Kashi Vishwanath temple is a divine pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Namaste!
Welcome to the oasis of divine readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today, we are focusing on one of the prime Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Earlier, I have covered details of Shri Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain and Baba Baijnath Dham, Deogarh in my previous blogs.
Introduction
Lord Shiva is worshipped in lingam form worldwide. He is known for his modesty, knowledge, immortality and vastness. Hindu God Mahadev is formless (nirguna), vivid (saguna), beyond birth and death(aadi & anant) and swayambhu (self manifested).
Apparently, Kashi Vishwanath is the first Jyotirlinga of all the 12 Jyotirlinga of Hinduism. You must be wondering what is Jyotirlinga. Here, is the answer.
What is Jyotirlinga?
Jyotirlinga is a devotional form of Lord Shiva revered all over the world with great devotion and prayers. It represents male energy of universe. Jyoti is a Hindi word for light and linga means representation.
As per Shiv Mahapurana, once Lord Shiva manifested himself into a radiant pillar of light and brightness. And, he asked Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu about the end and beginning of it. Eventually, Lord Vishnu took Varaha Awatar and went deep down to explore the end. While, Lord Brahma took Hansa(swan) awatar to find out the beginning up in the sky. It took them thousands of years to search, but no result found. At the end, Lord Vishnu admitted that he could not find the end. But, Lord Brahma lied to him saying he found out it. Thenafter, Lord Shiva came to his original form and cut fifth face of Brahmaji for lying and cursed him to not be worshipped. Consequently, Lord Vishnu told the truth that he could not find the end of jyotirlingam, hence, blessed with reverence.
Moreover, some texts suggest that lingam form of Hindu God Mahadev represents the amalgamation of male and female energies of universe. For details on male amd female energies of Lord Shiva- read Ardhnarishwar form of Shiva.
Significance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple in Varanasi, also known as the Shiv Vishwanath Kashi Temple, is indeed one of the city’s most prominent and revered temples. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is highly significant for devotees seeking spiritual liberation and blessings. The temple has a fascinating history, as its original Jyotirlinga was lost during the Mughal invasion. However, Queen Ahilyabai of Indore’s construction of a new temple stands as a testament to both devotion and architectural magnificence.
Story of Vishwanath Temple
As per ancient text, Lord Shiva married to Mata Parwati and came to Varanasi for first time. His mother in Law was not happy with his sanyasi abode and awatar. So, to please Mata Parwati, Lord Shiva asked demon Nikumbha to make the place suitable for his family at Kashi. Meanwhile, Goddess Parwati was so pleased with the residence that she offered food to everyone and that is why she is worshipped as Annapoorani or Annapurna.






Key highlights of Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple
- Apparently, this sacred shrines nestled within the temple complex, each devoted to deities such as Mahakala, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri.
- At the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), there is the revered Jyotirlinga, attracting countless devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.
- Devotees visit this divine pilgrimage to the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple, followed by a purifying dip in the holy Ganga.
- Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. Ancient references tells us that Varanasi was the city located between two rivers Varuna and Assi. Hence, given name- Varanasi.
- Also, it is believed that this holy city is there to show the path to spiritual salvation and enlightenment.
- Masan ki Holi at Varanasi Ghat is world famous Holi played with ashes of pyres of dead bodies.
- Kashi is also called city of salvation, as it is believed that whosoever is cremated here will get moksha.
- Manikarnika Ghat of Varanasi is said to have fire burning 24 hours a day. Although, it has pyres of dead bodies burning all day and all night.
- Additionally, Varanasi houses 2 Shaktipeeth of Devi Sati. The Kashi Vishalakshi temple is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi, located at Mir Ghat on the banks of Ganga river. It is regarded as one of the Shakti Peethas.
Similarly, it is believed that the eyes and earrings of the goddess Sati have fallen on this holy spot of Varanasi.
Timings of Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple
Morning : 4 :00 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening : 12 PM to 7 PM
Mangla Aarti : 3:00AM – 4 :00 AM
Bhog Aarti : 11:15 AM -12:20 PM
Sandhya Aarti : 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM( meanwhile darshan is reopen from outside)
Shayan Aarti : 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM
How to Reach
By Train: One can easily reach the divine temple by train through different railway stations. However, Varanasi City Station is 2 kms away from tge temple, Varanasi Junction Station is about 6 kms away and Mughal Sarai Station is about 17 kms away from the temple. Nonetheless, Maduadin Station is 4 kms away. All of them are connected to majorly all the metro cities of the country.
By Road: Varanasi is connected to major highways and have good connectivity with all cities.
By Air: Further, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur is the closest airport to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Henceforth, one can easily reach temple by covering around 25 kms by road. Also, cabs and buses, private and public taxis can easily be picked from local tour operators, you can check online.
Conclusion
Thus, pack your bags and come and dwell into the spellbound sounds of Har Har Mahadev in the city of salvation, Banaras. Do not forget to try smacking street food and local cuisines. I am sure, this write up has shaken you to the spine to come and catch the glimpse of enlightenment and spiritual growth at numbers of ghats at Varansi to know more about Lord Shiva and Hinduism.
Lets grow together and read together.
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