kashi vishwanath temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered and ancient temples in India, located on the western bank of the sacred River Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Vishwanath or Vishweshwar—meaning “The Lord of the Universe”—this temple holds immense spiritual importance for Hindus across the world. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu belief, Varanasi (also called Kashi) is the city of liberation, and those who visit the temple and take a dip in the Ganga attain moksha—freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

The temple has a long and fascinating history. The present-day structure was built in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, after several earlier versions of the temple were destroyed during invasions in medieval times. The temple’s spire is about 15.5 meters high and is plated with nearly one ton of gold, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler of Punjab, in 1839. Surrounding the temple are narrow, bustling lanes known as Vishwanath Gali, filled with shops selling religious items, sweets, and the famous Banarasi silk sarees.

In December 2021, the temple underwent a major transformation with the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This grand redevelopment project connected the temple directly to the Ganga River through spacious pathways and courtyards, making it easier for devotees to move and perform rituals while preserving the ancient sanctity of the site. The corridor has enhanced both the beauty and accessibility of one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage centers.

Religiously, Kashi Vishwanath Temple holds a special place in Hindu philosophy. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself resides in Varanasi, protecting the devotees and granting salvation to those who die here. The temple attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, especially during Maha Shivaratri, the holy month of Sawan, and Shravan Mondays. Devotees offer milk, water, and bilva leaves to the Shivlinga as acts of devotion.

The spiritual atmosphere around Kashi Vishwanath is unmatched—the sound of temple bells, the chanting of mantras, and the fragrance of incense fill the air, creating a sense of divine peace. For many, visiting Kashi Vishwanath is not just a pilgrimage but a deeply emotional and transformative journey, symbolizing the eternal connection between the soul, the divine, and the sacred city of Varanasi.