Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Hindu temple in Varanasi, India.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a shrine to Shiva on the Ganges riverbank in Varanasi and houses a revered black stone object within the central inner courtyard. Gold-covered spires rise above the interior space and several smaller shrines surround the main temple through paved courtyards filled with oil lamps.
The present structure rose in the late 18th century as a replacement for earlier buildings that faced decay over the centuries. Renovation works in the 21st century expanded the surroundings with new courtyards and passageways for pilgrims.
Pilgrims approach the shrine in a single line winding through narrow passages as bell ringing and chanting fill the complex. Families bring milk and Ganga water as offerings and perform private prayers directly in front of the lingam.
Visitors must remove their shoes before entering and should dress modestly as this remains an active place of worship. The complex draws large crowds every day, especially during early morning hours and after sunset when ceremonies take place.
Priests open the central shrine five times each day for specific rituals performed only by initiates and normally hidden from public view. The Ganga water used for bathing ceremonies is fetched every day at sunrise from nearby steps on the western side of the river.
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