Vishweshwar (Vishwanath) Temple
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Architecture
The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The linga of the main deity at the shrine is 60 centimetres (24 in) tall and 90 centimetres (35 in) in circumference housed in a silver altar. The main temple is quadrangle and is surrounded by shrines of other gods. There are small temples for Kala Bhairava, Kartikeya, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Ganesha, Shani, Shiva and Parvati 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 during the invasion by the Mughals 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 lingam in order to protect the Jyotirlinga from invaders.
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. Structure of the Mandir is composed of three parts. The first compromises a spire on the temple. The second is gold dome and the third is the gold spire atop the sanctum bearing a flag and a trident.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple receives around 3,000 visitors every day. On certain occasions, the numbers reach 1,000,000 and more. Noteworthy about the temple is 15.5-metre-high gold spire and gold Onion dome. There are three domes each made up of pure gold, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835.
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor was constructed between Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat along the Ganges River, providing various amenities for pilgrims.
Timings of Temple
| Darshan | 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM; 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM; 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Mangala Aarti | 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM |
| Afternoon Bhog | 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Sapta Rishi Aarti | 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
| Shringar Bhog and Aarti | 9:00 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | 10:30 PM |
Legend
Mukti Mandap, Shringar Mandap, Aishwarya Mandap, and Gyan Mandap were located in the South, West, North, and East, respectively. Kashi Khand (Chapter 99) claims that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati traveled to the Mukti Mandap with Devas, where they sat in the Shringar Mandap, facing east. Here, Lord Shiva gave the following examples of the magnificence of Vishweshwar Ling:
Devotees are not permitted to enter Sanctum Sanctorum in many temples in India because it is believed that by touching the Vishweshwar Ling and praying, the devotee is cleansed of the sins accrued over the previous two lifetimes. However, they are accepted at Kashi’s Vishwanath Temple.
When Lord Shiva was narrating their greatness, he was accompanied by Lord Indra on one side and seven great rishis were surrounding him. “A devotee who, with pure devotion, pours holy water on the Linga and offers just one flower to Lord Vishweshwar gets the blessings equivalent to performing pooja with hundreds of Golden Flowers.” Paragraph 5 of Chapter 99 of Kashi Khand.
Even today, at approximately 7 or 7.30 p.m., seven Poojaris (said to be the descendants of the famous seven rishis) perform Sapta Rishi Pooja/Aarti at Vishwanatha Temple. Devotees can still see video recordings of this Aarti, but those who travel to Kashi must make it a point to take part in this holy ceremony. By doing so, they will undoubtedly enjoy the Aarti to the fullest.
Ancient writings like the Kashi Khand, Padma Puran, Linga Puran, and others recommended a variety of Poojas and rituals; but, given the current environment, it may not be possible for anybody to follow the instructions.
According to popular belief, bathing in the Holy Ganges at Manikarnika Ghat and the magnificence of Visweshwar (Vishwanath) has been fully detailed in Kashi Khand at various locations in several chapters, therefore trying to recreate it here would likely take up a lot of space. Having a darshan at the Vishwanath Temple will purify one of all sins. The 56 Bhog Annakoot Shringar that is performed at the Vishwanath Temple on the day after Deepavali Amavasya each year draws devotees from all over the world.
It is believed that having a darshan of this breathtaking sight will prevent the shortage of food at our home. Nevertheless, it is sufficient to say that Vishwanath Temple is highly revered and worshipped by numerous devotees not only from all over India but also from all over the world.
How to reach ?
By Train: Trains are always a better option. these days Varanasi junction is keeping the way all good. Vishweshwar temple is just few km away from Varanasi junction.
By Air: Book your tickets to the Gorakhpur airport, which is few km away from the temple. as Varanasi airport is well connected to other city Airports.
By Bus: One can travel directly to the temple. various local and private bus services are available for visiting Varanasi.
