Not Just a City, It’s Moksha Itself — The Mystical Power of Varanasi Unveiled

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Nestled on the western banks of the sacred Ganga river lies Kashi (Varanasi), one of the world's oldest living cities and a spiritual epicenter of India. Known as the City of Salvation and one of the Saptapuris (seven sacred pilgrimage sites), Kashi is home to Lord Vishwanath, a revered form of Shiva, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Sanatan Dharma.

Legend says Kashi is not a mere part of the Earth but rests on Lord Shiva’s trident. It is believed that the city was once blessed by Lord Vishnu, whose tears of joy created sacred ponds here. Enchanted by its divine aura, Shiva sought this city as his eternal abode from Vishnu himself.

Temple of Resilience and Faith

Despite numerous invasions and destruction attempts, Kashi Vishwanath Temple has stood as a symbol of unshakable Hindu faith. Time and again, the temple was rebuilt grandly, becoming a testimony to the spiritual strength of its devotees. Here, Bhairav, the guardian deity and form of Shiva, is worshipped as the Kotwal (chief protector) of the city. Tradition mandates that devotees must visit Bhairav before entering the sanctum of Vishwanath.

A City Soaked in Divinity

Kashi breathes spirituality in every lane, every corner. Many come here to spend their final days, believing that death in Kashi leads to liberation (moksha). The city is also home to Mata Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment, who is believed to feed all beings, and Lord Vishwanath, who bestows salvation through the sacred Taraka mantra.

The sanctum of Kashi Vishwanath is situated in the northeast corner (Ishaan Kon) of the temple, associated with knowledge, energy, and enlightenment according to ancient scriptures. The temple's south-facing entrance and north-facing Shiva idol allow worshippers to first encounter Shiva in his Aghor form, believed to destroy sins and worldly attachments. The ancient verse from the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotram glorifies this holy site:

"Sanandamanandavane vasantam anandakandam hatapapavrindam, Varanasinatham anathanatham, Shri Vishwanatham sharanam prapadye..."

("I surrender to the Lord of Varanasi, Vishwanath, who dwells in the blissful forest of joy and destroys the multitude of sins.")

Beyond Vishwanath: Temples of Power and Grace

Kashi also houses the Annapurna Devi Temple, the Sankata Devi Temple near Scindia Ghat (with a giant lion sculpture), and temples for all nine planetary deities. At Vishesharganj, lies the fierce and revered Kaal Bhairav Temple, where none may reside in Kashi without his divine permission. Nearby, the sacred Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple is known for its healing water.

Kashi also honors Lord Ram at the Tulsi Manas Mandir, built at the spot where Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas. Adjacent is the Durga Mandir, where the goddess resides in her Kushmanda form, and the famous Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, established by Tulsidas.

A Timeless Spiritual Capital

From towering temples to quiet shrines hidden in narrow alleys, Kashi is more than a city — it is an experience of the eternal Sanatan energy. No wonder it's called the “City of Temples,” the “Spiritual Capital of India,” and a gateway to liberation itself.