ADVERTISEMENT
Monday, January 30, 2023
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Involve Africa
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
Involve Africa
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Travel

Kashi Vishwanath Temple At The Heart Of Kashi Yatra

Involve Africa by Involve Africa
July 29, 2022
in Travel
0
Kashi Vishwanath Temple At The Heart Of Kashi Yatra
585
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
https://web.facebook.com/involveafricanews?_rdc=1&https://twitter.com/involveafricanews


Kashi Vishwanath Temple is at the heart of many pilgrimages. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is considered the most important one. Located in the lanes of Varanasi, it is surrounded by so many temples that you can literally get lost in them. The temple has seen many ups and downs just like its devotees and has changed places in the last thousand years. Come with me for a virtual pilgrimage to Kashi Vishwanath.

Kashi Vishwanath Story

Baba Vishwanath, Vishveshwara, and Kashi Vishwanath are different names of the deity who is the lord of the universe. He is also the presiding deity of Kashi Puri as well as Kashi Kshetra.

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga. Image credit – Manish Khattry

Kashi is the city of Shiva. It is said that the city stands on the Trishul or the trident of Shiva. The three Shiva temples in the city mark the three arrows of the Shiva. Vishwanath temple stands on the central arrow and the other two temples are Kedareshwar and Omkareshwar – both of which can be seen in the city.

Skanda Purana

Kashi Khand of Skanda Purana mentions Divodasa as the righteous king of Kashi who ruled the city flawlessly. He took a boon from Brahma that no devatas would set foot in his city. Brahma agreed to this under the condition that everyone in his kingdom should be happy. Meanwhile, Shiva wanted to return to his city, but could not because of this condition. He sent different Devatas like 64 Yoginis, 12 Adityas, his ganas, and Ganesha to turn the situation in his favor. Finally, Vishnu was able to convince Divodasa to let the Shiva come back and preside over the city.

Gyanvapi Well

Gyanvapi well located in the temple predates Ganga in Kashi. It was excavated by Shiva using his Trishul for the Abhishek of Avimukteshwara Linga.

Gyanvapi well, Varanasi
Gyanvapi well. Image – Public Domain

Almost every saint and rishi has visited Kashi and Vishwanath. Many have performed Tapasya here and sung the glories for Vishwanath. Remember the M S Subbulakshmi’s Kashi Vishwanath Suprabhatam. Travelogues of Asi Shankaracharya, Tulsidas, Guru Nanak, and Vivekanand mention both the city and its lord.

Do read: Ganga Arti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi

History of Kashi Vishwanath temple

Kashi Vishwanath temple is mentioned in the Kashi Khand of Skanda Purana which talks about all the Tirthas in the city of Kashi or Varanasi.

In known history, almost every traveler to the city of Kashi mentions the temple along with the fact that it is the city of Shiva. Being one of the most revered temples in the holiest city of India, it was prone to attacks by the invaders. It faced the first recorded attack in 1194 CE by Muhammad Ghori who did a lot of destruction to the city. Soon Razia Sultan – the empress of Delhi built a mosque at the place of the temple. The temple was moved closer to Avimukteshwar temple nearby.

Elevation of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Elevation of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Image – Public Domain

Then there were attacks by Sikandar Lodhi around the turn of 16th CE. Every time it was destroyed, it was rebuilt by the Hindu kings as well as the millions of pilgrims visiting it every year. The last big attack was done by Aurangzeb who destroyed the temple and built the Gyanvapi mosque on the ruins of the temple. The temple priest jumped in the Gyanvapi well with the Shivalingam to protect it.

Built by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar

The Vishwanath temple that we see now was built by the Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Malwa in 1780 CE. Many Rajputana and Maratha kings tried to re-built the temple but not many of them succeeded. Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated a ton of gold for the temple Shikhara in 1835 CE. Many other kings donated silver, murtis or contributed to building the temple premises.

Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Shikar
Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Shikar, 1915 Image in public domain

Pt Madan Mohan Malviya built a new Kashi Vishwanath Temple at the Banaras Hindu University Campus with the support of the Birla family. It was started in the 1930s and was completed in the 1960s. The temple has the tallest Shikharas among all the Hindu temples in the world.

In 2021, the present government built the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connecting the temple directly to the ghats of Ganga. Earlier you had to take a circuitous route from the ghats to reach the temple, now you can just walk through a wide corridor.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Gali is a narrow lane full of vendors selling all kinds of colorful puja items as well as popular souvenirs from Varanasi. You walk through this narrow lane to reach the Annapurna temple first and then the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The temple is smaller than what you think of it from its stories. Well, it is a temple that is still waiting to be reconstructed in its full glory and at its original place.

Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi
Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi

You enter through the silver paneled doors into the premises that have many temples. You can recognize the Vishwanath temple both from the crowds that it attracts as well as from the golden Shikhara. The Shivalingam is mounted on a silver Yoni in the Garbhagriha. The temple follows the north Indian Nagara style of architecture, primarily on its Shikharas.

There is a small open mandapa outside the Garbhagriha, which is where you do the darshan from.

Banarasi shop on Vishwanath Gali
Banarasi shop on Vishwanath Gali

There are many small temples surrounding the main temple. Many of them have been moved during the expansion of temple premises for the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

Do read: Crafts Museum at Trade Felicitation Centre, Varanasi

Arti’s at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

There are five main Artis that are performed at the temple:

Mangala Arti

Performed early morning around 3:00 AM, it is the first Arti of the day, a ritual to wake up Baba Vishwanath for the day. Only after this Arti, the doors of the temple are opened for the darshan. The Arti includes Shodashopachar or worship with 16 items, Arti, Stuti, and a prayer for the well-being of the universe.

It is quite popular with visitors, pilgrims as well as people of Kashi. Most tour guides would take you to the Mangala Arti early morning, in a kind of a guided tour. You can also do a live darshan provided by the official website of the temple.

Early morning is the best time to visit temples and as you walk around the main temples, you would see and hear the chants from many big and small temples that are in the vicinity of this temple.

Bhog Arti

Performed around Noon time, this is when the Bhog or Prasad is offered to Baba Vishwanath. At this time Rudrabhishek is performed along with Shringar, Stuti, and Arti. Bhog is offered as per the Vara or day of the week or Tithi or the lunar date. For example, only fruit or dairy products are offered on Ekadashi while on other days fruits, puri, halwa, or usual meals are offered. Prasad is given to all present during this Arti. Food is provided to Dandi Swamis after the Bhog Arti.

Kashi Vishwanath renovated Mandir
Kashi Vishwanath renovated Mandir, Image – Public Domain by GOI

Saptarishi Arti

Performed after sunset, this is a very unique Arti performed at the temple. It represents the worship by Saptarishis or the seven greatest rishis – Kashyap, Atri, Vasishtha, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagani, and Bharadwaja. This Arti has roots in Samaveda that is meant to be sung. In the good old days, kings would appoint Brahmins to perform this Arti on their behalf.

Do read: Top Varanasi Souvenirs to buy – Shopping in Banaras

Ratri Shringar Arti

Performed around 9 PM, the specialty of this Arti is that Shiva is decorated as the ruler of Kashi called Kashipuradhishwara. This Arti is performed with ancient Vedic rituals that include Shringar, Rudrabhishek, Stuti, Arti, and Bhog.

Shayan Arti

This is the last Arti of the day when the Baba is put to sleep and the doors of the temple closed. It is done by the Kashi Vasis or the residents of the city of Kashi. Usually, after 11 PM, about 40-50 Kashi residents gather in the mandapa and sing the Arti. The crescendo of their singing is worth an experience. Not many visitors are present at this time, so you see a temple that is not too crowded and of course the sheer devotion of the people of Kashi.

Patalakhanda of Padma Purana mentions that in the morning one should take a dip in the Ganga or in the afternoon in Manikarnika Kund and then visit the important temples in this order – Vishwanath, Bhavani or Annapurna temple, Dhundiraja temple, Dandapani, and Kala Bhairava temples. These are the five most important temples for the Kashi pilgrimage.

Kashi Khand mentions a slightly longer pilgrimage including Tarpana for ancestors and visiting temples of all deities including Vishnu and Ganesha.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple at BHU, Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple at BHU, Varanasi

Do read: Jangamwadi Mutt, Varanasi – Home to million miniature Shivalingas

Festivals at the temple

Mahashivaratri

Shivaratri happens every month on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month. In the month of Phalgun, it is celebrated as Mahashivaratri or the biggest night of Shiva. On this day, devotees visit the temple to offer Abhishek and take darshan. Kashi Vishwanath temple stays open through the night on Shivaratri. No Shayan Arti is performed as the temple doors are not closed. Different formats of Arti are used on Mahashivaratri to allow maximum devotees to have darshan.

Celestially, Mahashivaratri happens close to the spring equinox.

Do read: Panch Kroshi Yatra of Kashi – Ancient Pilgrim route of Varanasi

Rangbhari Ekadashi

Celebrated on the Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi, the festival of colors fills the temples and devotees with colors. Shiva and Parvati Utsava murtis are offered Abira and Gulal – the bright pink colors. Then the devotees play among themselves. Music and dance add to the joy of celebration.

Vishwanath Gali entrance
Vishwanath Gali entrance

Shravan Somvaar

Shravan Masa or the month of Shravana is the month of Shiva worship. Mondays of this month are considered auspicious to visit the Shiva temples across the country. So, this most important Shiva temple is also full of devotees who want to offer water, milk, curd, or Bilva leaves to Shiva.

Different elaborate Shringars are done on four Mondays of Shravan month.

Akshay Tritiya

It is one of the most auspicious days in the Indian Calendar. On this day Vishwanath is sprinkled with Gangajal using a fountain.

Annakoot

This festival takes place in the month of Kartika, just the day after Deepawali. Chhappan Bhog or 56 different types of dishes are prepared and offered to Shiva and his family during the Bhog Arti.

Dev Deepawali is celebrated on the Kartik Purnima, primarily on the ghats of Ganga when millions of Diyas or earthen lamps are lit up. At the temple too, special lighting is done.

My experience of visiting this temple multiple times says that – Every day is Utsava here.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi. Image credit – Manish Khattry

Do read: Variety of mouth-watering must-try food in Varanasi

Travel Tips

  • Varanasi is well connected by air, railways, and road.
  • Anyone in Varanasi will direct you to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The time needed depends on the crowds.
  • You are not allowed to take any electronic gadgets inside the temple, not even your mobile phone.
  • There are many ways to approach the temple. The most popular way is from Vishwanath Gali, then there is an entrance from the Chowk side now and of course the entrance from the Ganga side through Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
  • It is recommended to attend at least one Arti during your visit.
  • You can book your visit, stay, and Puja online through the Kashi Vishwanath Temple website.

Do read: Bharat Kala Bhavan – Museum at BHU, Varanasi

If you have time to explore Varanasi further head to Ramnagar Fort across the Ganga and also visit Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial in his hometown.

References

Kashi Khand Skanda Purana

Bhaj Vishwanatham Nitin Ramesh Gokarn (Writer) and Manish Khattry (Photographer) –



Source_link

You might also like

Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience

5 Top Benefits of Dubai Travel Insurance

Australian Food: 24 Australian Dishes You Have to Try

Previous Post

Commonwealth Games: Daily guide and event schedule for Birmingham 2022

Next Post

A Check-in on the Hotel Sector’s ESG Initiatives

Involve Africa

Involve Africa

Related Posts

Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience
Travel

Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience

by Involve Africa
January 30, 2023
5 Top Benefits of Dubai Travel Insurance
Travel

5 Top Benefits of Dubai Travel Insurance

by Involve Africa
January 30, 2023
Australian Food: 24 Australian Dishes You Have to Try
Travel

Australian Food: 24 Australian Dishes You Have to Try

by Involve Africa
January 30, 2023
The 25 Best Places in the World to Visit in February
Travel

The 25 Best Places in the World to Visit in February

by Involve Africa
January 29, 2023
1st Mindanao Tourism Expo touts readiness of Mindanao regions to receive tourists
Travel

1st Mindanao Tourism Expo touts readiness of Mindanao regions to receive tourists

by Involve Africa
January 29, 2023
Next Post
International travel set to maintain growth in 2022 with full recovery expected by 2025, observes GlobalData

A Check-in on the Hotel Sector’s ESG Initiatives

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Botswana and Namibia ban import of SA produce: Agri SA's Christo van der Rheede.

Botswana and Namibia ban import of SA produce: Agri SA's Christo van der Rheede.

September 14, 2022
Nigeria: Chair of Nigeria’s Governing APC Party Said Country Needs No Transformation? No Evidence for Quote

Nigeria: Chair of Nigeria’s Governing APC Party Said Country Needs No Transformation? No Evidence for Quote

January 12, 2023

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Don't miss it

Will a global circular economy help or hurt Africa?
Technology

Will a global circular economy help or hurt Africa?

January 30, 2023
Cardano Price Hits Bull Trigger as Mystery Buyers Scoop Up Over 4 Billion ADA ⋆ ZyCrypto
Crypto News

Cardano Price Hits Bull Trigger as Mystery Buyers Scoop Up Over 4 Billion ADA ⋆ ZyCrypto

January 30, 2023
I Rescued Atiku When Obasanjo Wanted To Roast Him Like Goat Meat – Tinubu
Entertainment News

I Rescued Atiku When Obasanjo Wanted To Roast Him Like Goat Meat – Tinubu

January 30, 2023
Wagner Group Redefined: Threats and Responses
All African News

Wagner Group Redefined: Threats and Responses

January 30, 2023
Try These Unique Ways to Lower Your Gas Bill In The Winter
Finance

Try These Unique Ways to Lower Your Gas Bill In The Winter

January 30, 2023
Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience
Travel

Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience

January 30, 2023

Social Bar

Welcome to involve Africa The goal of involve Africa is to give you the absolute best news sources for any topic! Our topics are carefully curated and constantly updated as we know the web moves fast so we try to as well.

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Recent News

Will a global circular economy help or hurt Africa?

Will a global circular economy help or hurt Africa?

January 30, 2023
Cardano Price Hits Bull Trigger as Mystery Buyers Scoop Up Over 4 Billion ADA ⋆ ZyCrypto

Cardano Price Hits Bull Trigger as Mystery Buyers Scoop Up Over 4 Billion ADA ⋆ ZyCrypto

January 30, 2023

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

What Are Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT