Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
काशी विश्वनाथ ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग
Vishwanath (Shiva as the Lord of the Universe)
Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
Significance
Meaning: Lord of the Universe
Represents Shiva as the supreme ruler and the ultimate reality that pervades the cosmos.
Spiritual Benefits:
- Grants Moksha (liberation).
- Believed that Lord Shiva himself chants the Taraka Mantra to those who die in Kashi.
Order: 7
Legend
Kashi (Varanasi) is believed to be the place where Shiva grants liberation. The temple has stood the test of time, surviving invasions, demolitions, and being rebuilt by devotees over centuries.
Scriptural Sources:
Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana
Shiva Purana
Temple & Architecture
Temple Name: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Style: North Indian temple architecture (Nagara style)
Mantras
ॐ श्री विश्वनाथाय नमः
For universal consciousness and liberation.