Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Varanasi (Kasi) City in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. Presiding Deity is called as Vishwanath or Vishveshwara meaning Ruler of The Universe. Mothers are called as Visalakshi and Annapoorani. The temple town, which claims to be the oldest living city in the world, with 3500 years of documented history, is also called Kashi and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The temple has been referred to in Hindu scriptures for a very long time as a central part of worship in the Shaiva philosophy. It has been destroyed and re-constructed a number of times in history. The last structure was demolished by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor who constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site. The current structure was built on an adjacent site by the Maratha ruler, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780. Since 1983, the temple has been managed by the government of Uttar Pradesh. During the religious occasion of Shivrathri, Kashi Naresh (King of Kashi) is the chief officiating priest.
Kashi is one of the seven cities, considered by the Hindu's as Mokshadayikas or the cities leading to salvation. This city is known as Varanasi as it is located between the two rivers Varana and Asi. Millions of pilgrims converge here to perform an abhishekam to the sacred Jyotirlinga with sacred water of river Ganga. Because of the immense popularity and holiness of Kashi Vishwanath temple, hundreds of temples across India have been built in the same architectural style. Security arrangements do not allow any cell phones, camera, belts with metal buckle, cigarettes, lighters, etc. inside the temple.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple & Pooja Timings
The Temple opens daily at 2:30 A.M. In Mangala Aarti 3 to 4 A.M. ticket holders are permitted to join. From 4 to 11 AM general Darshan is allowed. 11.30 to 12 AM mid-day Bhog Aarti is done. Again 12 Noon to 7 PM devotees are free to have Darshan. From 7 to 8.30 PM evening Sandhya Aarti is done after which darshan is again possible up till 9.00 PM, when Sringar/Bhog Aarti starts. After 9.00 PM Darshan from outside only is possible. Shayna Aarti starts at 10.30 PM. The Temple closes at 11 PM.
Festivals
Foundation Day, Makar Sankranti, Mahashivaratri, Shrawan Maah, Dev Deepawali, Annakoot, Rangbhari (Aamlaki) Ekadashi and Akshaya Tritiya are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.
Religious Significance
For brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
Kashi is One of the seven cities, considered by the Hindu's as Mokshadayikas or the cities leading to salvation. Devotees believe that the Lord resides here and is the giver of liberation and happiness. The one who prays and worships Vishweshwara with devotion attains all his desires and one who incessantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets liberated.
Contact
Kashi Vishwanath Temple,
Vishwanath Gali,
Varanasi – 221 001
Uttar Pradesh, India
Phone: +91 542 239 2629 / 239 0550
Fax: +91 542 239 2629
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location
No comments:
Post a Comment