5 Mystical facts about Kashi Vishwanath temple

Kashi is believed to be the oldest city established on the Trishul of Lord Shiva, and as per Skanda Purana, Kashi survived cosmic dissolution (Pralaya) on Shiva's trident, untouched while the world ends and begins again. Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the bylanes of Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as the epitome of divine submission to the almighty. Every year this temple is frequented by millions of devotees to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Interestingly, this Jyotirlinga shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vishwanath, the Lord of the Universe, holds secrets from thousands of years of myths, miracles and strange events. Here are five interesting facts about Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

As per Vedic beliefs, the Kashi Vishwanath temple is a swayambhu Shiva linga, which first appeared as a pillar of light and was believed to be the first Jyotirlinga. According to the ancient scriptures and Puranas, it is believed that Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued over who was superior until Shiva emerged as a swayambhu to humble them. Brahma lied about finding its end and got cursed by Lord Shiva, while Vishnu's honesty earned him worship. This event makes Kashi the ultimate place for liberation from life's cycle.

According to Vedic beliefs, just stepping into Kashi is believed to burn away karmic debts from countless births; a single glimpse of Vishwanath is equal to all pilgrimages. The unique trinity of Kashi's light, Ganga's crescent flow bowing to Shiva, and the lingam creates a spiritual vortex for total transformation. As per the legends, it is believed that Lord Shiva himself provides moksha to the dead in Manikarnika ghat, which is adjacent to this temple, which is why it is also known as Moksha dwar.

The temple has been destroyed 17 times, from the era of the Aibak in 1194 to the wrath of Aurangzeb. However, its core essence endures, rebuilding stronger each time. Devotees believe Shiva's protection renders it timeless. Even dying in Kashi grants moksha, as the city's 108 crore lingams whisper salvation to wandering souls. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple remains a symbol of Shiva's presence.

The Gyan Vapi well, filled with "wisdom water," is believed to be drawn by Shiva himself and hides the original Shiva lingam. When Aurangzeb's forces threatened in 1669, the head priest jumped into the well with the idol to protect it. Today the well's waters shimmer with unseen power and looking into them sharpens the seeker's insight.

Archaeologists found an Avimukteshwar seal from 1000 BCE near the temple. This suggests that a sacred structure over 3,000 years old once stood here. The Skanda Puranas Kashi Khanda mentions Kashi's city pulsing with energy that grants instant moksha to the hearted