Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Housing one of the 12 Jyotilinga’s,this temple was given its present form in 1777 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holker. The Shikar of the temple is plated with 820Kgs of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Pujjali in 1839. This is the reason why this temple is also known as Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city.

Meaning of KashiVishwanath Temple: It is believed that those who come and die here attain freedom. It is said that Lord Shiva gives the Tarak Mantra to the ones who are going to die here. Some also believe that the Lord resides here and is the giver of freedom and happiness. The one who prays and worships Vishwanathji with devotion attains all his desires and one who constantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets enlightened.

History of Vishwanath Temple: The famous Vishwanath Temple has been rebuilt several times. The original was supposed to have been built in 1490. However, the original Jyotirlinga of Kashi Vishwanath is a not available. The old temple was destroyed as a result of the Mughal invasion and Aurangazeb built a mosque in place of it.

Structure of Kashivishwanath Temple: Shri kashivishwanath Temple is situated amidst the crowded lanes of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganga. The temple can be approached from a lane called Vishwanath lane. Beside its religious significance, the temple is also an architectural marvel. The magnificent edifice offers a breathtaking view to the onlooker. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also popularly known as the ‘Golden Temple’ due the gold plating done on its 15.5-meter high spire. Inner Side of the temple is surrounded by many subsidiary shrines. A well, called Gyan Vapi i.e. wisdom well located to the north of the main temple. The Vishwanath temple consists of a mandapa and a sanctum. Inside the sanctum a linga is set in to the center of the floor in a square silver altar. The Linga is of black stone. Though the interior of the temple is not large and elaborate it presents the peaceful atmosphere ideal for worship. The ancient idol of Vishweshwar is situated in Gyan-Vapi. Even today the western wall of the mosque show the remnants of a temple which had very intricate and fine artwork on it. Both the Kashi Vishwanath and the Gyan vapi Mosque are adjacent to each other. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. Millions of pilgrims meet here to perform an abhishekam to the sacred Jyotirlingam with sacred water of river Ganga.