Vishweshwar Temple, also known as Vishwanath Temple, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This temple is mentioned in several religious texts, including the Kashi Khand, the Shiv Puran, and others. According to the Kashi Khand, the original name of this temple was Moksh Lakshmi Vilas Temple, which had five mandaps, the main one of which was Garbha Griha.
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 poojaries (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.
