Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir,Varanasi(Uttar Pradesh)
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is among the most important Hindu temples in India and is one of the 12 temples where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a column of light.The Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands on the west bank of the Ganges River. It is dedicated to Shiva, who has been worshipped here for hundreds of years as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara, “Lord of the Universe.”
The Temple
The Kashi Viswanath Temple is located on the banks of the holy Ganges, and the Vishveshvara Jyotirlinga holds a special and unique significance in India’s spiritual history. It is a place where Hindus travel to attain Moksh or salvation. It is to Sanatana Dharma what the Vatican is to the Catholic Church, and the Mecca became to Islam. Especially a visit to the temple and then a bath in the river Ganga can help a devotee on a path to Moksha.
Many legends also record that a true devotee only achieves liberation from death and Sansar by the worshiping Shiva. It is believed that Shiva’s devotees after death are directly taken to his home on Mount Kailash and not to Yamaraj. Moreover, there is a popular belief that Shiva himself helps devotees attain salvation by blowing the mantra into their ears who die a natural death at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Architecture
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a collection of smaller shrines that are located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli. The construction of the main temple is in the form of a quadrangle with shrines that are dedicated to other deities. These small temples are dedicated to Dhandapani, Kaalbhairav, Vishnu, Avimukteshwara, Sanishwara, Vinayaka, Virupaksh Gauri, and Virupaksha. The main Shivalinga of the temple is only 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference and is housed in a silver altar.
The temple structure looks like there is a Sabha Griha or Congregation Hall, leading to the inner Garbha Griha or Sanctum Sanctorum. The structure of the Mandir is composed of three parts; the first part is composed of a spire on the Mandir of Lord Vishwanath or Mahadeva. The second is a gold dome while the third is the gold spire placed atop Lord Vishwanath carrying a flag and a Trishul. The tower of Kashi Viswanath is almost 15.5 meters in height and is a sight to be seen to be believed. Around the temple, there is a cluster of five lings, which is also known as the Nilakantheshvar temple.
The devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple must adhere to the dress code if they wish to perform the Sparsh darshan. Men should wear Dhoti-Kurti (an Indian traditional attire), and women should adorn saree ( a long piece of fabric) as per the recent decision taken by the Kashi Vishwad Parishad. Devotees are also allowed to be dressed in western wear, but they can only worship the deity from outside the sanctum.
Aarti Timings
Mangla Aarti
Timings:3 AM to 4 AM
Kashi Vishwanath is one temple where Lord is woken up at 3:00 AM every morning. It is not an easy thing to be up and ready at the temple by 2:45 AM, especially on a holiday, but this is one pooja which is worth the effort!
Till this time doors of temple are not opened for public viewing so, performers of Mangla Arti get nearly 30 Min to see the original Jyotirlingam.
Bhog Aarti
Timings:11.15 AM to 02.20 PM
Every noon, Bhog Arti is performed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is second Arti after Mangla Arti. Bhog aarti is offering of food to Lord who gives this food to us. After offering, food is distributed among all present devotees as Prasada.
Sandhya Aarti
Timings:7 PM to 8.15 PM
Every evening a religious ritual is performed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is Sandhya Aarti or evening arti . Young priests perform the ritual using fire and chant Vedic Mantras. All devotees ask for blessings. After performing Sandhya Aarti Prasada is distributed among all present devotees.
Shringar Aarti
Timings:9 PM to 11 PM
Every night Shringar Aarti ritual is performed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Shringar means adornment of Lord. Once Shringar Aarti starts then dharshan can be done from outside till the time Arti ends. After Aarti, Bhog is offered to Lord. After offering it is distributed to the public.
Shayan Aarti
TImings:10.30 PM to 11 PM
Shayan means to sleep. Shayan Arti is performed before Lord goes to sleep. Prasad, clothes and other such offerings are given to poor. After performing these entire task temple is closed for the night until Next Morning Ritual Ceremony (Mangla Arti).
How to Reach
By Roadways
Varanasi is situated in plains of India so its location is a boon to road transportation. Buses, cars, taxies and other vehicles operate from Varanasi and other cities to Varanasi to connect it better and faster. Buses from all ISBTs of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai operate for Varanasi.
By Railways
Some of the fastest trains like Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Duranto Express are available which take you to Varanasi in few hours. Trains are best for night travel. From Varanasi Railway Station you can reach all the tourists sites of Varanasi which are within 10kms of range from the station.
By Airways
Daily flights to Delhi, Agra , Khajuraho and other tourist sites of India are always available.The LalBahadurShastri International Airport, named after great leader and freedom fighter LalBahadurShastri who has also served as Agriculture Minister of Independent India is situated at Babatpur, hardly 25 kms away from Varanasi.