Sri Vishalakshi Temple is one among the 18 famous Shakthi Peeta’s. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi in the divine form of Vishalakshi Devi. Her consort is Lord Kashi Viswanath. It is located in Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Mythology believes the Vishalakshi temple as one of the Shaktipeethas. When Lord Shiva’s wrath at the death of his wife Sati manifested as the Tandava which would destroy the Universe, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan chakra cut her corpse into pieces which scattered around the subcontinent. It is believed that the Goddess’ earrings fell where the temple of Vishalakshi stands today.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The narrow lanes near Meer Ghat in the holy city of Varanasi lead to the Vishalakshi temple built in South Indian architectural style. The Gopuram at the entrance has elaborate carvings. The temple has an array of Shivlingams around it. The four pillars in front of the main shrine are adorned with colourful sculptures. The Garbhagriha has two idols of Goddess Vishalakshi- a smaller black stone idol called Adi Vishalakshi, which is believed to be the original idol on left back side and another black stone image, adorned with flowers and jewels, installed at a later date.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Bus services are available frequently from all major places in Uttar Pradesh to Varanasi Temple.
By Rail
The city is linked by trains with all metros and major cities across the country – New Delhi (760 Kms.), Bombay (1509 Kms.), Calcutta (735 Kms.), Madras (1970 Kms.) , Lucknow (286 Kms) . There are three railway station – Kashi, City and Varanasi Junction (also known as Varanasi Cantonment), which is the main station and has computerised booking. There are not many trains running directly between here and Delhi or Calcutta but most Delhi to Calcutta trains do pass through Mughal Sarai, 18 km south of Varanasi. This is about 45 minutes by bus or shared autorickshaw. From Varanasi Junction, expresses take 13 to 16 hrs. to Delhi and 13 hours to Calcutta. Other expresses take 28 hrs. to Bombay, 39 hrs. to Madras, 3 hrs. to Allahabad, 41/2 hrs. to Patna, 5 hrs. to Lucknow.
By Air
Babatpur Airport, also known as Varanasi Airport or Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (IATA – VNS, ICAO – VIBN), is the nearest airport situated just 18 km north-west of Varanasi city. Varanasi lies on the daily air tourist shuttle route linking other major tourist places in India such as Khajuraho, Agra and Delhi.
Shrine Timings
Sri Kasi Vishalakshi Devi Temple timings : 4.30 AM to 11.00 AM and from 5.00 PM to 10.00 PM. .The devotees usually take a dip in the holy Ganga before entering the temple.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
August – Kajali Tij October – Navratri
Extra Information About this Shrine
Varanasi being an important tourist destination for both pilgrims as well as other tourists features numerous economic hotels as well as luxury hotels and guest houses.