The Vishalakshi Temple or Vishalakshi Shakti peeth is Gauri Temple is a popular Hinduism temple which is dedicated to the goddess Vishalakshi, who is a form of Goddess Sati or parvati. Vishalakshi is the goddess who has large eyes”. The temple is located at Mir Ghat on the banks of River Ganges at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pitha, of Goddess Sati, the place where the body parts of Mata Sati fell. Shaktipeeth are the most sacred temples of Hinduism dedicated to the Divine Mother.
Kashi Vishalaskshi
Vishalakshi Temple is known for its temple festival on Kajali Teej, which is held on the third day during waning fortnight in the Bhadrapada month or August. The temple is considered as one of the major pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Here the Goddess Sati is known as Vishalakshi and Bhairav is worshipped as Kaal Bhairava.
It is believed that the eye or earrings of the goddess Sati have fallen on this holy part of Varanasi, where the temple is constructed. The temple is situated by the famous cremation grounds of Manikarnika.
The Three ‘Eyes’ Temples of India
Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi is the Three ‘Eyes’ Temple of India. It is one of the group of three temples in India which is connected with the eyes of the Goddess Sati. The first temple is the Meenakshi Temple located in Madurai. Meenakshi means – Fish Eyed and The second temple is the Kamakshi Temple located in Kanchipuram. Kamakshi means Love Eyed and the third one is the Vishalakshi Temple which is located in Varanasi. Vishalakshi means Wide or large Eyed. All three temples are considered as important religious destinations of Hinduism.
Location of Vishalakshi Temple
Shri Kashi Vishalakshi Mata Shakti Peeth Temple is a Temple located in Kashi Lahori Tola Near Ganpati Guest House Meer Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Pin code- 221001
History behind Vishalakshi Temple
There are many stories related to the origins of all the Shakti Peeth. The most popular story behind the origin, is about the Goddess Sati who is the first wife of Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva. It is believed that the Adi Shakti inorder to marry Lord Shiva, Once took the human avatar and was born as the daughter of Prajapati Daksha who was a Brahmin priest and son of Lord Brahma.
Goddess Sati born as Daksha Prajapati daughter and was named Princess Sati. Goddess Sati expressed as wish to marry Lord Shiva yo her parents. But, king Daksha did not want her daughter to marry Lord Shiva because of his appearance and lifestyle. He wanted his daughter to marry any prince. But Devi Sati married Lord Shiva and arrived at her new home in Mount Kailash with goddess and was mesmerized by goddess beauty. Devi Sati was much happy as she got her loved one as her husband.
Lord Shiva is also known as Mahadeva ‘The Great God’ is the main deity of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism.
Shiva is also known as “The Destroyer” within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu and Mahadeva. In the Shaivite tradition, Shiva is the Supreme god who creates, protects and then transforms the universe.
It is believed that once Goddess Sati’s father Daksha Prajapati organised a biggest Yagya. He invited all the gods and goddesses except his daughter and Son-in-law i.e., Mata Sati and Lord Shiva. Mata Sati wanted to attend the Yagya organised by her father and wanted to ask her father why he didn’t invite them but Mahadev did not want to send Mata Sati to her father’s Yagya.
But goddess visited her father’s house. At yagya, Daksha insulted Lord Shiva in front of all gods and goddesses and people. After Hearing insult about her husband by her father, Goddess Sati cannot bear it and ended her life by entering in the fire of Yagya.
Seeing Devi Sati burning in the yagya fire. Lord Shiva loses his temper and destroys the Yagya. He was filled with anger and started Tandav. He killed king Daksha Prajapati but returned to his life when everyone requested mercy by adding him with the head of a goat. Lord Shiva picked up the body of Goddess Sati and started his Tandav Nritya in the sky.
To save the world from the harm by the anger of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu separated Mahadev from her wife’s body. He cut Goddess corpse with his Sudarshan Chakra into 51 parts. The places where these parts fell are known as Shakti peethas. There are total of 51 Shakti Peeth located as the body of Goddess Sati was cut in 51 pieces and this fell separately at 51 places.
Out of these 51 parts of goddess sati , “ eye or earrings” is believed to have fallen at this place where the Vishalakshi Shakti peeth was constructed at the exact place where goddess Sati’s eye or earrings is believed to have fallen.
Festivals at Vishalakshi Temple
Both Navratri is the main festival celebrated with great fun and enthusiasm at the Vishalakshi Temple during the period of the waxing moon. One is celebrated during Ashwin month (October) which leads up to Vijayadashami. The other Navratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March). Great number of devotees visit this temple during Navratri and celebrate with great joy.
The annual Vishalakshi temple festival is celebrated on Kajali Teej. Kajali Teej is celebrated on the third lunar day in the moon’s waning period of the month of Bhadrapada. Bhadrapada is the last month of the rainy season. Women observe this day for the welfare of their brothers and sing special songs called Kajali.
Temple Timings of the Vishalakshi Temple
The Deity of Goddess Sati at Vishalakshi Devi is very beautiful. There are a total of two deities present in the temple. One Deity is presented behind the main Deity. Some people say that it is the swayambhu (self-manifested) Deity of Devi.
The darshan timings and worship of the Vishalakshi temple are as follows:
- Morning: 4.30 AM to 11.00 AM
- Evening: 5.00 PM to 10.00 PM
Best time to visit the Vishalakshi Temple
Winter is considered as the best time to visit the Vishalakshi temple. Winter in Varanasi starts from October and remains till February, and the weather remains pleasant during these months.
How to reach Kashi Vishalakshi Temple
Vishalakshi Devi Temple is a very special temple of Varanasi. It is one of the shakti peeth of Goddess Sati. The other is that it is located in Lord Shiva’s own city, Kashi.
Vishalakshi Temple is visited by a large number of devotees every year. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations by hindu. It is also a famous tourist attraction of India.
There are various ways to reach Vishalakshi Temple of Varanasi. You can reach the temple via road, by train or by flight from any part of the country.
By Road-Varanasi is well connected by well constructed roads to major other cities in India such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, etc. You can reach it by any means of transport as per your convenience.
By Rail- There are two railway stations in the city namely, the Varanasi Junction and Kashi Junction. The Varanasi Junction or Varanasi Cantonment is the busiest station of the city. Varanasi is well connected to other cities of India by Rail. You can book a taxi or cab to reach your destination.
By Air- Varanasi has its own airport known as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport at Babatpur near Kashi. Both Domestic and International flights are available from Varanasi to the airport. Varanasi is well connected to other major cities of the country via airways. You can book a cab or taxi at the airport to reach your destination.
Read More about Shakti Peeth in India
FAQs
Where is Devi Vishalakshi Shakti peeth located ?
Shri Kashi Vishalakshi Mata Shakti Peeth Temple is a Temple located in Varanasi Lahori Tola Near Ganpati Guest House Meer Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Pin code- 221001
What is the history behind the origin of Vishalakshi Shakti peeth?
According to hindu mythology, It is believed that once Goddess Sati gave her life by jumping into the fire of the great yagya which was organised by her father King Daksheshwara, when she was not able to bear insult of her husband Lord shiva from her father. When Lord Shiva was running around the earth carrying her body and started Tandav. Then Lord Vishnu, to save this universe from the anger of Lord Shiva divided the body of the Goddess sati in 51 parts using his Sudarshan chakra. Out of those 51 parts, the Eye or earrings of the goddess Sati fell to this place where the Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth was constructed.
What is the best time to visit Vishalakshi Shakti peeth?
Winter is considered as the best time to visit the Vishalakshi temple. Winter in Varanasi starts from October and remains till February, and the weather remains pleasant during these months.
Which part of the Goddess Sati fell at this place?
Eye or earrings of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen at this Shakti peeth.
Which is the main festival celebrated at Vishalakshi Temple?
Navratri and Kajali Teej are the main festivals celebrated at the Vishalakshi Temple with great joy and enthusiasm.
The Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to the goddess Durga. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, on the banks of the Ganges River.
The temple is dedicated to Vishalakshi, an aspect of the goddess Parvati. According to legend, the goddess Sati’s chest fell at this spot when she was beheaded by her father, King Daksha. The presiding deity is a black stone idol of Vishalakshi, which is said to have been found in the river by a local fisherman.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over India. It is also a major tourist attraction, and is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant religious festivals.
The temple complex is divided into two parts: the inner sanctum, where the main deity is enshrined, and the outer courtyard, where devotees gather to pray and offer offerings. The inner sanctum is a small, dark room that is only accessible to priests. The outer courtyard is much larger and is open to the public.
The temple is a beautiful example of Hindu architecture. It is made of red sandstone and has a three-tiered roof. The exterior walls are decorated with intricate carvings of deities, animals, and flowers.
The Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth is a sacred place for Hindus and a must-see for visitors to Varanasi. It is a place of peace, devotion, and beauty.