Kashi Vishwanath

The Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana describes the greatness of Kashi at length. According to the Purana, Kashi has long been considered Shiva's most beloved city. Shiva is said to reside here always — which is why the deity is called Kashi Vishwanath. Vishwanath means Lord of the Universe.

The Shiva Purana describes Kashi as a city resting on Shiva's trident. In Puranic tradition, it is held that Kashi does not rest on the earth itself but is held aloft on Shiva's trishula — which is why it is considered eternal and imperishable.

Kashi is mentioned in the Vedas and the Upanishads. It is regarded as one of India's oldest continuously inhabited places. In the Puranas, it is also called Avimukta Kshetra — the place that Shiva never abandons.

The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga stands on the western bank of the Ganga. Close to the temple are the ghats of Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, and many other ancient steps that descend to the river. This entire area has long been considered the heart of the Shaiva tradition.

Kashi is one of the Sapta Puris — the seven ancient sacred cities — and has been counted among India's most venerable pilgrimage sites. The Puranas also call it Ananda Van, Avimukta, and Rudravasa. Its lanes, ghats, and temples have welcomed pilgrims for more than a thousand years.

The Ganga aarti (ritual lamp offering on the riverbank) at dawn and dusk has been a living tradition of Kashi. The evening Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is among the most famous of all such traditions. Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan draw devotees in the largest numbers.

• The temple is open throughout the year, and devotees come daily for darshan.
• Tradition holds that devotees bathe in the Ganga before going for darshan at the temple.
• The Ganga aarti can be witnessed at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evenings.
• Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan bring the largest gatherings to the temple complex.