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Uttar Pradesh Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath or popularly known as Kashi Vishwanath temple is considered among the most important ancient temples in India. According to Hindu mythology, Kashi is a place where all the Hindus need to visit at least once in their life. The sacred Hindu worship place is located on the banks of Holy River Ganges. It is also considered among the sacred twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva temples. The main presiding deity in the temple is famous as Vishweswara or Vishwanatha which means ruler of entire universe.
History
The sacred Vishwanath temple was constructed in the year 490 AD. It is said that during the 11th century King Hari Chandra also constructed a Shiva temple which was destroyed by Muhammad Ghori in the year of 1194. Later the construction work of the temple was started by local people. However, soon the temple was destroyed by King Qutubuddin Aibak. The temple was again constructed after the death of King Aibak. Later in the year of 1351, this Hindu worship place was again destroyed by King Firuz Shah Tughlaq. Later Hindu king Todar Mal reconstructed it in the year of 1585. Later during the rule of Aurangzeb, it was again destroyed and in place of the temple a mosque called Gyanvapi Mosque was built. It is said that the main priest of the temple jump down to a well in order to save the sacred Shiva Linga. The present Vishwanath temple was constructed by renowned Ahilya Bai Holkar, queen of Malwa. Later, the temple was renovated by many Hindu kings such as Maharaja Ranjeet singh, Gwalior kingdom kings etc.
Weather and time to visit
Vishwanath temple can be visited throughout the year. However due to tropical climate condition, during the summer the city becomes hot and humid while in winter it becomes cold. So, the best time to get there is from the month of March to October.
How to reach
By Air
Varanasi airport is the nearest one thus visitors or pilgrims can get direct flights to Varanasi from various domestic airports in the country.
By Rail
Some of the nearest railway stations are Varanasi city railway station only 3 km, Kashi railway station also 3 km and Varanasi Junior railway station 4 km distance from the temple.
By Road
Visitors or pilgrims can also hire road-based transportation such as buses, cars and taxis to reach at the temple.
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