Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Dress Code, History & Significance

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple of Lord Shiva) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The mention of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple can be found in the Kashi khand of Skanda Puran. Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple has seen annihilation and rebuilding many times in history.

The temple was destroyed by Qutb – ud – din – Aibak’s army in 1194 when the King of Kannuaj was defeated. The temple was rebuilt during the rule of Iltutmish. It was destroyed again during the rule of Sikander Lodhi.

Raja Maan Singh rebuilt the temple during the time of Emporer Abkar.  In 1669, emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and built the Gyan Vapi mosque in its place. Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore rebuilt the temple in 1780. There are two domes in the temple complex covered in gold.

Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh also known as Punjab Kesari donated gold for the temple complex. The Bhosales of Nagpur donated silver to the temple. After 1983, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple came under the control of the Uttar Pradesh government.

About Kashi

The kingdom of Kashi was one of the most important kingdoms in ancient India. The kingdom of Kashi existed during the Iron Age. There were sixteen mahajanpadas in India during that time. The kingdom of Kashi emerged as one of the mahajanpada in North India during the sixth century B.C.

The capital of the kingdom was Varanasi, located on the banks of the holy river Ganga. The name of the Kashi kingdom was given after King ‘Kasha’. There are three main rivers in the kingdom of Kashi.

Varuna River borders the kingdom in the North, Asi River surrounds the kingdom in the South, and Son River surrounds it in the East. The kingdom of Kashi was an important holy kingdom during the time of Ramayan and Mahabharat. This kingdom was a part of the South Central Kosal kingdom.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Significance 

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most significant temples in the Hindu religion. Devotees take a dip in the holy river Ganga before visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple. They visit the temple to attain moksha.

Devotees believe that Lord Shiva whispers the mantra of salvation in the ears of persons who leave the Earth naturally inside the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple. Hindu saints such as Adi Shankaracharya Ji, Goswami Tulsidas Ji, and Swami Vivekanand have visited the temple.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Architecture

The Kashi Vishwanath temple complex is located in Vishwanath Gali near the Ganga River. It has many shrines located in it. The main temple is in the shape of a quadrangle. It is surrounded by shrines dedicated to other deities.

Temples are dedicated to deities such as Lord Avimukteshwara, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shanishwara, Lord Virupaksh, and Lord Virupaksh Gauri. A holy well named Gyan Vapi is also located is located in the temple complex.

This holy well helped in protecting the Shiva Lingam from foreign invaders. There are three parts of the temple complex. The first part is a spire in the Lord Vishwanath temple, the second part is a gold dome, and the third part is a gold spire on the top of the temple of Lord Vishwanath carrying a flag and a trident.

Dress Code For Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple

There is a specific dress code for the devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Male devotees visiting the temple wear dhoti – kurta. Female devotees visiting the temple wear sarees. All devotees visiting the temple should wear decent clothes.

Rules for Dress code in the Kashi Vishwanath temple are made by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Parishad. Devotees performing sparsh darshan should compulsorily follow the dress code. Devotees not following the dress code can worship the deity from outside of the sanctum only.

Important Information 

Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is located on the western bank of the Ganga River in Varanasi. The Ganga River is one of the holiest rivers in India. Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the twelve jyotirling temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Devotees perform pujas such as Rudrabhishek Puja and Shiv Puran Puja to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Devotees can book Pandit For Rudrabhishek Puja on 99Pandit.

This temple has 800 Kg of gold plating on the structure. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. Devotees know him as ‘Vishwanath Ji’ or ‘Vishveshwar Ji’ meaning the ruler of the Universe. Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, is also the cultural capital of India.

Devotees can not carry electronic devices such as mobile phones and cameras inside the temple. They can deposit these devices in the lockers outside the temple. Devotees from foreign countries can enter the temple from gate number 2. Only Hindu devotees can enter inside the Gyan Vapi well also known as the well of wisdom.

The King of Kashi (known as Kashi Naresh) visited the temple on special festivals such as Shivratri. Devotees were allowed entry inside the temple only when Kashi Naresh had concluded his prayers. The importance of Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is mentioned in the holy scriptures of the Hindu religion.

How to Reach?

It is easy to reach Kashi (Varanasi). Kashi has good road, rail, and air connectivity. Varanasi is connected with important cities such as Kanpur, Lucknow, and Prayagraj. It is easy to reach Varanasi by road.

Devotees can also reach Varanasi by train. Varanasi is connected through trains with major cities of India such as Patna and Lucknow. People can reach Varanasi by air mode also. The nearest airport is located in Varanasi. Devotees can easily reach Varanasi.

Final Glimpse 

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important temples in the Hindu religion. Devotees visit Kashi (Varanasi) to seek the blessings of Lord Shiv. Lord Shiva is the main deity of Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple.

There are temples of other deities such as Lord Ganesh and Lord Bhairav near the main temple. Devotees visit these temples to seek the blessings of the deities. Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the Twelve Jyotirling temples in India.

Devotees worship Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. It is easy to reach Kashi (Varanasi). Devotees can find more information on Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple on 99Pandit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple?

A.Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most important temples in the Hindu religion. Devotees can find information about Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple on 99Pandit.

Q.Where is Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple located?

A.Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in Kashi (Varanasi). Varanasi is one of the most important cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Q.How to reach Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple?

A.It is easy to reach Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple. Kashi has good road, rail, and air connectivity.

Q.What is the dress code of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir?

A.There is a specific dress code for the devotees to follow. Male devotees should wear a dhoti – kurta. Female devotees should wear a saree.