The Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture is used to build its imposing edifice. It is composed of a quadrangle-shaped main temple surrounded by lesser shrines honoring different gods. Gyan Vapi, a sacred well, is another component of the temple complex. The main temple itself is distinguished by a golden dome, a golden spire, and a flag and trident atop the sanctuary.
The temple, which welcomes millions of pilgrims and tourists each year, is an essential part of Varanasi's cultural identity. With the temple as its focal point, Varanasi is regarded by Hindus as a center of culture and spirituality. The temple is used for worship, education, and artistic expression. Liberation from the cycle of life and death (Moksha) is thought to result with a journey to Kashi Vishwanath and a dip in the sacred Ganges.
History
The history of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh's Kashi Vishwanath Temple is lengthy and intricate, encompassing phases of building, devastation, and restoration. It is thought to have originated in antiquity, perhaps more than a thousand years ago. The temple has undergone several reconstructions, most notably in 1230 by a Gujarati merchant and in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who contributed gold for the temple's spire, was among the other kings who made substantial alterations and embellishments.
Ancient Origins: Varanasi, also called Kashi, is one of the seven holiest towns in Hinduism, and its history is entwined with that of the temple. According to Hindu scriptures, the site of Kashi (Varanasi) is considered eternal and was founded by Lord Shiva himself.
Destruction and Reconstruction:
Qutb-ud-din Aibak demolished the temple in 1194 CE, and it was reconstructed in 1230. Later, it sustained damage from a number of monarchs, including Hussain Shah Sharqi and Sikandar Lodhi.
Mughal Era: In 1585, Akbar approved a restoration, but in the late 17th century, Aurangzeb ordered its destruction and replaced it with the Gyanvapi Mosque.
The current temple was rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore as part of the Maratha. In 1839, Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave gold to build the temple's dome.
Architecture
The temple has a tiny well known as the Jnana Vapi, sometimes written Gyan Vapi (the wisdom well). The Jnana Vapi is situated north of the main temple, and the jyotirlinga was concealed in the well to protect it during the Mughal conquest. To save the jyotirlinga from intruders, the temple's chief priest is reported to have dove into the well with the lingam.
The inner Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) is reached by a Sabha Griha (congregation hall). The sanctuary houses the jyotirlinga, which is set atop a silver pedestal. Three components make up the temple's structure.
The first is the temple's 15.5-meter-tall spire; the second is a gold dome; and the third is the gold spire inside the sanctuary, which is adorned with a trident and a flag.
Because of its spire's gold coating, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is sometimes referred to as the Golden Temple. Three domes, each composed of pure gold, were presented in 1835, and one tonne of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh was used for the gold plating.
Other places to explore around
Along the Ganges River, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor was built between the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat, offering pilgrims a number of facilities.
Following a pilgrimage to the temple, which also includes a visit to the temple at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, South India, where people gather sand from the area and take water samples from the Ganges to pray there, it is also customary to give up at least one desire.
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project
Inaugurated in 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was a historic government initiative to renovate and enlarge the temple complex. It is a reflection of India's attempts to modernize and retain its spiritual legacy while maintaining its integrity.
The goal is to decongest the area and make it simpler for visitors to access the Kashi Vishwanath Temple by constructing a direct and roomy pathway that connects it to the Ganga River.
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Special Area Development Board (SKVSADB) was in charge of carrying out the project. Through the purchase and destruction of more than 300 structures, 78 historic temples that had been hidden or encroached upon were exposed.
The corridor's architectural design was spearheaded by renowned architect Bimal Patel, who is well-known for projects like Central Vista and the Sabarmati Riverfront.
Approximately 3,000 people attend the temple each day. There are times when the numbers surpass one million.
Festivals
The celebration of Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi is known as Rangabhari Ekadashi, or a festival of colors. It is customary for Baba Vishwanath to return to Kashi prior to Holi after having a cow in the shape of Mother Bhagwati. The sound of dozens of damroos (two-sided drums) reverberates throughout the temple complex.
For more than two centuries, this custom has been followed. They perform Baba's Tilak on Vasant Panchami. Shivaratri's marriage occurs, and Parvati departs with her husband Shiva on Rangbhari Ekadashi. For more than a century, the temple's former Mahant family has continued these customs.
Mahashivratri (March–February)
How people celebrate it: The temple's biggest celebration. Thousands of devotees participate in special poojas, chants, and nightly vigils. Throughout the night, the temple is open.
Maas Shravan (July–August)
How it is observed: Lord Shiva considers the entire month to be sacred. There is an enormous influx of pilgrims giving Gangajal to the deity on Mondays (Shravan Somvar). Annakut, Diwali, Kartik Purnima, and Makar Sankranti. In and surrounding the temple, special ceremonies, lights, and cultural events are held.
Dev Deepawali (Celebrated fifteen days after Diwali)
How it is celebrated: Thousands of diyas light up the entire Varanasi, particularly the temple area and ghats. The home of Kulpati Tiwari, the former Mahant of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Redzone, is where Baba's marriage ceremonial rites are carried out.
Baba Vishwanath performed the seven Saptarishi Aarti ceremonies. The Puranas state that the Saptarishi loves Kashi, hence the followers of the Saptarishi Aarti customarily carry out the marriage rites. For ninety years, beginning in 1932, the Yadav community of Kashi, who are affiliated with the Chandravanshi Gop Seva Samiti and the Shree Krishna Yadav Mahasabha, has been performing jalabhishek on a shivling.
Under the direction of Pradhan Archak Pandit Shashibhushan Tripathi (Guddu Maharaj), the seven archaks performed the Vedic marriage ceremony. The times for Mangala Aarti, Bhog Aarti, and Saptarishi Aarti are 3:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 7:30 pm, respectively. Aarti Shringar at 11:00 p.m.
When to visit
October through March is the ideal time to visit. It's perfect for darshan and touring Varanasi's ghats because of the pleasant weather. Steer clear of April through June, when temperatures are at their highest. Early morning visits are less crowded and have greater spiritual impact.
Cultural and National Symbol
Modern seekers of mindfulness and tranquility find resonance in the temple's ancient aura, which offers a profound sense of calm, reflection, and connection to the holy despite Varanasi's bustle. Having been rebuilt throughout several invasions, the temple is a potent representation of Hindu tenacity. Today, it is regarded as evidence of India's cultural persistence.
Conclusion
One of the twelve holiest Jyotirlingas, or sacred sites of Shiva worship in Varanasi, is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Among the various practices thought to guide one toward moksha (freedom) are a trip to the temple and a bath in the Ganges. As a result, Hindus attempt to visit the location at least once in their lifetimes from all over the world.
The temple has been a house of worship for millennia in spite of episodes of destruction and reconstruction, demonstrating the tenacity of Hindu tradition. It is part of a broader nomination titled the "Iconic Riverfront of the Historic City of Varanasi," which was added to India's UNESCO Tentative List on April 13, 2021.