BRAHMESHWAR
On being deputed by Lord Shiva to Kashi, Lord Brahma approached King Divodas and wished to perform Aswa Medha Yagya (Horse Sacrifice Ritual). King Divodas consented to provide all necessary items for performing the above ritual. (Kindly refer to Divodaseshwar for further details). Lord Brahma, with the help of King Divodas, performed not just one but ten Aswa Medha Yagnas. The place where he performed these Yagnas is known as Dasaswamedh Teerth (now known as Dasaswamedh Ghat). Prior to that the place was known as Rudra Sarovar.
Subsequently, Lord Brahma installed a Ling called Dasaswamedheshwar and decided to stay in Kashi. Lord Brahma could not find any fault with King Divodas and could not think of anything against him to report to Lord Shiva. Therefore, Lord Brahma kept worshipping Lord Vishweshwara and installed another Ling called Brahmeshwar and started residing there. By worshipping Brahmeshwar Ling which was symbolic of Vishweshwar, Lord Brahma was confident that Lord Shiva will not be angry with him.
Brahmeshwar (Khalispura)
A devotee who worships Brahmeshwar Ling will have the blessings of Lord Brahma and he will find a place in Brahma Lok.
LOCATION OF BRAHMESHWAR
Brahmeshwar Ling is located at D-33/66, 67, Khalispura (near Dasaswamedh). Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Bata shop by cycle rickshaw and walk on foot to this temple. This temple also house Brahmini Devi. There is another Brahmeshwar Ling inside Brahmacharini Temple near Panch Ganga Ghat which is also worshipped with great fervour.
Brahmeshwar (Brahmacharini Temple)
TYPES OF POOJA
The temple is open from 06.00 a.m. to 01.30 p.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Aarti is performed at 06.00 a.m., 04.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. (Shayan Aarti).
POOJARI OF THE TEMPLE
Shri Rajesh Sagarkar is the Poojari of the temple and he can be contacted on his Cell No. 0542-2437004 for performing any special pooja etc.
BRIHASPATEESHWAR
Brihaspati or Guru was the son of Angira. He was having all the good qualities of a gentleman, leader, good Samaritan, respectful to the elders and teachers etc.
He came to Kashi, installed a Shiv Ling and performed prayers to Lord Shiva for several years at a stretch. Lord Shiva appeared before him through that Ling in the form of Jyoti (Divine Light).
On seeing Lord Shiva, Brihaspati became ecstatic and started singing praises of Lord Shiva whereupon the Lord granted that Brihaspati will be the Lord of all Devas. Since Brihaspati had sung prayers of Lord Shiva, the latter also granted that Brihaspati will be called Vachaspati (having excellence in speech). The Ling installed by Brihaspati will be called Brihaspateeshwar.
Brihaspateeshwar
Lord Shiva further stated, a devotee who performs pooja etc. of Brihaspateeshwar on a regular basis will get all his wishes fulfilled. Lord Shiva then summoned Lord Brahma, Lord Indra and other Devas. With all those celestials around, Lord Shiva ordained that Vachaspati (Brihaspati) will be the Guru (Teacher) of all Devas. Vachaspati will become the lord of all intelligent persons.
A devotee who performs prayers at Brihaspateeshwar on Thursday when Pushyami Star conjoins, will be successful in all his endeavours. (Pushyami star is called Poosam in Tamil and Pooyam in Malayalam). A person who prays to Brihaspateeshwar for six consecutive months is cleansed of all his sins. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 17).
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE
The temple is located at House No. Ck.7/133, Scindia Ghat, Varanasi, opp. Atma Veereshwar temple. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Scindia Ghat and climb up the steps.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Brihaspateeshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSfeX2v5ESA&t=19s
TYPES OF POOJAS
The temple is open from 06.00 a.m to 9.00 p.m. Aarties are performed at 6.00 a.m., 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Besides the above aarties, special aarties are held on Thursdays and Fridays at 11.00 p.m. also. While regular poojas are conducted by the Priest, Special poojas are performed on important days like Shivratri and certain Ekadasi days. Aarti is performed daily at morning, afternoon and night.
BUDHESHWAR
According to Kashi Khand, once Chandra (Moon) got deeply infatuated with Tara, wife of Brihaspati. Despite warnings by Devas, Chandra forcibly took Tara with him. In spite of many requests and pleadings Chandra kept Tara with him for several days and refused to part with her.
The matter was referred to Rudra Dev who attacked Chandra with a weapon called Pinak. Chandra also retaliated. However, at the end Tara was separated from Chandra and handed over to Brihaspati.
Soon Brihaspati realised that Tara was pregnant. He asked her to get rid of that to-be born child from her womb. She did so in the garden, but by that time the child was fully developed. The moment the baby touched the ground, the entire assemblage of the Devas came to know about the birth of a child. All of them insisted on knowing from Tara as to who was the father of the child, but Tara kept silent.
In the meantime, the newly born child who was very intelligent (with Buddhi) threatened that he would curse Tara unless she revealed the truth. Finally Tara revealed that Chandra was the father of the child. Considering the high level of intelligence of the child (Buddhi), he came to be called Budha. Budha sought permission from Chandra to go to Kashi and pray to Lord Shiva, to which Chandra agreed.
Budha came to Kashi, installed a Ling and started worshipping Lord Shiva for several years. Finally Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him stating that the Ling installed by Budha be known as Budheshwar and those who worship this Ling will attain highest level of intelligence and such level of intelligence will always remain with the devotee despite his age. (Kashi Khand, Chapter fifteen).
Budheshwar
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE
Budheshwar temple is located at Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat in the premises of Atma Veereshwar temple. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively one can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple.
LOCATION OF ATMA VEERESHWAR TEMPLE AS PER GOOGLE MAPS IS GIVEN BELOW
Please watch our YouTube Video about Budheshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSfeX2v5ESA&t=19s
TYPES OF POOJAS
The temple is open for worship 05.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 12.30 p.m. to 9.30. Special Aarti is held from 07.00 to 8.30 p.m. For doing special pooja, it is advisable to consult the Poojari before hand.
CHAKRESHWAR (YANTRESHWAR)
Goddess Parvaty desired to know from Lord Shiva regarding the various Teerths (Sacred Ponds) in Kashi (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Lord Shiva gladly stated the various Shiv Lings, adding that the Shiv Lings and Teerths are more or less synonymous.
Kashi Khand, inter alia, mentions one Chakra Teerth and Chakreshwar Ling, which has Chakra etched on it. (Chakra like Sri Chakra etc. are a part of highly respected worship in respect of Goddess. Many people consider Sri Chakra Pooja or Sri Yantra Pooja as highly auspicious and such poojas should be done with utmost sincerity and purity, with the active guidance of a learned Teacher/Guru).
According to Kashi Khand, devotees who bathe in Chakra Teerth and worship Chakreshwar will reach the abode of Lord Shiva after death.
LOCATION OF CHAKRESHWAR (YANTRESHWAR)
Chakreshwar, which is known by the name of Yantreshwar is located towards the right side immediately after entering Annapurna Temple.
There are three approach lanes one via Dashashwamedh Road, 2nd via Bansphatak and third via Gyanvapi to reach Annapurna Temple. It is difficult to prescribe the convenient entry point because due to heavy police patrolling, entry points keep changing. During peak rush days like Mondays and other important festivals, the police may regulate the pilgrims through Gyanvapi and the exit point may be through Bansphatak etc. Since the temple is located in deep Gully, it is advisable to visit the temple alongwith a local person or Guide.
TYPES OF POOJA
This place of worship is open practically throughout the day and devotees can worship as per their convenience.
PRIESTS OF THE TEMPLE
Shri Pawan Jha is one of the priests of the temple and he can be contacted at the temple phone 0542-2392619 for performing any special pooja etc.
CHANDEESHWAR
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 73, Lord Shiva was describing importance and divine powers of various Shiv Lings. Inter alia, he narrated the Shiv Lings in sets of fourteen each.
Among the second set of fourteen Lings, Chandeeshwar is the eleventh Ling. Lord Shiva has given the importance of worshipping these Lings in detail.
Chandeeshwar
A person who worships Chandeeshwar among the above fourteen Lings will not have rebirth. These Lings are invaluable treasures. Let alone worshipping, if a person with all divinity takes the names of these Lings including Chandeeshwar, he will be saved from all sorts of dangers and worries.
Lord Shiva further stated that he will always be present in Chandeeshwar Ling and those who worship this deity will attain Mukti. A devotee who comes to Avimukta Kshetra (core area of Kashi) and worships Chandeeshwar will definitely attain Moksha and there is no doubt about it.
Learned Pundits believe that if a lamp is lit in front of Chandeeshwar with all divinity, in rememberance of any departed soul, within 27 days of the death, the departed soul will get liberated (Moksha) and reach the abode of Lord. This lamp is called as Moksha Deepam or Mukti Deep.
LOCATION OF CHANDEESHWAR
Chandeeshwar is located at Sadar Bazar. In the Cantonment area, if a devotee proceeds to the road where various posh hotels are located, he will come across Radisson, Ideal Towers, Hotel Clarks etc. and JHV Mall. If he proceeds further on the road (known as Cariappa Marg), he will come across a turning to the right where there is an indicator reading “Bheeshma Chandi Devi temple”. The devotee should take a right turn and Chandeeshwar, a stand alone temple, is located opposite Chandi Devi temple.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Chadeeshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enf8IFQT_u4&t=5s
TYPES OF POOJA
This place of worship is open practically throughout the day and devotees can perform pooja as per their convenience.
CHANDRESHWAR
According to Kashi Khand this Ling was installed by Chandra (Moon) for worshipping Lord Shiva. Chandra also dug one Koop (Well) which is known as Chandra Koop. Chandreshwar Ling is one of the Navgraha Shiv Lings and people who undertake Navagraha Yatras perform pooja of Chandreshwar Ling.
After installing this Ling, Chandra undertook rigorous intense penance (Tapas) to propitiate Lord Shiva. This went on for several years after which Lord Shiva appeared in person and blessed Chandra. Lord Shiva stated that the place where the Ling was installed is a Shakti Peeth (seat of vital energy). A person who performs pooja and archana at Chandreshwar Ling on Poornima days (Full Moon) will attain highest level of prosperity and happiness.
Chandreshwar
Lord Shiva also attached special importance to Amavasya which falls on Mondays (Somvati Amavasya). Devotees should perform Pooja of Chandreshwar on Triodasi (two days before the Amavasya), observe fast on Chaturdasi (one day before Amavasya). Finally on Somvati Amavasya, the devotees should take bath in Chandra Koop, perform Shraaddh Karma for their forefathers. This will give them ultimate happiness and the blessings of their forefathers.
Chandra Koop
If for some reason, the rituals for forefathers cannot be performed, devotee should at least touch the water of Chandra Koop. Again, if for some reason, the devotee is not able to touch the water of Chandra Koop, he should at least see it so as to get the benefits prescribed in the above paragraph.
After performing the pooja etc. as mentioned above, devotees should perform Annadan (Offering of food) to Sanyasis (Saints) etc. On poornima days in the month of Chaitra (March – April), if the Star Chitra coincides, they should undertake the above poojas etc. of Chandreshwar. Even if a staunch devotee of Chandreshwar, dies in any place other than Kashi, he is certain to reach heaven. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 14). Worshipping Chandreshwar Ling gives mental peace and clarity in thoughts. Those who have afflictions in their horoscope on account of adverse planetary position of moon, perform special poojas at Chandreshwar temple for remedy.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Chandreshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15x9DZdnTno
TYPES OF POOJAS
The temple is open from 06.00 a.m to 9.00 p.m. Aarties are performed at 10.00 a.m. and 09.00 p.m. While regular poojas are conducted by the Priest, Special poojas are performed on important days like Shivratri and certain Ekadasi days.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE
The temple is located at House No. Ck.7/124, Siddheshwari, Chowk Varanasi. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place. Siddheshwari temple is an important landmark. Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Scindia Ghat and climb up the steps.
LOCATION OF SIDDHESHWARI TEMPLE AS PER GOOGLE MAPS IS GIVEN BELOW. CHANDRESHWAR AND CHANDRA KOOP ARE INSIDE SIDDHESHWARI TEMPLE.
POOJARIS OF THE TEMPLE
Shri Drona is the Poojari of the temple and can be contacted at 94545 93696.
CHATUR MUKHESHWAR
On an humble request by Goddess Parvaty, Lord Shiva described the various Teerths (Sacred Ponds) and Shiv Lings in the Holy City of Kashi.
In front of Varuna Sangameshwar, devotees can find Chatur Mukheshwar Ling, which has been installed by Lord Chatur Mukha Brahma.
Chatur Mukheshwar
A devotee who worships this Ling, which is also referred to as Chatur Mukha Prayageshwar (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97) will attain Brahma Lok.
LOCATION OF CHATUR MUKHESHWAR
Chatur Mukheshwar (also known as Prayag Ling) is located in front of Varuna Sangameshwar Ling at Adi Keshav temple, located at A-37/51, Rajghat Fort. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Chatur Mukheshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enf8IFQT_u4&t=5s
TYPES OF POOJA
The place of worship is open from 06.00 a.m. to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. The timings may be flexible.
CHITRANGADESHWAR
Kashi Khand has attached much importance to Kedareshwar Ling. (Please refer to Kedareshwar temple). According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 77, towards the north of Kedareshwar is Chitrangadeshwar Ling.
Chitrangadeshwar
Devotees who worship Chitrangadeshwar will enjoy their daily life in heaven. In other words, they will reach heaven after death, which is for sure.
According to old timers, this is a powerful Ling and devotees will find happiness and joy in their life.
LOCATION OF CHITRANGADESHWAR
Chitrangadeshwar is located adjacent to B-14/118, near Kedar Ghat Post Office, Kedar Ghat, Varanasi. Devotees can reach Kedareshwar temple by rickshaw and proceed on foot towards Kedar Ghat Post Office. This temple falls on the left side just before the clinic of Dr. R.C. Kowdi.
The temple houses one Devi, known as Chitragreeva Devi which finds mention in Kashi Khand, Chapter 70.
Chitragreeva Devi
TYPES OF POOJA
The place of worship is open throughout and devotees can perform self pooja.
DAKSHESHWAR
Lord Shiva was narrating various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koop (Wells) and places of worship in Kashi. Lord Shiva described such places with pleasure (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).
Daksheshwar
In the vicinity of Mrityunjeshwar is the Daksheshwar Ling. By worshipping this Ling, the devotee is cleansed of all sins committed by him knowingly or unknowingly. In the vicinity of the Ling is Kalodak Koop (Well). The water from the well is capable of curing all diseases.
LOCATION OF DAKSHESHWAR
Daksheshwar is located at K-52/39, Vriddha Kal. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO.
TYPES OF POOJA
The temple is open from 04.00 a.m. to 12.00 midnight for worship. People can perform pooja as per their convenience with sacred Ganges water and flowers etc.
DANDAPANI
Dandapani
Long time back, there was a Yaksh named Ratnabhadra who had a son named Poornabhadra. After the death of Ratnabhadra, Poornabhadra started leading a comfortable life, but he had no issue, so he longed for children.
He expressed his desire to his wife, Kanaka Kundala, who in turn, asked him to worship Lord Shiva in Kashi. Poornabhadra did as he was asked by his wife. He worshipped Lord Shiva by means of singing Bhajans and very soon his wife delivered a beautiful boy who was named Harikesh.
In due course, Harikesh became eight years old and developed a religious proclivity (natural inclination or disposition) of mind. He also started worshipping Lord Shiva by making clay Shiv Lings. He used to address his friends by various names of Lord Shiva like Chandrashekhar, Mrityunjay, Trilochan, Neelkant, etc. He used to visit various Shiva Temples without fail.
His father Poornabhadra was a little upset because Harikesh had become religious very early in his life. He asked Harikesh to be involved in household activities but the boy would not listen. Without telling his parents, one fine morning Harikesh left his home and started wandering aimlessly. He remembered an incident sometime back, when a Sage had told his father; if a person does not have any proper destination, Varanasi (Kashi) is the best place for him.
Harikesh soon arrived in Kashi and started worshipping Lord Visweshwar (Shiva). Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty were in Anandavan (Kashi) and Lord Shiva was describing the various aspects of Kashi. In the process, he stated that those who live in Kashi will be happy and those who die in Kashi will have no rebirth. They are indeed praiseworthy. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 32 has amply described the beauty of Kashi as narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvaty).
While all these discussions were going on, Lord Shiva saw Harikesh whose body had gone completely lean. He was emaciated and his body resembled a skeleton. Goddess Parvaty was moved by the boy’s intense worship of Lord Shiva and she asked Lord to bless the boy suitably. Accordingly Lord Shiva approached the boy and gently touched him. The boy was immensely pleased on seeing the Lord shining like one crore Suryas. He started singing praises of Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva blessed the boy, stating that he will remain in Kashi as a saviour of votaries of Lord Shiva. He will protect the holy place from the evil forces and drive them away by his powers. Lord Shiva also ordained that two of his Shiv Gans named Samparam and Utparam would always be present with the Yaksh (Harikesh). Lord Shiva addressed Harikesh as Yaksh Raj (King of Yaksh) and granted that those who do not worship the latter would not get the benefit of Mukti in Kashi. Harikesh was also given the title of Dandapani (the one with the staff in his hand).
Lord Shiva further stated that devotees who take bath in Gyan Vapi Teerth and after performing rituals for their forefathers, worship Dandapani will become very fortunate and receive his (Lord Shiva’s) blessings. Kashi Khand states that Dandapani will stand or remain towards the south of Lord Visweshwar and will expel all wicked persons and admit only virtuous people for worshipping Lord Shiva in Kashi.
Those who worship Dandapani in Kashi will find that all their obstacles in life are removed and they will be quite happy in life. They are sure to attain Mukti.
LOCATION OF DANDAPANI
Dandapani is located at Ck.36/10, Dhundhiraj Galli, Bazar behind Gyan Vapi. Devotees can travel upto Gyan Vapi (Near Chowk) by rickshaw, take a right turn, climb down the steps and again take a right turn. (If a devotee proceeds diagonally towards left, he will enter the Gyan Vapi area). After walking a few yards, the devotee will come to Markandeyshwar on the right side and immediately thereafter he will find Dandapani. For ready reference, Jalans (textile merchants) have a portion of their shop nearby.
Dandapani Bhairav
One thing is worth mentioning here that this Dandapani should not be confused with another Dandapani temple which is in the proximity of Kaal Bhairav temple.
TYPES OF POOJA
The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can have darshan through grilled doors.
