Vintage Photograph Of Kashi Vishwanath ~ Varanasi

* Vintage Photograph Of Kashi Vishwanath ~ Varanasi * 

Due to long interrupted history of invasions, the original temple has not yet been traceable. Possibly, the temple has got damaged during various invasions. In 1780, the presentstructure of the temple is said to have been constructed by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. In 1835, the temple spire and dome were covered with 1000 kgs of gold that was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. The Shiva temple has been mentioned in Puranas including Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana. In 11th century A.D., Hari Chandra reconstructed the temple. Muhammad Ghori destroyed it along with other temples of Varanasi during his raid in 1194. Reconstruction of the temple started soon after. This was demolished by Qutb-ud-din Aybak. After Aybak's death the temple was again rebuilt. In 1351 it was destroyed again by Firuz Shah Tughlaq, who also had Hindu holy works translated in Persian.The temple was rebuilt in 1585 by Todar Mal, the Revenue Minister of Akbar's Court.Aurangzeb ordered its demolition in 1669 and constructed Gyanvapi Mosque, which still exists alongside the temple. Traces of the old temple can be seen behind the mosque. The current temple was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780.The temple spire and the dome are plated with 1000 kg of gold donated by the mighty Jatt Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, in 1835.

There is a well inside the temple which is known as Jnana Vapi or the Wisdom Well. Some stories about the temple say that the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga was hidden in the Wisdom Well at the time of invasion by foreigners.

As Puran says Kashi Vishwanath Baba is divided in to 3 parts of Trishul Kedareshwar Vishweshwar MahaMritunjay.According to puran the person who stays at the end of his life time gets moksha. Kashi Vishwanath gives tarak mantra to get moksha. The Temple is also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.