Kashi Vishwanath Temple a sacred heritage, Kashi Vishwanath is the most famous temple of Varanasi dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India and this place holds special significance in Hindu religion. This temple is not only a centre of religious faith but also presents a glimpse of Indian history and culture. The wishes of people who go here are fulfilled because Lord Shiva is very kind.
1. History Of The Kashi Vishwanath Temple
History of the temple: The history of Kashi Vishwanath temple is thousands of years old. Its mention is found in Skand Puran, Shiv Puran and other Hindu scriptures.This temple has witnessed many constructions and re-constructions.In 1780, Maharani Ahilayabai Holkar got it rebuilt.
In the ancient era: The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project gave a new form to the temple, due to which there was a direct connection between the river Ganga and the temple.Structure and specialities of the temple.The golden peak of the temple, which was dedicated by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Due to which this temple became even more special.
Place And Significance Of The Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple is located on the western bank of the river Ganga in Varanasi in the north. Varanasi is called the “city of Salvation” and Kashi Vishwanath is situated in the heart of this city. It is believed that by seeing Lord Shiva, sins are destroyed and one attains salvation.
2. Establishment Of Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Of Lord Shiva In The Garbhgrah
Devotees come here daily for worship, Archana and Rudrabhishek.There are also small temples inside the temple premises, which are dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: Recently the Indian government has expanded the temple complex as per the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Project.This corridor provides a direct route from the river Ganga to the temple. Many facilities have been built for the devotees such as a sanctuary, museum and a pilgrimage center. This project has established Kashi Vishwanath as a modern religious center.
Religion And Beliefs
It is believed that Lord Shiva himself resides in Kashi. By worshipping here, one not only gets happiness but also attains salvation after death. Special events are organized here during the month of Mahashivratri and Savan, in which lakhs of devotees participate.
3. How To Reach The Temple By Road, Rail or Air
How to reach from buses and taxi: The temple can be easily reached from Varanasi airport and railway station and by buses. Varanasi is connected to all the cities of the country by road. Apart from roadways, other private buses are also available to reach Kashi Vishwanath and these go directly to Varanasi. To reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple, taxi or E-rickshaw or Auto rickshaw is easily available from roadways bus stand or any part of the city for Godoliya. On moving from Godoliya towards Dashashmegh Ghat, there is Singhdwar which reaches the temple from Dhundiraj Ganesh side. The road going to Vishwanath Gali from the other side of Bansfatak also goes to the temple. Apart from this, there is also a way through Gyanvapi to reach the temple.
How to reach from train: There are four railway stations in Varanasi. The distance of Varanasi city station from the temple is just 2 kilometres. The distance of Vanarasi junction is almost 6 kilometres and the distance of Varanasi railway station is 4 kilometres. The Mughal Saray railway station is situated at a distance of 17 kilometres from the temple. All these railway stations are connected to the cities of India. Rickshaws and taxis are available directly from outside the railway station.
How to reach by air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport located in Babatpur is connected to all the cities of the country and abroad. The distance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple from the airport is approximately 20 to 30 kilometres. You can reach the temple by taking a taxi or cab, other means are also easily available to reach the temple.
4. Where To Stay Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
There are excellent hotels available for staying which are quite good and affordable. There are many hotels near Kashi Vishwanath Mandir which are comfortable to stay and you get a lot of options. I am sharing a list of some hotels with you where you can enjoy coming here comfortably.
- Ganpati Guest House: This is quite good and matches your budget and one good thing for you is that this guest house is at a short distance from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you can also travel on foot to reach this guest house.
- Bhadra Kali Guest House: This is a medium class hotel located in the centre of Varanasi but it has a special market as it provides big rooms despite the cheap rates. This is also located at a little distance from the temple.
- Marry gold guest house: This boutique hotel is located near the temple and it is also very comfortable and its beauty is very good, its rooms are well decorated.
- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi: This luxury hotel is located at a short distance from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. You can avail many facilities in this hotel which has facilities like swimming pool, spa, its rooms are quite huge.
What To Eat Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Vanarasi is known for its delicious food and street food and let me take you to some special places.
- Kachori gali: This street is famous for its crunchy and spicy kachori, deep fried snacks filled with dal or potatoes.
- Blue lassi: This lassi has been delicious for more than 75 years and is a very amazing lassi with dahi.
- Dina Chaat Bhandar: This popular food stall serves mouth-watering chaat, a delicious snack made with potatoes and spices.
5. There Are Some Special And Very Popular Places Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Apart from visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple: There are also many amazing places to do in Varanasi like one can take a ride in a boat ⛵ from which you can see each and every thing of the temple and also enjoy the atmosphere there.
If you have come to Kashi to visit Vishwanath temple, then you should also visit Sarnath from here which is at some distance. Sarnath is one such city which is quite famous for Buddhist heritage. You can see Sarnath museum, Dhamek stupa and other Buddhist things.
Now let’s talk about how much budget you can use to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. If you come to visit Kashi Vishwanath ji then you can stay for 1 night and roam the remaining places for 2500/3000 rupees, this includes 1 night stay, taxi, boating, food and all other things.
Early morning: the best time for darshan is full of peace and spirituality.
6. Conclusion
Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is a proof of India’s spiritual depth, cultural sanctity and historical flexibility. It is a place where time seems to have stopped and divine powers are felt within the soul. Whether you are a devotee or any other temple, it provides such an experience which is beyond worldliness. When you step into the temple and listen to every verse about Mahadev, you get a feel of nature and divinity. Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is not just a journey, it is a journey of the soul of India.