As you twist and turn through the bright, narrow streets of Vishwanath Gali, the sweet aroma of crushed marigolds, wet sand, and unadulterated Camphor hangs in the air. The deep sounding of a large brass bell fills the area with a thunderous voice followed immediately by a loud group chant of “Hara Hara Mahadev!” All at once, the cramped feeling of the maze opens into an incredible expanse of beautiful cream colored sandstone where the central spires of the temple glisten in the full North Indian sun.
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is the spiritual center of Varanasi, the home of Lord Shiva on this earth and the center of Hinduism as a whole. For thousands of years the empires have risen and fallen all around this place yet the temple’s spirituality continues to attract an enormous amount of people. You are not just visiting another famous monument by entering this complex; you will be entering into an ancient flow of living faith.
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ToggleThose who have spent time searching online for something cool to see in Kashi and have seen the temple of Kashi Vishwanath images full hd will understand the magnificence of the Architectural Design but nothing can truly replicate the actual energy (weight) of being there at Kasi Vishwanath Temple.
According to the Hindu Cosmogony, where is Kashi Vishwanath temple positioned? Kashi is the actual cosmic centre of our universe. At the heart of the shrine is the sacred Jyotirlinga or “the self-originated Pillar of Light” that manifests itself as a physical representation of Lord Shiva (God). According to ancient legends, a single glimpse (Darshan) at this divine stone followed by a dip in the adjacent Ganges River will immediately destroy your bondage to the cycle of life after death (Moksha).
The present-day temple is the third major temple built at this site since 1780 A.D., following the destruction of two earlier temples due to invaders. Under the leadership of the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar (Indore, India), the current temple was built and completed. In 1835 A.D. (1835 C.E.) Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab contributed 800 kilograms (1800 lbs.) of pure gold for the use of Gold Plating the exterior of the temple’s remarkable towers and domes, creating an exceptional highlight to the ancient skyline of the city of Kashi.
The regional transportation links make getting to this amazing and historical temple an easy adventure.
If you’re travelling by train, the journey will be short yet very entertaining (from Varanasi’s train station to Kashi Vishwanath’s Temple is about 5.5 kilometers). Simply pass through the train station’s front entrance and hail (or share) an e-rickshaw (₹30 to ₹50) that will navigate through Varanasi to the Godowlia Crossing. All motorized vehicles are prohibited at Godowlia Crossing, so you will need to walk approximately ten minutes to reach the entrance to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Previously, getting to Kashi and its main temple was a matter of navigating through dark and wet alleys that were heavily congested. But the opening of the grand Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has totally changed the experience of a pilgrimage to Kashi. This impressive extension now connects the historic temple directly to the banks of the Ganga River at Lalita Ghat. You now can step off a traditional wooden rowboat, take a dip in the holy river, and walk up a set of pristine white marble stairs right through the temple courtyard.
You will need to slow down and prepare to receive an incredible rush of human devotion as you enter the inside Kashi Vishwanath temple grounds.
Due to very strict security, you may not bring in any smartphones, cameras, digital smartwatches, leather belts or large backpacks. All of your personal electronics and shoes can safely be stored in one of the secure, free locker counters operated by the temple administration outside of the main gates to the temple.
You’ll soon see yourself entering the building into elaborately carved pavilions of sandstone. If you choose the standard free public entrance, you can expect to wait in line for between one and three hours, depending on if it is Monday or a holiday. You may also purchase a Sugam Darshan ticket for ₹300 at the temple assistance center (located inside) in order to skip all lines and go right to the front of all temples with an experienced tour guide.
Once you enter the temple, you will feel an extraordinary surge of energy. The energy will be unbelievably powerful when you see the priests chanting mantras, pouring Ganges water, milk and petals over the black solid smooth stone lingam. You only have a very few fleeting, electric seconds to give your offering before the ocean of humanity pushes you out again, but those seconds will live with you forever.
