The oldest
living city in the world, Varanasi is the ultimate destination of all Hindu
pilgrims searching for moksha from the cycle of birth and re-birth. The word
'Kashi' originated from the word 'Kas' which means to shine. Kashi is
mentioned repeatedly in the scriptures - the Brahmanas, Upanishads and the
Puranas. It is the oldest center of learning and the University here is
still widely respected for its Sanskrit, Philosophy, and Arts faculties.
Hyuen Tsang, the Chinese traveler visited Varanasi in the 7th century.
Stepped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the 'original
ground' created by Lord Shiva and Parvati. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was destroyed in the various invasions
and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Hundreds and thousands
of pilgrims flock to Varanasi to offer homage and wash away their sins.
Vishweshwara jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the
spiritual history of India. Deeply and intimately implanted in the Hindu
mind, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living embodiment of our
timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values. The Temple has
been visited by all great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa,
Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak
and several other spiritual personalities.
