Kashi Vishwanath is a must-see for pilgrims in Varanasi because to the massive crowds, constant chanting of mantras, and ringing of bells. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most prominent Hindu sacred place in Varanasi, and it is located in the city's downtown near Dashashwamedh Ghat. It was built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century. This Varanasi temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The term Kashi stands for another name for Varanasi in the name Kashi Vishwanath. The Golden Temple, on the other hand, is another name for the temple. The names come from the temple's tower, which is adorned with 800 kg of gold. The architecture of this prominent tourist destination in Varanasi has seen several modifications and repairs throughout the years. The temple is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana, an ancient Hindu scripture. Several minor shrines inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex are also worth a visit for worshippers. Aside from that, there's the 2.1-meter-tall Nandi (Lord Shiva's bull) idol. During aarti, the sacredness of this location is enhanced.

History

The origins of this must-see tourist attraction in Varanasi are unknown. It does, however, appear in ancient Hindu literature such as the Skanda Purana and the Kashi Khanda. The temple has undergone various construction and reconstruction phases over the years. The ancient structure was demolished after the army of Qutb-ud-din Aibak defeated the Raja of Kannauj in 1193 CE. The temple was afterwards built between 1211 and 1266 CE by a Gujarati merchant. During the reigns of either Hussain Shah Sharqi or Sikandar Lodhi, the temple was demolished once again. The temple was later demolished and rebuilt by various different rulers. Finally, Ahilyabai Holkar laid the foundation for the current temple in the year 1780. Several subsequent improvements to the temple's construction, including as the low-roof colonade, the installation of the Nandi bull, and the boundaries of the Gyanvapi well, were made by various royal personaities.

The Myth

The traditions surrounding this important Hindu temple in Varanasi are fascinating. According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Vishnu and Brahma had a disagreement about creation's sovereignty. Lord Shiva put them to the test by perforating three words into an infinite pillar of light known as Jyotirlinga. He challenged them to locate the light's termination point. Lord Vishnu and Brahma travelled in opposing directions, below and upwards, respectively, to accomplish this. When Brahma returned, he claimed to have discovered the light's terminal point, while Vishnu acknowledged his defeat. When Lord Shiva saw this, he emerged as the second pillar of light in front of them and condemned Brahma, telling him that he would never be worshipped at any festival. He then granted Vishnu the blessing of being adored till the end of time. Jyotirlinga is the blazing column light from which Lord Shiva emerged throughout the mythology. The existence of Kashi Vishwanath Temple commemorates the spot where the Lord revealed today.

Distance from Varanasi : 5.3 km

Best time to visit: Shivratri and Rangabhari Ekadashi