काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर का आध्यात्मिक इतिहास

अगर काशी हिंदू धर्म के केंद्र में है, तो काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर (Kashi Vishwanath Temple) इस ईश्वरीय भूमि की धड़कन है। वास्तव में, यह मंदिर इतना पवित्र है कि इसका उल्लेख स्कंद पुराण में मिलता है, जो एक प्राचीन हिंदू ग्रंथ है। भगवान शिव को समर्पित, इस मंदिर में अपनी लोकप्रियता के कारण हर दिन हिंदुओं की भीड़ उमड़ती है। यह पवित्र नदी गंगा के तट पर स्थित है। श्री विश्वनाथ और विश्वेश्वर का अर्थ है "ब्रह्मांड के भगवान", इसलिए इस मंदिर को काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर का नाम दिया गया है।

काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर का महत्व
मंदिर हिंदुओं के लिए बहुत महत्व रखता है क्योंकि यह भगवान शिव के 12 ज्योतिर्लिंगों में से एक के रूप में प्रतिष्ठित है। ऐसी मान्यता है कि भगवान शिव वास्तव में यहां कुछ समय के लिए रुके थे। अन्य में सोमनाथ (गुजरात), मल्लिकार्जुन (आंध्र प्रदेश), महाकालेश्वर (मध्य प्रदेश), ओंकारेश्वर (मध्य प्रदेश), केदारनाथ (उत्तराखंड), भीमाशंकर (महाराष्ट्र), त्र्यंबकेश्वर (महाराष्ट्र), वैद्यनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग, देवगढ़ (झारखंड) नागेश्वर (गुजरात), रामेश्वर (तमिलनाडु) और घृष्णेश्वर (महाराष्ट्र) शामिल हैं।

इतिहास
इस मंदिर का इतिहास में कई नृशंस घटनाओं से भरा पड़ा है। कुतुब-उद-दीन ऐबक ने 1194 ई. में इसे पूरी तरह से ध्वस्त कर दिया था। जबकि इल्तुतमिश के शासनकाल के दौरान इसे फिर से बनाया गया था, सिकंदर लोधी के शासनकाल के दौरान और बाद में सम्राट औरंगजेब की इस्लाम के प्रचार के लिए क्रूसेडर गतिविधियों के दौरान इसे फिर से ध्वस्त कर दिया गया था। यह देखना उल्लेखनीय है कि कैसे यह मंदिर समय की कई परीक्षाओं में खड़ा हुआ है और अपनी सारी महिमा में खड़ा है. काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर को आखिरी बार इंदौर की रानी, ​​​​रानी अहिल्या बाई होल्कर ने फिर से बनाया और इसकी महिमा को बहाल किया था। उन्होंने मंदिर के जीर्णोद्धार की पहल की और इसके लिए धन भी मुहैया कराया। हालांकि बाद में अकबर के परपोते औरंगजेब ने मंदिर को तोड़कर उसके स्थान पर एक मस्जिद का निर्माण कराया था। 1835 में महाराजा रणजीत सिंह द्वारा आपूर्ति किए गए शुद्ध सोने से बने अपने तीन गुंबदों के कारण वाराणसी के स्वर्ण मंदिर के रूप में जाना जाता है।

मंदिर समय
समय: मंदिर प्रतिदिन 2:30 बजे खुलता है

प्रार्थना: प्रतिदिन 5 आरती आयोजित की जाती हैं, जिसमें पहली आरती सुबह 3 बजे और आखिरी आरती रात 10:30 बजे होती है।

कैसे पहुंचें काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर
मंदिर वाराणसी कैंट रेलवे स्टेशन से लगभग 3 किमी दूर है। मौदलिया रेलवे स्टेशन 2.5 किमी दूर है और काशी स्टेशन 2 किमी दूर है। रेलवे स्टेशनों से, आप विश्वनाथ गली तक पहुँचने के लिए कोई भी सड़क परिवहन पा सकते हैं। आपको मंदिर तक पहुंचने के लिए गली से चलना चाहिए, क्योंकि सड़क के माध्यम से किसी भी वाहन की अनुमति नहीं है। यदि आप बस के माध्यम से पहुंचने का विकल्प चुन रहे हैं, तो मंदिर का निकटतम बस स्टैंड चौधरी चरण सिंह बस स्टैंड है, जो 3 किमी दूर है। वाराणसी के किसी भी हिस्से से, आप विश्वनाथ गली या दशाश्वमेध घाट तक पहुंचने के लिए ऑटो रिक्शा या साइकिल रिक्शा किराए पर ले सकते हैं। कुछ सौ मीटर की शेष दूरी पैदल ही तय करनी चाहिए।

Ganga Aarti Timing in Varanasi

Varanasi is considered to be one of the oldest places in the world. The places happen to be one of the seven holiest places in the country. Hence, Varanasi is a part of the Sapta Puri. The other cities of Sapta Puri include Mathura, Ayodhya, Kanchipuram, Haridwar, Dwarka, and Ujjain. As per Hindu mythology, Varanasi is regarded as the favorite place of Lord Shiva since the place is said to have been established by him. Shiva had cut off one of the heads of Brahma and carried it with him as a sign of his victory. When he reached Varanasi (as it is called now), Brahma’s head fell on the ground from Shiva’s hand and simply disappeared. Since then, Varanasi is regarded as one of the holiest places for the Hindus. Located along the banks of the holy river Ganga, Varanasi is known as the spiritual capital of India.

The Ganga at Varanasi
Varanasi is known as the land of temples and Ghats. The Ganga is considered to be the holiest river according to the Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, a dip in the Ganga River can cleanse all the sins one has ever done in a lifetime. Devotees come to Varanasi from all over the world to do a “Ganga Snaan.” The Ganga ghats of Varanasi are also known for the Ganga Aarti which is performed by the priests of Varanasi every evening. Some of the most famous Ghats that people visit in Varanasi to witness the Ganga Aarti are the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is located just beside the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, and Assi ghat. Although, the most famous ghat known for the Ganga Aarti remains the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Coming to Varanasi and not watching the Ganga Aarti is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can ever make. You need to check the Ganga Aarti timing inVaranasi before the visit.

The famous Ganga Aarti at Varanasi
The Ganga Aarti is one of the most serene things that you will get to see here in Varanasi. One moment there is hustle-bustle, but as soon as the conch is blown all the hustle-bustle immediately stops and there is absolute silence and peace. The blowing of the conch is a reminder to grab the attention of the people and tell them that the Ganga Aarti is about to begin. You will also see a statue of the goddess Ganga among the many raised platforms. The sound of the conch, along with the sound of the bells, accompanied by the smell of the incense sticks will give you goosebumps. Ganga Aarti timing in Varanasi is the busiest time in the city, on the Ghats.

However, as a tourist, you might get confused about the exact Ganga Aarti timing in Varanasi. The Ganga Aarti at Varanasi used to mainly happen in the evenings. The scheduled time for the Aarti was always after sunset. For summers, the Ganga Aarti in the evening would start at 7 PM, and for the Winters, it started at 6 PM.

The morning Aarti starts before dawn. The timing in the summer is from 5 AM to 7 AM, and during the winter it is from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM. While the evening Aarti focuses on the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the morning Aarti has its focus on the Assi Ghat.

Conclusion
Both the Ganga Aarti has a charm of their own. Beginning the day with the Ganga Aarti at the Assi ghat is one of the serene things to do. While ending your day with the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh ghat will give you goosebumps. Both the Ganga Aarti’s have a charm of their own. However, checking Ganga Aarti timing in Varanasi for the evening Aarti is a must to get a good viewing place since the ghat remains excessively crowded during this time.

वाराणसी के बारे में 10 रोचक तथ्य

वाराणसी ( Varanasi )एक पवित्र स्थान है, जहां साल भर बड़ी संख्या में पर्यटक आते हैं। इस जगह में अपने आगंतुकों के लिए बहुत कुछ है, जो उन्हें मंत्रमुग्ध कर देता है। सुंदर मंत्रमुग्ध करने वाले मंदिरों से लेकर स्वर्गीय गंगा शनहन तक, जिसके बारे में माना जाता है कि यह विश्वासियों के पापों को मिटा देता है, इस शहर में अपने मेहमानों के लिए बहुत कुछ है। नीचे वाराणसी के बारे में 10 रोचक तथ्य दिए गए हैं, जो इस जगह को और भी अनोखा बनाते हैं।

1. वाराणसी या बनारस दुनिया का सबसे पुराना जीवित शहर है, यह 3000 से अधिक वर्षों से सभ्यता का प्रमुख केंद्र रहा है।
   
   
2. यह तेईसवें तीर्थंकर पार्श्वनाथ का जन्म स्थान है।
   
   
3. यह दुनिया का एकमात्र स्थान है जिसमें 84 घाट हैं, जिससे यह दुनिया में सबसे अधिक नदी किनारे वाला शहर बन गया है।
   
   
4. बनारस हिंदू विश्वविद्यालय बनारस दुनिया के सबसे बड़े विश्वविद्यालयों में से एक है जो हिंदू शास्त्रों - वेदों में अध्ययन प्रदान करता है।
   
   
5. यह वह जगह है जहां मेंढक की शादी बहुत धूमधाम से की जाती है। हिंदू पुजारी द्वारा विधिवत रूप से किए गए बारिश के मौसम में इस दिलचस्प मेंढक विवाह को देखने के लिए हर साल सैकड़ों अश्वमेघ घाट पर इकट्ठा होते हैं।
   
   
6. पंडित रविशंकर और उस्ताद बिस्मिल्लाह खान जैसे प्रसिद्ध कलाकार और संगीतकार इस शहर से हैं।
   
   
7. वाराणसी के बारे में एक दिलचस्प तथ्य यह है कि मुंशी प्रेम चंद और तुलसी दास जैसे कई प्रसिद्ध साहित्यकार इस शहर से हैं।
   
   
8. हर साल हजारों पर्यटक जैसे पर्यटक आते हैं और उनमें से सैकड़ों इस जगह को अपना घर बनाते हैं - ऐसी है इस पवित्र जगह की समृद्धि!
   
   
9. यह स्थान तुलसी घाट पर आयोजित अपने पांच दिवसीय संगीतमय द्रुपद उत्सव और नवंबर में आयोजित गंगा महोत्सव उत्सव और नाग नथैया उत्सव के लिए प्रसिद्ध है।
   
   
10. बनारसी रेशम का सबसे बड़ा विक्रेता, साड़ी के एक टुकड़े को पूरा करने में 6 महीने तक का समय लग सकता है। सबसे प्रसिद्ध लोगों में कटान, ऑर्गेंज़ा, जॉर्जेट और शट्टीर हैं।

Interesting Facts about Tulsi Manas Mandir

INTRODUCTION

The Tulsi Manas Mandir is a popular tourist attraction. Dedicated to the God Ram, this shrine is called "The Temple of Lord Ram." In the 16th century, Goswami Tulsi das penned the Ramcharitmanas here. The Awadhi rendition of the epic Ramayan is Ramcharitmanas. The temple's marble structure and verdant landscaping make it a popular tourist attraction.

As one stroll through the beautiful green gardens of Tulsi Manas Temple, one is greeted by the temple's pearly white exterior. The marble building of this temple, built-in in 1964 by the Thakur Surekha Das family, is famed for its fascinating architecture. One of the most revered religious sites in Varanasi, this temple is believed to have been where the ancient poet Tulsidas sat to write the holy epic of Ramcharitmanas.

History of Tulsi Manas Mandir

Sanskrit manuscripts of the epic Ramayana were penned between 100 and 50 BC. It was difficult for everyone to read this epic because of its complex language. He rewrote the epic in the Awadhi language in the sixteenth century. The poet's memory inspired the construction of the temple. Tulsi das changed the way people viewed Lord Ram from merely an outstanding ruler to something much more. The walls of the temple are adorned with several depictions of the epic. 

Shri Tulsi Manas Mandir Haridwar wrote on the temple's main gate. You may find a peaceful and tranquil Tulsi Garden situated just to the right of the main entrance gate. The verse "Tulsi Das Chandan again, tilak get Raghuvir" is shown in the Tulsi Garden by a statue of Tulsidas. A lovely pond with four Ghats is found to the main temple's left. One of the temple's most striking features is the various statues on display. It has statues of Shri Kakbhushundi Ji on the northern ghat, Yagywalka ji Maharaj on the southern bank, Ashutosh Shankar on the eastern ghat, and Goswami Tulsidas Ji on the western bank. The Ram Darbar, which houses Shiva and Mata Parvati, is located at the temple's heart. The temple has a statue of every God and goddess from the Hindu epic. Chaupayees, Dohas, Chhandas, and Sorathas, adorn the temple's exterior wall. The major Hindu epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are on the temple's second floor. Tulsidas, a 16th-century Indian saint, is the inspiration for the temple's name.

Where is Tulsi Manas Mandir located in Varanasi?

Durga Temple at Varanasi's Durgakund is not far from Tulsi Manas Mandir. You can visit the temple easily from various locations in the city. The train station is 7 kilometers away, while Banaras Hindu University is 2 kilometers away (BHU).

What is the best time to visit Tulsi Manas Mandir?

Throughout the year, the temple's splendor is undiminished. In the winter, the weather is beautiful, making it a great time to come. Open at 5:30 am and closing at noon, the temple is also open from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on weekdays. 6 am and 4 pm are the best times to see rituals in action. You'll find many festivals and unusual ceremonies if you visit the temple during Sawan Mela in July/August.

What is it about Tulsi Manas Mandir that makes it so well-known?

It's a two-story structure. You can find Tulsi gardens right outside the main gate. A temple pond with four Ghats to the left of the entrance. Each Ghat is adorned with a statue from the story. The walls of the temple's second floor are decorated with scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. We can find many figures in this area. The white marble was used to construct the temple. Decorative elements are prominent in the structure's design. Tulsi Manas Mandir commemorates the beautiful voyage of Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita, and represents the beauty and simplicity of Hinduism. Murals depicting scenes from Ramayan decorate the inner walls. Local performers use puppets to recount stories from the Ramcharitmanas at auspicious festivals. The Tulsi Manas Mandir Temple in Varanasi has both historical and cultural significance. Here in Kashi, Goswami Tulsidas penned the ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitamanasa. He had written an epic about the life of Lord Rama and quickly became a household name. In the eyes of his subjects, Lord Rama was an excellent ruler who constantly set a perfect example. Tulsi Manas Mandir was established there many years later. The Hindu deity Lord Rama has referred King Rama in the Ramcharitamanasa.

Why is Kaal Bhairav Mandir known to get rid of all the Sins?

Kaal Bhairav temple is a mythical shrine of God Shiva located in Bharonath, Vishweshwarga, a place in Varanasi. The temple has various religious, historical, and cultural significance that attracts a lot of people. The temple is totally devoted to Bhairava (a ferocious form of Lord Shiva). The Kaal Bhairav Mandir derived its name from the ferocious form of Lord Shiva, and when combined with “Kaal” it basically signifies that someone’s time is not going well, and he is about to face death. This form of Shiva wears a garland containing skulls and peacock feathers with them. It is a belief that if somebody’s time is not going in favor, things go in the right direction, after visiting the temple. There is a saying that Kashi is one of Lord Shiva's favorite places, and he appointed Kaal Bhairav as the Kotwal of that place and gave him the authority to punish those who committed sins. In the interior of the temple, there is a silver idol of Kaal Bhairav form of Lord Shiva, that is sitting on a vehicle, with a dog and his three-pronged spear is the main center of attraction for the visitors, but the visitors only see the decorated face of the idol, other parts are totally covered with a piece of cloth.

Associated Story
Previously, God Brahma and Vishnu were competing among themselves to see who is superior. Then Lord Shiva appeared as a ray of hope to sort out the fight between the two Gods. An angry Brahma looked at the pillar of light with its 5th head, which began to burn in anger. Shiva immediately created the being Kaal Bhairava, who decapitated the 5th head of Brahma and got stuck on the hand of Kaal Bhairava. Brahma Hatya or cutting the head of Lord Brahma is a sin done by him, and a gory woman is created in the form of sin. Then in remorse for the crime of Kaal Bhairava, Lord Shiva ordered him to go to certain places, and the gory lady followed him till he reached Varanasi, the head fell down from his hand and the place is called "Kapal Mochan Teerth" and the lady had disappeared.  He was liberated from all the sins of Brahma Hatya when he entered Varanasi and after that Lord Shiva declared that Kaal Bhairav will stay in Varanasi forever to wash away the sins of his followers.

History
The construction of Kal Bhairav Temple is not accurate, but it was one of the oldest temples, destroyed at the time of the Mughal Empire and rebuilt around the 17th century and till now it is under the same infrastructure.

Ways to reach Kaal Bhairav Temple

• The exact location of the temple is Pandeypur Rd, Naibasti, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002 which is around 3.9 kilometers from Varanasi Railway Station.
• If you prefer to come by airplane, at around 23.7 km away from Kaal Bhairav Temple, there is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
• At around 3.4 kilometers from the Kaal Bhairav Temple, there is Varanasi Bus Stand in case you reach Varanasi by bus.
• You can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or a cab to reach the Kaal Bhairav Temple, according to your convenience.

Conclusion
In case you are visiting Varanasi, for religious significance, Kaal Bhairav temple is a must-visit place for you, and you will be able to get rid of all the sins and curses. Visiting Kaal Bhairava in the month of October to March is the best time.  Lord Shiva holds an important place in Hindu mythology, and it is a form of Lord Shiva that will bring all the good deeds into your life.

What to know before visiting Assi Ghat?

Some important facts you should know before visiting Assi Ghat.

·        Assi Ghat is the most important pilgrimage destination of the city Varanasi. It is located in the southernmost part of the city and is among the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. This river got its name because of the confluence of the Ganga and Assi River. 

·        It is a mythical saying that Goddess Durga killed the demon Shumba-Nisumbha and after that, her sword fell down and led to the emergence of a river and the Assi Ghat got its name, because of this. It is among the 5 pilgrims located in Varanasi and is known as the most authentic Ghats.

·       It is a saying that if a person has a bath in the Ghat, he will become free of all the sins and curses. A huge Shivling is located under a Peepal tree, where people pay their homage after having a bath. 

·        Tulsidas lived in a cave on Assi Ghat only, and created Shri Ramcharitmanas and rested in peace over there. 

·        This Ghat is a combination of societal, cultural, and religious importance. It is a symbolic point of interest for both Indians and foreigners.

·         People start crowding the place from dawn to dusk on a daily basis just because of the religious significance, so is prepared for the crowd, if you really want to visit the Ghat.

·        You can take a boat ride if you want to see the mesmerizing sunset in the evening.

·        The place is overcrowded at the times of ekadashi, purnima, and amavasya but in case you really want to take a dip in the river, be prepared for dealing with the crowd.

·       Mahashivratri is the best time to visit Assi Ghat; you can take a holy dip into the river and after paying homage to the huge shivling nearby.

The Assi Ghat is mentioned in many Hindu Holy Scriptures namely Karma Purana, Matsya Purana, Padma Purana and Agni Purana. People visit Assi Ghat for various reasons, to soak up the spiritual atmosphere, enjoy the famous night aarti and get a glimpse of the local culture. After twilight, the Ganga Aarti is breathtaking, with the echo of chants and spiritual giants performed by skilled saints (Pandas in Hindi). Birth, Mundan Sanskar, Upanayan, Marriage, Ganga Pujayya, and other rituals are performed. As a testimony, Manglik's works and other festival celebrations are done at this ghat.

Ways to reach Assi Ghat Varanasi
The total distance between Assi Ghat and Varanasi Railway Station is around 8 kilometers. If you drive with your own conveyance, it takes around 9 minutes. In case you are going to take a public conveyance or a cab, it’s totally dependable on you. By public conveyance or cab, it will take around 15-20 minutes.

The nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur which is almost 28 km from the Ghat, and it takes about an hour to reach Assi Ghat from the airport.

Conclusion
if you really want to visit the Ghats of Varanasi and look for local culture, then distance does not matter. Everything that matters is your devotion and your willingness to get spiritual peace, as each and every Ghat and temple has a separate significance. Varanasi is a confluence of various ghats and temples and if you are visiting, visiting Assi Ghat is a must. You can enjoy mesmerizing sunsets, sitting on a boat in the middle of the river.

Dashashwamedh Ghat- Importance

Ganges Attraction- Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is Varanasi's main attraction in the Ganges. Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this is probably the most spectacular Ghat and is quite famous for Ganga Aarti. This is the best place to see Ganga Aarti. Dashashwamedh Ghat is almost in the middle of a long line of Ghats in Varanasi. To the north is Raj Ghat, where the city once thrived. To the south is Assi Ghat, very popular with bohemians. Dashashwamedh Ghat Banaras is also easiest to access by road, while most others are reached via narrow streets.

Dashashwamedh Ghat - History and Holy Significance

Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Brahma is said to have created this Ghat to welcome Shiva to this city that would always be known by his name.

It is also believed that Lord Brahma performed a special ritual of vengeance there in front of a sacred fire. The coming and going of the carnival is captivating, with a constant stream of pilgrims, Hindu priests, florists and beggars from morning till evening. You can sit and watch the views for hours without getting bored.

Literally, Dashashwamedh means 10 Ashwamedha Yagnas. Ashwamedha Yagna is a ritual performed by kings to establish their supremacy over the region.

In the past, Rani Ahilya Bai rebuilt Holkar from the Malwa ghat in the late 18th century.

Dashashwamedh Ghat - Alliance with Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous and extensive.

At Dashashwamedh Ghat, there are two platform games in two different parts of the Ghat. Colorful pavilions adorned with flowers rise on each platform, which is attached to an electric light pole. On top of each platform is another small platform covered in saffron fabric that contains all the veneration objects: flowers, a copper-colored water pot, a damp cloth for heavy and hot metal diyas, and a mussel shell. The platforms are also illuminated by oil lamps that literally transport you to another area.

The central platform houses a small temple dedicated to the goddess Ganga with her anthropomorphic shape adorned with beautiful wreaths of flowers.

Ways to Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat

There are many ways to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat, to view Ganga Aarti. It is totally based on your budget. It is just 4.2 kilometers from Varanasi Railway Station and after that an auto-rickshaw or a cab to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat easily. You can also take a flight and can reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport which is just 24.8 kilometers from Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Must Watch Attractions

• At the time of sunset, there is a live Ganga Aarti.
• Boat trips to all the surrounding Ghats.
• Watch pandits and locals praying for their deceased loved ones under a bamboo umbrella.
• A holy dip in the Dashashwamedh Ghat is said to have a cleansing effect.
• Walk through Vishwanath Gali to shop and enjoy street food and shops.
• Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple after taking a holy dip in the Ghat, is meant to give salvation.
• It is said that the Goddess Ganges will become happy if you pour milk into the river.

Brief Guide for Your Visit to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is a must-see for everyone visiting Varanasi on a pilgrimage. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located on the banks of the Assi River. Moreover, it is one of Varanasi's oldest Hindu sanctuaries, with thousands of pilgrims flocking to it every day.

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, also known as Sankat Mochan temple, is located in Varanasi's southern district. The temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman, Hinduism's monkey God. The term 'Sankat Mochan' means 'all-problems-reliever.' The temple is mainly known for its dal and jaggery offerings distributed to tourists.

One of the essential features of this revered temple is Lord Hanuman's idol, which is facing Lord Rama, whom he worshipped with great zeal and devotion. Tulsidas is claimed to have written the Ramcharitmanas in this prominent tourist destination in Varanasi. Every Tuesday and Saturday, the number of followers doubles. Besan ke laddu (a sweet dish) is delivered to the Lord as a religious offering, and the idol is decked with a marigold flower garland.

According to legend, a visit to this well-known religious landmark in Varanasi is meant to grant believers' wishes. The larger group of monkeys is another sight you may expect to encounter within the temple.

What is the location of Sankat Mochan Temple?

The temple is near the Hindu University of Banaras (BHU). The temple is 11 kilometers from the railway station, and visitors can take a cab or a car to get there. Banaras Hindu University is around 3 km distant from the temple (BHU). Therefore, you can hire a vehicle from any part of Varanasi to go to the temple. The journey from the railway station to the temple takes 45 minutes.

When is the best time to go to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple?

Tuesdays and Saturdays are highly popular ceremonial days, with around 1000 guests expected on those days. In addition, a recorded music and dance festival is held inside the temple every April. For the past 88 years, the celebration has been a component of this shrine.

Many entertainers from all across the country come to this temple to participate in the festivities. The event also features several well-known performers. Numerous ceremonies will be done inside the temple during Hanuman Jayanti. From 5 a.m. until 10 p.m., the temple is open. At 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., rituals are performed.

What Should You See?

Visitors are given a free booklet, including Hanuman and Lord Ram chants. The Sankat Mochan Temple is home to a large number of monkeys. The main deity is positioned so that Lord Hanuman can gaze at Lord Ram, who is also housed in the same temple. Visitors are given a vivid orange powder as an offering. The offering is placed on the worshipper's brow. It is not required.

History of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir

According to mythology, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was established on the site where Tulsi das saw a vision of Hanuman. It is an 18th-century temple, but little information on who built it is available.

Keep these in mind before visiting the New Kashi Vishwanath Mandir

The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of Hinduism's holiest sites in India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. Ahilya Bai Holkar initially established the current edifice of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi in 1780 after being reconstructed several times. 

Here are some recommendations for visiting the Varanasi temple - including Aarti times, security measures, clothing code, the best time to visit, and how to get there.

Brief history and significance of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi

The famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi, one of Hinduism's holiest towns. This temple has been an essential part of Shaiva's philosophy for a long time. It is known for its gold-plated domes and spires and the statue of the Nandi Bull.

The current construction, destroyed and rebuilt several times, is near the ancient temple site. Hindus worldwide aim to visit the New Vishwanath Temple at least once in their lives, believing that a devotee will attain Moksha after receiving temple darshan and taking a bath in the Ganges.

When is the best time to visit?

From October to March, the winter months are the most fantastic time to visit Varanasi for temple darshan. However, cold in December and January, the weather is ideal for tourists because most of the sightseeing is done outside. If you don't plan on attending an Aarti, the best time to visit the temple is at 7 a.m. to avoid long lines.

Timings for Puja/Aarti

Every day at 2.30 a.m., the temple opens. Moreover, five Aarti are performed in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple daily.

• Mangala Aarti: 3–4 a.m.
• Sandhya Aarti: 7:00–8:00 p.m.
• Shayana Aarti:  10:30 – 11:00 p.m.
• Bhoga Aarti: 11:15 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
• Shringara Aarti: 9.00 p.m. – 10.15 p.m. 

Varanasi has a lot to offer

• Explore the Ramnagar Fort, built-in 1750 on the Ganga's eastern bank
• In Sarnath, go to the Dhamek Stupa
• The Gyanvapi Mosque, which shares a wall with the Kashi temple, is a must-see.
• The Sarnath Museum has archaeological artefacts going back to the third century BCE
• Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is famed for its proximity to the temple and its spectacular Ganga Aarti.

Procedures for ensuring the security

As you enter the temple, there are a lot of police checkpoints, and security protocols are carefully followed. Cell phones, cameras, belts with metal buckles, shoes, cigarettes, and lighters are not permitted on the temple grounds. However, lockers can be rented for a small fee.

Learn about the dress code

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple does not have a specific dress code. However, there is a general dress code that is enforced. Visitors must cover their arms and legs when entering the temple. Traditional Indian attire is not required, and western clothing is permitted.

How to reach the temple?

Varanasi is well-connected to the rest of the country by road, train, and air as a significant pilgrim and tourist destination. Moreover, the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is around 25 kilometres from the city centre.

Varanasi has three railway stations: 

• Manduadih Railway Station (about 4 kilometres away)
• Mughal Sarai Junction (approximately 8 kilometres away)
• Varanasi Junction

Some of the important trains that travel to Varanasi from all around India include the:

• Ganga Kaveri Express
• Howrah Jodhpur Express
• Lok Manya Tilak Varanasi Express
• Marudhra Express
• Rajdhani Express
• Sangamitra Express
• Secunderabad Patna Express
• Shivaganga Express
• Vibhuti Express

Kashi Banaras is not just a place; it is an emotion and the peacefulness of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi is unmatchable.