How to reach Out the New Kashi Vishwanath corridor

Kashi Vishwanath temple is an important temple located in Varanasi. It is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, Hindu God. It is one of the 12 holiest Shiva temples termed jyotirlingas. A divine shrine visited by more than 7 million devotees year after year, has been restored and beautified with the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

 

Built at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 900 crore over a sprawling area of 5 lakh square feet, the corridor in Varanasi will connect Kashi Vishwanath Temple with the Ganga river, making it convenient for the pilgrims to reach the temple premises.

 

The temple premises which were only around 3,000 square feet have now become about 5 lakh square feet. Now, 50,000 to 75,000 devotees can come to visit the temple and its premises.

 

 

11 Important Points About The Ambitious Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

• The 50-feet corridor connects the temple with the Ganga river, making it convenient for devotees to reach the temple premises.

• The corridor will have waiting rooms for the pilgrims to rest.

• Museum and auditorium depicting Varanasi’s ancient history and culture will be constructed.

• Devotees will find special Yagyashalas for religious functions like havan.

• Special lodgings for priests, volunteers, and pilgrims will be arranged.

• An inquiry center at the corridor to apprise tourists about the city and other places of attractions.

• A food street to serve scrumptious Banarasi and Awadhi cuisine to tourists.

• An Auditorium for gatherings, meetings, and temple functions will be arranged too.

• Ganga views gallery so that tourists get a clear view of the holy river.

• The Ghat is also accessible through an escalator.

Varanasi is also called Kashi and Shiva is considered the ruler of the universe. Vishwanath refers to the term ruler of the universe.

 

History: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

The history of the temple starts with a legendary story. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got into an argument that broke into a fight about their supremacy. As a moderator, Lord Shiva took the form of light that pierced through three worlds. Shiva demanded them to find the tip of the light and the one who finds the tip of the light would be considered supreme. Vishnu took the form of a pig and dug down to find the tip and Lord Brahma rode up to find the tip. The place where Shiva’s light pierced through the earth is the 12 jyotirlingas and this temple is one among those.

It is believed that the temple’s history goes back more than 1000 years. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries before the existing structure was rebuilt in 1780.

The initial structure of the temple was demolished in 1194 CE by Mohammad Ghori and his commander Qutb-al-Din Aibak when they defeated the Raja of Kannauj. It was reportedly rebuilt by a Gujarati merchant in 1230 during the reign of Delhi’s Sultan Iltutmish but demolished again during the rule of Sikandar Lodhi.

The temple was rebuilt in 1585 CE by Raja Man Singh I during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar. However, Emperor Aurangzeb demolished the temple in 1669 CE and constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place.

In 1780, the temple was rebuilt by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar, daughter-in-law of the Maratha ruler Malhar Rao Holkar, and the hereditary queen of the Maratha empire. This is the structure that is standing proudly to date. In 1785, a Naubat Khana (drum house) was built in front of the temple by Mohammad Ibrahim Khan. A low-roof colonnade with 40 pillars and the boundary of Gyanvapi Well was also built between 1828-1840 CE.

In 1835, the temple received a ton of gold from Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjit Singh and this was used for plating a dome and a spire of the shrine. Later, in 1841, Raja Bhosle III of Nagpur donated some silver to the temple. The temple received many such generous contributions from the noble families of different kingdoms.

 

Where Kashi Vishwanath temple is Located?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most important Hindu temples in India.

 

This temple is situated on the banks of the river Ganga in Varanasi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who has been worshiped here for thousands of years as Vishvanatha or Vishweshwara, "Ruler of the Universe". The temple is located 5 km from Varanasi Cantt Railway Station.

 

Maduadih Railway Station is just 4 km away from the temple. You can reach the temple by taxi or auto rickshaw.

 

 

Best time to visit Kashi Vishwanath temple :

The temple will be at prime beauty throughout the year. Winter (October – March) has a pleasant climate which makes sightseeing easier. The rituals start early at 3 am in the morning. The second ritual starts at 11:15 am. In the evening, rituals start at 7 pm, 9 pm, and 10:30 pm. The temple closes by 11 at the night.

Pooja/Aarti Timings

The temple opens at 2.30 AM every day. There are 5 Aartis that are conducted in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple daily.

1.Mangala Aarti: 3 AM – 4 AM

2. Bhoga Aarti: 11.15 AM – 12.20 PM

3. Sandhya Aarti: 7.00 PM – 8.15 PM

4. Shringara Aarti: 9.00 PM – 10.15 PM

5. Shayana Aarti: 10.30 PM – 11.00 PM

 

Things  to See in Kashi Vishwanath Temple Complex :

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Complex has many shrines and structures within. Some important things to see in the temple complex are:

• The main shrine with the Shivalinga

• Small temples around the main shrine

• A 7-feet-high statue of Nandi Bull in the east of the colonnade

• A small well called Gyan Vapi or the wisdom well

• The Sabha Griha or Congregation Hall, which leads to the inner Garbha Griha

• The 15.5-meter-high gold spire and gold dome of the temple

 

Best Places Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi :

Some prominent religious sites and historical places in Varanasi near Kashi Vishwanath Temple are -

• Nepali Temple of Lord Shiva (300 m)

• Dashashwamedh Ghat (500 m)

• Ganga Aarti (500 m)

• Manikarnika Ghat (650 m)

• Kaal Bhairav Mandir (1 km)

• Assi Ghat (3 km)

• Shri Durga Temple (3 km)

• Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir (4 km)

• Bharat Mata Temple (4 km)

• Sankatmochan Temple (4 km)

• Ramnagar Fort (7 km)

 

If you want to visit all these places and enjoy them, please contact Holi Kashi Tour-Travel, We are always ready to serve you.