Kasi Vishalakshi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Goddess Vishalakshi. This temple is situated at Mir Ghat on the banks of River Ganges, Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. Vishalakshi Temple is also known as Vishalakshi Gauri Temple. The Vishalakshi Temple is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and the most sacred temples dedicated to Hindu Divine Mother. It is said that, the earring part of Sati had been fallen here, on the holy place of Varanasi. It is not very clear of which part of Sati Devi fell here, some say that her eyes had fallen here and others say that her earring (karna kundala) had fallen.
Significance of Kasi Vishalakshi Temple and Festivals Celebrated
The devotees take a bath in the holy water of Ganges before paying their worship to the Goddess Vishalakshi. Devotees believe that, performing puja, chanting the songs to the Goddess is highly profitable as the Goddess Vishalakshi provides success and wealth. The festival that is celebrated with great importance at Vishalakshi Temple is Navratri. During the celebrations of Navaratri, in the month of October there is a ritual that is celebrated- triumph of the Goddess Durga over a buffalo demon (Mahishasura). The is another Navratri which is celebrated in the month of March (Chaitra). At each nine days there is the worship of Nava Durga’s.
Vishalakshi temple is also known for the festival of Kajali Tij. This festival is celebrated on the third day during waning fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August).
Timings
4:30 AM to 11:00 AM
5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The general darshan timings are 4 AM to 11 AM, 12 PM to 7 PM and 8:30 PM to 9 PM
After 9 PM devotes or pilgrims are allowed to see the lord from outside the temple
Mangala Aarti is performed between 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM
The mid-day Bhoj Aarti- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
The Sapta Rishi Aarti- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
The Shringar Bhoj and Aarti- 9:00 PM
Shayana Aarti begins at 10:30 PM
