Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most important temple in Uttarkashi town, dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. The stone shrine stands in the middle of the old bazaar, with a high shikhara, a spacious courtyard and smaller shrines around it. Pilgrims visit here before going higher to Gangotri and Yamunotri, offering milk, bilva leaves and water from the Bhagirathi. The atmosphere is very “Kashi-like”: ringing bells, flower shops, priests chanting mantras and a constant flow of devotees. For local people, this temple is the spiritual centre of daily life; for Char Dham yatris it is a powerful halt where they seek blessings of Vishwanath in the Himalaya.
About this place
History & highlights
Tradition says the original shrine at this spot was established by Sage Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and ardent devotee of Shiva. The present stone temple was rebuilt in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi, queen of Tehri and wife of King Sudarshan Shah, over the old altar using classic Himalayan temple architecture. An inscription on the great trident in the courtyard records this patronage. Over centuries the temple has been repeatedly renovated after earthquakes and floods, yet the original Shiva lingam altar has remained unchanged, making it a living continuation of ancient worship. Today it is counted among the most sacred Shiva shrines of Garhwal and plays a central role in all major festivals and processions in Uttarkashi.
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