Shri Vishwanath Mandir

Last updated

Shri Vishwanath Mandir
New Vishwanath Temple (BHU).jpg
from the main gate
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Varanasi
Deity Lord Shiva
Festivals Mahashivratri
Nag Panchami
Shravan
Navratri
Makar Sankranti
Ecclesiastical or organisational status Administered by BHU
Location
Location Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi
State Uttar Pradesh
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
Varanasi district location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Shown within Varanasi district
Geographic coordinates 25°15′58″N82°59′16″E / 25.266034°N 82.987847°E / 25.266034; 82.987847
Architecture
Creator Birla family
Completed1966
Specifications
Temple(s)Seven
Elevation77 m (253 ft)
Website
Official website

Shri Vishwanath Mandir also known as Vishwanath Mandir, Vishwanath Temple, New Vishwanath Temple and Birla Temple is another prominent Hindu temple in the holy city of Varanasi. Hindus across India and abroad visit this particular Lord Shiva temple to offer prayer to the Lord Vishwanath for the well-being of their families, and eternal peace. Every Hindu must perform a specific ritualistic homage for the departed souls of their ancestors this requires them to undertake pilgrimage to the holy city of Varanasi. The temple is situated near the Banaras Hindu University. Therefore, the temple site and the neighbourhood is a major attraction among Hindu students and visitors touring Varanasi. Shri Vishwanath Mandir has the tallest temple tower in the world with the Shikhara's height being around 250 feet. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] The temple is colloquially called VT, an acronym of Vishwanath Temple. [7] The temple is under direct administration of the BHU. [8]

Contents

History

In the past 900 years Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir was destroyed by multiple invaders, however, the locals supported by their Hindu patrons reconstructed this ancient temple as many times. First reported temple destroyer was the founder of the slave dynasty Qutb-ud-din Aibak. He was obsessed by the fellowship of his master Mahmud Ghori the tyrant. On 1194 CE Qutb-ud-din Aibak entrusted his nomadic soldiers to ruthlessly kill locals, maraud their city, enslave young girls and boys, torture the wealthy, kill the Hindu priest, damage ancient scriptures, malign sacred idols, and burn the holy temple to ashes and rubbles. Such an extreme show of power and hatred against the locals of Varanasi was just the beginning of the curse which continued for the next 600 more years. Many more notorious invaders followed footsteps of Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Time failed to heal the scars left by the likes of Hussain Shah Sharqi between 1447 and 1458 CE, and then Aurangzeb in 1669 CE. Hindus still remember how their ancestors survived centuries of tyranny, religious and social persecutions. Even to this day local poetry, religious texts, preserved Hindu paintings, and anecdotal stories remind people how certain intolerant fanatical individual's used incomprehensible, inhumane military tactics against innocent Hindus, their beloved deities and their holy sanctuaries such as the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. Following the first invasion many eminent Hindus made unconditional efforts to revive the architecture of the destroyed Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir to its glory days. All their sacrifices indeed helped preserve the temple history, Hindu faith and the legend of the Lord Vishwanath. Finally, after a period of 700 years, in 1930s, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya planned to replicate Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir in the campus of Benaras Hindu University. [9] The Birla family undertook the construction and foundation was laid in March 1931. The temple (Shri Vishwanath Mandir) was finally completed in 1966. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Construction

Shri Vishwanath Mandir's construction took thirty-five years to complete (1931-1966). The temple is one of the tallest in India. Total height of the temple is approximately 77 meters. Temple's design was inspired by Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and is made mostly of marble.

Though the Shri Vishwanath Mandir is primarily dedicated to Shiva, consists of nine shrines within one temple and is open to people from all castes, religions and religious beliefs. The Shiva shrine is in the ground floor and the Lakshmi Narayan and Durga shrines are on the first floor. Other shrines within Shri Vishwanath Mandir are Nataraj, Parvati, Ganesha, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Hanuman, Saraswati and Nandi. Entire text of Bhagavad Gita and extracts from sacred Hindu scriptures are inscribed with illustrations on the inner marble walls of the temple. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Location

Shri Vishwanath Mandir is situated 1.7 kilometers inside the campus of Benaras Hindu University (South-West from the main gate). It is 3.3 kilometers South-West of Durga Mandir, 7 kilometers South-West of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and 9 kilometers South of Varanasi Railway Station.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kashi Vishwanath Temple</span> Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located in Vishwanath Gali, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. The presiding deity is known by the names Vishwanath and Vishweshwara, literally meaning Lord of the Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laxminarayan Temple</span> Hindu temple in India

The Laxminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Delhi, India. The presiding deity in the temple is Laxminarayan i.e., Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi ensured that members of all castes would be allowed in the temple. It was built by Jugal Kishore Birla from 1933 and 1939. There are also small shrines on the sides dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman and Buddha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birla Mandir</span> Hindu Temples

The Birla Mandirs refer to different Hindu temples or Mandirs built by the Birla family in different cities across India. All these temples are magnificently built, some in white marble or sandstone. The temples are generally located in a prominent location, carefully designed to accommodate a large number of visitors. The worship and discourses are well organized. The first one was built in 1939 in Delhi collectively by Jugal Kishore Birla and his brothers and their father. Later temples were built by and managed by different branches of the family. For both of the temples in Varanasi, the Birlas joined other donors to support the cost.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benares State</span> Indian kingdom and later princely state (1740–1948)

Banaras State initially known as Banaras kingdom or Kashi Kingdom was a kingdom and later princely state under the Narayan Dynasty in what is today Uttar Pradesh, India. On 15 October 1948, Benares' last ruler signed the accession to the Indian Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vishalakshi Temple</span> Hindu goddess temple in Varanasi, India

The Vishalakshi Temple or Vishalakshi Gauri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vishalakshi, at Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is generally regarded as a Shakti Pitha, the most sacred temples dedicated to the Hindu Divine Mother.

Chandra Mauli Upadhyay is an Indian astrologer and head of Jyotish department, Banaras Hindu University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Durga Mandir, Ramnagar</span> Hindu Temple in Uttar Pradesh, India

The Durga Mandir (Temple) is situated in Ramnagar of Banaras (or Varanasi). It is believed that it was built 500 years ago which is under control of royal family of Banaras State currently. This temple is devoted to Hindu deity Durga. The temple has a large stone built pond with it. The Durga Mandir boasts of its fine stone works, which is a fabulous example of north Indian stone work arts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Uttar Pradesh</span> Overview of tourism in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh

Situated in the northern part of India, bordering with the capital of India New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh is one of the most popular and an established tourist destination for both Indians and non-Indians alike in India. The most populous state of India, Uttar Pradesh contains many historical monuments and places of religious significance. Geographically, Uttar Pradesh is very diverse, with Himalayan foothills in the extreme north and the Gangetic Plain in the centre. It is also home of India's most visited sites, Hinduism's holiest city, Varanasi. Kumbh city, Prayagraj. Kathak, one of the eight forms of Indian classical dances, originated from Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh is at the heart of India, hence it is also known as The Heartland of India. Cuisine of Uttar Pradesh like Awadhi cuisine, Mughlai cuisine and Bhojpuri cuisine are very famous not only in India but also many places abroad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gyanvapi Mosque</span> Mosque and former Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

The Gyanvapi Mosque is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was constructed by Aurangzeb c. 1678, a decade after his demolition of an old Shiva temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varanasi</span> Metropolis in Uttar Pradesh, India

Varanasi is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world. The city has a syncretic tradition of Muslim artisanship that underpins its religious tourism. Located in the middle-Ganges valley in the southeastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi lies on the left bank of the river. It is 692 kilometres (430 mi) to the southeast of India's capital New Delhi and 320 kilometres (200 mi) to the southeast of the state capital, Lucknow. It lies 121 kilometres (75 mi) downstream of Prayagraj, where the confluence with the Yamuna river is another major Hindu pilgrimage site.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple may refer to the following temples in India:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhelupur, Varanasi</span> Suburb in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Bhelupur is a suburban neighbourhood located in south of Varanasi district. It is situated 2.5 kilometres west of Kedar ghat and to the river Ganges. Benaras Hindu University is situated 4.5 kilometres south of Bhelupur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Durga Mandir, Varanasi</span> Hindu Temple in Uttar Pradesh, India

Durga Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir and Durga Temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mrityunjay Mahadev Mandir</span> Hindu Temple in Uttar Pradesh, India

Ravaneshwar Mandir is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shri Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Mandir</span> Hindu Temple in Uttar Pradesh, India

Shri Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Mandir, also known as Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Mandir and Tilbhandeshwar Mandir, is one of the oldest and most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Tilbhandeshwar Mandir is believed to be constructed in 18th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Annapurna Devi Mandir</span> Hindu Temple in Uttar Pradesh, India

Annapurna Devi Mandir, also known as Annapurna Mata Mandir and Annapurna Mandir, is one of the most famous Hindu temples (Mandir) in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the goddess Annapurna. Annapurna is the Hindu goddess for nourishment and is a form of the goddess Parvati. The current Annapurna Mandir was constructed in the 18th century by Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I.

Lalita Gauri Mandir, also known as Lalita Mata Mandir, is one of the important and historic temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the goddess Lalita Gauri. The Mandir was constructed in early 19th century. The temple was constructed between 1800–1804 by Rana Bahadur Shah. Lalita Gauri Mandir is situated on the Lalita Ghat and the ghat was named after this temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ratneshwar Mahadev temple</span> Temple in India

Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir is one of the most photographed temples in the holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple, while apparently well-preserved, leans significantly towards the back side (north-west), and its garbhagriha is generally below the water much of the year, except for a few months during the summer. The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is situated at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi. The temple has developed a nine-degree slant.

The Shri Kashi Karvat Mandir is a small suicide temple. It is a few meters away from the famous Blue Lassi shop of Kashi and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is said to be an ancient Shiva temple. It has a small temple which is visited only by the local people.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Brief description". Benaras Hindu University website. Archived from the original on 26 May 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 "The temples". Benaras Hindu University website. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 "Vishwanath Temple". Wikinapia. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 "New Vishwanath Temple". Varanasi city website. Archived from the original on 14 March 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 "Birla Temple". varanasi.org.in. Archived from the original on 15 March 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 "History". Eastern U.P. Tourism website. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  7. ↑ "Vishwanath Temple (VT) opened in "New Normal"". BHU Express. 23 September 2020. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  8. ↑ "Banaras Hindu University, [BHU], Varanasi-221005, U.P., India. - Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India". www.bhu.ac.in. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  9. ↑ Karkar, S.C. (2009). The Top Ten Temple Towns of India. Kolkota: Mark Age Publication. p. 12. ISBN   978-81-87952-12-1.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.