About KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

About Kashi Vishwanath Temple

 

 

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism and is also known as the "Golden Temple" due to the gold plating on its towers. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, and the current structure dates back to the 18th century. It is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of devotees every day. The temple is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.

 

 

 

 

Which god's temple is Kashi?

 

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanath, which means "ruler of the universe" and is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Lord Shiva is considered to be the destroyer and transformer, one of the three Hindu gods that also includes Brahma and Vishnu. He is also known as the god of destruction and the god of regeneration. Lord Shiva is often depicted with a third eye, a crescent moon on his forehead, and a trident in his hand. And this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.

 

 

Why Kashi Temple was famous

 

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism for several reasons.

 

• Lord Shiva: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Many Hindus believe that a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple will bring them closer to Lord Shiva and grant them blessings and salvation.

 

• Jyotirlinga: The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. Jyotirlingas are said to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva, and visiting them is considered highly auspicious.

 

• Varanasi: The temple is located in Varanasi, which is considered one of the most sacred cities in Hinduism. Many Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi and having your last rites performed there will bring liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

 

• Historical significance: The temple has a rich history and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The temple has been a place of worship for centuries and is considered one of the oldest continuously worshipped places in the world.

 

• Cultural significance: The temple is an important cultural and architectural landmark and is known for the gold plating on its towers. It's also famous for its association with many saints, scholars, and poets who have visited the temple and written about it.

 

All these factors contribute to the temple's fame, make it a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, and attract thousands of devotees every day.

  

 

What is more Special about Kashi Temple

 

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered to be one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism, and there are several things that make it special:

 

• Jyotirlinga: As mentioned before, the temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga (a column of light) at this temple, making it a highly revered site for Hindus.

 

• Lingam: The temple houses a lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva) made of black marble, which is said to be self-manifested. The lingam is the main object of worship at the temple and is said to be the holiest of all lingams.

 

• Shree Vishwanathji: The temple is home to one of the most revered forms of Lord Shiva, known as Shree Vishwanathji. Devotees believe that a darshan (viewing) of Shree Vishwanathji will bring them blessings and salvation.

 

• Manikarnika well: The temple also features the Manikarnika well, which is considered to be one of the most sacred wells in Hinduism. It is believed that the well was created by Lord Shiva himself and has the power to wash away the sins of those who take a dip in it.

 

• Architectural significance: The temple is an important architectural landmark, known for its gold plating on its towers and intricate carvings on its walls. The temple complex also includes several smaller temples and shrines dedicated to various deities, adding to its architectural significance.

 

All these factors make the Kashi Vishwanath Temple a unique and special place of worship for Hindus and a must-visit destination for those interested in the history and culture of Hinduism.

 

 

 

 

Deepam of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

 

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is known for its "Deepam," which is a traditional oil lamp that is lit and placed in front of the deity during puja (worship) rituals. The Deepam is considered an important symbol of the temple and is said to represent the light of knowledge and consciousness.

 

The lighting of the Deepam is a significant event that takes place every evening at the temple. Devotees gather around the temple to watch the ceremony, which is accompanied by hymns and mantras being chanted. The temple priests light the Deepam and offer it to the deity along with other offerings such as flowers, fruits, and incense.

 

The Deepam is considered a symbol of the divine light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and is believed to bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to those who witness it. Many devotees also light their own dreams and offer them to the deity as a sign of devotion.

 

The temple also has a tradition of lighting a huge deepam on special occasions like festivals, and it is considered a spectacular view.