Information of Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh

Vishalakshi Temple is a Hindu temple which is devoted to lord Parvati or lord Gauri. It is situated in Mir Ghat, in the panel of river Ganga at Varanasi (Kashi) in Uttar Pradesh. Vishalakshi Temple is usually considered as a Shakti Pitha, i.e. one of the most holy places of worship dedicated to Hindu Godly mother. It is believed that the eyes of lord Sati have fallen on this sacred place of Varanasi. Vishalakshi Temple is popular for its festival named Kajali Tij which is celebrated in the month of August.

Vishalakshi Temple Religious Significance

Countless number of devotees worship lord Parvati in this temple. Before worshipping, devotees generally take bath in the sacred Ganga River. The offerings and oration of mantras to the lord and charity at Vishalakshi Temple is regarded as highly fruitful owing to the strength of the reigning goddess. Lord Parvati in this temple is mostly worshipped by bachelor girls for better groom, barren couples for progeny and unfortunate girls for getting better luck.

There are two important festivals which are celebrated in Vishalakshi Temple along with other goddess temples in Varanasi namely two Navaratris. The Ashwin Navatri occurs in the end of Vijaya Dashami during the month of October. This festival celebrates the victory of lord Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The other Navaratri occur in shining fortnight during the month of March. There is also an annual festival which occur in Vishalakshi Temple named Kajali Tij on third astral day of fading fortnight. Women devotees sing rainy season song on this occasion. This sacred occasion is perceived particularly for the wellbeing of brothers by the sisters.

Vishalakshi Temple Mythology & History

According to Hindu legend, goddess Sati, the daughter Daksha was married to lord Shiva against the desire of her father. As a result, during an occasion of 'Yajna' Sati and Shiva were not invited by Daksha. Still, unwelcomed Sati reached on the location of Yajna, where his father Daksha disregarded his daughter and belittled her husband lord Shiv. Unable to deal with such insult, lord Sati jumped into the sacrificial fire and committed suicide. However, her body did not burn and lord Shiv swerve Daksha for being liable for the death of his wife. Grieved by the death of his wife, lord Shiv become raged and rambled the universe with the body of Sati. Ultimately lord Vishnu tore apart the corpse of lord Sati into 52 portions and each portion become 'Shakti Pitha', i.e. a temple. Lord Shiv worshipped at every temple in the form of 'Bhairava', the male counterpart of the reigning divinity of Shakti Pitha. It is believed that among 52 parts of Sati's body, the eye have fallen in Vishalakshi Temple as a Shakti Pitha. Legend states that divinities were syncretised to Shakti Pithas under the influence of Brahmins and presently they possesses a permanent influence on the spirit of people. In the syncretism of several religious principles in India, about 108 divinities were integrated in the list of Shakti Pitha.

Vishalakshi Temple Architectural Significance

There are two goddess statues which are housed side-by-side in Vishalakshi Temple. Inside the temple, there is a small statue of goddess created from black stone. The statue dedicated to Adi Vishalakshi which is situated in left back side of the main temple. There is another tall statue created from black stone which was created in Vishalakshi Temple in later days. Devotees mainly visit the Viswanath temple and Annapurna temple which is adjoin with Vishalakshi Temple.