7 Temples one must visit in Kashi

Temples one must visit in Kashi – Do not miss these temples while you are enchanted by the streets of Kashi

If you are born in India or if you are an ardent follower of Sanatana Dharma, embarking on a pilgrimage to holy places in Bharata is an essential part of your life. And that too visiting Kashi at least once in a lifetime is a cherished dream of such a person. For many, Kashi is just once in a lifetime endeavour and for many it is a lifetime’s adventure. If you are part of the former group, then don’t miss these 7 temples one must visit in Kashi. A popular sloka in Kashi states:

vishwesham maadhavam dhundhim dandapaanim ca bhairavam
vande kaashim guhaan gangaan bhavani manikarnikaam

1. Kashi Vishwanatha Temple

This is the most famed temple in Kashi and defintely one of the temples one must visit in Kashi. Off late it has been making a lot of news due to the renovated and expanded decor of the temple by none other than the Prime Minister of the Country Sri Narendra Modi. This is also revered as one of the Dwadasha Jyotirlingas in the country. Offering even drop of Ganga Water on this Shiva-linga or touching it even once can rid you from all the sins. Read more

2. Bindu Madhava Temple

This temple is one of the most important temples of Kashi. Sadly, majority of the devotees who visit Kashi don’t know about this temple. Hence don’t visit it. Bindu Madhava Temple in Kashi is one amongst the 5 important tirthas in this holy place. Along with Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, Aurangzeb had broken this temple too and constructed the Alamgir Mosque from its rubble. This is one of the most beautiful vigrahas of Lord Narayana in Kashi. Read more

3. Dhundhiraj Vinayaka Temple

When Lord Shiva was bereft of Kashi due to the boon of Brahma, He sent many devatas to find fault in King Deodas’ rule but none of them returned. Lord Ganesha fulfilled the desire of Lord Shiva and gave Kashi back to him. Pleased with this task of Ganesha, Lord Shiva awarded him the name Dhundhiraj Vinayaka and exclaimed that not visiting Dhundhiraj Temple in Kashi means the Kashi Yatra is not complete. Read more

4. Dandapani Temple

This is again one of the most unknown temples in Kashi. As per Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana, Dandapani is one of the protectors of Kashi Dham. He is the associated of Lord Shiva who achieved this exalted position by performing austerities in Kashi. He punishes all those who perform sinful reactions in Kashi. Hence visiting his temple before Vishwanatha’s is the most important ritual in Kashi Yatra. Read more

5. Kaal Bhairava Temple

Kashi Ke Kotwal is Kaal Bhairava. He is the Chief Security Office of Kashi. Everyone who visits Kashi must pay respects to Lord Kaal Bhairava. Without his darshan, Kashi Yatra is considered as incomplete. This is a very famous temple in Kashi after Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Kaal Bhairava is one of the most prominent associated of Lord Shiva. Kashi is his permanent residence. Read more

6. Vishalakshi Temple

Jagatjanini – The Universal mother Parvati Devi is seated in Kashi as Vishalakshi. With her large lotus like eyes, she is casting her merciful glances on the devotees. Vishalakshi Temple is one of the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas. It is also a sacred pitha in Kashi where Mother Parvati is blessing her devotees. This is one of the Shakti Peetha Temples one must visit in Kashi. After one has darshan of Lord Vishwanatha, one must visit this temple. Read more

7. Manikarnika Ghat

In Kashi, there are two most important places – Sri Vishwanatha Temple and Manikarnika Teertha. These are 2 temples one must visit in Kashi at all. Originally known as Chakra Pushkarani, it was created by Lord Narayana even before Lord Shiva had taken shelter in Kashi. Lord Narayana is present in Manikarnika Ghat at 12:00 noon to give liberation to devotees. Here Lord Shiva personally chants the Rama Taraka Mantra in the ears of those dying in Kashi. Read more

Mother Ganga is a flowing as Uttaravahini in Kashi that means towards the Northern Direction. While following Bhagiratha, she got attracted by Kashi and changed the course of her direction. She also promised Lord Shiva that she would not harm anyone in the city with her forceful current. Take a holy dip in this river while you are in Kashi. Fill the water of Mother Ganga and pour over Lord Vishwanatha as it pleases him a lot. You could also take a boat ride or even participate in Ganga Arati.

We are sure that by visiting these temples one must visit in Kashi, you shall surely make your Kashi Yatra a total success as per the shastras.