Kashi Vishalakshi Devi Temple also known as Vishalakshi Gauri Temple is Goddess Parvati the consort of God Shiva in this holy city of Kashi. The name “Vishalakshi” means “wide eye”. The two Sanskrit words are “Vishala” which means “wide” or “large” and “Akshi” which means “eye”. The Shakti temple is 5 km from Varanasi Junction, situated at Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. According to belief, it is said that the earrings or eyes of Mata Sati fell at this sacred place in Varanasi.
This temple is one of 52 Shakti Peethas and is part of the famous triad of temples: Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi and Kashi Visalakshi. This small temple is located in one of the narrow streets around the Kashi Vishwanath temple, mainly the South Indians visit this temple.
Although the temple is quite small, the idol of the goddess is very beautiful. Behind the main stone idol of the goddess is another idol (some say it is a silver mold, others say it is an idol), considered the idol prayed in ancient times. One of our guides told us that it was the Swayambhu idol of the goddess, while another refuted this claim. Either way, it’s definitely worth checking out, so be sure to look behind the idol when you visit the temple.
Adi Shankaracharya, when he visited the temple, performed prayers to renew the powers of the temple and the goddess which had borne the brunt of several invasions. He also installed a Sri Yantram there, and it is to this Yantram that puja is done. Kumkumarchana to this Sri Yantram is considered very special and can be performed by asking the pujari there.
Kashi Vishalakshi Temple Timings:
The idol of Vishalakshi Devi at this small temple is incredibly beautiful. When you visit with devotion, you will surely feel satisfied seeing her. There is another idol located behind the main one. Some people believe it is the self-manifested deity of Devi, while others disagree.
If you wish to witness a specific aarti or perform a special puja like the Kumkumarchana, it’s important to plan ahead and make arrangements in advance.
Morning: 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Vishalakshi Temple History:
Annapurna is the goddess of food and a form of Parvati, who is Shiva’s consort, and is given the epithet Vishalakshi, which means “wide-eyed.” Her famous temple is located in Varanasi, where she is highly revered. According to the Skanda Purana, there is a story about the sage Vyasa cursing Varanasi because no one offered him food in the city. Eventually, Vishalakshi appears as a housewife and provides food to Vyasa. This role of Vishalakshi is similar to that of Annapurna, who offers food to her husband Shiva, as his hunger can be satisfied only by her food. Pleased by Annapurna’s food, Shiva establishes Varanasi and appoints her as the presiding goddess. While the goddess Vishalakshi of the Varanasi temple may have been identified with Annapurna in the past, over time she became a distinct goddess, resulting in separate temples dedicated to her.
Vishalakshi, the “wide-eyed” goddess, is often associated with two other goddesses: Kamakshi, the “love-eyed” goddess of Kanchipuram, and Meenakshi, the “fish-eyed” goddess of Madurai. They are recognized as the most important goddesses by South Indians. While Vishalakshi’s temple is in North India, the other goddess temples are located in Tamil Nadu, South India. South Indians have venerated Vishalakshi for many years and have strong connections with the temple. In 1971, people from the South Indian Tamil community also contributed to the renovation of the temple.
Vishalakshi Temple Festivals:
The Vishalakshi Temple celebrates two grand Navratris during the waxing moon period. One takes place in the month of Ashwin (October) leading up to Vijayadashami, and the other in the month of Chaitra (March). Devotees specifically visit the temple on the fifth night of Navratri.
Additionally, the annual Vishalakshi temple festival, known as Kajali Teej, is celebrated on the third lunar day during the waning period of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the last month of the rainy season. On this day, women observe rituals for the well-being of their brothers and sing special songs called Kajali.
How to reach Kashi Vishalakshi Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-paid cab to reach the temple, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.
By Train:
Varanasi Junction is the main railway station in the city. Once you arrive at the station, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw to reach the Kashi Vishalakshi Temple. It is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from the railway station.
By Road:
Varanasi is well-connected by roads, and you can reach the city via private vehicles, buses, or taxis. From the city center or any convenient location, you can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the Kashi Vishalakshi Temple.
Kashi Vishalakshi Devi Temple Address:
Shri Kashi Vishalakshi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple,
Kashi Lahori Tola Near Ganpati Guest House Meer Ghat,
Varanasi,
Uttar Pradesh – 221001.