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At the heart of Hinduism, Kashi (now Varanasi) is the seventh Jyotirlinga - the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga. It is the main part of the Varanasi Shiva temple complex. As one of the earliest self-manifested forms of Lord Shiva, it is said to offer Atmagyan (self-awareness) and Moksha (liberation).
Located on the western banks of the river Ganga, the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga denotes “the one who rules the world or the universe”. According to the ancient Hindu book Skanda Purana, it is the most powerful shrine of Lord Shiva in Kashi, the oldest city in the universe. It is also placed in a room next to Shakti Peetha (where Sati’s ear fell).
In fact, Kashi is said to be founded by the Adiyogi himself (Lord Shiva), where he assumed the form of Vishwanath or Vishweshwara Ji and declared it his royal residence. Even a single look at the Jyotirlinga is said to be a soul-cleansing experience.
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is a living example of timeless cultural traditions and the highest spiritual values. Let us understand why it is so significant and beneficial.
India’s Kashi temple history reveals unique importance of the Visweshwar Jyotirlinga. Some say that Lord Shiva himself whispers the Tarak mantra to someone who naturally dies here. This ensures true salvation or Moksha Siddhi (freedom from the cycle of birth and death) for people who do not wish a rebirth.
Moreover, the Sanatan Dharma community (the strict followers of Hinduism) finds it to be a place that offers the highest level of self-awareness. To gain that, they promote chanting “Har Har Mahadev Shambhu Kashi Vishwanath Gange” to this Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva in Kashi.
In Hindu astrology, the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is associated with the Sagittarius zodiac sign. Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, represents life (Jeeva), while Ketu, the Moksha Karaka (significator of liberation), is exalted in this sign.
However, this Jyotirlinga is the absolute truth for all zodiac signs, which means Lord Shiva's blessings are guaranteed if you visit this place. It is believed that any donation to this temple, to the Brahmins, and then to the needy here frees you from all your past mistakes.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple story has been mentioned in various holy Puranas, Upanishads and other ancient texts. Such is its glory. Let’s see some of the highly celebrated ones below.
Once, on Lord Shiva’s order, Prakriti (Nature; Lord Vishnu’s wife) and Purusha (Man; Lord Vishnu) meditated in Panchkroshi, a city in the clouds created by Shiva. However, Vishnu’s sweat from deep penance flooded the city. Quickly, Shiva took it on his trident (trishul) and saved it. Later, Brahma originated from Vishnu’s navel.
Next, Lord Shiva gave Brahma the task of creating the universe. This way, Earth, with living beings, came into existence. Thinking about how humans would survive without a holy place, Lord Shiva placed Kashi (Panchkroshi) on Earth and took the form of Viswanath Jyotirlinga, vowing to stay there forever.
According to a chapter, Kashi Khanda in Skanda Purana, King Divodasa, a just ruler, made Kashi so perfect that even the gods had no role there. Lord Shiva wished to return, but Divodasa had vowed that no deity could reside in his kingdom. The gods and sages tried to persuade him, but he refused.
Finally, Shiva created Jnanavapi (the Well of Wisdom), and upon drinking its water, Divodasa realised the impermanence of power and gave up his throne. With his departure, Shiva and Parvati returned to Kashi, establishing the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga and promising to stay forever, making Kashi the holiest city for attaining moksha.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple story also has an episode of Lord Rama visiting the Jyotirling of Kashi during his exile with Laxman and Sita. He went there after Ravana captivated Sita. He sincerely worshipped Lord Shiva Jyotirlinga and prayed for the strength to bring back Sita and destroy Ravana.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple architecture is a beautiful blend of North Indian temple styles called the Nagara style. It is a complex where several shrines exist beside the main shrine - the Jyotirlinga. Let us see its history and features in detail.
Several reconstructions and destructions between the 11th and 18th century mark the Kashi temple history. There is only little evidence about who built Kashi Vishwanath temple first. Yet, many Puranas mention Raja Harishchandra, whose ancestor was Lord Rama, to have redone the temple housing the Jyotirlinga.
Next, an ancient text, Kashi Khanda, mentions King Vikramaditya as having improved the temple almost 3500 years ago. This Varanasi Shiva temple was demolished multiple times by invaders, including during the Mughal era, and later rebuilt by many Hindu rulers. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar built the present-day structure in the 18th century.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple Varanasi showcases remarkable architectural features that reflect its historical and spiritual value. Key elements include:
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