvation (Moksha) and the abode of knowledge. It is the primary among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The word “Kashi” means “City of Light.” It is believed that dying in Kashi grants entry to heaven. Legend says that for birds, animals, and all living beings that face death here, Lord Shiva himself whispers the “Rama Nama” (the name of Rama) into their ears.

History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

It is believed that the Kashi Vishwanath temple was created by Lord Shiva 5,000 years ago. The area located between the Varuna and Assi rivers is called Varanasi. This temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times.

• Starting from 1034 AD, it was destroyed by various Mughal rulers.
• In 1669, Aurangzeb built a mosque using the temple walls.
• The current temple was built in 1777 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 820 kg of gold to cover the temple spire (Vimana).
• This is the site where Lord Vishnu consecrated the Lingam, representing the union of Shiva and Parvati.
• The name “Kashi” is derived from a sect of Aryans called ‘Kashis’ who lived here around 1400 BC. The name “Banaras” came to be when a demon named Banaran renovated the site and worshipped a Lingam here.

Kashi Temple Legend

In Puranic times, Lord Shiva created Kashi. A Lingam appeared at the spot where Parvati lost her earring, hence the name “Kashi” (Radiance). As a Moksha Sthala, it is believed Shiva grants liberation by whispering the Taraka Mantra in the ears of the deceased.

Brahma, Vishnu, and various sages performed yagnas and penance here. Lord Budha (Mercury) worshipped here to attain planetary status. King Pururavas washed away his sins by bathing in the Ganges and seeking darshan. Manikarnika is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

The Legend of the Earring: Lord Shiva was once teaching the Taraka Mantra to Goddess Parvati. He noticed her earring had fallen. Lord Vishnu dug a holy well (Theertha) with his Sudarshana Chakra nearby and performed penance. When Shiva approached him to ask about the earring, Vishnu pointed to the well. As Shiva leaned in to look, his own earring (Kundalam) also fell into the well. From the well, a Shiva Lingam emerged with a brilliant light, uniting the powers of Shiva and Parvati. Because Lord Shiva revealed his “Vishwa Roopa” (Universal Form) to Vishnu here, the Lingam earned the name Vishwanath.

Kashi Temple Structure

The temple is built in the North Indian architectural style. The main deity, Vishwanath, is a small emerald-colored Lingam situated in a pit, surrounded by gold and silver plates. He is perpetually bathed in Ganges water. Devotees are allowed to touch the Lingam during worship.

• The Vishalakshi Shrine is built in the South Indian style.
• Goddess Annapurni has a separate temple.
• Other Shrines: Dhundi Raja Vinayaka, Satyanarayana, Rama, Hanuman, Durga, Mahakala, Panduranga, and others.
• The ancient Nandi faces the wall. On Deewali, the Annakoot festival is celebrated where Goddess Annapurni is taken in a procession on a chariot made of laddoos.

Kashi Temple Special Significance

• Bathing in the Ganges purifies the body, Darshan purifies the soul, and the Jnana Vapi (Well of Knowledge) purifies the intellect.
• A pilgrimage is considered incomplete without worshipping Dhundi Vinayaka.
• The Saptharishi Puja is performed every evening.
• Pancha Theertha Yatra: Pilgrims should bathe in five specific points: Assi Sangam, Dashashwamedh, Varuna Sangam, Panchaganga, and Manikarnika.
• To receive the full merit of the pilgrimage, one must also worship the Shiva Lingam established by Sage Vyasa at Vyasa Kashi.

Festivals and Timings of Kashi Temple

Major Festivals: Thai Amavasai, Aadi Amavasai, Deepavali (Annakoot), Holi, Shivaratri, and Navaratri.

Temple Hours: 02:30 AM to 11:00 PM. (Open all day on Amavasya/New Moon).

Daily Ritual: Saptharishi Puja occurs from 07:00 PM to 08:30 PM.

Contact: +91 542-239 2629.

How to Reach Kashi Vishvanath Temple?

Varanasi is well-connected by rail, bus, and air. The paths leading to the temple are narrow traditional lanes.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Address

Arulmigu Kashi Vishwanath Temple,
Kashi,
Varanasi District,
Uttar Pradesh – 221 001.

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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