Tripnomadic/India

OVERVIEW

Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Holy Temple of Kashi Vishwanath is one of the Jyotirlinga. It is one of the most visited places by Hindus. The spiritual and divine vibes of the holy places take you near god. Tourists come to take a bath in the sacred water of Kashi near the Ghats of the Temple.

The Mythology Behind Kashi Vishwanath

People of Kashi believe that long back when Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva got married, Lord shiva went back to Kailash Parvat, and Goddess Parvati started living with her father. Still, she was not happy living at her father's place. SO, she told Lordshiva that I am not comfortable living here, every girl after marriage go with her husband to live, but I came back to live with my father, that she doesn't feel right about it. Therefore, Lord shiva decided to fulfill this wish of Goddess Parvati; he bought her to the Sacred place of Kashi, where he started living with her as Jyotirlinga. It is believed that individuals who bathe in the holy water of Kashi get rid of their sins. Its belief that Lord shiva takes all the problems away from his devotees who visit Kashi Vishwanath, and The ones' who die get to hear Mantra from him.

The Architecture of Kashi Vishwanath

The Architecture of Kashi Vishwanath is a stunning view. Like all other Jyotirlingas, Kashi Vishwanath is the captivating part of Indian architecture. The intricate construction of pillars, ancient balconies. Many Ghats near the Kashi Vishwanath temple was built during the time of the Maratha Empire. However, Several other Ghats were made after Maratha. Every Ghat near Kashi temple has a unique mythological story associated with them. The Ghats are located near the river; various stairs are built to reach the river. According to the Doha written by Kabir, it is believed that people come to live in the waters of Kashi after death.

How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

There are means to reach the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

By Air - Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur is the nearest airport to the temple. The temple is nearly a 25-hour drive from the airport. There are various Buses, cabs, and taxis available right outside the airport to take tourists directly to the temple.

By Rail - Like other cities, the temple is well connected with the rail network. There are several railway stations near the temple to connect different parts of the nation. The taxis outside the station will take you to the temple directly.

By Road - The massive roads and highways are created to connect the city of Varanasi with other cities of Uttar Pradesh. There are several bus and public transport services to take you to Kashi Vishwanath temple. The roads are well built to self-drive. The tourists visit the popular Vishvanath Gali to explore the local shops.

Timings of pooja in Kashi Vishwanath temple

The tourist must research the timings of the pooja of the Kashi Vishwanath to experience the beautiful and peaceful environment around the temple.
Here is the detail of the timing about the opening and the pooja of the temple:

  • Several holy rituals are performed daily, such as morning, afternoon, and evening Arti; the devotees can participate in these rituals.
  • The devotees can visit the temple anytime from 2 am to 11 pm. However, they are only allowed to view the deity of Lord Shiva from the altar.
  • The darshan takes place in three different Phases - the first phase starts from 4 am to 11 am. the second phase starts from 12 pm to 7 pm, and the third phase begins from 8.30 pm to 9 pm.
  • The Mangala Arti takes place during the early morning from 3 am to 4 am.
  • The afternoon Bhog takes palace from 11.30 to 12 pm.
  • The Spa rishi Arti happens from 7 pm to 8.30 pm.
  • The Srinagar Bhog and Arti and Shayan Arti take place at 9 pm and 10.30 pm, respectively.

The tourists must visit during the time of Arti to experience the spiritual vibes of the place.

Interesting facts you need to know about Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

  • Some rulers of India destroyed the temple, while some rebuild the temple again. This activity of building and rebuilding the temple was constantly done for centuries. However, initially, the Kashi Vishwanath temple was demolished by the men of Qutb-ud din Aibk after he defeated the king of Kannauj.
  • Despite permission given by the Great ruler Akbar to build the temple, the Kashi Vishwanath was destroyed by his great-grandson, Aurangzeb.
  • Despite the attacks by several emperors, the city is quite strong.
  • The Kashi word for the temple was taken from the Sanskrit word 'kash,' which means Sparkle.
  • When the news of the temple to be destroyed by Aurangzabe reached the temple, people of the temple hid the deity of Lord shiva to protect the shrine.
  • There is a well located in the center of the temple known as the well of wisdom. The well is right beside the mosque.
  • The Kashi Vishwanath is the 7th Jyotirlinga of all 12.