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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 Jnana 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 into 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 Jnana-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 Gyanvapi 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.
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