We have seen Ganga aarti in the previous blog. Now I take you all to the famous temples across Kasi one by one. As you all know Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu has a lot of temples. You see Kumbam (Kalasam / Gopuram / Tower) in every Konam (Angle) and that is why the name Kumbakonam. Similarly, Kasi houses many temples across the city and there is no dearth of it. You will find small, medium and big temples everywhere in the city and each one of them has its story & traditions.
The first we visited was Kasi Viswanathar. As you all might be aware of the fact that Shiva lingam in Kasi Viswanathar temple is one of the 12 Jyothir Lingams. There is an interesting story about Kasi Viswanathar Temple.
The initial location of the temple was in a nearby adjoining mosque, which was destroyed many times. This temple had always been on the receiving end of many invaders, be it Afghans or many Muslim dynasties (like Mughals, Slave) who ruled during that period. Except for Akbar, who donated land, which was over ruled by Aurangazeb later to build a mosque.
Finally, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore started the present temple in 1776, which stands now at Kasi. The interesting thing in this temple is that Nandi does not face Lord Shiva as it is used to be in every temple. Nandi faces the original temple (now Mosque) near a well (Known as Well of knowledge) and it is believed that Nandi was witness to destruction every time. Another interesting belief is that when Rani Ahilyabhai wanted to construct this temple, Lord Shiva came in her dream, to tell her that Shiva lingam is hidden in ‘Well (Kinaru) of knowledge’ . She told her people to carry out the instructions, she received from Almighty. On the contrary, people could not find it from that place. It is firmly believed that original Shiva lingam lies hidden in this ‘well of knowledge’.
Since this temple and Mosque co-exist (separated by high wired fencing) the security was very tight and one had to undergo proper security screening. People are advised, NOT to carry mobile phones inside the temple.
I must add here, the two most interesting things associated with this temple. One is Mangala aarti and the other one is Saptha Rishi Pooja. Though there are many other aartis & poojas taking place in this temple, these two things need special mention.
Mangala aarti: This aarti is performed at Viswanathar sannathi every day at 3 AM for about one hour. A baba who is very old, goes to Mani Karnika Ghat at 2 AM daily (one of the cremating ghats) to collect ashes from any “remains” out of so many cremations take place in a day and brings it to temple. The ashes could be of anybody who may be rich or poor. The same ash is applied to Viswanathar and if one gets an opportunity to attend this aarti, it is highly significant. It is the same case with the dying person that if the baba collects his / her ashes, it is believed that person reaches directly heaven abode. Though, we did not attend this, I thought I will share this with all, for, one may consider attending this aarti.
Saptha Rishi Pooja: This Pooja is performed at Viswanathar Sannathi at 7 PM daily. As the name suggests, it is performed by 7 Pundits. The chanting of mantra is in Sama Vedham. You may all be aware that discourse of Sama Vedham sounds like a song. People throng temple from every nook and corner at this time and we were no exception. There are 4 small entrances to the sannathi and we were to watch the entire proceedings by continuous pradakshanams as we were not to stop at a particular place or entrance. Pooja started with various Abhishekams such as by Honey, Vibhuti, Milk followed by decorations with flowers, Sandal powder. After the pooja, the maha aarti followed with giant bells ringing and resonating the entire temple complex. Sama Vedha Ghosham reached its crescendo with chants of "Har har Mahadev" & "Jai Bholenath" by devotees. The entire temple complex reverberated and the feeling in our hearts was something like that we have surrendered to GOD and forgot that we existed. We did not realize how many pradakshanams we must have made in that one hour grandeur. We were overwhelmed by the occasion and atmosphere……
The first we visited was Kasi Viswanathar. As you all might be aware of the fact that Shiva lingam in Kasi Viswanathar temple is one of the 12 Jyothir Lingams. There is an interesting story about Kasi Viswanathar Temple.
The initial location of the temple was in a nearby adjoining mosque, which was destroyed many times. This temple had always been on the receiving end of many invaders, be it Afghans or many Muslim dynasties (like Mughals, Slave) who ruled during that period. Except for Akbar, who donated land, which was over ruled by Aurangazeb later to build a mosque.
Finally, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore started the present temple in 1776, which stands now at Kasi. The interesting thing in this temple is that Nandi does not face Lord Shiva as it is used to be in every temple. Nandi faces the original temple (now Mosque) near a well (Known as Well of knowledge) and it is believed that Nandi was witness to destruction every time. Another interesting belief is that when Rani Ahilyabhai wanted to construct this temple, Lord Shiva came in her dream, to tell her that Shiva lingam is hidden in ‘Well (Kinaru) of knowledge’ . She told her people to carry out the instructions, she received from Almighty. On the contrary, people could not find it from that place. It is firmly believed that original Shiva lingam lies hidden in this ‘well of knowledge’.
Since this temple and Mosque co-exist (separated by high wired fencing) the security was very tight and one had to undergo proper security screening. People are advised, NOT to carry mobile phones inside the temple.
I must add here, the two most interesting things associated with this temple. One is Mangala aarti and the other one is Saptha Rishi Pooja. Though there are many other aartis & poojas taking place in this temple, these two things need special mention.
Mangala aarti: This aarti is performed at Viswanathar sannathi every day at 3 AM for about one hour. A baba who is very old, goes to Mani Karnika Ghat at 2 AM daily (one of the cremating ghats) to collect ashes from any “remains” out of so many cremations take place in a day and brings it to temple. The ashes could be of anybody who may be rich or poor. The same ash is applied to Viswanathar and if one gets an opportunity to attend this aarti, it is highly significant. It is the same case with the dying person that if the baba collects his / her ashes, it is believed that person reaches directly heaven abode. Though, we did not attend this, I thought I will share this with all, for, one may consider attending this aarti.
Saptha Rishi Pooja: This Pooja is performed at Viswanathar Sannathi at 7 PM daily. As the name suggests, it is performed by 7 Pundits. The chanting of mantra is in Sama Vedham. You may all be aware that discourse of Sama Vedham sounds like a song. People throng temple from every nook and corner at this time and we were no exception. There are 4 small entrances to the sannathi and we were to watch the entire proceedings by continuous pradakshanams as we were not to stop at a particular place or entrance. Pooja started with various Abhishekams such as by Honey, Vibhuti, Milk followed by decorations with flowers, Sandal powder. After the pooja, the maha aarti followed with giant bells ringing and resonating the entire temple complex. Sama Vedha Ghosham reached its crescendo with chants of "Har har Mahadev" & "Jai Bholenath" by devotees. The entire temple complex reverberated and the feeling in our hearts was something like that we have surrendered to GOD and forgot that we existed. We did not realize how many pradakshanams we must have made in that one hour grandeur. We were overwhelmed by the occasion and atmosphere……
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