Goddess Parvaty requested Lord Shiva to describe the various Teerths (Sacred Ponds) and Shiv Lings in the Holy City of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).  Lord Shiva was very pleased to accede to the request of the Goddess.

Kooshmandeshwar

Kashi Khand mentions one Kooshmandeshwar Ling in reference to Manikarnika and Pita Maheshwar, among various other Shiv Lings. 

A devotee who worships Kooshmandeshwar Ling, will always be blessed by Lord Shiva.

LOCATION OF KOOSHMANDESHWAR

 Kooshmandeshwar is located at Ck.10/16, Brahmanal, near Swarg Dwareshwar. Just opposite Pulaheshwar towards the south side is a house with a flight of steps leading upwards.  After climbing the steps there is a garden like open space and Swargdwareshwar Ling is located in a small temple thereat near which Kooshmandeshwar Ling is also located. Great importance has been attached to this place which is called as Swarg Dwari.

TYPES OF POOJA

The place is open for worship from 07.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. Devotees can perform pooja etc. by their own.

According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar).

Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there are 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place.  Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places by Nandi and installed in Kashi.

Koteeshwar (Koti Ling)

Kashi Khand mentions one Ling, worshipping which devotees will derive the benefits of worshipping One Crore Lings.  This Ling is called Koti Ling.  This Ling also finds mention in Ling Puraan, Chapter 3 of the supplement as well as in Shlok 148 to 157, Chapter 92, ibid.  According to this, devotees should take bath in Ganges and perform pooja of Koteeshwar Ling which will be equivalent to performing 1 crore Godaan (donary of cow to deserving person).

LOCATION OF KOTI LING

Koti Ling is located at Dasaswamedh  Vishwanath Gully in the vicinity of Sakshi Vinayak.  Just before Sakshi Vinayak, there is a Saree Shop called Giridhar Stores and one Babaji Shop selling pooja items.  In between these two shops, devotees can find Koti Ling.

Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and travel to this place by foot.  It is advisable to combine darshan of this deity alongwith darshan of Kashi Vishwanath (Visweshwar) temple etc.

Please watch our YouTube Video about Koti Ling at following Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7WK69yzHsw&t=5s

TYPES OF POOJA

The place of worship is open throughout for darshan.

On a request by Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva narrated  various deities/Shiv Lings/Teerths (Sacred Ponds) spread over the expanse of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).

Krishneshwar

In the vicinity of Vasishteshwar, devotees can find Krishneshwar.

Devotees who worship Krishneshwar will reach  Vishnu Lok after death.  Vishnu Lok is that part of Heaven where Lord Vishnu resides.

LOCATION OF KRISHNESHWAR

Krishneshwar is located on the outer wall of Sankata Devi temple at No. Ck.7/159. The Shiv Ling is facing the east and is opposite the Harishchandreshwar Ling.  Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Chowk by rickshaw and walking on foot via Sankata Devi temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Sankata Ghat and climb the steps.

Other deities in the vicinity are Bhadreshwar, Aswiniyeshwar, Atma Veereshwar, Brihaspateeshwar, Budheshwar, Vasukeeshwar, Yama Aditya etc. details whereof are mentioned elsewhere.

TYPE OF POOJA

This place of worship is open throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves.

After the first few batches of Shiv Gans sent to Kashi failed to return, Lord Shiva sent a few more batches of Shiv Gans from Mandarachal to Kashi.  (Regarding deputation of Shiv Gans to Kashi, devotees are requested to refer to Kukkuteshwar Ling).

Kshemeshwar

These Shiv Gans also decided to settle down in Kashi and they installed Shiv Lings which came to be known after  their names. One Shiv Gan named Kshemak installed a Shiv Ling and started worshipping Lord Shiva.  This Ling came to be known as Kshemeshwar.  Kashi Khand, Chapter 55 states that a devotee who worships Kshemeshwar is cleansed of all his sins and will attain happiness and prosperity.

LOCATION OF KSHEMESHWAR

Kshemeshwar is located at Kshemeshwar Ghat at House No. B-14/14, Manasarovar Ghat.  People can travel upto Kedarghat by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Kedarghat Post Office and take a right turn towards Kshemeshwar Ghat.  The Ling is located in a house belonging to Kumaraswamy Mutt of Kedar Ghat.

TYPE OF POOJA

Devotees can worship the Kshemeshwar Ling through the Grill gate.

According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 13, in Kambilya there was one Dikshit named Yagya Dutt. He was proficient in all Vedas and Shastras and performed all rituals connected thereto.  He had a very handsome son and Yagya Dutt performed the Yagyopavith (Sacred thread ceremony) of his son in due course of time.

However, the boy, named Guna Nidhi, did not perform any rituals a must for a Brahmachari like performing Sandhya Pooja etc. Slowly and steadily he got into  bad company and engaged himself in gambling and other such vices. All these days, Guna Nidhi’s mother like an indulgent parent told lies to her husband Yagya Dutt who was under the impression that the boy was engaged in righteous activities.

Guna Nidhi was continuously losing wealth in gambling and he started selling various household articles to settle his gambling debts.  In the process he sold one diamond ring belonging to his mother.  Once when Yagya Dutt was returning  home, he saw one ruffian wearing this diamond ring.  When confronted, the person divulged the truth to Yagya Dutt that the ring was given by Guna Nidhi in settlement of gambling debts.  Only then Yagya Dutt could realize how he had been cheated all along by his son and his indulgent wife.

Yagya Dutt reached home and at once discarded both his wife and son.  He subsequently married one learned man’s daughter and went to some unknown destination.

Guna Nidhi started wandering about, now realizing that he had wasted his life for nothing. He went from one place to another wondering what to do. His ramblings brought  him to a secluded place, where he saw some devotees of Lord Shiva going towards a temple.  He was very hungry and in the hope of getting some food, he followed them to the temple.  Unknown to him it was Shiv Ratri and the devotees started singing religious songs in the temple and Guna Nidhi kept awake the whole night in the hope of getting some food.

Late night when every devotee went to sleep, Guna Nidhi slowly approached the sanctum sanctorum of the temple hoping to find some prasad (eatables offered to the deity) and as it was dark, he tore a piece of cloth from his dress, rolled it like a small wick and lit it to get some illumination.  With the help of such light he grabbed whatever food he could and started running away.  In this attempt, he stumbled upon the foot of one devotee who started shouting.  One of the devotees stuck Guna Nidhi a severe blow on the head and he died instantly.

Soon the attendants of Yam Raj arrived to take Guna Nidhi to Hell as he had committed all sorts of sin in his life.  However, several Shiv Gans also arrived at the scene and took him with them.  The attendants of Yam Raj read out the sins committed by Guna Nidhi including stealing from Shiva Temple. It is said that taking Shiva Nirmalyam (floral wastes and other prasad etc.) out of the Shiva Temple is the most heinous sin. 

However, Shiv Gans clearly stated that whatever sins he might have committed, have been washed away by some good and pious acts unknowingly done by him.  On the night of  Shiv Ratri he was awake, had watched the Shiv Pooja performed by the devotees,  had listened to the Shiv Bhajans and  had lit a lamp near the Shiv Ling thereby removing the darkness.  He will take birth as Raj Kumar of Kalinga Desa.

In his new birth the boy who was named Daman soon became the King of Kalinga and ordered all subjects in his Kingdom to ensure that lamps are lit in the Shiva Temples.  He followed this ritual meticulously. Due to his good deeds in his entire life, he became Dig Pal (attendant of Lord) named Kuber.

Kuber with his intuition could realize the evil doings committed by him in one of his earlier births.  He came to Kashi, installed a Shiv Ling made of flowers, lit a lamp and started worshipping Lord Shiva. His intense prayers went for a very long time.  Lord Shiva was very pleased and he appeared in person with Goddess Parvaty.  Kuber was very happy with the immense light and the presence of the Lord.  He started blinking and with the left eye he saw Goddess Parvaty in her beautiful self and wondered about her.  Exactly at that time, his left eye lost the vision.

Lord Shiva immediately realized what had happened. However, he blessed Kuber with all sorts of happiness and assured that he (Lord Shiva) would always be with him. Kuber prostrated before Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty.  The Goddess also blessed him stating that those who worshipped the Ling installed by him, which was called Kubereshwar, would attain all sorts of Siddhi and also attain Moksha in their life.

Such devotees will always make good friends and will face no enmity in life.  Kashi Khand in this chapter has described the importance of lighting lamps in the temples of Lord Shiva.  Here it is important to note that not only in temples of Lord Shiva, but in all the temples it is important to light lamps during twilight time and this ritual is followed in almost all temples all over the world.

LOCATION OF KUBERESHWAR

Kubereshwar is located in the north side of Annapurna Devi at D-9/1, Annapurna Temple premises.  If a devotee enters the temple, he has to take a left turn where he will encounter the office of Annadanam (free feeding). Immediately thereafter, to the left is Kubereshwar Ling.

Regarding directions to reach Annapurna temple, devotees may kindly refer Visweshwar temple.

TYPES OF POOJA

The place of worship is open from 05.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.  Aarties are conducted in the morning and evening.  There is also annadanam daily at the temple premises in the afternoon where devotees can get free food.

POOJARIES OF THE TEMPLE

There is no specific Poojari for this temple.  However, Shri Pawan Jha is available in the temple and he can be contacted at the temple phone 0542-2392619 for performing any special pooja etc.

Lord Shiva was in Mandarachal and Kashi was ruled by a very pious and religious King named Divodas.  In his Kingdom every one was very happy and there was all round prosperity.  He had reached an understanding with Lord Brahma that as long as he was ruling, Devas and other celestial beings should stay away from Kashi and should not create any disturbance in Kashi.

Lord Brahma more or less agreed to it but on one condition that King Divodas should prove to be an excellent administrator and all people living in Kashi and visiting Kashi should be treated well in their religious pursuits.  The King agreed and accordingly gave excellent governance.

Lord Shiva was very upset at being away from Kashi for a long time and he wanted to make King Divodas commit some mistake.  Accordingly, he sent sixty four Yoginis to create some disturbance, but they were enthralled by the beauty and serene surroundings of Kashi which appeared to be a part of heaven. They ultimately settled down there.

When the Yoginis failed to return, Lord Shiva sent Lord Surya with instructions to create some disturbance in Kashi so as to defeat King Divodas in his resolve.  Lord Surya came to Kashi and disguised himself as an astrologer, a learned scholar, a religious propagator, a businessman, a brahmin etc. But he could not find any fault with any person in Kashi or the governance of King Divodas. Lord Surya was also very much attracted towards Kashi and the beauty of the city.  Lord Surya thought, if he went back to Mandarachal without fulfilling the wishes of Lord Shiva, the latter would get angry.

Lord Surya finally decided to stay in Kashi. He said to himself, disobeying the instructions of Lord Shiva is a sin, but by staying in Kashi and undertaking religious activities, such sins will easily get cleansed.   Accordingly Surya settled down in Kashi for the time being.

When Lord Surya did not return, Lord Shiva sent Lord Brahma to Kashi with the same mission.  Lord Brahma also did not return.  Then Lord Shiva sent several of his Shiv Gans to Kashi in batches. These Shiv Gans arrived at Kashi and they also found the place enchanting.  They installed several  Shiv Lings and started performing pooja of these lings. When the first batch did not return, subsequent batches of Shiv Gans were sent and they also did not return.

In one of the batches one Shiv Gan known as Kukkut arrived at Kashi and being enthralled by the beauty of the divine surroundings, installed a Shiv Ling which was named after him as Kukkuteshwar and started praying to Lord  Shiva.

Kukkuteshwar

Kashi Khand, Chapter 53 states that a person who worships egg shaped Kukkuteshwar will attain all happiness and will not have residence in womb (there will be no rebirth).

LOCATION OF KUKKUTESHWAR

Kukkuteshwar is located just outside the door opening to the southern side of Durga Devi Temple at Durga Kund.  Durga Kund is a famous landmark and people can travel upto this place by cycle rickshaw/auto or car.

Please watch our YouTube Video about Kukkuteshwar at following Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTFgs3keGHo&t=24s

TYPES OF POOJA

The temple is open for worship throughout and people can perform pooja on their own.

Lord Kartikeya was describing various important Shiv Lings in his narration in Kashi Khand (Chapter 68). 

Aadi Mahadev

In Satya Yug, in response to devout prayers by Devas and Rishis, one Ling emerged from the Bhoomi and manifested itself. This came to be called  Mahadev Ling.  This Ling gets the credit of making Kashi a Mukti Kshetra (region free from bondage). A person who peforms pooja and archana with sincere devotion at this temple will reach Shiva’s abode after death, even if he happens to die in any place other than Kashi.   

A devotee who sincerely prays to Lord Mahadev in Kashi, gets the punya equivalent to praying all Lings available in the entire world. A person who performs pooja at least once at Mahadev temple, will find a place in Lord Shiva’s abode after death (Kashi Khand, ibid).

Special importance is attached to the offering of Yagyopaveeth (Sacred Thread) at Mahadev temple on Chaturdasi Day after Amavasya during Shravan Month (July-August) (Kashi Khand, ibid).

Presently the temple is known as Aadi Mahadev Temple.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE

The temple is located at No. A-3/92, behind Trilochan Temple.  The temple is approachable from Birla hospital after Machhodari upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps. 

Please watch our YouTube Video about Aadi Mahadev at following Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PliY4V9fy8o&t=6s

TYPES OF POOJAS

The temple is open from 05.00 a.m to 9.00 p.m.   Mangala Aarti is performed at 05.00 a.m., Shringar  at 06.30 a.m., and Aarti at 07.00 a.m. The temple is open till 09.00 p.m.

Lord Shiva was narrating the various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koop (Wells) and places of worship in Kashi.  Lord Shiva described such places with pleasure (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).

Aapa Stambeshwar

In the vicinity of Madhyameshwar is the Aapa Stambeshwar Ling. By worshipping this Ling, the devotee is blessed with Brahma Gyan (ultimate knowledge).  In the present day context, this may be taken as good education/studies.

LOCATION OF AAPA STAMBESHWAR

Aapa Stambeshwar is located at K-53/66, Dara Nagar. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO and walk through the locality of Madhyameshwar temple.  The landmark for this temple is a well and Boodhwa Baba temple (Hanuman).

TYPES OF POOJA

The temple is open throughout the day. People can perform pooja as per their convenience with sacred Ganges water and flowers etc.

Kashi Khand, Chapter 100 states that devotees should undertake religious tour (Yatra) of various deities situated inside the main area of Kashi. This Yatra is known as Antargrihi Yatra and should be undertaken daily.

Among the deities to be worshipped one is Aadi Varaheshwar Shiv Ling.  People who worship this deity will not have any fear or worry in their minds.

Aadi Varaheshwar

LOCATION OF AADI VARAHESHWAR

Aadi Varaheshwar is located at D.17/111, inside Ram Mandir, Dasaswamedh Ghat. The Aadi Varaheshwar Shiv Ling is  located behind the Ram Lakshman idols.  Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Dasaswamedh Ghat by rickshaw and walking down the steps.  Alternatively they can take a boat ride upto Dasaswamedh Ghat and climb the steps.

TYPES OF POOJA

The temple remains opens for worship from 05.00 p.m. to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 p.m. to 09.30 p.m.  Timings may be flexible.  Aarties are performed in the morning and evening.

POOJARIES OF THE TEMPLE

Shri Ram Prasad is available in the temple premises and he can be contacted on his Cell No. (0)9889660341 for performing any special pooja etc.

Sage Narad came across Vindhya mountains and told the latter that Sumeru Mountain was growing in height and Vindhya mountain would soon be surpassed.  Irked by this, Vindhya mountain started growing higher and higher.  In the process, he blocked the sunlight to major part of the world.  This created chaos.   Many of the living beings, plants etc. started to die.  Devas and other learned men ran to Lord Brahma and pleaded with him to intervene.  Lord Brahma advised them to go to Kashi and take up the matter with Sage Agasthya.

Devas alongwith Brihaspati came to Kashi and straight away went to Sage Agasthya’s Ashram.  They saw a serene atmosphere where the Sage was praying to Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiv Ling installed by the former.  The Shiv Ling was known as Agasthyeshwar.  Sage Agasthya had dug a kund which was later called Agasthya Kund where he used to take bath daily and perform all the pooja and rituals in worship of Lord Shiva.  Kashi Khand, Chapter 3 has described in detail the tranquil and divine ambience of the Ashram.

Agasthyeshwar

Those devotees who take bath in Agasthya kund and perform the rituals for their forefathers, will derive  full benefits of staying in Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 26).

Devotees should take bath in Agasthya Kund and perform the rituals for their forefathers.  They should worship Agasthyeshwar. Such devotees will be absolved of all their sins.  All their sufferings will vanish and they  will reach heaven after their death. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 61).

LOCATION OF AGASTHYESHWAR

Agasthyeshwar Ling is located at D.36/11, August Kund Mohalla. This will come somewhere in the vicinity of Nattu Kottai Chatram. Devotees who approach from Godowlia will come across Susheel Cinema.  Immediately after the cinema, they should take a left turn and at the end of the lane they should take another left turn and climb the huge steps on the right.

The temple also houses a Shirdi Sai Baba idol which is widely worshipped by local devotees.

Agasthya Kund is almost fully dried up but the entire locality is known by the name of August Kunda in reverence to Sage Agasthya and Agasthyeshwar Ling.

Please watch our YouTube Video about Agasthyeshwar at following Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmi58I4NvYI&t=2s

TYPES OF POOJA

The place of worship is open from 09.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.  Devotees can worship as per their convenience.

POOJARIES OF THE TEMPLE

Shri Pradeep Pathak  is the available near the temple and can be contacted on his Cell No. (0)9389152978  for performing any special pooja etc.