Kashi: The Eternal City of Lord Shiva

Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is considered to be the holiest city in Hinduism and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world. Kashi is believed to be the eternal abode of Lord Shiva, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, is dedicated to him.

The Story of Kashi:

The story of Kashi is steeped in mythology and legend. According to Hindu mythology, Kashi was created by Lord Shiva himself. It is said that once, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were arguing about who was the greater god. To settle the argument, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of an endless pillar of light, known as the Jyotirlinga. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were asked to find the top and bottom of the Jyotirlinga, but they were unable to do so. This realization made them realize that Lord Shiva was the supreme god.

The Jyotirlinga is said to have manifested at five different places, one of which is Kashi. Kashi is also believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, reside.

The Importance of Kashi:

Kashi is considered to be the holiest city in Hinduism because it is believed that one who dies in Kashi attains moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and reincarnation. Kashi is also said to be the place where Lord Shiva performs his cosmic dance, the Tandava.

Kashi is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world. Millions of pilgrims visit Kashi every year to take a dip in the holy Ganges River, offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and witness the aarti ceremony at the ghats.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The original temple was built in the 11th century, but it was destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 12th century. The temple was rebuilt several times over the next few centuries, but it was destroyed again by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The current temple was built in the 18th century.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a beautiful and imposing structure. The temple complex is made up of several smaller temples and shrines. The main temple is a four-storeyed structure with a golden dome. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the Jyotirlinga, which is a black marble lingam.

The Aarti Ceremony at the Ghats:

The aarti ceremony at the ghats is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kashi. Every evening, priests perform the aarti ceremony at several ghats along the Ganges River. The ceremony involves the waving of lamps and chanting of mantras. The aarti ceremony is a beautiful and mesmerizing sight, and it is a must-see for any visitor to Kashi.

Other Places of Interest in Kashi:

In addition to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, there are several other places of interest in Kashi. Some of the other popular tourist attractions in Kashi include:

• The Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is the most popular ghat in Kashi and is where the aarti ceremony is performed every evening.
• The Panchganga Ghat: This ghat is the confluence of the five holy rivers of India, namely the Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Gomati, and Saryu.
• The Manikarnika Ghat: This is the oldest and most sacred ghat in Kashi and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva cremates the dead.
• The Sarnath: This is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located about 10 kilometers from Kashi. It is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

Conclusion:

Kashi is a city that is steeped in history, mythology, and culture. It is a city that is both ancient and modern, and it is a city that is both holy and mundane. Kashi is a city that has something to offer everyone.