The Kasi Visalakshi Temple is a famous temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Visalakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati. This temple is very old and considered one of the Shakti Peethas, which are holy places for Hindus. People from all over the world visit to pray and seek blessings.
Kasi Visalakshi Temple: The Mythological Story
Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, married the god Shiva against her father’s wishes. Daksha held a grand yajna (sacred ritual) but did not invite Sati and Shiva. Despite not being invited, Sati went to the yajna. When she arrived, Daksha ignored her and insulted Shiva. Hurt and unable to bear the insult, Sati jumped into the sacrificial fire and died.
Shiva, in his anger, transformed into Virabhadra and killed Daksha for causing Sati’s death. However, Shiva later forgave Daksha and brought him back to life. Overcome with grief, Shiva wandered the universe carrying Sati’s body. To stop his suffering, the god Vishnu cut Sati’s body into 51 parts. Each part fell in different places, creating the Shakti Peethas, temples dedicated to different forms of the Goddess.
In each Shakti Pitha, devotees worship Shiva as Bhairava, the protector of the presiding goddess. People believe that Sati’s eye or earring fell in Varanasi, making it a Shakti Pitha and establishing the temple of Visalakshi. However, priests at the temple say that it was actually Sati’s face that fell there, which is hidden behind the idol.
Kasi Visalakshi Temple: Historical Significance
The Visalakshi Temple appears in various ancient texts and Tantric works.
The Rudrayamala, Kularnava Tantra, and Ashadashapitha, among others, recognize Varanasi as an important Shakti Peetha.
The Devi Bhagavata Purana also lists Vishalakshi as one of the main Shakti Peethas.
Religious Significance of Kasi Visalakshi Temple
Kasi Visalakshi Temple stands as one of the revered Shakti Peethas, sacred temples dedicated to the Divine Mother. Each Shakti Peetha connects to a part of Sati’s body that fell to the earth.
In Varanasi, Sati’s earring fell, making this temple a revered Shakti Peetha. Devotees worship Shiva at each Shakti Peetha in the form of Bhairava, the guardian deity of the presiding goddess.
Festivals and Worship at Kasi Visalakshi Temple
Visalakshi Temple hosts numerous religious activities and festivals.
One of the most significant is Kajali Tij, which occurs on the third lunar day of the waning fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August). During this festival, women sing songs and pray for the welfare of their brothers.
Devotees often bathe in the holy Ganges before visiting the temple. They believe that the puja (worship), offerings, and hymns recited here bring great benefits.
Unmarried girls pray for a good husband, childless couples seek blessings for a child, and those facing difficulties pray for a change in their fortune.
Architectural Marvel of Kasi Visalakshi Temple
The Kasi Visalakshi Temple showcases South Indian architectural style, featuring a gopuram (tower) adorned with elaborate carvings.
The temple complex includes several Shiva lingams and colorful sculptures on the pillars. Inside the sanctum, devotees worship two idols of Goddess Vishalakshi: a smaller black stone idol called Adi Vishalakshi and a taller black stone image installed later.
Things to Do at Kasi Visalakshi Temple
- Pray and Seek Blessings: The main reason people visit the Kasi Visalakshi Temple is to pray and seek blessings from Goddess Visalakshi. You can offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
- Explore the Architecture: Take some time to admire the beautiful carvings and sculptures. Each design has a story to tell.
- Attend the Aarti: The temple holds daily Aarti ceremonies, which are very special. The priests chant prayers and light lamps, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Visit Nearby Temples: Varanasi has many other famous temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple. Make sure to visit these as well.
Tips for Visiting the Kasi Visalakshi Temple
- Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, as you might need to walk a bit.
- Keep some cash handy for offerings and donations.
- Be respectful and follow the temple rules.
- Avoid visiting during peak hours to escape the crowd.
Distance from Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Visalakshi Temple
If you’re planning a pilgrimage, you’ll be pleased to know that the Vishalakshi Temple is conveniently located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The distance between these two revered temples is approximately 1.5 kilometers. You can easily walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to reach Vishalakshi Temple from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Kasi Visalakshi Temple Varanasi Timings
Knowing the temple timings is essential to plan your visit. The temple is open from:
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Kasi Visalakshi Temple Online Booking
For a hassle-free visit, you can make an online booking for your darshan at Vishalakshi Temple. Several websites and mobile applications offer this service, allowing you to book your visit in advance and avoid long queues, especially during peak visiting hours and festival times.
Kasi Visalakshi Temple Location
The Kasi Vishalakshi Temple is situated at Mir Ghat on the banks of the holy River Ganges, near the famous cremation grounds of Manikarnika in Varanasi.
The exact location is easily accessible via local transportation, and it is close to other important temples and ghats in the city.
Shastanga Yoga and Religious Circuit
In the sacred geography of Varanasi, six points are said to symbolize Shastanga (six-fold) yoga. These include the Vishwanath Temple (dedicated to Shiva), the Vishalakshi Temple, the Ganges, the Kala Bhairava temple (dedicated to Varanasi’s guardian deity and Vishalakshi’s Bhairava), the Dhundiraj Temple (dedicated to the god Ganesha), and the Dandapani temple (dedicated to an aspect of Shiva).
Visiting these sites is believed to be highly auspicious.
How to Reach Kasi Visalakshi Temple?
- By Air: The nearest airport to Vishalakshi Temple is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, located about 25 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach the temple.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main railway station in the city, approximately 3 kilometers from the temple. After arriving at the station, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus to reach the temple.
- By Road: Varanasi is well-connected by road. You can reach the city by bus, car, or other private vehicles. Once in Varanasi, local transportation options like taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses can take you to the Vishalakshi Temple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kasi Visalakshi Temple
Q.1) Which part of Sati fell in Kashi?
In Kashi, the earrings or eyes of Goddess Sati fell. This makes the Vishalakshi Temple one of the revered Shakti Peethas, important sites where parts of Sati’s body landed.
Q.2) What is the significance of Kasi Visalakshi Temple?
The Vishalakshi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi, an aspect of Parvati. Devotees believe that worshipping here brings prosperity, good fortune, and the fulfillment of desires. The temple’s location on the Ganges adds to its spiritual importance.
Q.3) Which Shaktipeeth is in Kashi?
In Kashi, the Vishalakshi Temple is the Shakti Peetha. It is one of the 51 sacred sites where parts of Sati’s body are said to have fallen (Trawell.in) (Templesinindiainfo).
Q.4) Why is Kashi Vishwanath Temple famous?
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is famous because it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. Its historical and spiritual significance, along with its location on the Ganges, draws millions of visitors each year.
Q.5) What is the best time to visit Kashi?
The best time to visit Kashi is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and major festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Maha Shivaratri take place. This period offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience.
Q.6) What is special in Kashi?
Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is special for its spiritual ambiance, ancient temples, and ghats along the Ganges River. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major center for Hindu devotion and pilgrimage. Key attractions include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Q.7) Why is Kashi powerful?
Kashi is powerful because Hindus believe it is the home of Lord Shiva, where the cycle of birth and death can be broken. They believe that dying in Kashi ensures liberation (moksha) from rebirth. The city’s spiritual significance and ancient history make it a revered destination.
Q.8) Is jeans allowed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Yes. While the temple does not have a strict dress code, visitors should dress modestly to show respect for the sacred atmosphere.
Q.9) How many days are enough in Kashi?
Spending 2-3 days in Kashi is enough to explore the main temples, ghats, and cultural sites. This allows visitors to participate in the Ganga Aarti, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and experience the spiritual ambiance of the city.
Conclusion
The Kasi Visalakshi Temple in Varanasi is not just a place of worship but a site of immense historical and spiritual importance. Its rich mythology, beautiful architecture, and serene location on the banks of the Ganges make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Varanasi.
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