Vanarasi Temple

About Vanarasi temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most famous and sacred shrines in Hinduism and attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The temple was originally built in the 17th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structure was built in the late 19th century and is covered in gold plating. The temple is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, which are considered to be the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.

History of Vanarasi Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has a rich history dating back over thousands of years. The exact origins of the temple are unknown, but it is believed to have been built by a Hindu king in the 12th century. Over the centuries, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times by various rulers, including the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who demolished the temple in the 17th century and built a mosque on the site. The temple was later rebuilt in the late 19th century by the Maratha ruler of Indore, Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar, with the help of the British government. The current temple is considered one of the most important Hindu shrines and attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

How to reach Vanarasi Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. There are several ways to reach the temple:

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is located about 25 km from the city center. From there, you can take a taxi or local transportation to reach the temple.
2. By Train: Varanasi has a railway station with good connectivity to major cities in India. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or local transportation to reach the temple.
3. By Road: Varanasi is well-connected by road to major cities in India. You can take a bus or drive to the city and then take local transportation to reach the temple.
4. By Boat: You can also reach the temple by boat, as it is located on the banks of the Ganges River. Boats are available from various ghats in the city, and it is a popular way to reach the temple for many pilgrims.

Varanasi Temple Timing

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is open every day, and the timing may vary depending on the Hindu calendar and special events. Typically, the temple is open from early morning until late evening, with a break for lunch and a shorter break in the afternoon. The temple is open for longer hours during special religious events and festivals. Visitors are advised to check with the temple authorities for the exact timing on the day of their visit.

Nearby attractions

Varanasi is a city with rich cultural and religious heritage, and there are several nearby attractions that you can visit while in the city:

1. Ghats of Varanasi: The city is famous for its ghats, which are a series of steps leading down to the river Ganges. Some of the most famous ghats include Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Assi Ghat.
2. Sarnath: Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located about 10 km from Varanasi. It is believed to be the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
3. Ramnagar Fort: Ramnagar Fort is a 17th-century fort located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River from Varanasi. The fort is known for its ornate architecture and houses a museum with a collection of vintage cars and royal palanquins.
4. Bharat Kala Bhavan: Bharat Kala Bhavan is a museum located on the campus of Banaras Hindu University. The museum houses a collection of art, sculptures, manuscripts, and textiles from ancient India.
5. New Vishwanath Temple: New Vishwanath Temple is a modern temple located on the campus of Banaras Hindu University. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and glasswork.

Facts Vanarasi Temple

Here are some interesting facts about the Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

1. One of the Jyotirlingas: The temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, which are considered the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.
2. Golden Temple: The temple is also known as the Golden Temple due to its gold-plated dome.
3. Ancient Temple: The exact date of the temple’s construction is unknown, but it is believed to be thousands of years old.
4. Mughal Destruction: The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, including by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who built a mosque on the site.
5. British Restoration: The current temple was built in the late 19th century with the help of the British government.
6. Pilgrimage Site: The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and attracts millions of pilgrims every year.
7. Sacred River: The temple is located on the banks of the Ganges River, which is considered a sacred river in Hinduism.
8. Hindu Rituals: The temple is the site of many Hindu rituals, including the ritual bath in the Ganges River and the offering of flowers and prayers to Lord Shiva.