Kashi Vishvanath JyotirlingaTemple

Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in holy city Varanasi. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe. The Varanasi ci

ty is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.

The Temple has been referred to in Hindu Scriptures for a very long time and as a central part of worship of God Shiva. It has been destroyed and re-constructed a number of times in the history. The last structure was demolished by Aurangzeb, The current structure was built by the Maratha monarch, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780

During the religious occasion of Shivratri, Kashi Naresh (King of Kashi) is the chief officiating priest and no other person or priest is allowed to enter the temple sanctorum. It is only after he performs his religious functions that others are allowed to enter. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on Mahashivratri and gauna was performed on Rangbhari Ekadashi. Residents of Kashi - the abode of Lord Vishwanath—celebrate the occasion in a grand style.

As per tradition, devotees carry the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a 'palaki' from the house of former mahant of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Blowing conch, damru and other musical instruments, the devotees goto the sanctum sanctorum of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and offer gulal and rose petals to the deities.

A visit to the temple and a bath in the river Ganges is one of many methods believed to lead one on a path to Moksha (liberation) Thus, Hindus from all over the world try to visit the place at least once in their lifetime. There is also a tradition that one should give up at least one desire after a pilgrimage the temple, and the pilgrimage would also include a visit to the temple at Rameswaram