Kashi Vishwanath Temple – A Place To Attain Salvation !

 

 

 

Kashi Vishwanath Temple 

A Place To Attain Salvation !

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a holy place for all the Hindus. It is considered to be a place where salvation can be attained. Why did it gain such religious importance? Let us find out today. Located on the banks of river Ganga, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Another aspect adding to the glory of this temple, is the fact that Ganga flows in the shape of a bow in this city.

There is a story that narrates the origin of the city of Varanasi which is also known as Kashi. It is said that Lord Shiva had directed Prakriti and Purusha to do penance in a secluded place, in order to create the best being. For this purpose, Lord Shiva created the most beautiful place called the Panchakoshi. This was a place where Lord Vishnu offered prayers to Lord Shiva.

The worship of Lord Shiva resulted in the origination of water springs in that place. Following this, when Lord Vishnu tilted his head, a gemstone fell out of his ear. From then on, this place came to be known as Manikarnika. Later on Lord Brahma was born from the naval of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Brahma was instructed by Lord Shiva to create a world with human beings whose fate will be decided by their karma or actions. To provide salvation to the human beings that were created, Lord Shiva kept the Panchkoshi city away from the entire universe. He established a Muktidayaka Jyothirlinga in this place. This is why Hindus believe that visiting the Kashi Vishvanath temple or giving up life there will give Moksha or salvation. In order to protect this place from destruction, the Lord put it in his Trident. It is also believed that Lord Shiva cannot leave this place and that is why it has been given the name Avimukta Kshetra and the presiding deity is called Avimukteshwara Linga.

The Rudra here has the qualities of Sarwaguna from inside and Tamoguna from outside. The bliss of visiting such a holy place cannot be described in words, it must be experienced by the people themselves.

......Kruti Beesam