Devoted to Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most popular temples of Uttarkashi. The temple located on the bank of Bhagirathi river houses a Shivlinga of 90 cm circumference and 60 cm height. Nestled among mountains, the Vishwanath Temple has remarkable views of the Bhagirathi river. This is one of the most sacred, oldest temples in Uttarkashi. Because of its popularity, the Vishwanath Temple is a part of the Char Dham Yatra.
The Kashi Vishwanath shrine is devoted to Lord Shiva and is believed to build by Sage Parshuram initially. Later, the temple was renovated in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti who was the wife of Sudarshan Shah. Having an old-style Himalayan architecture, the present temple was constructed over the pre-made altar. According to beliefs, Lord Vishwanath considered it as his abode from the Kalyug’s second part. It is believed that God Shiva is present in this temple in the avatar of a self-manifested lingam and engaged in deep meditation. The temple also houses Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati. A real devotee of Lord Shiva can attain Moksha on offering truthful worship and service at this temple. Devotees also think that God Shiva blows salvation mantra himself in the devotee’s ears who die at this temple naturally.
The Vishwanath temple is created in a distinctive ancient-Indian architecture, which has already inspired many temples of India. The temple has three main sections- a gold dome, a pinnacle of God Kashi Vishwanath, and a trident on the gold peak. Various shrines devoted to other goddesses and gods are also present in the complex of this temple. Each shrine has an idol of different Gods like Vishnu, Virupaksh Gauri, Sanishwara, Vinayaka, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, etc. The Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum is held by a silver altar.
Mahashivratri is one of the most celebrated festivals at Kashi Vishwanath temple. The priests of the temple wash Shivalinga in every 3 hours on Mahashivratri with milk of cow, honey, curd, water, and cow ghee. The devotees of Lord Shiva decorate the Shivalinga with flowers and conduct jalabhishek. Women come on this day to the temple to pray for their husband and kid’s wellbeing and unmarried girls pray to get a good husband. A Magh Mela also is organized at the Vishwanath temple on Makar Sankranti. Many cultural and traditional activities take place here like taking a parade of dolls to this temple. So, plan a trip to Uttarakashi and visit the sacred Vishwanath Temple.
