Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi

History of Kashi – When Parvati and Shiv married, they dreamed of residing in a holy location. After surveying the entire earth, they selected Kashi. During that time, King Devodas was the ruler of the region. Shiv instructed Nikumbh to make Varanasi uninhabited, and Nikumbh complied. Shiva and Parvati arrived and made their home in Varanasi. This led to King Devodas feeling melancholic. Mourning his lost kingdom, he performed penance and sought a blessing from Lord Brahma. He requested that the deities remain in their celestial realm, the serpents in the underworld, and humans on the earth. Lord Brahma agreed to this. Consequently, Shiva and the other deities were compelled to depart from Kashi. This left Lord Shiva very sorrowful. The king established a shrine for Lord Shiva in Kashi. Shiva sent Surya to Kashi, and upon witnessing the place’s magnificence, Surya decided to reside there in his twelve manifestations. Inspired by Lord Shankar, Lord Brahma came to Kashi, and with the assistance of Devodas, he conducted ten Ashwamedha Yagyas and settled there as well. Ultimately, to fulfill Lord Shiva’s desire, Lord Vishnu visited Kashi in the guise of a Brahmin and shared knowledge with Devodas. Following this, he approached Shankar and invited him, which caused the irate Lord Shankar to return and establish himself in Kashi once more.

Narrative about the trip to Kashi

According to legend, Lord Shankar severed the fifth head of Brahma, and in order to atone for that sin, he undertook numerous pilgrimages. However, he could only absolve himself of it after arriving in Kashi, where the sin of Brahma’s killing was finally lifted.

When the pilgrims get to Kashi, they all head to the Ganga’s banks to take a dip and perform Surya Namaskar. The mornings for the residents of Kashi begin by the banks of the Ganga.

Chronicle of Kashi

Kashi is considered the world’s oldest city, with references to it found in numerous texts of the Vedas. It is believed that Kashi is situated on the trident of Lord Shiva, and as such, when the world eventually faces destruction, Lord Shiva will protect Kashi.

Kashi, also known as Banaras or Varanasi, is a highly significant pilgrimage destination. It is located between the two rivers Varana and Assi, which is why it is also referred to as Varanasi. Many pilgrims visit Kashi for Pind Daan during Pitru Paksha. The act of Pind Daan and bathing in the Ganga is believed to be beneficial for one’s ancestors as well. It is said that for each sesame seed used in the Pind, ancestors gain a place in heaven for thousands of years.

According to legend, Shankar Ji once offered one of his flowers at this location, which is why it is referred to as Manikarnika Ghat. Pinddaan is performed here to ensure the salvation of one’s ancestors. Manikarnika is regarded as the most ancient pilgrimage site in the area and is well-known for its water. It is believed that Vishnu Ji worshipped at this site for a duration of 7000 years.

Tarakeshwar Temple Manikarnika Ghat

Tarakeshwar Temple is located at Manikarnika Ghat. It is believed that when a person passes away here, they can hear Lord Shankar’s Tarak Mantra and achieve salvation. In Kashi, any animal that is slaughtered is set free. Because of this belief, individuals from all parts of the country have traveled to Kashi for many years to end their lives. In Kashi, people even gift cows by grasping the tail of the cow.

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

India is home to a total of 12 Jyotirlingas, one of which is located in Kashi, known as Kashi Vishwanath. It is believed that a trip to Kashi is incomplete without a visit to the Vishwanath temple. According to legend, Lord Shiva used his trident to excavate a well here, and consuming the water from this well grants one knowledge and liberation. In addition to Lord Shiva, it is believed that 33 crore deities reside in Kashi. Kashi boasts a total of 84 ghats, each holding its own significance.

Importance of Ganga Aarti

Ganga Puja and Ganga Aarti hold immense importance in Kashi, taking place each morning and evening along the banks of the Ganga. The rich history is embedded in its 84 ghats and countless temples.

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