Dev Deepawali, the Festival of Lights of the Gods, is a mesmerizing celebration that takes place in the heart of Varanasi, India. This unique festival, marked by the grandeur of illuminated ghats and a spiritual ambience, is a must-visit for travellers seeking an authentic and culturally enriching experience.

Planning a trip to Varanasi during Dev Deepawali is a journey into the heart of Hindu traditions and spirituality. In this Dev Deepawali Itinerary & guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step plan for your unforgettable journey.

Choose Your Travel Dates

Dev Deepawali typically falls on the full moon day of Kartik, which is in November. However, the exact date varies each year due to the Hindu lunar calendar. Ensure you check the specific date for the year you plan to visit. This year Dev Deepawali will be celebrated on 27th November 2023.

Book Accommodation in Advance

Given the popularity of Dev Deepawali, it’s essential to book your accommodation well in advance. Varanasi offers a range of lodging options, from cosy guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Staying near the ghats will give you easy access to the festival’s grand celebrations.

Make Travel Arrangements

Book your travel tickets in advance. Varanasi is well-connected by air, train, and road. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is the nearest airport. Check this guide and plan your arrival accordingly.

Create Your Dev Deepawali Itinerary

Research the events and activities happening during Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. This may include special pujas, cultural performances, processions, and the iconic lamp-lighting along the ghats. Plan your visit to ensure you don’t miss these key moments. Don’t forget to check out 6 reasons why you shouldn’t miss Dev Diwali! (A free 4 day Itinerary is available to download at the end of this blog post)

Pack Modest Clothing and Comfortable Attire

Varanasi is a conservative city, so pack modest clothing, especially for temple visits and religious events. Lightweight, comfortable clothing is recommended as the event night gets really hot!

Savor Varanasi’s Culinary Delights

Indulge in Varanasi’s local cuisine, which boasts a variety of delectable vegetarian dishes. Don’t miss trying popular street foods, sweets, and local specialities like Kachodi, Malaiyo, Tamatar Chaat etc.

Practice Cultural Sensitivity

Show respect for local customs and traditions. While photography is often allowed, request permission before photographing people or religious ceremonies. Understand the significance of the festival to the local population. Do not disrespect the deceased and their loved ones by shamelessly clicking pictures at Manikarnika Ghat for social media validation.

Immerse Yourself in the Festival

Participate fully in the celebrations, joining the locals in lighting lamps and attending religious ceremonies. Dev Deepawali is a time of deep spirituality and cultural celebration; make the most of the experience. You can take boat rides and guided tours, WhatsApp us to book a tour.

Plan Your Departure

Arrange your departure well in advance, as transportation and accommodation can be in high demand during this time.

Take a more detailed travel plan with you as you embark on your unforgettable journey to celebrate Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. It’s your key to an enriching and culturally immersive experience.

Download Your Free 4 Days Dev Deepawali Itinerary PDF Here

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Panchganga Ghat or Bindumadhav Ghat is a famous ghat located in Varanasi, India. It is situated on the banks of the river Ganges and is named after the five holy rivers that are said to converge at this spot: Ganga, Saraswati, Dhupapapa, Yamuna and Kirana.

It is one of the 5 oldest and most important ghats in Varanasi and is believed to have been built by the sage Bhrigu during the time of the Mahabharata. Pilgrims from all over the world come to this ghat to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges and offer prayers to the gods. It is believed that bathing in the waters of the Panch Ganga Ghat can wash away one’s sins and help attain salvation.

The Panch Ganga Ghat is also known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the river Ganges. The ghat is lined with rows of steps that lead down to the river, and it is surrounded by several grand old buildings and temples such as Alamgir Mosque, Bindu Madhav Temple, etc.

History of Panchganga Ghat

The earliest mentions of the ghats are in an 11th-century text known as “Kashi Khand” from the Skanda Purana. The Kashi Khand describes Panchganga as the second most important ghat after Dashaswamedh Ghat.

Around the time of the Gahadavala dynasty(11th-12th century), the royal families preferred Panchganga over the Dashashwamedh ghat. It was known as Bindumadhav Ghat because of the glorious golden temple of Vishnu that was present at the Ghat. Vishnu Temple or the Bindu Madhav temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb and converted into Alamgir Mosque in 1673. The present temple was re-established on the right side of the mosque.

Prominent Figures Connected to Panchganga Ghat

The Panchganga Ghat has a strong association with several important figures in Hinduism, as well as other spiritual leaders. These individuals have made significant contributions to the religious and cultural heritage of India and are remembered for their teachings, wisdom, and influence.

1. Adi Shankaracharya – He was a Hindu philosopher and theologian who established the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. Shankaracharya is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and performed spiritual practices there.
2. Tulsidas – He was a Hindu poet-saint and philosopher who wrote the Ramcharitmanas, an epic poem in the Awadhi language. Tulsidas is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and performed rituals in honor of Lord Rama.
3. Kabir – He was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint whose writings influenced Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. Kabir is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and sang devotional songs in praise of the divine.
4. Ravidas – He was a 15th-century Indian saint and poet whose devotional songs and verses are still popular among the people of India. Ravidas is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and performed spiritual practices there.
5. Guru Nanak – He was the founder of the Sikh religion and is considered to be one of the greatest spiritual leaders in Indian history. Guru Nanak is said to have visited the Panch Ganga Ghat and meditated there, gaining spiritual enlightenment.
6. Trailanga Swami – He was often seen sitting on the steps of Panchganga Ghat, meditating and offering blessings to devotees who came to see him. It is said that he would often disappear for long periods of time, only to reappear at the ghat when he felt called to do so.

These important figures have all left their mark on the Panch Ganga Ghat and are remembered for their teachings and wisdom. Their association with this site has helped deepen its spiritual significance and made it a revered place of pilgrimage for millions of people worldwide.

In addition to its religious and cultural importance, the Panch Ganga Ghat also offers a picturesque view of the river and the surrounding city. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Ganges to get a closer look at the ghats, or sit by the river and watch the river flow.

Despite the heavy influx of pilgrims and tourists, the Panch Ganga Ghat remains a peaceful and serene place, with the sound of temple bells and the gentle flow of the river providing a soothing backdrop to the activities taking place here. It is one of the cleanest and must-visit destinations for anyone looking to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Varanasi.

How to Reach Panchganga Ghat

Panchganga Ghat is located just 6 minutes walking distance from the Burning Ghat. You can also take a walk from the Kachori Gali to Panchganga Ghat via the streets to explore the older part of the area. The ghat can also be reached via boat from any Ghat in the city.

Nearby Places

Shree Math
Alamgir Mosque
Trailanga Swami Ashram
Dhutpapeshwar Mahadev
Vindu Madhav Temple
Balaji Temple
Siddheshwari Temple
Kashi Dham Museum

Nearby Ghats

Bharma Ghat
Balaji Ghat
Jatar Ghat
Mehta Ghat

The post Panchganga Ghat – Confluence of 5 Rivers appeared first on Varanasi Guru.

Malviya Bridge is a steel truss bridge located in Varanasi, India. It spans the River Ganges and is one of the key connections between the city’s main tourist and residential areas, including the Ghats and the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Built-in the early 20th century, the bridge has a significant historical and cultural significance in the city and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

The bridge was earlier named after Lord Dufferin, who was the Governor-General of India during the British Raj. It was officially opened in 1887 and was one of the first permanent bridges to cross the Ganges in Varanasi. The bridge is approximately 1,200 feet long and 20 feet wide and has the capacity to accommodate a large number of pedestrians, rickshaws, and small vehicles. It is also equipped with streetlights and railings, making it safer and easier to traverse.

In recent years, Dufferin Bridge has undergone several renovations and upgrades to ensure its safety and functionality. The bridge took its current shape in 1947 when new girders were added, which also marked the bridge’s renaming as Malviya Bridge. Despite this, it still retains its original design and structure, making it a unique and iconic landmark in the city. The bridge is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to gather, particularly during the evening when the city lights up and the river is illuminated.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Dufferin Bridge has also been featured in several Bollywood movies over the years, including “Lamhe,” “Banaras,” “Mirzapur,” “Masaan,” and “Bhojpuriya Raja.” These movies have further increased the popularity of the bridge and have helped to establish it as a key attraction in Varanasi.

Overall, Malviya Bridge offers breathtaking views of the river, temples, and Ghats, and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, a visit to Dufferin Bridge is a must to experience the essence of Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

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The Balloon Festival of Varanasi is an annual event that takes place in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a celebration of adventure sports and cultural tourism and is organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. The festival is held in the month of February and attracts a large number of visitors from across India and the world. 

One of the main highlights of the festival is the display of hot air balloons, which are launched from various locations across the city. The balloons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and the sight of them soaring high in the sky provides a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. The festival provides a platform for participants from India and around the world to showcase their designs and compete against one another in various categories, such as the most creative, the most colorful, and the most innovative.

In addition to the hot air balloons, the festival also features several other adventure sports, such as paragliding and skydiving(supposed to be launched in 2023). These sports provide a thrilling experience for participants and spectators alike, and the festival provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the thrill of adventure sports in the beautiful and historic city of Varanasi.

The Balloon Festival of Varanasi also showcases the rich cultural heritage of the city, with a variety of cultural performances and events taking place throughout the festival. Local artists, musicians, and performers come together to showcase their talents and provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Varanasi. The festival provides a platform for local artisans to display their traditional crafts, and for local food vendors to offer a taste of the city’s delicious cuisine.

The Balloon Festival of Varanasi is an important event for the city and the state of Uttar Pradesh, as it helps to promote Varanasi as a destination for adventure sports and cultural tourism. The festival provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Varanasi, and its growing popularity has helped to boost the city’s economy and enhance its reputation as a tourist destination. Whether you are an adventure sports enthusiast, a cultural lover, or simply someone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the Balloon Festival of Varanasi is an event that you won’t want to miss.

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A serene surrounding of a water body with an aged old temple dedicated to the Lord Kapardishwara Mahadev, Gates decorated with skulls and various small temples dedicated to Brahm- the lord of another world welcomes you into a time of prayers for your forefathers waiting for their liberation from a forbidden state so that they can attain moksha by entering into core of Kashi – The Siddhi Kshetra of Lord Vishwanath.

LEGEND OF PISHACH MOCHAN

As per Kashi Khanda – The Pishach Kund is originally known as “Vimal Tirth / Vimlodak Tirtha.” A Shiv Gana named Kapardi created a water body- “Vimal Tirth” and worshipped Shiva at this place hence Kapardiswara Mahadev came into existence. Over the period of time, the place became famous as a place for penance. Once a Pashupata sage- was meditating at the bank of Vimal Tirth, suddenly a Pishach who was a brahmin but due to his Karma of past birth got the Pishach(Ghost) Yoni. Initially, he tried to frighten sage Valmiki but after much effort, he bowed down to Sage and asked him for liberation. Sage Valmiki asked him to bathe in the pond and worship Lord Kapardishwara. Hence Pishach got liberation from Pishach Yoni and tirtha became Pishach Mochan. Since then Pishach Mochan tirtha became a famous place for Pind Daan and Tripindi Sraadh apart from Gaya, Bihar.

[Valmiki (Pashupata- Were a cult of Shiva Worshipper in Kashi, dedicated to Aghor form of Shiva and were centered around present Omkareshwar Tirth, do not confuse Valmiki with Sage Valmiki, who wrote Ramayana)]

Pind Daan and Shraddh Karm

As per Hindu beliefs after the death of a person, his/her souls reside in the Pitriloka – the realm between heaven and earth, governed by Yama “The Lord of Death”. The three generations of ancestors remain in the Pitriloka and visit the earth during Pitri Paksha (The Lunar month of Bhadrapada) so that they can get water, offering from their lineage. If they get it, they get liberation but if they don’t get the offering, they get the punishment of rebirth. When a person of the next generation dies, the first generation shifts to heaven and attains moksha/rebirth depending upon Karma and above said reason. That is why Sahraddh rituals are done for only three generations of ancestors. The troubled souls of ancestors have an effect on their loved ones on earth if they are not happy in Pirtaloka hence the rituals of Pind Daan and Shraddh Karam become important. 

Tripindi Shradh

A series of rituals to get away from the Pitra Dosha, involves the worship of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva represented by clay water pot- Kalsaha of white, Yellow, and Black clothes respectively so that they can give liberation to ancestors. 

In the month of Pitripaksha, Pishach Kund turns into a prime place for these rituals, and folks from around the world visit this place so that their loved ones can get liberation. The entire area around Kund witnesses a huge gathering of people in white clothes and shaved heads performing puja, under the guidance of Brahmins. It is said that after Gaya, Pishach Mochan is the only place where one can perform such puja that opens a door of moksha for forefathers. Even Garun Purana mentions the glory of Tirtha.

The place gives a very strange vibe owing to the legend associated with it. The very place has a Pipal tree, which has uncountable nails nailed to it, some with coins, and photographs of multiple people who probably died an untimely death. As per a famous tale, It is said that it’s the final solution for a troubling soul, maybe it’s a superstition or a reality, depending on one’s belief.

The main temple complex is situated at the bank of a Kund, you can get a darshan of Kaprdishwar Mahadev along with Kapardi Vinayak (Temple also comes under Panch karoshi Yatra). Just adjacent to the temple a small complex idol of Brahm is worshipped along with lord Hanuman and Vishnu. There is the temple of Pisacheswara Mahadev and Sage Valmiki on Valmiki Tila nearby. The area around Kund has several small temples headed by Panda/ Brahmin with their own presiding deities. There is an Akhada nearby, it’s a peaceful complex with small temples and places dedicated to Ramleela of Chitrakoot Ramleela, which was started by Megha Bhagat “Disciple of Goswami Tulsidas”.

[Varanasi Guru doesn’t endorse any superstitious customs or beliefs, all the things said above are for sake of only information and love for this unique and unmatchable City, while visiting this place be aware of frauds and even if you want to perform rituals, seek help from locals or genuine priests.] 

How To Reach

Pishach Mochan is near Lahurabir and easily approachable via Road.

Nearby Places 

Pitra Kund 

Pitreshwara Mahadev

Matri Kund

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Kedar Ghat, home to the Gauri Kedareshwar temple, is one of the five sacred ghats in Varanasi. Dashashwamedh, Panchganga, Manikarnika and Adi Keshav being the other four major ghats. 

Just as Kashi is believed to be the mandala of India’s devotion, Kedara is believed to be the mandala of Kashi-  Kedar Khand.

As Kashi is divided into three major Devotion circles – Kedar Khand, Kashi Khand, and Omkareshwar Khand. Each Khand has its own primal deity- Kedareshwar, Vishweshwar and Omkareshwar respectively. 

The Kedar Ghat houses the Gauri Kedareshwar Temple & Gauri Kund.

Kedar ghat is believed to be Adi Manikarnika and Gauri Kund as Adi Manikarnika – the proximity to the Harishchndra Ghat (second major cremation ghat of Varanasi, somehow authenticates this)

The ghat is a major attraction among south Indian devotees as it is associated with Kumaraswamy Mutt. You may notice many South Indians taking a dip in the holy Ganges near this ghat. It is neighboured by Vijiyanagaram Ghat, built together in the 18th Century by King Vijayanagar. It was rebuilt in the mid-20th century by the Uttar Pradesh Government. The Maharaja of Vijayanagar is said to have developed it and in 1958, the state government made it a pucca ghat.

The Kedara is assumed to be older than the Kashi Vishwanath because of its mention in the early Puranas and it is widely believed that the temple survived the devastation in the late 17th century by Aurangzeb, inferring that the present Kedareshwar temple is older than the present temple of Vishwanath.

Gauri Kedareshwar Temple

This ghat has one of the very old temples, Gauri Kedareshwar Temple, from where it gets the name, Kedar Ghat. Gauri Kedareshwar Temple is dedicated to lord Eshwar and goddess Parvati. The main temple has a Shivling and Nandi. Kedareshvara is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is famous for being the replica of the lingam at Kedarnath Himalayan temple. The Shivalinga in the inner sanctum of the temple is not an ordinary one, with a lumpish outcropping of rock with a white line through it. Traditionally believed to be a ‘self manifest’ linga, giving the same virtue as the other Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand.

One can even witness the mark of Aurangzeb’s Sword when he tried to demolish this temple but failed to do so. The temple’s interior and ghat give a glimpse of the Southern part of India. The façade of the ghat faces a Kund, Shree Gauri Kund which is mostly dry and fills up only in the monsoon season. The sacred water of the Gauri Kund is believed to have healing properties.

With the calm environment of the Kedareshwar temple and the awe-inspiring scenery of the Ganga, the sacred Kedar Ghat is a place one should not miss visiting.

How to reach Kedar Ghat?

Kedar ghat is situated between Vijayanagaram and Chauki ghat which can be reached through the lanes of Bengali Tola or via boat. This place is 5.5 km from Varanasi Cant. Junction.

Nearby Places

• Narad Ghat
• Durga Bari Temple

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Located in Visheshwarganj adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna. With a golden ladle in one hand and a jewelled bowl of rice in another, Annapurna is regarded as the Goddess of food and nourishment. Annapurna (Anna means food and Purna means complete or full) never lets her devotees stay without food. She is an aspect of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiv who has a significant role in the legend of this temple. She is also revered as the Goddess of Kashi who always protects the city.

Annapurne Sada Purney Shankar Praana vallabhe Gyan Vairgya Siddhyatham Bhiksham Dehi Cha Parvati

This is how Shiv praised Parvati and asked her for food, knowledge, sanyasa & divine knowledge to become a complete one.

A pure Philosophical narration of Shaktya way (Goddess Worshiping) of Sanatan Dharm where Shiv is Shava (lifeless) & his union with shakti makes him The Shiv (Shankar).

The mythological landscape of Kashi went through a lot of changes 11^th century onwards with the series of attacks, plunders & destruction of sacred temples. On the one hand, these attacks lead to damage to old temples but somehow these attacks resulted in the dislocation of sacred idols & emergence of new temples.

The Kashi Annapurna temple is one of them, there is no mention of Annapurna in the Puranas, although there are mentions of Bhavani Gauri as a consort of Visheswar & hence the chief goddess of Kashi.

But over the generation, the importance of Bhavani Gauri declined and the Goddess Annapurna took her place.

The temple gathers a huge crowd on the occasion of Annakoot, which is celebrated the day after Diwali every year. The golden icon of the Goddess can be only seen once a year on this day. Annakoot coins are distributed to all the devotees as a blessing of Goddess Annapurna.

Kashi Annapurna Temple

Located adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Goddess is present with a golden ladle in one hand and a jeweled bowl of rice in another, Annapurna is regarded as the Goddess of food and nourishment. Annapurna (Anna means food and Purna means complete or full) never let her devotees stay without food. Even lord Vishwanath is depicted as a seeker in front of her, holding a trident in one hand and a bowl in another hand.

Annapurna Devi Mandir was constructed in 1729 A.D by Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao in Nagara architecture and the large-pillared sanctum houses the idol of Goddess Annapurna. The temple has two idols of the Goddess, one of brass which is available for daily Darshana, and the other one of gold which can be seen only once a year.

The temple was built in a panchayatan way with sanctums of Ganesha, Kubera, Surya, Yantreshwar Mahadev, SatyaNarayan, and Hanuman.

The temple gathers a huge crowd on the occasion of Annakoot, which is celebrated a day after Diwali every year and during Navratra in October & April. 

The temple houses a Golden image of Goddess Annapurna along with Bhu Devi & Sri Devi, located on the first floor of the temple complex. The darshan of this image is only available during the Deepawali festival (from Dhanteras to Annakoot) every year.

During the festival coins & Dhan are distributed to all the devotees as a blessing of Goddess Annapurna.

Bhavani Gauri: Presently situated in the Ram Mandir Complex (Adjacent to Kashi Annapurna Temple), a white marble idol on the wall, with Bhavaniswara on the raised platform. There is mention of Bhavani Tirtha – right in front of her.

(Bhavani tirtha is covered with marble floor & fighting for its existence)

Kashi Annapurna Annakhetra Trust

Temple trust runs a free kitchen for the devotees round the year so that no one stays hungry. Along with this, there is a range of social services – old age homes, medical clinics, woman empowerment workshops, free schools & orphanages are being run by the temple trust.

Legend of Goddess Annapurna

According to Hinduism, Shiv and Parvati are like the yin and yang of the Universe. Parvati being the Goddess of all the worldly things or moh-Maya while her consort, Shiv being the founder of yoga and spirituality. Once, Shiv and Parvati were having a conversation in which Shiv said that everything we possess was an illusion or Maya. Even the ‘food’ that we eat was just a part of Maya or materialistic pleasures. This enraged Goddess Parvati as calling food an illusion was like calling her an illusion. She decided to take away all kinds of things from the world in order to make Shiv and the world realize its importance. She wanted to see how will the world survive without food and by merely practicing yoga and meditation. Consequently, the earth became barren and people suffered famine. Everyone, including the Gods, humans and demons kept begging for food.

The motherly love of Goddess Parvati couldn’t see her children die. So, she re-emerged as Maa Annapurna and started distributing food in Kashi. Even Shiv came to Kashi for sustenance and confessed his mistake. This made him realize that he is incomplete without Shakti and both Shiv and Shakti are equally vital for the world to exist. Since then Annapurna is worshipped as the Goddess of food and nourishment.

Where is Annapurna Temple Situated?

House No. D 9/1, Vishwanath Gali, 15 meters North-West of the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. It is 5 km away from Varanasi Cantt railway station.

Nearby Temple – Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ram Mandir, Yaksha Vinayak, Dhoondi Raj Vinayak, Saakshi Vinayak, Vishalakshi Devi, Kalika Dei Temple.

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Man Singh Observatory is a masonry observatory situated in the Man Mandir Ghat(or Someshwar Ghat). It is one of the five existing observatories in India. Also, one of the last constructions of the ‘Astronomical Stone Age’. It was originally constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh(Man Singh), the King of Jaipur in 1710. While the Mahal was built in the 16th Century, it was restored in 1911.

The infrastructure is a mixture of Rajput(Rajasthani) and Mughal architectural styles. The eastern façade of the building faces the river Ganga. Previously working as an information center, this edifice has been digitalized and it now functions as a specialized museum by the government in 2019. It consists of audiovisuals, interactive art, music, 3D show, light show, etc. The construction of a virtual museum is complete by now. This place comes under Indian Archaeological Department. With an entry fee of just 25 INR, it gives you a virtual tour of Varanasi, its lifestyle, culture, and architecture.

The Brilliance of Ancient Indian Astronomers

The brilliance and accuracy of the ancient Indian astronomers is perfectly reflected in this observatory. The observatory is situated on the rooftop of the 300-year old Man Mahal(Palace) or Man Singh Vedshala. Some of the spectacular instruments of this place are:

• Samrat Yantra– For finding time and declination and hour angle of the heavenly bodies.
• Narivalaya Dakshinay Yantra– The use of this instrument is to know whether the heavenly bodies are in the northern or southern hemisphere; also gives time.
• Chakra Yantra– For measuring the declination of the sun, moon, and stars and their distance in time(hour angle) from the meridian.
• Digamsa Yantra– The azimuth of the heavenly bodies is known by this instrument.
• Dakshinobhitti Yantra– The altitude of the heavenly bodies when on the meridian is known by this instrument.

How to reach Man Singh Observatory?

The observatory is 4.2 km from Varanasi Junction Railway Station. You can either walk from Godowlia Chauraha towards Man Singh Ghat or directly walk up the stairs of Man Singh Ghat after crossing Dashashwamedh Ghat(if you’re approaching through ghats).

Nearby places

• Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
• Kashiraj Kali Temple
• Nepali Temple

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Tilbhandeshwar (also known as Vibhandeshwar) Mahadev temple is a Shaivite temple built in the 18th century. The temple is situated in Pandey Haveli, Bhelupur, near Bengali Tola Inter College. Originally, it was named ‘Surabhandeshwar’. According to Hindu mythology, there was a field of til(sesame) plant in this location. One day, a Shivlinga appeared from the heap of til, and thereafter, the local started worshipping it.

The Shivlinga present inside the temple’s sanctum is claimed to be a Swayambhu Shivlinga (emerged by itself) 2,500 years ago. However, there’s a discrepancy between Kashi Khand and Kedar Khand on whether it is a Swayambhu or not. It is noticed that the Linga expands by the size of a ’til’ every year. Currently, the height of the visible part of the linga is 3.5 feet and the diameter of its base is roughly 3 feet. It is also said that Mata Sharda had spent some of her days in this temple.

You will notice a special intermixing of Banarasi and Malyali culture here. It was worshipped by Vibhandak Rishi, whose timeline dates back to the pre-Ramayan era. People often call Tilbhandeshwar shivling as Vibhandeshwar. But actually, Vibhandeshwar Shivlinga is located a floor below it. Some mentioned that Vibhandak Rishi was from the south, hence the southern influence on the temple. It also resides the idol of Ayyapan, which is probably the only temple in Varanasi dedicated to Lord Ayyapan. Ayyappan is a Hindu god of self-control, popular in the southern part of India.

Mahashivratri Parva is organized here every year on Shivratri along with a fair, for a period of 15 days. This temple is very significant during Mahashivratri as the morning procession of Shiv barat initiates from here. The temple opens at 4.30 am in the morning and closes at 9 pm at night.

How to Reach Tilbhandeshwar Temple :

Tilbhandeshwar Temple is located approx. 5 km away from the Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. You can reach the temple by taxi, auto, or rickshaw from any part of Varanasi city.

Nearby places:

Shav Shiva Kali Temple
Old Durga Baadi
Jangamwadi Math

The post Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev- The Evergrowing Shivling appeared first on Varanasi Guru.

वाराणस्यांभैरव: देवसंसारभयंनासंनम! 

जनमजन्मस्य: कृताम्पापम्दर्शनेनविनश्यति!

The shlok which resides on the tongue-tip of every Kashi Vasi glorifies the fierce yet compassionate nature of Kaal Bhairav. How their sins get abolished with a mere image of him tells a lot about his association with this great city.

The word Bhairav is a combined form of three words Bha = creation, Ra = sustenance, Va= destruction (defining the combined nature of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh respectively).

The mythological origin of Kaal Bhairav dates back to the one-story which is the origin of many legends, from the Jyotirlinga to the four-headed Brahma and the establishment of the supremacy of Shaivism.

The story tells that a conversation broke out between Lord Vishnu & Brahma questioning who is supreme amongst the three of them: Brahma – the creator, Vishnu – the sustainer, and Shiva – the destroyer. A pillar of light erupted from the earth and asked them to find out its end. Both Brahma & Vishnu started their search for the ends of the Prakash Stambh (the pillar of light/Jyotirlinga). Eventually, Vishnu surrendered to the ultimate reality but Brahma failed to do so. Yet Brahma didn’t accept his defeat and started the show of his authority. The act of Brahma made Shiva angry which resulted in the origin of the fierce form of Rudra from his hair lock when he plucked it and threw it on mighty Mandrachal. 

Mighty Shiva ordered Bhairav to punish Brahma by cutting his fifth head from which he uttered the insults to Shiva.

Following the order, the fierce Kaal Bhairav cut away the 5^th head of Brahma with his little fingernail. The Brahma’s head got stuck to the Bhairav’s nail and now the curse of Brahma Hatya followed him. Worried Bhairav roamed around the universe to get rid of Brahma Hatya but not even the holiest of holy tirtha helped him.

At the suggestion of Lord Vishnu, Kaal Bhairav entered the city of light: Kashi, where on the bank of Matsyodari Tirtha (present Macchodari) and Ganga the kapal(Head) of Brahma fell on earth, hence both Brahma & Kaal Bhairav got liberated and Brahma Hatya moved to Pataal. Following it, Kaal Bhairav took his penance at the sangam of matsyodari tirtha & Ganga which became famous as Kapal Mochan Tirtha. Shiva pronounced that Kaal Bhairva will remain in Kashi in order to remove sins of the disciple and punishment giver before the liberation of souls after which Shiva will give Taraka Mantra for Moksha.

Kapal mochan tirtha:

The earlier texts suggest that it was at the Sangam of Matsyodari Tirth (present Macchodari Pond) and Ganga but during the later period, Laat Bhairav Kund became famous as Kapal Mochan Tirtha. South to the Laat Bhairav Kund, Raani Bhavani Talab is also mentioned as Kapal Mochan Tirtha but the Matsyodari Kund correlates with the factual findings.

Kaal Bhairav temple: 

The position of Kaal Bhairav Temple has now been moved from its original place (the Matsyodari Kund) due to frequent destruction & encroachment on the original site.

The present temple was built in mid 17th century by Maratha Army Commander Sardar Vinchurkar in the Nagra Style of temple architecture.

Kaal Bhairav is the Kotwal of Kashi, as he decides the course of punishment for residents of Kashi & without his permission, one cannot stay here or perform his duties without any obstacle. Even till now, the Government officials pay their homage irrespective of their caste, creed, and culture so that they can have a peaceful stay.

It’s important to visit Kal Bhairav temple after the darshan of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, without which the pilgrimage is believed to be incomplete.

The temple compound is filled with priests, who carry brooms made of peacock feathers. They perform rituals to wash away the bad omen from the pilgrims followed by the tying of holy threads (Ganda).

Other deities in the temple: 

Small temples dedicated to Nav Graha, Goddess Durga, Hanuman & Ganesha.

Important functions: 

Tuesday and Sunday of Every week, Bhairav Ashtami, Mahashivratri, Annakoot Festival. 

Offerings:

The til or mustard oil is very customary to the Bhairav apart from flowers and sweets. On special occasions, the tradition of Alcohol offering is also being performed there.

Timings:

The temple remains open from 05:00 AM to 01:30 PM and from 04:30 PM to 09:30 PM.

How to Reach:

K- 32/22, Bhaironath. One can easily walk from Maidagin/ Chowk to the temple.

Nearby Temples:

Dandapani  Bhairav Temple
Aas Bhairav Temple
Mritunjaya Mahadev Temple
Kritivasheshwar temple
Sankatha Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple

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