Visalakshi (Varanasi)

Visalakshi (Varanasi)

 

Visalakshi is the second consort of Shiva in this holy city of Kashi. This temple is one among the 52 Shakti peethams, and is part of the famous triad of temples- Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi and Kashi Visalakshi. This small temple is situated in one of the narrow lanes around the Vishwanath temple, and it is mainly south Indians who seek out this temple.

Though the temple is quite small, the idol of the goddess is very beautiful. Behind the main stone idol of the goddess is another idol (some say it is a silver casting, others say it is an idol), believed to be the idol prayed to in ancient times. One of our guides told us that it was the swayambhu idol of the goddess, while another refuted this claim. Whatever it is, it is certainly worth a look, so remember to look behind the idol when you visit the temple.

Adi Shankaracharya, when he visited the temple, performed prayers to renew the powers of the temple and the goddess which had borne the brunt of several invasions. He also installed a Sri Yantram there, and it is to this Yantram that puja is done. Kumkumarchana to this Sri Yantram is considered very special, and can be performed by asking the pujari there.

LOCATION

Devotees can find Vishalakshi temple at Mir Ghat. They can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli or Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Devotees generally combine prayers at this temple along with darshan of Visweshwar / Annapurna temple.

Vishalakshi Gauri is one of the 9 Gauris which are worshiped in Navratri falling in March-April (9 days preceding Ram Navami).

The entire area encompassing Vishalakshi Devi, Dharmeshwar, Vishwa Bhuja Gauri etc. is a powerful Shakti Peeth known as Dharma Peeth.

Body part : Devi's wrist has fallen here.