A memorable visit to KASHI VISWANATH TEMPLE

 

Located on the Western Bank side of the river holy Ganga, the Viswanath temple is a Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is 12^th of all Jyotirlingas.  History says it that this temple is the midpoint of worship for a long time. The temple complex consists of Kasi Annapurna Devi temple and Kashi Vishalakshi temple also. Thus, all three temples are located in one premise.

The unique feature of the temple is that there is Jnana Vapi Mosque situated adjacent to the temple. Muslims perform their own prayer and the Hindus their own without any misunderstanding and hints at the religious tolerance of India.

image credit to : enwikipedia.org

The dome of the temple is made of Gold. There is a well known by the name Jnana Vapi or well of wisdom. Around 3000 devotees visit this temple daily and during special festivals and occasions, the number will be around 100000.

During Shivaratri, it is visited by Kashi Naresh and nobody will be allowed inside till he performs and completes his prayer or pooja to Lord Shiva.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE?

The significance of the temple lies in the fact that it has been visited by many saints. They bathed in the holy river the Ganges and offered prayer to the Jyotirlinga. A Hindu should at least once in his lifetime take a bath in the sacred river to attain liberation of the soul from the cycle of Birth and Rebirth. Person whoever dies in Varanasi will mingle with Mahadeva and Lord Shiva himself will chant the Mantra of liberation in his ears.

This is the place where Shiva stayed for some time.He is supposed to be the guardian of the city and its people and even the Nine planets have to abide Lord Shiva. Lord Shani came here in search of Shiva but could not search him for the whole Seven and half years of stay. The temple of Lord Shanidev is outside the Viswanath temple.

The details of the Shiva temple are mentioned in Kasi khanda of Skanda Purana where it is said that the temple was constructed by Harichandra and it was destroyed many times and finally reconstructed the Hindu Maratha Queen Ahalya Bai Holkar.

While the Mughal Emperor permitted to rebuild the old temple it was Aurangajeb again who destroyed the temple.

It will be interesting to note that the Naubhatkhana was constructed by the Collector Md. Ibrahim Khan in 1785 Two domes of the temple are covered by Gold and the third one was gold plated by the Uttara Pradesh Government.

WAY TO THE TEMPLE

image credit to : hindustantimes.com

The way to the temple will be through a narrow Gali is known by the name Kashi Gali. There will be shops and Hotels along the road and tourists can have a comfortable shopping here after their Darshan of the Lord. There will be some vendors of Milk products.  A lassi prepared by Mr. Balu can not be digested comfortably as he does not add any water except all dry fruits. Tourist will have an opportunity to take his lunch or dinner at any place of his choice as there will be many free food centers on both sides of the roads. They do not charge money but provide excellent food.  There are many Ashrams in and around the temple area where accommodation will be provided to tourists.

I got the opportunity to take my lunch in Karivena Anna Dana Satram where the food was very excellent. My experience in having the Lassi from Balu was immemorable. I could not finish even a glass of it whereas a Russian lady could finish two glasses very easily. I really surprised.

What are the Ghats on the bank of the River Ganga?

image credit to: blogger’s own  image

 

On the bank of the river Ganga, a tourist will see as many places with decorated and cement plastered steps. These places are called Ghats which are meant for taking bath in the holy river Ganga.

Each Ghat is associated with a famous personality. There are ghats like Harischandra Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Dasaswamedth Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat etc.,

image credit to: blogger’s own image           Dasaswamedh ghat

The steps from any Ghat will lead us to Viswanath Temple. The temple can be reached very easily from Manikarnika Ghat after taking steps.

Ganga Harathi

Every day, there will be a Harathi event on the  Dasaswamedha Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat.  One will have five platforms and the other one 7. The priests worship Mother Goddess Ganga for the health, wealth, and wellbeing of whole mankind.

                                                     image credit to: blogger’s own image Dasaswamedh ghat

It is a very delightful event to witness between 6 PM to 7 PM in the evening.

I had a great opportunity of witnessing the event as the Boatman has taken me to a comfortable place and anchored the boat.

I was witnessing the event throughout its celebration and reached my room with sweet recollections of the memorable event.