Visalakshi Temple, Varanasi – The Temple

Visalakshi Temple, Varanasi – The Temple

The Temple has an intricate gopuram above the main entrance. The gopuram follows south Indian Dravidian architecture. The Sanctum is enclosed by a concrete wall. The concrete wall has a protruding shelf like area displaying collections of Shiva lingams, Nagas (divine serpents), and unique Ganesha sculpture. There is a marble statue of Adi Shankaracharya, seated cross-legged behind the the sanctum.

When Adi Shankaracharya visited the temple, he performed prayers to replenish the powers of the temple, which had borne the brunt of several invasions. He also installed a Sri Yantram and pooja is performed to this Yantram only. Kumkum Archana to this Sri Yantram is considered very auspicious and can be performed by asking the pujari there.

There is a room on the right side of the temple with two gated areas which respectively house a sculpted horse and an alternative image of the goddess Visalakshi. These are occasionally brought out during special festival processions when Visalakshi, seated upon the horse, is wheeled about for a small procession. Within this room is a smaller shrine dedicated to Shiva and housing a large lingam. Navagrahas can be found on an altar in this room.

The verandah directly in front of the main shrine is the most adorned area inside the temple. It has four concrete pillars with floral designs, yantras, and protective figures. The ceiling is designed to produce a canopy-like effect and is painted with a framework of 12 squares each containing a different image from a zodiacal house. Above the main shrine is the depiction of Shiva and Meenakshi’s wedding.

Two goddess images are housed side-by-side in the sanctum: a smaller black stone image called Adi Visalakshi on left back side and another taller black stone image installed at a later date. Devotees often visit the Vishwanath and Annapurna shrines with this temple. The sanctum contains a marble shrine which itself contains an even smaller shrine housing the image.

The original idol and its accompanying shrine were placed in the larger shrine and the current structure was erected around it. Her upraised right arm holds a lotus, while the palm of her left, downturned hand is empty and faces away. However, this stone sculpture is not the original depiction of Visalakshi. It was, in fact, carved from stone in 1971 when the temple was renovated with Tamil patronage.