Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is one of the most popular Hindu temples. Standing on the banks of the River Ganges, the temple is said to be dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has existed for over a hundred years and is a testament to the Hindu culture. You can have a wholesome experience here as devotees and history buffs alike.
5 Fascinating Features Of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
The remarkable features of the Kashi Vishwanath mandir have emerged as one of the main reasons it is so popular among the devotees. Apart from a great Kashi Vishwanath mandir history, other features contribute to its being a major holy place of worship for Hindus. Thus, some of the fascinating features of the Kashi Vishwanath are as follows:
1. The First Rays of Sun Lit Up Kashi
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Many Hindus believe that when Kashi, the city where the mandir is located, was created, the first rays of the sun lit up the city. The first rays of the sun touching Kashi hold immense significance in Hindu culture, making the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir a special holy place for the Hindus. Thus, devotees visiting the place believe that Lord Shiva resides in the city’s temple, protecting all the visitors and inhabitants of the city.
Tip: Try visiting the temple early in the morning to experience beauty.
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2. Magnificent Golden Umbrella Shines Bright to Make Wishes Come True
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The magnificent golden umbrella placed on top of the Mandir shines reflecting its light all around. If the local lores are to be believed, the devotees and visitors should look at the shining umbrella to make a wish.
Wishing on the bright golden umbrella brings true happiness. The umbrella features an intricate and mystic design that adds to the temple’s overall beauty. Moreover, the sunlight reflecting from the golden umbrella is a sight for the devotees.
Tip: Stare directly onto the temple’s umbrella and wish upon it.
3. Complex Marvelous Architectural Structure
The beauty of the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir lies in its complex yet marvellous architectural structure. The temple very subtly reflects the rich and ancient architecture of India.
The temple has exquisite structures, intricate carvings, huge domes, and more, each contributing to the visitors’ being lost in the beauty of a bygone era. The pillars and domes of the temple are intricately crafted to match their marvellous beauty.
Tip: If you’re interested in history, walk around the temple wishing for something useful and admiring its beauty.
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4. Home To One of the Jyotirlingas
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One of the most fascinating features of the Mandir is the placement of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The twelve jyotirlingas are extremely important in Indian culture, and Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir houses one of them.
Thus, the temple offers a radiant manifestation of Lord Shiva. According to the Hindu culture, these Jyotirlingas are extremely powerful and have a strong divine spiritual power. Thus, visiting the mandir can bring a lot of peace and liberation.
Tip: As one of the leading Jyotirlingas visit the temple at least once in your life.
5. The Temple is The Gateway to Salvation
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Kashi is said to be the gateway to salvation in Hindu culture. Many Hindu religious believers visit Kashi during the end of their lifetime to achieve salvation.
They believe that the darshan of the Jyotirlinga will liberate them from the cycle of life and death, helping them achieve salvation or moksha. Thus, devotees from all walks of life visit the temple hoping to glimpse the Jyotirlinga in the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir to attain moksha.
Tip: Deep dive into the religious sanctity and wish upon attaining moksha.
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Kashi Vishwanath Mandir History
Kashi Vishwanath Mandir’s history dates back to ancient times, with its origin being related to the city of Kashi, also known as Varanasi or Banaras. In the Hindu culture, Kashi is considered one of the seven holiest cities where Lord Shiva resides. The exact date for the foundation of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is not known for it spans beyond time immemorial. However, the mention of the temple has been in sacred Hindu texts like Kashi Kanda and Skanda Purana.
It is believed that the temple was constructed by a devotee of Lord Shiva, King Harishchandra, in ancient times. However, as centuries went by, the temple also experienced several changes, with numerous renovations and reconstructions. Each of these reconstructions signified the changing architectural style and different religious practices in different areas.
Below is a brief look into the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir history of evolution:
- Origin: The temple’s foundation was laid by King Harishchandra as a simple temple during that period.
- Invaders destruction: Mahmud of Ghazni invaded the temple in the 11th century, looting all its valuables.
- Rebuilt by Kings: After major destruction by invaders, Hindu kings and major rulers such as Marathas, Rajputs, and Mughals came together to rebuild the temple’s sanctity. They renovated the place to maintain its architectural grandeur.
- Destruction by Aurangzeb: In the 17th century, the temple was once again exposed to a major threat after being destroyed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. After destroying a part of the temple, Aurangzeb built the Gyanvapi Mosque. The main Jyotirlinga of the temple was further relocated to a temporary location to protect it against destruction.
- Re-establishment and Reclamation: After the rule of Aurangzeb, Hindu Kings came together to reclaim the temple. Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built the current complex in the 18th century.
- Modern Restoration and Conservation: People of the Hindu faith have made various restoration and conservation efforts to preserve the temple’s cultural and architectural heritage. However, Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and Gyanvapi Mosque are controversial topics of political and religious debate.
Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Timings
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Kashi Vishwanath Mandir has specific timings with the recommended fee. It is advisable to follow the routine and visit the temple accordingly.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir opens at 2:30 AM daily. However, for general darshan, the temple is open from 4 AM to 11:00 AM. After that, the temple closes for midday bhog, and then again at 12:00 PM and is open until 7:00 PM.
Here are the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir timings:
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- The Sugam Darshan is available from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A fee of 300 INR is required for this.
- The Mangla Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is held from 3:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A fee of 350 INR is charged on normal days, rising to 1200 INR on Shravan Mondays and 600 INR on other Shravan days except Monday. Devotees attending Mangla Aarti on Maha Shivratri will have to pay 1800 INR.
- The temple is open from 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM for bhog which costs 180 INR.
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir authorities conduct Saptirishi Aart from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM for a charge of 180 INR.
- The night shringar happens in the temple from 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM for a nominal charge of 180 INR.
- The Night Shayan aarti at the temple is conducted from 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM and is free of cost.
- The Rudrabhishek timings at the temple are from 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the amount ranges from 450 INR to 57,100 INR, depending on the number of shashtris.
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Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is free to the general public. However, individuals who want to bhog or attend aarti may need to pay an extra fee. It is advisable to visit Varanasi during the winter season, as summers can be extremely hot. So, plan your visit accordingly and experience the true beauty of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
Is Kashi Vishwanath mandir darshan free?
Yes, darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is free during the visiting hours. You can visit early in the morning, afternoon or evening to get a darshan of baba.
Is there any dress code at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir?
No, as of now the temple authorities have not levied any dress code upon the visitors of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir.
When is the best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath Mandir?
In general, winter is the best time to visit shri kashi vishwanath mandir if you're not planning to visit mandir during shivratri or any other big Shiv Puja.
How much time is required for darshan at Kashi Vishwanath mandir?
On a normal day you may need around 2-3 hours for darshan at Kashi Vishwanath mandir. However, you may need longer hours on an auspicious occasion or Monday.
Are you allowed to touch the lingam at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir?
The visitors attending the pre-dawn ritual at 3AM receive an extended privilege of touching the lingam at mandir. However, this is allowed only twice a day.
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