Kashi Vishwanath Temple
काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
About
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of the Universe. Varanasi is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The current structure was built in 1780 by the Maratha queen, Ahilyabai Holkar.
The temple's domes were covered with 800 kilograms of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire in 1835. A recent major renovation, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, has expanded the temple premises significantly.