KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

1. -- the only jyotirlinga in UP

2. One of the most famous temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Located in Varanasi.
Stands on the western bank of
the river Ganga.
One of the 12 jyotirlingas.
Main deity is known by the name
Vishvanatha or Visveshvara.
Varanasi city is also known as
Kashi, hence the temple is
popularly known as Kashi
Vishvanath Temple.

3. Referred as a central part of
worship.
Destroyed and reconstructed many
times in history.
The last structure was demolished
by Aurangzeb, who constructed
Gyanvapi Mosque on its site.
The current structure was built on an
adjacent site by the Maratha ruler in
1780.
Since 1983, the temple has been
managed by the Government of Uttar
Pradesh.

5. The temple has been mentioned in the
Kashi Khanda of Puranas.
The original temple was defeated by the
army of Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1194.
The temple was rebuilt by a Guajarati
merchant.
Demolished again during the rule of either
Hussain Shah Shargi or Sikandar Lodhi.
Raja Man Singh and Raja Todar Mal further
rebuilt the temple with Akbar’s funding in
1585.
In 1669, Aurangzeb destroyed the temple
and built Gyanvapi Mosque in its place.

6. In 1742, the Maratha ruler made a plan
to demolish the mosque but failed.
Around 1750, the Maharaja of Jaipur
commissioned a survey for purchasing
the land to rebuild the temple.
In 1780, Ahilyabai Holkar constructed
the temple adjacent to the mosque.
A 7 feet high stone of Nandi bull gifted
by the Raja of Nepal.
In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated
1 tonne of gold for plating temple’s
dome.
In 1841, the Bhosales of Nagpur
donated silver to the temple.

8. The complex consists of a series of
smaller shrines located in the small lane.
The linga of the main deity is 60 cm tall
and 90 cm in circumference.
The main temple is quadrangle and is
surrounded by shrines of other Gods.
Small temples for Kaalbhairav,
Dhandapani, Sanishwara and Vishnu in the
complex.
Small well in the temple called the Jnana
Vapi, also spelled as Gyanvapi.
The Jnana vapi well sites to the north of
the main temple.

9. There is a Sabha Griha or Congregation
Hall leading to the inner Garbha Griha or
Sanctum Sanctorum.
The vulnerable Jyotirlinga is a dark brown
colored stone which is enshrined in the
Sanctum, placed on a silver platform.
Structure of the Mandir composed of
three parts:
•Spire on the Mandir of Mahadeva
•Gold dome
•Gold spire atop Lord Vishvanatha carrying
a flag and a trident.

11. Located on the bank of holy
Ganges.
Widely recognized as one of the
most important places of worship in
hindu religion.
The Vishveshvara Jyotirlinga has a
very special and unique significance in
the spiritual history of India.
Many leading Saints have visited the
site.
A visit to the temple and a bath in
the river Ganges is one of the many
methods believed to lead one in a
path to Moksha.

12. Hindus from all over the world try to
visit the places at least once in their
lifetime.
There is also a tradition that one
should give up at least one desire after
a pilgrimage the temple.
Because of the immense popularity
and holiness of Kashi Vishwanath
Temple, hundreds of temples across
India have been in the same
architectural style.
There is a popular belief that Shiva
himself blows the mantra of salvation
into the ears of people who die
naturally at the Vishwanath Temple.

14. There are 5 aartis of Shree Kashi
Vishwanath:
Mangala Aarti : 3.00 to 4.00 ( Morning )
Bhoga Aarti : 11.15 to 12.20 ( Day )
Sandhya Aarti : 7.00 to 8.15 ( Evening )
Shringara Aarti : 9.00 to 10.15 ( Night )
Shayana Aarti : 10.30 to 11.00 ( Night )
Security arrangements do not allow any
cell phones, cameras, belts with metal
buckle, cigarettes, lighters, etc. inside the
temple.

16. The holy Ganges River supplies
Varanasi with a spiritual charm with
Rowing boat rides during the dawn is
perhaps one of the best things to do
in Varanasi.
The ride along Ganges River is few
of the experiences of Varanasi you
shall cherish for a lifetime.
 It takes one through different Ghats
and former palaces situated close to
the banks of Ganges, giving a
panoramic view of this River and the
region.
 Witness the Hindu rituals being
observed.

17. The holy Ganges River supplies
Varanasi with a spiritual charm.
The waters of Ganges River are
blessed.
The divine river offers salvation to
everyone who bathes in the water.
Pilgrims from all over in the world no
matter their age take a dip in the water to
absolve their sins and attain moksha,
liberation form the cycle of birth and
death.

18. The Ghats along the River Ganga in
Varanasi is the most charming sight in
the holy city.
 Strolling along the Ghats at sunset
hours is an unrivalled experience.
Exploring the Ghats is one of the best
things to do in Varanasi.
The city has almost a hundred Ghats,
the steps of each leading to waters of
River Ganges.
These are bathing Ghats, praying
Ghats and cremation sites for Hindus
from all over the world.

19. When we talk about things to do in
Varanasi, the evening arti does feature
as one of the top activities when you
are visiting Varanasi.
The Evening Aarti Ceremony at
Ganges River in Varanasi is undoubtedly
a sight you shall cherish for a long time.
The surreal ceremony must be viewed
from the Dasawamedh Ghat.
Witness the beautiful rituals unfold
themselves in front of your eyes and
spellbind you.

20. Shopping in Varanasi is a great way to
bring home memories of the holy city.
The city is widely famous for its silk saris
and ornate jewels, visit the local market to
explore the plethora of colours, intricate
pattern and elaborate design.
Apart from saris, one can buy shawls,
carpets, stone inlay work, bangles and
idols of Hindu or Buddhist deities.
The main shopping areas to explore in
this city include Vishwanath Lane, Thateri
Bazaar, Chowk and Godowilia.

22. By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri
International Airport.
By rail: The Varanasi
Junction railway station.
By road: Buses are available
form Delhi and adjoining
cities.
By foot as well as many
streets are too narrow.
Language as a barrier.