As one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this temple serves as an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Many renowned saints such as Adi Sankaracharya, Goswami Tulsidas, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda and Guru Nanak have made pilgrimages here over time.
Rani Ahalya Bai Holkar of Indore constructed the current temple in 18th-century after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed its predecessor temple. It features intricately carved work and gilded ornamentation.
The History of the Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple has been constructed and rebuilt many times over time; it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The current structure was reconstructed during the 18th century by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed its predecessor and constructed a mosque therein its place.
The current temple complex comprises three structures – Garbhagriha, Aishwarya Mandapa and Mukti Mandapa – with a square silver altar serving as its sanctum and housing the Linga. For decoration the Shekhari-type shikhara boasts four smaller urashringas (support towers). However, typical decoration elements like amalakas, padmas and kalashas (central projections of shikharas) do not appear here.
At every temple complex there is a well known as ‘Jnana Vapi’ or wisdom well. Once upon a time, people would jump down from ghats into this well and commit suicide by stepping on a sharp saw – now, however, this symbolic act serves as an act of self-denial to cleanse one’s soul before death.
The Art & Architecture of the Temple
Vishwanath Temple stands strong despite repeated attacks and destruction by Muslim invaders. An ambitious temple corridor project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 December 2021, will transform the area around Vishwanath with modern buildings that provide direct access to Ganga.
Visit one of the many ghats along the river and take a holy dip in the Ganga. Some major ones include Assi, Man Mandir, Darbar Ghat, Dasahwameth Adikeshva Harishchandra Ghats and others which are revered for their spiritual significance with each ghat having its own legend attached.
Not to be missed when in Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple – one of 12 Jyotirlingas where Lord Shiva’s light shined down upon earth and broke through to become visible to humanity. This incredible work of art features exquisitely designed spires and balconies created by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya (an influential political leader who helped India fight for independence). Open to worship for people of all castes and creeds regardless of caste or creed this place of worship houses the Linga of Lord Shiva which serves as Varanasi’s patron deity!
The Jyotirlinga
At this temple, Lord Shiva reigns supreme as one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas – shrines that represent the infinite nature of God with no beginning or end. When Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had an argument over supremacy between themselves, Shiva used his powers of light piercing through to create these Jyotirlingas which Hindus revere as divine places where spiritual forces resided – now worshipped as divine places by Hindus as divine abodes by Hindus!
Kashi Vishwanath, situated in Varanasi and built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (Maratha Monarch). This particular Jyotirlinga is revered in Varanasi. It was constructed in 1780.
The Jyotirlinga sits atop a silver altar in the sanctum sanctorum of this Varanasi temple and is surrounded by shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Vinayaka, Kalabhairava and Saneeshwara. Additionally, its golden-plated spire – hence its nickname as The Golden Temple of Varanasi – makes this complex famous among visitors who must not bring in cigarettes, lighters, alcohol or any weapons into its complex.
The Ganga
Hindu philosophy considers the Ganges an embodiment of goddess, and bathing in it is believed to bring liberation or moksha (liberation). For centuries, people have revered its waters and worshiped her at its banks.
Niccolao Manucci, Francois Bernier, and Jean-Baptiste Tavernier all wrote extensively about Varanasi during the seventeenth century and its temples such as Vishwanath; however, none of these early foreign accounts mentioned the current Kashi Viswanath Temple built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore near her mosque in 1780.
National Geographic Explorer and environmental photographer Arati Kumar-Rao has seen both the life-giving benevolence and devastating power of the Ganges River first hand while visiting ancient temple towns along its course. Her images and narratives have appeared in publications like National Geographic, The Hindu, #Dysturb, as well as being shown at galleries across India and internationally. She tracks ecological degradation across South Asia while working with communities to build resilience against climate change.
The Darshan Experience
Varanasi is an epicenter for spiritual and religious activities in India and beyond, known for its amazing temples and ancient ghats renowned throughout Hindu communities around the globe. These magnificent sites make a visit to Varanasi an absolute must – its exquisite temples, colossal ghats and charming bazaars should not be missed on any trip through this holy city!
Kashi Vishwanath temple stands out among Varanasi’s many holy sites for being dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas, built on the western bank of Ganga River and believed to offer cleansing water that will wash away your sins.
This temple boasts gold spires and features an inner Garbha Griha that houses the revered Jyotirlinga, reflecting North India’s Nagara style of architecture when its construction occurred. As one of the most visited temples in Varanasi for offering Pind Daan ceremony to their dead ancestors, many flock here. There are some restrictions regarding what items can be brought inside; therefore if planning on visiting this site it would be prudent to leave any electronics in your hotel before heading off there!
