DHINAM ORU KOVIL - 127.

SRI. KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE, VARANASI, UTTARPRADESH.

This temple of Lord Shiva is situated in Kasi-Varanasi, the holiest place on the earth
as mentioned in epics and Hindu Mythology. Moolavar is Sri. Kasi Viswanathar with
His consort Sri.Visalakshi. Theertham is theHoly Ganga with 64 bathing ghats.
Temple dates back to 2000-3000years.Historical Name is Varanasi. This is the first
among the Jyothir Linga places in the country.
Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Thai new moon day in January-February; Aadi new moon day in
July-August and Deepavali Annakodi Utsav in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the
temple.
The present

temple of Lord Kasi Viswanatha was built in the year 1777 by Rani Ahalya Bai

of Indore. The temple is small in size and the devotees have to pass through a narrow
pathway. Devotees can directly perform the pujas to Lord without the help of the priests. Mother
Annapoorani temple is nearby. Annakodi Utsav is celebrated on Deepavali day when Mother comes in
procession in a rath of Laddus. Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in wedding matters, for child
boon and good education. The main purpose of visiting Kasi is to perform the ceremonies for the total
salvation of the ancestors and also for own salvation. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother
and offer vastras. Lord Shiva-Kasi Viswanatha is all merciful and soft in nature. Hence the place is
praised as Ananda Bhavanam Abode of Bliss. It is also believed that Lord Shiva defeated and burnt
Lord Brahmma and Vishnu when they attempted to find His feet and head in this place, resulting in its
name Maha Mayanam the great cremation ground. Mother Visalakshi has Her own shrine. Kasi is
situated on the western bank of Holy Ganga flowing up to 30 km northward praised as Uttara Vahini.
There are 64 bathing ghats on the bank of Holy Ganga. The one who makes a dip in each would be the
luckiest. It cannot be possible for every devotee. They may have their bath in Aschangam,
Dasawamedha, Varana Sanga, Pancha Ganga and Mani Karnika ghats in a single day. This is called
Pancha Theertha Yatra. Aschangama is situated where River As joins the Ganga. Kasi-Varanasi begins
from this place called the entrance of Kasi. The Shiva Linga here is praised as
Aschangameswarar. Devotees should have a dip here and worship Changameswarar. It is noteworthy
that inspired and gifted Hindi poet Tulasidass who authored the Tulsi Ramayana disappeared at this
Aschangama ghat in the HolyGanga. The devotee should have his /her dip at the Dasawamedha ghat
where Lord Brahmma performed Dasa Ashwamedha Yajnas. Shivalinga in this ghat is praised as
Chooda Lingeswara. Then comes the Varana Sanga ghat and worship of Lord Adhikeswara and proceed
to Pancha Ganga ghat where Yamuna, Saraswathi, Shirana and Dhoodabai river confluence. After the
dip here, the devotee should worship Lord Bindhu Madhava and Gangeswarar. The devotee has to
have his/her bath at the Mani Karnika ghat and worship Lord Mani Karnikeswara and Mother Ambica.
Kasi-Varanasi is the creation of Lord Shiva about five thousand years ago in Uttar Pradesh. It is also
known as Maha Mayana, Abiktham and Ananda Bhavanam. This ancient holy land is between the two
rivers Varana and Hasi, hence the name Varanasi. It is also called Banares. Budha worshipped Lord
Viswanatha here and became one among the nine planets heading education under him. Students
aspiring great scales in the academic field are advised to worship Lord Viswanatha for best
results. Kasi also means City of Light.
It is believed that death of a soul in Kasi ensures total salvation. Whosoever the being be, human,
animal or bird, it is believed that Lord Viswanatha chants the Holy Rama Nama and the Ohm
Pranava mantra in the ears of the departing soul.

I HAVE VISITED TWICE.