Historical PeriodEra
Varies
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Deities
Viśvanātha of Kāśī
9th of the 12 Jyotirlingas
9th of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Hindu / Shaiva
Kāśī Viśvanātha — 9th of the 12 Jyotirlingas — is the presiding Shiva of Varanasi. The current temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar (1780) after destruction by Aurangzeb (1669). The controversial Gyanvapi Mosque stands on part of the original temple grounds. The new Viśvanātha Corridor (2021) has dramatically expanded access. Daily bhasma-ārati at 3 AM. Pilgrims believe dying in Kāśī guarantees mokṣa — Shiva whispers the tāraka-mantra in the ear of the dying.
