Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi – The Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi – The Temple

The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also popularly known as the ′Golden Temple′ due the gold plating done on its 15.5-meter high spire. One ton of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating of the spire.

According to the structure of the temple, there is a Sabha Griha or Congregation Hall leading to the inner Garbha Griha or Sanctum Sanctorum. The venerable Jyotirlinga is a dark brown colored stone which is enshrined in the Sanctum, placed on a silver platform. The Linga of the main deity at the shrine is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference housed in a silver altar. The structure of Sanctum is composed of three parts.

The first compromises a spire on the Sanctum of Lord Vishwanath. The second is gold dome and the third is the gold spire atop Lord Vishwanath carrying a flag and a trident. The main temple is quadrangle and is surrounded by shrines of other gods. There are small temples for Kala Bhairava, Dhandapani, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Avimukteshwara, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex.

There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi also spelled as Gyan Vapi (the wisdom well). The Jnana Vapi well sites to the north of the main temple and it is believed that the Jyotirlinga was hidden in the well to protect it at the time of invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple jumped in the well with the Shiv Ling in order to protect the Jyotirlinga from invaders.

Noteworthy about the temple is 15.5-meter-high gold spire and gold dome. There are three domes each made up of pure gold. Though the interior of the temple is not large and elaborate it presents the peaceful atmosphere ideal for worship. The Kashi Vishwanath temple receives around 3,000 visitors every day. On certain occasions the numbers reach 1,000,000 and more.