All about Kashi Vishwanath
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Varanasi for his two-day visit, during which he will inaugurate Phase 1 of the newly constructed Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The project aims to transform the pilgrimage experience of the temple city. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. In the famous Hindu temple it is believed that Kashi rests on the trident of Lord Shiva. Many believe that this is the temple where salvation can be attained. Inside the Kashi Vishwanath temple is the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwar or Vishwanath.
Vishweshwar Jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. It is here that Lord Shiva gives ‘Tarak Mantra’ to those who are about to die. According to the scriptures, it is believed that Lord Bholenath himself resides in 12 Jyotirlingas. By worshiping here one gets freedom from sins and all their wishes are fulfilled.
Also, a ‘well of wisdom’ is situated between the temple and an adjoining mosque. It is said that the idol of Shiva was hidden in a well when news of the sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s plan to destroy the temple spread.
Mythology of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple, the 7th of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is located on the Western Ghats of the Ganges River in Varanasi. It is believed that Kashi is considered one of the most beloved places of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
According to mythology, the temple of Kashi Vishwanath has been told in Skanda Purana. Lord Shiva’s mother-in-law was worried that her son-in-law was no more. For the sake of his wife, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva asked the demon Nikumbha to make a place in Kashi. Shiva started living there with Goddess Parvati. She was so pleased that she fed everyone and was worshiped as Annapurni. On the other hand, Lord Shiva is known as the lord of all in Shaivite literature. But the Lord himself asks the Goddess for food, that too in a begging bowl.
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