Sarnath, Varanasi

Sarnath, about 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. The celebrated Mantra, 'Buddham Sharanam Gachhami', owes its origin to Sarnath. On the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places. Besides Buddhism, Sarnath is also connected with Jainism.

There are many Buddhist monuments and edifices in Sarnath. Some of the important Buddhist monuments at Sarnath are the Dhamekha stupa, the Chaukhandi stupa and monasteries and temples of different schools of Buddhism from Japan, China, Thailand, Burma and others. The Indian Buddhist society called Mahabodhi Society maintains a park around the Buddha temple. The Mahabodhi Temple within the park has a tooth relic of the Buddha.


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There is also a vast expanse of ancient ruins at Sarnath. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the National emblem of India.

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Vindhyachal, Mirzapur

 

THE TEMPLE

Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is situated in Vindhyachal, 8 km from Mirzapur, on the banks of the holy river Ganges. It is one of the most revered Shaktipeeths of the presiding deity, Vindhyavasini Devi. The temple is visited by large number of people daily. Big congregations are held during Navratras in Chaitra (April) and Ashwin (October) months. Kajali competitions are held in the month of Jyestha (June). The temple is situated just 2 km from the Kali Khoh, an ancient cave temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. 

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70 km. (one and a half hour drive) from Varanasi, Vindhyachal is a renowned religious city dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini. Mythologically goddess Vindhyavasini is believed to be the instant bestower of bendiction. There are several temples of other deities in the vicinity, the most famous ones being Ashtabhuja Devi Temple and kalikhoh Temple, which constitute the Trikona Parikrama (circumambulation). The Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, the Ashtabhuja temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahasaraswati (on a hollock, 3 km from Vindhyavasini temple) and the Kali khoh temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali (2 km from Vindhyavasini temple) form the Trikon Parikrama.

THE CITY 
 

Vindhyachal, a Shakti Peet, is a center of pilgrimage in Mirzapur District, Uttar Pradesh. The Vindhyavasini Devi temple located here is a major draw and is thronged by hundreds of devotees during the Navratris of Chaitra and Ashwin months to invoke the blessings of the Goddess.

Other sacred places in the town are Ashtbhuja temple, Sita Kund, Kali Khoh, Budeh Nath temple, Narad Ghat, Gerua talab, Motiya talab, Lal Bhairav and Kal Bhairav temples, Ekdant Ganesh, Sapta Sarovar, Sakshi Gopal temple, Goraksha-kund, Matsyendra kund, Tarkeshwar Nath temple and Bhairav kund.

Accommodations are available at Hotel Jahnavi (UPSTDC) and a number of dharamshalas and guest houses.

Mirzapur is the closest railhead. Vindhyachal has regular bus services to the nearby towns. The nearest railway station is at Mirzapur. Regular bus services connect Vindhyachal to the nearby towns.

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Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in the heart of the cultural capital of India, Varanasi. It stands on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is the center of faith for millions of Hindus. The Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha, is enshrined in the Kashi Vishwanath temple, considered as one of the holiest temples of India. In Hindu religion it is believed that a simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and Bhakti (devotion). A single darshan of Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga is considered to merit more than the darshan of other jyotirlingas, scattered in various parts of India. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living picture of the timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts Hindu devotees and other visitors not only from India but also the world over. Lord Vishwanath is considered the supreme repository of the spiritual truth and strengthens the bonds of universal brotherhood. Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore built the temple in the present shape, way back in 1780. In the year 1785, a Naubatkhana was built up in front of the Temple at the instance of Governor General, Warren Hastings. In 1839, two domes of the Temple were covered by gold, donated by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the ruler of Punjab. The management of the Kashi Vishwanath temple rests with a trust.


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The Vishwanath temple opens daily at 2.30 A.M. for Mangala Aarti and between 3 to 4 A.M. ticket holders are permitted to join. The timing of general Darshan is from 4 to 11 A.M. The timing for midday Bhog Aarti is from11.30 to 12 A.M. Between 12 noon to 7 P.M., general devotees are free to have Darshan. From 7 to 8.30 P.M. the Sapta Rishi Aarati is held after which Darshan is possible again till 9 P.M. At 9 P.M. the Shringar/Bhog Aarati starts and after that Darshan is possible only from outside. Shayana Aarti starts at 10.30 P.M. and the temple closes at 11 P.M. Most of the offerings at the Kashi Vishwanath temple are given to poor.

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Avimukteshwar Mahadev, Varanasi

Temple housing Avi Mukteshwar

Varanasi or Kashi is known as Avi Mukta Kshetra and a person who dies here attains Moksha and has no rebirth.  There has been  a lot of discussions and doubts raised in various places whether Avimukteshwar temple is the main temple or the Vishwanath Temple.  In ancient texts and granths Avimukteshwar temple has been given importance.

It is stated in ancient texts that a person having the darshan of Avimuktheshwar Ling is relieved of all his Paap Karmas of several generations and has no rebirth.  It is also believed that Bhagvan Vishwanath performs pooja of Avimukteshwar every day.   Avimuktheshwar ling finds mention in Ling Puran, Kashi Khand, as also in Brahma Vaivart Puran.

According to historical evidences, there wasa magnificent temple of Avimukteshwar Ling and in this premises Vishweshwar Ling was also present.  Devotees had darshan of both lingas in the same premises.  But there was a bout of destructions during Mughal period and the Avimukthshwar Ling may not be in the same place as envisaged in Kashi Khand.

Location of the temple

Presently Avimukteshwar Ling is situated in the same premises of Vishwanath Temple viz. Ck-35/19, Chowk, Varanasi. Regarding directions to reach this temple, devotees may kindly refer to  Visweshwar temple.

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Annapurna Temple, Varanasi

Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this sanctuary of godness Annapurna was built by Maratha Chieftain Peshwa Baji Rao in 1729.

Meaning of Annapurna Temple

The idol of Annapurna Bhavani a Benovelant faim of shakti, is made in solid gold and carries a cooking pot. The Goddess is believed to be the mother of all the three worlds, heaven, earth and hell and it is said that her devotees never suffer from starvation and want of food.The temple complex has a small sanctum that enshrines the idol of Goddess Annapoorna. It was inaugurated in January 1977 and the famous Shankaracharya of Shringeri consecrated the idol. It is said that the devotes of the Goddess never suffer from starvation.

Structure of Annapurna Temple

 
The idol of Annapurna Bhavani a benevolent form of Shakti, is made in solid gold and carries a cooking pot that is why the Goddess Annapurna is looked upon as the provider of food and the sustainer of prosperity. There is also a striking silver-faced image of Shani (Saturn) within the temple. Shani is feared for his destructive powers and is propitiated to prevent any ill befalling the devout.

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Asisangameshwar Temple, Varanasi

Assi Ghat :Assi Ghat, today known as Assi Ghat marks the Southern Ghat of the City Varanasi. The palatial buildings were under the patronage of Marathas during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The great Saint Goswami Tulsidas composed the famous epic “Ramacharitmanas” at this ghat his soul departed for heavenly abode. Devotees on this ghat are seen worshiping the huge lingam, under the peepal tree. The temple of Asi Sangameshwar marked with a marble plaque establishes the Puranic heritage of the site. Worship of Sanghmeshwar Mahadev after a holy dip in the sacred river Ganga is an integral part of Panchkoshi Yatra (Pilgrimage of Varanasi).

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Bhudheshwar Temple, Varanasi

According to Kashi Khand, once Chandra (Moon) got deeply infatuated with Tara, wife of Brihaspati.  Despite warnings by Devas, Chandra forcibly took Tara with him. In spite of  many requests and pleadings Chandra kept Tara with him for several days and refused to part with her.

The matter was referred to Rudra Dev who attacked Chandra with a weapon called Pinak. Chandra also retaliated.  However, at the end Tara was separated from Chandra and handed over to Brihaspati.

Soon Brihaspati realised that Tara was pregnant.  He asked her to get rid of that to-be born child from her womb. She did so in the garden, but by that time the child was fully developed. The moment the baby touched the ground, the entire assemblage of the Devas came to know about the birth of a child. All of them insisted on knowing from Tara as to who was the father of the child, but Tara kept silent.

In the meantime, the newly born child who was very intelligent (with Buddhi) threatened that he would curse Tara unless she revealed the truth.  Finally Tara revealed that Chandra was the father of the child.  Considering the high level of intelligence of the child (Buddhi), he came to be called  Budha.  Budha sought permission from Chandra to go to Kashi and pray to Lord Shiva, to which Chandra agreed.

Budha came to Kashi, installed a Ling and started worshipping Lord Shiva for several years.  Finally Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him stating that the Ling installed by Budha be known as Budheshwar and those who worship this Ling will attain highest level of intelligence and such level of intelligence will always remain with the devotee despite his age. (Kashi Khand, Chapter fifteen).

Budheshwar

 

Location of the temple

Budheshwar temple is located at Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat in the premises of Atma Veereshwar temple. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat.  Alternatively one can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple.

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Bindumadhav Temple, Varanasi

Vishnu Stuti.mp3

(Recitation by Pt. Nageshwara Rao of Hyderabad.

Please put on the speakers attached to your System and click on the mp3 file above).

As per directions of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu travelled from Mandarachal to Kashi with a divine mission of making King Divodas leave Kashi (Kindly read Divodaseshwar).

After having accomplished his mission, Lord Vishnu was enjoying the serene beauty of Kashi, Pancha Nada Teerth, Padodak Teerth and other places.  At Pancha Nada Teerth, he came across one extremely lean looking Sage who was undergoing Tapas.

Lord Vishnu in his divine form approached the Sage whose name was Agni Bindu and stood in front of him.  The Sage, on seeing the Lord in person, was ecstatic and he prostrated before the Lord.  The Sage then started singing praises of the Lord.

The Sage addressed the Lord by various names like Mukunda, Madusudan, Madhav, Narayan, Rama Bhadran, Chatur Bhuj, Janardhan etc.  The Sage also mentioned that those who worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves or garland made of Tulsi Leaves will get lots of blessings.

After having sung all praises about Lord Vishnu, Agni Bindu Rishi stood silently with folded hands. Lord Vishnu asked the Sage to seek any divine boon. The Sage, in reply, sought only one thing: that  Lord Vishnu should always be available in the vicinity of Pancha Nada Teerth.

Lord Vishnu granted accordingly.  He further stated that Kashi is a Punya Kshetra and devotees can achieve several kinds of Siddhi by staying in Kashi.  Lord Vishnu further told that he would stay in Kashi as long as Kashi is present and there will be no destruction of Kashi, as this holy city is situated atop the Trishul (Trident) of Lord Shiva.  Therefore, even Maha Pralay (great deluge) cannot destroy the city.

Agni Bindu Rishi was extremely happy at this and sought one more divine boon from Lord Vishnu. He desired that Lord Vishnu should always be available in the vicinity of Pancha Nada Teerth in the name of the Sage. Further, a devotee who takes bath in Pancha Nada Teerth and even if he dies elsewhere, he should attain Moksha.  The Sage also sought that a devotee who bathes in Pacha Nada Teerth and worships Lord Vishnu should be blessed with wealth and prosperity.

Lord Vishnu agreed to the request of the Sage.  He stated that henceforth he (Lord) will be known as Bindu Madhav in Pancha Nada Teerth.  By his presence, the Teerth will be extremely Sacred and devotees who bathe in this Teerth and honour learned persons, will be blessed with wealth and prosperity.

The Teerth, which is capable of cleansing all Sins, will be called as Bindu Teerth.  A person may have committed various sins, knowingly or unknowingly.  But if, during the Kartik Month, he religiously bathes in Pancha Nada Teerth and worships Bindu Madhav, he will attain Mukti.

Bindu Madhav

Kashi Khand, Chapter 60 has given in detail the importance of Kartik Month in respect to Pancha Nada Teerth.  Lord Visweshwar himself regularly takes bath in this Teerth during Kartik Month.

Lord Vishnu further stated that he (Lord) was called as Aadi Madhav in Sat Yug, he should be worshipped as Ananda Madhav in Tretha Yug, he would present himself in Dwapar Yug as Shree Madhav. In Kali Yug the Lord should be known by the name of Bindu Madhav.

Agni Bindu Rishi was extremely happy at the direct worship of Lord Vishnu and he prostrated before the Lord.

LOCATION OF BINDU MADHAV

Bindu Madhav is located at No. K.22/37, Panch Ganga Ghat.  Devotees can approach this place by traveling upto Bhaironath in a rickshaw and walking on foot to this place. This is a famous temple.  Alternatively, they can travel by boat upto Panch Ganga Ghat and climb the steps.

Panch Nada Teerth is now known as Panch Ganga Ghat and there is lot of divinity attached to this month, especially during the month of Kartik.  For details refer to Pancha Ganga Ghat mentioned elsewhere.

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Gowdi Matha Temple, Varanasi

Gowdi Matha Temple - There is a tradition to visit this temple before you leave Kashi. Gowdi Matha is believed to be the sister of Lord Kashi Vishwanath.

Varanasi, famously known as City of Temples is important pilgrimage travel destinations in Uttar Pradesh, India. Varanasi is one of the oldest city in India and is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Every years thousands of devotee travel Varanasi.

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Jagannath Temple, Varanasi

The 200-year old Jagannath Temple in Varanasi looks to be a replica of Puri Jagannath Mandir in Orissa. The temple has similar architecture, same idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balaram. Rathyatra is celebrated in Varanasi city when Lakha Mela held.


Times of India published an interesting article about the Jagannath Mandir of Varanasi. The article describes the history and architecture, location of the temple, and rituals and celebrations in the Mandir. The article goes like this……


Set against the backdrop of holy Ganga near the old Asi ghat in the city, the over 200-year-old Jagannath Temple looks to be a replica of the world famous temple at Puri (Orissa). The temple has idols of trio siblings – Lord Jagannath, sister Subhadra and elder brother Balram. Other resemblance could be found in the architectures of both the temples.


As per head priest Shri Ram Sharma, the Jagannath Temple is not only more than 200 years old, it also has imprints of the world famous temple at Puri. It witnesses traditional worshipping of Lord Jagannath much like the Puri temple. The only difference is in the size of the temple, as it is much smaller in comparison to the Puri temple, he added.



इससे बड़ा नक्शा देखें The Jagannath Temple witnesses a number of rituals on the occasion of Rathyatra festivity when the ‘lakha mela’ (fair that attracts lakhs of people) is organised in the city. The procession of deities is carried out with fanfare in decorated palanquins and later the idols are placed in the temple and darshan (viewing) is prohibited for a fortnight. The deities recover from the illness after a fortnight and three-day fair begins in the city, added the head priest of the temple.


It may be mentioned here that a special medicinal juice in the form of ‘kadha’ is also offered to the deities for 15 days. The juice is made from basil leaves and cloves mixed in holy Ganga water.


During the Rathyatra mela, traditional cookies like naankhatai, prepared from refined flour and sugar, are in high demand. The cookies are available in various flavours like coconut and cashewnut etc. Besides, the Rathyatra also marks the beginning of the festive season, as it is followed by holy Shrawan month. Lakhs of devotees throng the city for offering Ganga water to Lord Vishwanath.

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Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi

Long time back several great Sages sitting atop Sumeru Mountain desired to know from Lord Brahma as to who was indestructible and supreme.  Lord Brahma proclaimed himself to be that superior person.  On hearing this, Yagyeshwar (symbolic of Narayan) reprimanded Lord Brahma for his hasty and audacious utterances.

Both of them asked the same question to the four Vedas.  Rig Veda replied that the omnipotent deity who controls all living beings, named Rudra is supreme.  Yajur Veda replied that He, whom we worship through various Yagnas (Yagam) and other such rigorous rituals, is none other than Shiva, who is supreme.  Sam Veda stated that the respected figure who is worshipped by various Yogis and that Person who controls the entire world is none other than Triambakam.  Finally, Atharva Veda said, all human beings can see the Lord through Bhakti Marg and such a deity who can remove all the worries of human beings is indeed Shankar.  In a nut shell, all the four Vedas proclaimed that Lord Shiva is the ultimate being.

Both Lord Brahma and Yagya Narayan started laughing in disbelief. Shortly Lord Shiva appeared as a powerful divine light in their midst.  Lord Brahma stared at that Being furiously with his fifth head.  Lord Shiva immediately created one living being and stated that he (the new being) will be King of Kaal and will be known as Kaal Bhairav.  (Here Kaal is denoted to mean the final time viz. death). Lord Shiva further stated Kaal Bhairav will always be in Kashi, removing all sins of the devotees and therefore, he will be known as Paap Bhakshak.

Meanwhile, Lord Brahma’s fifth head was still burning with fury and Kaal Bhairav plucked that head (just as we pluck flowers from the garden).  Immediately all the people present there started singing praises of Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva directed Bhairav to go around various places but Brahma Hatya Dosh (affliction on account of hurting a Brahmin) will always follow him.  Lord Shiva created a dangerous and fierce looking female figure, named Brahma Hatya and asked her to follow Kaal Bhairav wherever he went.

Kaal Bhairav, with Brahma’s head in his hand, started going around various places in the world, took bath in various Teerths, worshipped various Lords, nevertheless saw that Brahma Hatya was following him all along.  He could not get rid of that affliction.

Finally, Kaal Bhairav reached the Moksha Puri, Kashi. The moment Kaal Bhairav entered Kashi, Brahma Hatya started shouting, screaming and finally disappeared into the netherworld.  The head of Brahma, (Kapal) fell at a place which was called Kapal Mochan and there was a Teerth which was later called  Kapal Mochan Teerth. Then onwards Kaal Bhairav stationed himself permanently in Kashi, giving shelter to all his devotees.  Those living in or visiting Kashi, must worship Kaal Bhairav and he grants protection to all his devotees.

Ashtami day (eighth day after Poornima) in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.  Besides, Sundays, Tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.  A person who circumabulates Lord Kaal Bhairav eight times will be absolved of all the sins committed by him.  A devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for six months will attain all types of Siddhi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 31).

Old timers in Kashi believe whenever residents of Kashi leave the city for short journeys, they worship Kaal Bhairav (taking his permission) and on return back to Kashi, they again worship Kaal Bhairav.

LOCATION OF KAAL BHAIRAV

Kaal Bhairav is located at K-32/22, Bhaironath.  People can approach this place by rickshaw either through Bisheshwarganj cross roads or through Golghar (Maidagin).  This is a very famous temple and devotees will be guided by the local residents.

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