The Vishalakshi Temple or Vishalakshi Gauri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vishalakshi Maa (means wide eyed Devi) at Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is generally regarded as a Shakti Pitha, the most sacred temples dedicated to the Hindu Divine Mother. The karna kundala (earring) of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen on this holy spot of Varanasi. Goddess worshiped here as Maa Vishalakshi & Lord Shiva as Kala or Kaal Bhairva.
- Distance (From Varanasi Junction): 5 Kms
- Commonly Visited From: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (250 m)
- Trip Duration (From Kashi Vishwanath Temple , Including Travel): 30 Mins
- Place Location: At Mir Ghat
- Transportation Options: Walk/Trek
- Timings: 4.30 AM – 11 AM & 5 PM – 10 PM
At a distance of 5 km from Varanasi Junction, Sri Kashi Vishalakshi Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated near Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, it is among the popular temples in Banaras and also one of the must visit places in Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings:
The below Sevas are performed:
- The Mangala Aarti is performed between 3 AM to 4 AM.
- The mid-day Bhog Aarti is performed between 11:30 AM to 12 PM.
- The Sapta Rishi Aarti is performed between 7 PM to 8:30 PM.
- The Shringar Bhog and Aarti are performed at 9 PM.
- The Shayan Aarti starts at 10:30 PM.
- The general darshan timings are 4 AM to 11 AM, 12 PM to 7 PM, and from 8:30 PM to 9 PM.
- After 9 PM, pilgrims are allowed to view the Lord from outside the sanctum.
Accommodation:
A number of Government operated Guest Houses are available for accommodation for Government servants.Apart from these Guest Houses, several private hotels offer a wide range of rooms like standard, AC Rooms, and dormitories.
The city of Varanasi boasts of great food and culture. The traditional must haves of the city’s culinary delights are Chaat items like Kachoris and Puris along with the Tomato Chat. The Kashi Kalakand is also a popular desert here and is available widely. Lassis and Thandais are popular drinks that one must try out in the city for an enjoyable experience. The cuisine in Varanasi is mainly vegetarian with occasional but rare non-veg hotels.
festivals:
Vishalakshi Temple is known for the festival of Kajali Tij, held on the third day during waning fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August). Devotees believe that offering puja, Jal, chanting songs to the goddess is highly profitable as Goddess provide success and wealth.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi Devi, the divine form of Goddess Sati. This temple is one among the 51 Shakti Peethas, and is part of the famous triad of temples- Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi and Kashi Vishalakshi. According to mythology, the earring of the goddess Sati has fallen on this holy spot of Varanasi. Another version says that this is a Shakti Peetha only because one of the three eyes of Goddess Sati (Akshi) fell here. As the divine eye can perceive the entire universe, Mother here is called Vishalakshi, the vast-eyed.
Sri Vishalakshi Temple is built in South Indian architectural style. The Gopuram at the entrance has elaborate carvings and the temple has an array of Shivlingams. The four pillars in front of the main shrine are adorned with colorful sculptures. The Garbhagriha has two idols of Goddess Vishalakshi- a smaller black stone idol called Adi Vishalakshi, which is believed to be the original idol on left back side and another black stone image, adorned with flowers and jewels, installed at a later date. Adi Shankaracharya performed prayers to renew the powers of the temple and the goddess which had borne the brunt of several invasions. He also installed a Sri Yantram here.