Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

 Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the major pilgrimage sites in India and among the best places to visit in Varanasi. It is a place where you feel absolutely connected to Lord Shiva who is believed to be the most significant deity in the Hindu pantheon. Immense crowds, continuous chanting of mantras and the synchronous ringing of bells make Kashi Vishwanath a sight to behold and a must-visit place for all the pilgrims in India and around the world. Let's delve into the history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple to get a spiritual perspective.



History Of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

we find the mention of Kashi Vishawanth Temple in the Skand Puran first. The Temple has a long history of construction and desolation over the times. The gorgeous temple was first destroyed on the commands of Qutbudin Aibak. While his army defeated the Kannauj ruler. It was again renovated in the time of Ittutmish and later destroyed by Sikandar Lodi. In the time of the Mughal emperor, Akbar the mighty ruler of Jaipur Raja Man Singh recreated the temple.

In 1669 A.D again Aurangzed destroyed the temple and built Gyanvapi Mosque in the site. Again during the decline period of Mughals Maharani Ahilaybai Holkar rebuilt the temple in 1780 A.D. What you in the present.

Lots of People call it the Golden Temple of Lord Shiva as the two doms of the temple are covered with gold which was donated by the Sikh Maharaja of Punjab- Ranjit Singh. Similarly, the Maratha Bhonsaley ruler of Nagpur donated immense silver to the temple. In the year 1983, the temple came under U.P Government and is managed by Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh Ji,



Today:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is now managed by the Uttar Pradesh government and is one of the most important palces of worship for Hindus. Devotees from around the world visit this holy sanctum of Lord Shiva to pay their respects and perform different pujas and Rudrabhishek. The temple is thranged by thousands of devotess during Shravan and Mahashivratri when special pujas are performed here. There's also an  online live darshan facility of the Jyotirlinga for those who are not able to visit the temple physically.

Things to See in  Kashi Vishwanath Temple Complex

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Complex has many Shrines and strutures within. Some important things to see ion the temple complex are:

> The Main Shrine with the Sivalinga.
> Small temples around the main shrine
> A 7- feet-high statue of Nandi Bull in the east of the colonnade
> A small well called Gyan Vapi or the wisdom well 
> The Sabha Griha or Congregation  Hall, which leads to the inner Garbha Griha
> The 15.5- Metre-high gold spire and gold dome of the temple

Lesser- Known Facts About Kashi Vishwanath Temple

> This revered temple was reportedly visited by many renowned saints, including Adi Shankaraharya, Swami Vivekanand, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Bamakhyapa, Sathya Sai Baba, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Guru Nanak.
 
> The temple is locally known as the Monkey temple as many monkeys are found in and around the temple complex.

> The stone statue of Nandi Bull was gifted to the temple by the Rana of Nepal in the 1860s.

> The temple was earlier managed by a group of pandits or mahants.

> In the past, people from lower castes or Dalits were not allowed in the temple. However, untouchability was abolished in 1955 and Dalits were allowed entry from 1957.

> Thanks to the 2019 Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Projects, more than 40 ancient temples were found and rebuilt here, including Manokameshwar Mahadev Temple, Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, Jauvinayak Temple and Shree Kumbha Mahadev Temple.

Reaching the Temple
 
Varanasi is a well-connected city to the rest of the part of the country by road, rail as well as air. The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport which is located about 25 kilometers from the city center and can be easily approached by cabs or taxis.


In the Next blog. I will write about Kal Bhairav Temple.


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