Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also known as Golden Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva the presiding deity of the city. The temple is situated in the heart of varansi on the western bank of Ganges is the among the holiest temple of India. For Centuries this temple is the center of faith for millions of Hindus. More than the ghats or even the holy river Ganga the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, which is enshrined in the Kashi Vishwanath temple is the devotional focus of varanasi. According to the faith and belief of Hindu religion a simple glimpse of jyotirlinga is a soul purification experience and a single visit to this place is considered to merit more than the darshan of any other jyotirlinga.

The Original temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb in 18th century to construct a mosque. The temple was again constructed by late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780. In 1839 two domes of the temple were covered by gold donated by the ruler of Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Now the temple is managed by Trust. The temple opens daily at 2.30 A.M for Mangala Aarti and only ticket holder are permitted to enter the temple premises. The temple closes at 11 P.M. To the side of the temple is Gyan-Kupor also known as “The well of Knowledge”. It is believed that the Shiva Lingam removed from the original temple was hidden in this well to protect it from Aurangazeb and it still lies there.