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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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

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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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Purana Durga Bari/Badi is a hidden temple located amidst the lanes of Varanasi in Madanpura, Bangali Tola. It has a very miraculous backstory. Every year, the idol of Maa Durga is installed for a 10-day period in various locations during the Durga Puja. After ten days or Vijayadasami, the idols are immersed in water as a mark to end the festival. Like every year, in 1767, the idols were installed here. But at the time of Visarjan(immersion), the idol did not move at all.

In the same night, the goddess appeared in the dream of the head of the Mukherjee family. “Don’t try to displace me from here as I intend to stay here all along for Kashivas” were her words from the dream. Since then, this temple has stood here. 

This 255-years old figure is composed of conventional materials like straws, clay, bamboo, and thread. Although they are two and a half centuries old, they still look fresh. The goddess is offered with gram and jaggery as prasad. On the right hand side of the icon of Maa Durga, you’ll find a statue of Lord Vishnu carved out of black stone. It is claimed to be of 11th century AD by the Mukherjee family. You can visit this place in Varanasi during the festival of Durga Puja to witness its real vibe.

How to reach Purani Durga Bari

Purani Durga Bari is located in the Madanpura area of Varanasi. To reach here one can take an auto till Sonarpura road and get down at J&K Bank. You will find a small shop of Puri Sabzi here by the name of “Anil Puri Sabzi” take the left turn from there and follow the street, look out for the small red house. You can also ask any local and they will happily escort you to the location.

What to See/Nearby Places

• Jangambari
• House of Lahiri Mahasaya
• Kashi Raj Kali Temple

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Pita Maheshwar Shivling is one of the most secret and hidden temples in Varanasi. It is believed to be shwayambhu a Self-manifested form of Shivling. The mention of this Shivling can also be found in Skand Puran, one of the 18 most important Hindu scriptures.

As per the Kashi Khand of Skand Puran Lord Kartikey, the son of Lord Shiv has described this Shivling as one of the most prominent Shivlings of Kashi.

Pita Maheshwar Shivling is situated 40 feet underground and it is believed to be very powerful that is why the darshans are only recommended by peeping through the hole made in the ground.

The temple opens up only on a few selective days such as Shivratri, Rang Bhari Ekadashi, and Mondays of monsoon season but one can see the Shivling from the hole throughout the year.

The temple is hidden so perfectly that if you haven’t seen or heard about it before you will keep searching for it while standing on top of it the whole time!

As odd it may sound such hidden temples are very common in the streets of Varanasi. Paid media have always called these localities and houses around the temples illegal encroachment while the truth is that these houses were built to hide and protect the ancient temples of Kashi from the invaders such as the army of Aurangzeb.

Our ancestors put their lives in danger to keep these temples secure from the invaders and it is really sad that we are paying their favor back by calling their descendants illegal encroachers. The residents around such temples should be rewarded and their stories need to be shared more than the false narrative which is run by hate-mongering media houses.

Pita Maheshwar is one of such many temples that were saved by our ancestors. Its importance is such that as per the scriptures if someone worships Pita Maheswar he gives Mukti to his next 20 generations.

Thanks to the narrow streets and the brave residents of Kashi that hundreds of such temples are still safe and sound!

How to reach Pita Maheshwar temple

Pita Maheshwar is located in Sheetla street of Varanasi. One can reach here on foot from chowk or Scindia Ghat. If you will approach the temple from the Ghat ask locals about the Siddheshwari Devi temple, from Siddheshwari move forward in the same lane and you will find a narrow street on your left side with a bell on the entrance. Enter the street and follow the path it will lead you to the temple.

What to See/Nearby Places

• Sheetla Mata Temple
• Shiddheshwari Devi
• Chandrakoop
• Scindia Ghat
• Ratneshwar Mahadev

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When in the year 1800 The King of Nepal, Rana Bahadur Shah took exile into his Guardian deities’ abode “KASHI” as “Swami Nirgunananda”, he decided to build a replica of Pashupatinath temple:  The most sacred temple of Nepal.  And with this, a soul of Nepal shifted from the bank of Bagmati to Ganga.

King Rana Bahadur Shah selected the vicinity of Manikarnika Ghat – Lalita Ghat, it gave more familiarity with the ambiance of Pashupati Nath temple in Kathmandu (the bank of Holy Bagmati and holy Cremation area). Which later became famous as “Nepali Khapra” an identity of Nepalese Culture in Kashi with its Sri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Temple Mahadev Mandir/ Nepali Temple/ Kanthwala Temple / Mini Khajuraho with a Dharmshala, Siddhagiri Mutt( Famous as Rajrajeshwari Temple). 

The construction of the temple commenced during his stay in Varanasi which was from the year 1800 – 1804. Soon he moved back to Nepal and on 25th April 1806, Rana Bahadur Shah was stabbed by his stepbrother, Sher Bahadur Shah. Later his son Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah Deva completed the construction of the temple and it took almost 40 years (20 years after the deadline). In 1843 Kashi Naresh transferred the land of the temple and surrounding area to the King of Nepal.

The temple was built in Nepalese Pagoda-style architecture with terracotta, wood, and stone. A magnificent structure with carved sculpture similar to Khajuraho unifies one with three majestic places – Kashi, Nepal, and Khajuraho. The detailed wood carvings of the temple are mesmerizing and it does personify the devotion of makers. The one of its kind temple in Kashi along with a dharmshala is being managed by Nepal Government.

Over the period of time due to lack of care much of the wood structure is damaged and replaced by brick, the damaged wood carvings are still much appreciable and are kept for exhibition in the temple courtyard.

This mesmerizing structure stood solitarily but with pride among the domes and spires dominated skyline of Kashi.  A major attraction among the art & Culture enthusiast, Photographers and Foreign tourist, the temple complex offers a striking view of bustling Ghats some 50 feet below.

Sadly the temple is not well known among the common public and has suffered the apathy of both locals and government. With repeated irresponsible construction works in the surround area the wall of temple suffered a huge damage and if restoration of the temple not initiated in time, it will be a thing of past.

Our culture and heritage are what we are mostly proud of but if we fail to preserve them, this life will be a waste. Development and restoration flourish together and that is what a city with treasures like this requires.

Nepali temple of Kashi is a bond between two Countries with similar cultures and religions. And apart from that the area “Nepali Khapra” has witnessed the many political activities of Nepal in the past as many exiled Prime Ministers and political figures spent their life here only.

With all these information we just hope that each one of you will feel sensitize enough towards your heritage and will bring back the loosing glory of “The Nepali Temple of Kashi”.

Other Important Structure/ Temple :  Lalita Gauri Temple, Ganga Keshav, Ganga Aditya, RajRajeshwari Temple, Vishalakshi Gauri, Varahi Devi Temple, Akshaya Koop.

How To Reach :  You can reach Lalita Ghat by taking a walk from Dashswamedh Ghat towards Manikarnika Ghat.

The post Pashupatinath Temple – A Saga Of Decaying Heritage appeared first on Varanasi Guru.

Built before independence Bharat Mata temple is a unique instance of attribution to patriotism. Located in Mahatma Kashi Vidyapith Campus, the temple was constructed by an industrialist and Freedom Fighter Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta under the direction of chief architect Durga Prasad Khatri.

Inaugurated on October 25, 1936, by Mahatma Gandhi Bharat Mata Mandir is a tribute to every freedom fighter who actively participated in the formation of independent India.  The most interesting thing about this temple is that this temple does not have any statue or idols of god and goddess, it accommodates an undivided segment of an Indian map. Inspired by a map made on Vidhwa Ashram’s floor in Pune and elaborated maps of the British Museum.

This map portrays the dream of every freedom fighter who has witnessed the British era before India got its independence.  The dedication to the construction is remarkable. This extraordinary place has witnessed the hardship of the Indian Freedom struggle. It is a Legacy of Mahama Gandhi’s idea of ‘No Violence’. Bharat Mata Mandir is a symbol of the tranquility and magnificence journey of Independent India. 

In the center of the building, there is a demonstration of an undivided map of India consisting of Pakistan, Afghanistan along with Baluchistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar prior known as Burma & Sri Lanka.

This map has a meticulous structure of around 450 mountain peaks, water bodies, vast plains, and plateaus carved out of marble along with the depth and scale of the geographical establishments marked on it. The peak of landmarks depicts the Mt. Everest & K2 Peaks and the Great Wall of China. The differences among the heights of numerous peaks are visible clearly. One inch covers almost 6.40 miles on the plain surface you can see the same proportion and height differences as it exists on earth from the window installed at the ground in the basement.  Small peaks even the smallest around the sub-continent in oceans can be seen with the help of a Pointed stick or a laser torch. 

The water bodies delineated in the map are filled with water and the land surfaces are adorned with flowers on every Republic and Independence Day. 20th century national Hindi poet Maithili Sharan Gupt, composed a poem on the inauguration of the Bharat Mata Mandir which is displayed on a board inside the building. There is an idol of Bharat Mata inspired by the famous painting of Abanindranath Tagore.

The 30 workers and 25 masons who were involved in the establishment of the temple have done a splendid job and their names are mentioned on a plaque at one of the corners of the building.

Best time to visit Bharat Mata Mandir

The best time to visit Bharat Mata Mandir is Republic Day and Independence Day. The stories and struggles of Independence are told on these national festivals. There is no visiting fee interested people can visit the temple between 9:30 am to 8:00 pm in any season.

The post Bharat Mata Mandir – A Temple of No Gods appeared first on Varanasi Guru.

In Varanasi, no matter where you are you will always be surrounded by Shiva in the form of Shivlings. Banaras is home to more than a thousand Shivlings and hundred of stories about them.

One such story is about a small Shivling which have less religious importance but yet the most interesting name, Pakistani Mahadev.

Story of Pakistani Mahadev

India shares a bittersweet relationship with its neighbor Pakistan since the time of partition. The 1947 partition stood witness to one of the biggest migrations in history on the basis of religion.

Muslims moved to Pakistan while Hindus, Sikhs, and others moved to present-day India. These migrators left their homes behind but carried whatever they could in the refugee train.

Among these refugees were two diamond merchants, Yamuna Das and Nihal Chandra. They left their ancestral properties in Lahore to settle down in Varanasi. Along with some belongings they also bought a Shivling from their home and decided to submerge it into the Ganga.

Upon reaching Varanasi they took a boat from the Raj Ghat to submerge the Shivling but heard the voices of locals asking them to stop. They came back to the ghats with the Shivling and were confronted by the king of Bondi Estate who was on his evening stroll.

After listening to their story the King asked them to establish the Shivling instead of submerging it. The duo agreed and the Pakistani Mahadev came into existence at the steps of the Shitala/Sheetla Ghat.

The Shivling which is made of white marvel is also officially listed as Pakistani Mahadev in the documents of the Municipal council and varanasi development authority. It’s a small compound that sits quietly at the stairs of Sitla ghat and away from the hustle-bustle of the main Ghats.

Pakistani Mahadev temple is open only in the morning & evening when the caretaker comes to worship the idols but you can visit the Shitala Ghat and see it round the clock.

The post Pakistani Mahadev – An Ode to Partition of India appeared first on Varanasi Guru.

Kashi and mysteries are a constant companion to each other, every street and corner has something to tell you but most of it is still untold just like the conversation between Shiva and Shakti. So I really believe that the Kashi is a conversation between these two- Shiva and Shakti and hence a primal center for Tantra Practice.

Many maths and temples in this city are dedicated to cult Tantrik practice but most of them are either least accessible to common beings ( for the sake of keeping them secret and preserved) or lost their charm due to lack of awareness among the common people.

The sacred Kali math is one of them, smeared with myths and history this frail yet glorious structure surely going to give you goosebumps whenever you are going to visit it.

History of Kali Math

The tale of Kali math starts from a Brahmin named Pt. Vaani Vilas. A Dikshit Brahmin but a non-vegetarian (like a Gauda Brahmin) and very fond of fish as a meal. Pt. Vanivilas had an intense desire to get Diksha for sannyasa from a revered sage so he came to Varanasi but he was denied the Diksha due to his non-vegetarian diet.

Dishearten Vani Vilas went to the present Lakshmi Kund,  hanged a dead fish on a stick, and challenged the sannyasins of Kashi for sastrath ( debate on scriptures) with that fish. No one of them was able to win over him and Vani Vilas decided to take diksha from none other than lord Kasi Vishwanath.

He did penance at Lakshmi Kund only and finally one day Lord Vishwanath gave him Diksha for his life as a sanyasi and ordered him to construct a Dakshina Kali temple on the same place to practice austerities there.

One day while coming back from the Dashaswamedh Ghat after his routine Ganga prayers, he noticed a seller with three Idols of Kali.  He sprinkled Ganga Jal on one idol and that idol came alive, laughed, and followed him when Vani Vilas asked – “Maa ! Come with me”. Vani Vilas established that Kali idol at Kali Math/mutt and started worshipping her. Legend says that the other two idols of Kali which I mentioned above are at Tarapith temple, Kamrup, and Dakshineswar Kali temple, Kolkata.

Kali at Kali math said to be a very aggressive one and with the repeated troubles (The accounts of which, needs to be kept a secret), Vani Vilas requested Maa Kali to confined herself to the sanctum only.  He closed the main sanctum forever by making it a closed chamber without any access since then that room with Kali idol is locked. Supposedly the main sanctum is underground in the present math and there is a Kali Tantra inscribed on the floor just above the old sanctum. (this you can see in the room behind the present idol, a dark room with access only to the priests.)

Pt. Vani Vilas installed another Kali idol in the matha often referred to as “ HAYAKANTI KALI”, since then the Kali Math has been adorned by many wonderful Dandi sanyasis and most of them attend siddhi in Kali worship.

Now the story of Vani Vilas is said to be nearly 900 years old but the actual account of the present structure dates back to the 17th century. There was a  renowned Sanskrit scholar  “ Pt. Ramanand Pati  Tripathi”, a well respected Brahmin in Mughal court and teacher of Mughal Prince “ Dara Sikoh “. Pt. Ramanand Pati Tripathi was chief among the group of Sanskrit teachers for Dara sikoh.  He was also a very adorned Tantra worshipper and Kali Math/mutt was established by his efforts with the sanctions from Mughals. In his later life he took sanyas as Swami Gyananand, his Samadhi is still present in the Kali Math/mutt.

There are a list of Sanyasis and some key incidents attached to them like Sri Damodranand Saraswati, it is said that he used to roam near Manikarnika on a lion at night, and above mentioned the Kali yantra is established by him.

Another story of Swami Harihara Nand Saraswati that Maa Ganga used to offer flowers at his feet finally Swami Takuranand Saraswati, how he invoked the three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Math/Mutt complex when he found that one of his devotees is unable to travel to these sacred rivers though I didn’t found these separate Kunds but an old well is present in the complex.

MATH  AT PRESENT  

It is a sad reality that despite its glorious past, the sacred math is losing its old charm. Most of the part of matha is a ruin now and a major part has been replaced by modern brickworks. At present no Dandi Sanyasi is heading the math so one can imagine the status of management.

Despite hurdles Kali Matha is still pursuing its old tradition like an annual musical festival- Shri Kali Math Sangeet Samaroh, a three-day festival in the month of September which witness attendance of great musician in the service of Goddess Kali.

On the special occasion of Navratri and Deepawali special arrangements for puja is still being done by the locals infect on the night of Deepawali one can get a close look at the tantric worship there.

At the end I will really request you to visit the matha, whenever you go to Kashi, experience the vibes, rich history there  and of course the darshan of Kali – as she is the most motherly figure in the Hindu worship despite of her fearsome appearance. Let’s hope that this Matha will reach its grand glory again in future.

The post Kali Math – A Shrine of Unfolded Mysteries appeared first on Varanasi Guru.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, A majestic abode of Lord Shiva in the narrow lanes with a history of centuries of destruction and construction reminds the cycle of time, which Shiva represents, and more than that the firm belief of devotees in Lord Vishwanath.

Without a doubt, it’s the heart, soul & breath of the people of Kashi and the center point of a “Khaati Banarasi’s life as for them –

माता च पार्वती देवी पिता देवो महेश्वरः ।
बान्धवाः शिवभक्ताश्च स्वदेशो भुवनत्रयम् ॥

Goddess Parvati (Annapurna) and Lord Shiva (Kashi Vishwanath) are their parents, Shiva devotees are their brothers, and the entire cosmos is their country. (Source – Annapurna Strotam by Shankaracharya)

So the philosophy of Kashi goes much beyond the “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम” – the world is a family.

The story of Vishwanath Shivling

Let’s first understand the mythological aspect of “Kashi Vishwanath” and that starts with the first confrontation among the Trideva which took at the very same place – “Kashi”.

Brahma was showing his greatness over his creation, and Vishnu was boasting about his capability to sustain life but they forgot that the universe runs on a cycle of birth and death …so who controls that?

A huge pillar of light appeared which was shining with the brightness of millions of stars. A voice echoed and asked lord Brahma and Vishnu to find the ends of this pillar of light. The one, who will find the end, will be awarded supremacy.

Both of them started their search but never found the answer to their quest even after millions of years. Finally, both surrendered and from there the concept of Shivlingam especially the “Jyotirlingam – the radiant shine of The Almighty Shiva” emerges as the representation of Shiva.

This led to the establishment of twelve Jyotirlinga in the Indian subcontinent over a period of time. Kashi Vishwanath is the most primal, the center of Shaiva Philosophy among these. The same legend leads to the Vedic word Kashi – which means “to shine” making Varanasi a City of light.

Shiva loved this new abode after the Kailash and made a promise to never leave this place making it “Avimukta Kshetra”(never forsaken by Shiva).

The divine place developed into “Ananadavana- the forest of bliss” with beautiful forests and ponds laden with lotus flowers and finally as “Mahasamshan”, where Shiva promised Lord Vishnu that he will give moksha to the dead by whispering the Taraka mantra in his /her ears.

With a descent of Ganga on Earth and a surprised turn of her toward Kashi made this very place the only, where She flows as Uttarvahini (toward North). And with this Kashi Vishwanath became the only Jyotirlinga on the bank of Ganga.  

The Kashi Vishwanath temple flourished as a prominent center of Shaiva worship in the Vedic, Puranic age with Kashi becoming the major center of art, knowledge, religion, and business during this time period.

After the late 10th century with the invasion of Arabs and Turks, the region became disturbed with frequent loot, and plunder, and the history of the temple became a saga of construction & destruction with every invasion of land. 

In 1669 CE Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple completely with the construction of a mosque on the same site, which became famous as the “Gyanvapi Mosque”.

Reconstruction of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

In 1780, after a struggle of nearly seven centuries came to an end and the golden era of Kashi Vishwanath temple started when Ahilyabai Holker, the daughter-in-law of Malhar Rao Holker constructed the new temple adjacent to the mosque. The construction of the temple was completed in 1834.

In 1785 British general Warren Hastings ordered Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan to construct a “Naubat Khana” at the south gate of the temple. In 1839, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire donated 1 ton of gold from the plating of 51 feet 51-foot-high dome of the temple.

The temple complex didn’t witness much change till 2008, after which major expansion of the temple took place with the inclusion of Tarakeshwara Mahadev temple (3250 Sq. meter) and Bhuwaneshwara Mahadev (2852Sq. foot) in the east direction of old complex.

With the current Vishwanath corridor project, the major expansion of the temple is taking place.

Temple Structure

The temple complex is 3600 Sq. feet large with the main temple, group of small shrines and three entry gates in south ( most prominent), north, west direction.

After entering from the southern gate:

On the left – Temple of Lakshmi Narayana, Virupaksha Vinayaka is present with Neelkantheswara on the left and Sanichhara Mahadev on the right of the parikrama path.

On the right – Avimukteshwara Mahadev, Avimukt Vinayaka, Ekadashi Mahadev, and Gauri are present.

In the northwest corner of the complex – the idol of Aahilyabai Holker is present along with Vighneswara Ganesh, Nikumbheswara, and Kapileswara.

The corridor in the north is for Brahmins, who perform the “Rudri path” and has Kubereshwar Mahadev at the eastern end of it.

In the Northeast corner – Shringar Gauri / Annapurna are present along with Bhairava and Vyaseshwara Mahadev.

The center complex consists of three domes named Dandapani, Vaikunth, and Kailasha (Vaikuntha and Kailasha are gold plated and well decorated) with the Temple of Dandpani-in the left, Vaikuntheswara- in the middle, and the Kashi Vishwanath to the right.

The Main Sanctum, the Kashi Vishwanath is beautifully decorated with marble sculptures and houses Lord Vishwanath in the Ishana (northeast) direction which makes it very auspicious.

The construction of the main sanctum was done on Shree Yantra and as per belief here Goddess Parvati also presents on the left of Mahadev in the linga (Ardh Nari Nareshwar) making Kashi Vishwanath a Shakti Peetha too. The main sanctum has four gates named Shanti, Kala, Pratistha, and Nrivyitti, which are very significant as per Tantra Texts.

The responsibility of the temple was carried away by the Mehant Family till 28 January 1983, after which it was taken over by the Government and a committee of nominated members (Nyasa Parishad) headed by Kashi Naresh took the responsibility of the temple.

Vishwanath Temple Aarti Timings

The daily temple puja routine consists of five major aarti rituals: 

Mangala Aarti – 2:45 AM – 3:45 AM, the Most auspicious one performed by 4 Brahmins who wake up Lord with Rudri Path.

Bhoga Aarti – 11:30 A.M to 12:30 P.M, 

Saptrishi Aarti – Evening, 07:00 to 08:00 by 7 Priests, who represent the Seven Sages- Kashyap, Atri, Vasistha, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Bharadwaj.  These Brahmins sing shlokas from Samveda. 

This aarti is one of the oldest rituals at the temple and specifically done by certain families of Brahmins since the generation. 

Shringar Aarti– 08:00 P.M to 09:00 PM

The most specific one includes Vedic rituals for worshiping the Lord as King of Kashi.

Shayan Aarti– 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM 

The last aarti of the day is done in the Bhajan (devotional song) by the devotees.

Sri Kashi Nattukottai Nagar Chetram makes the arrangements for daily aarti at the temple. You can easily witness them carrying sacred materials of aarti on their heads in a beautiful musical procession at least 30 minutes before the aarti. 

Other significant festivals are the month of Sawan, Mahashivratri, Rangbhari Ekadashi, Annakuta(the next day of Deepawali), and Dev Deepawali.

Nearby Temples

• Sakshi Vinayaka
• Dhoondiraj Ganesh
• Yaksha Vinayak
• Annapurna temple
• Akshaya Vat
• Gyan Vapi
• Kalratri temple
• Shani temple
• Kashi Karvat temple
• Dharm Koop
• Vishalakshi temple
• Badrinath temple
• Varahi temple

Nearby Ghats

• Dashaswamegh Ghat
• Meer Ghat
• Tripura Bhairavi Ghat
• Lalita Ghat
• Manikarnika Ghat

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