Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Subject – Art and Culture

Context – PM to inaugurate Kashi Corridor project

Concept –

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temple in Varanasi, also known as the Golden temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
It was constructed in the year 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani AhilyabaiHolkar of the Indore.
The Temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, or Jyotirlingams, the holiest of Shiva Temples.
The main deity is known by the names Shri Vishwanath and Vishweshwara literally meaning Lord of the Universe.
Varanasi city was called Kashi in ancient times, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The Temple has been referred to in Hindu scriptures for a very long time as a central part of worship in the Shaiva Philosophy.
- The temple is mentioned in the Puranas including the Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana.
It had been demolished by many Muslim rulers many times, last time It was demolished by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor who constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site.

Architecture –

Constructed in the 18th century in the Nagara style of architecture, it has five shikharas (spires), which start from the bottom and converge on the top.
The main temple is quadrangle and is surrounded by shrines of other gods.
There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi also spelt as GyaanVapi (the wisdom well).
According to the structure of the temple, there is a Sabha Griha or Congregation Hall leading to the inner GarbhaGriha or Sanctum Sanctorum.
It is locally known as ‘Monkey temple’ because of the large number of monkeys inhabiting the place.

Kashi corridor project

Currently, a corridor is being constructed between Kashi Vishwanath temple and ManikarnikaGhat, consisting of various amenities for pilgrims.
The project connects the Kashi temple with the ghats of the Ganga, with a paved walkway around 320 metres long and 20 metres wide.
It will also have facilities for a museum, library, a facilitation centre for pilgrims and a MumukshaBhawan (salvation house).

Goddess Annapurna Idol

Recently, an ancient idol of Goddess Annapurna was brought back to India after over a century from Canada.
It will be placed in its original location – the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Goddess Annapurna: She is the goddess of food. She is also known as the manifestation of the goddess Parvati, partner to Lord Shiva.
- The idol holds a bowl of kheer in one hand and a spoon in the other.
Benares Style: The 18th-century idol, carved in the Benares style, was part of the collection at the MacKenzie Art Gallery at the University of Regina, Canada.