Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi

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Varanasi is one of the holiest cities of India. It is the land of Ganges, temples, saints, priests, and "tantrics". There are a number of temples in Varanasi. Vishwanath temple of Varanasi is the holiest and most visited in the city. It is also known as the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Situated on the Western Ghats of the Ganges Varanasi is a very spiritual city. It is said that the essence of Hindu tradition and culture lies in this city. Almost all the temples of Varanasi are equally sacred but Vishwanath temple is special for devotees. All new born children and newly married couple of Varanasi are taken to this temple for offering prayer. Many prominent saints of India like Adi Shankracharya, Swami Vivekanand, Ramkrishna Paramhans, Goswami Tulsidas, Swami Dayanand, and others have given recognition to this temple as supreme.

History of Vishwanath Temple

The original Vishwanath temple was destroyed by Mohammad Ghori and Aurangzeb, the staunch Muslim rulers, and later by British ruler Warren Hastings. One night in 1776 AD Rani Ahilyabai Dikar, the Queen of Indore had a holy dream. She was a true devotee of Lord Shiva who came in her dream and urged her to build the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.

Lord Shiva said that he wanted to reside in Varanasi and his temple had been destructed by wrong people. If the Queen could construct a temple then He could stay permanently in Varanasi. The Queen immediately got the temple constructed just at the location where the earlier temple was destroyed. The reminiscences of the old temple can still be seen at the back of the mosque that Aurangzeb built after constructing the temple. The temple is the exact replica of the original temple destroyed by Aurangzeb.

Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple. There is a huge Lingam inside the temple. Hundreds of devotees offer water and milk on the lingam everyday. The two gold plated domes of the temple were donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi is considered of supreme spiritual value by Hindus. It is believed that one glance or prayer at the "Jyotirlingam" at the temple can purify the soul of human being. The great sight of the deity can bring people on the right path of knowledge and truth and transform their lives.

The temple is open for every caste and creed in India society. There is no restriction for untouchables or lower caste. The temple has "aarti" in morning and evening when hundreds of devotees gather to offer the prayer. The temple closes down during the afternoon but open in morning and evening for "darshan".

While on a visit to Varanasi holy dip in Ganga, and prayer at Vishwanath temple is must. Once a person has performed the both he or she can be pious and ready to achieve liberation or "moksh". The Vishwanath temple of Varanasi is the ultimate place where the knowledge of body and soul can be realized and the lessons of dharma or the path of truth can be learnt.