HARISHCHANDRESHWAR
Lord Vishnu was describing various religiously important places, teerths etc. to Sage Bindu (Kashi Khand, Chapter 61). He described the boundaries of Manikarnika which extended upto River Ganga in the east, Swarg Dwar in the west, Ganga Keshav in the South and Harishchandra Mandap in the north.
Harishchandreshwar
A devotee who bathes in Harishchandra Teerth and performs rituals for his forefathers is purified. The devotees should worship Harishchandreshwar nearby. Such devotees will always be truthful.
Philosophically speaking there has always been debate about ULTIMATE TRUTH in life. People who visit various Satsangs (company of sublimated souls) and religious discourses are pondering about one main point which is TRUTH. There are various factors in life which one has to consider and the compiler does not want to take much of the readers’ time in discussing these aspects. If all people simply follow the path of truthfulness in life, then the entire humanity will prosper. Kashi Khand has sought to give this message.
Another point is worth mentioning here. Kashi has two burning Ghats (cremation grounds) viz. Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. People generally believe that Raja Harishchandra was involved with Harishchandra Ghat. That is not so. Harishchandra Ghat came into being at a very later stage. He was involved with the cremation ground nearer to Manikarnika and there is a Shiv Ling installed by him by the name of Harishchandreshwar which has been referred by Kashi Khand.
LOCATION OF HARISHCHANDRESHWAR
Harishchandreshwar is a huge Shiv Ling located at Ck.7/166, Sankata Ghat. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place through Sankata Devi temple, which is a famous landmark. They can also travel by boat upto Sankata Ghat and climb the steps.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Harish Chandreshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L2fcmL5Rx8&t=11s
TYPES OF POOJA
This powerful Shiv Ling is located inside a private house and devotees can have darshan through a window.
HASTI PALESHWAR
Lord Shiva was describing the various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koop (Wells) and places of worship in Kashi. Lord Shiva described such places with delight (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).
Hasti Paleshwar
In the vicinity of Daksheshwar is the Hasti Paleshwar Ling. Worshipping this Ling is equivalent to worshipping an Elephant. Here the devotee may regard this as Elephant God. Some learned pundits have inferred this to mean that the devotees will become so wealthy that they will be able to keep Elephant in their house and look after the animal. This is a very great achievement.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Hasti Paleshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtyJwXnJWgk&t=91s
LOCATION OF HASTI PALESHWAR
Hasti Paleshwar is located at K-52/39, in the premises of Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple, Daranagar. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwar-ganj/GPO.
LOCATION OF MRITYUNJAY MAHADEV TEMPLE AS PER GOOGLE MAPS IS GIVEN BELOW
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.
HATKESHWAR
Kashi Khand, Chapter 100 has prescribed Antargrihi Yatra to be performed daily by devotees. The Yatra (religious tour) covers various deities in the innermost divine place in Kashi.
Hatkeshwar
Among various deities mentioned in the above Yatra, Kashi Khand mentions Hatkeshwar and devotees are required to worship this deity.
Devotees who worship Hatkeshwar will attain Mukti in Kashi.
LOCATION OF HATKESHWAR
Hatkeshwar is located at Ck.43/189, Harha Sarai, near Tulsi Market. This place is about 150 yards further down inside Raja Darwaja (Please refer Bharabhooteshwar). After reaching Harha Sarai, devotees may enquire from the locals as they may have to take one or two turns.
TYPES OF POOJA
The main doors of the place of worship are open from 07.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. During the remaining time, devotees can have darshan through grill gate.
HIRANYA GARBHESHWAR
Kashi Khand, Chapter 100 prescribes various religious tours (Yatras) for devotees and pilgrims in Kashi. These Yatras should be undertaken as often as possible.
Hiranya Garbheshwar
Devotees should take bath in Varuna Ganga Sangam (confluence of the two rivers Varuna and Ganga) and worship several deities. Thereafter, they should take bath in Hiranya Garbha Teerth and worship Hiranya Garbheshwar. By doing so, the devotees will find that the obstacles blocking their smooth life are removed and they will attain Moksha.
Hiranya Garbha Teerth is not existent now and the place in Ganges is in Trilochan Ghat. On any day, there are several religious minded people taking bath in Trilochan Ghat and worshipping Hiranya Garbheshwar.
LOCATION OF HIRANYA GARBHESHWAR
Hiranya Garbheshwar is located on the steps rising above Trilochan Ghat. The temple is approachable from Machhodari, after crossing which devotees should travel upto Birla Hospital and take a right turn. Trilochan temple is very famous. From here, they can ask for directions to reach Trilochan Ghat. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Hiranya Garbheshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L2fcmL5Rx8&t=11s
TYPES OF POOJAS
The temple is open for worship 05.00 a.m. to 02.00 p.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m.
POOJARIES OF THE TEMPLE
Shri Chandra Keshav Ojha (Chania Maharaj) is available near the temple premises and he can be contacted on his Cell No. (0)9026940818 for performing any special pooja etc.
JAMBUKESHWAR
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know from Lord Shiva the importance of various Teerths (Sacred Ponds) and the deities around them. Lord Shiva was very much pleased to describe these to her.
Jambukeshwar
Kashi Khand mentions, among other Lings, one Jambukeshwar Ling. A devotee who sincerely worships this Ling is freed of all his sins and will certainly reach heaven after his death.
LOCATION OF JAMBUKESHWAR
Jambukeshwar is located in the premises of Bara Ganesh temple at K-58/101. Devotees can travel upto Lohatia by auto rickshaw or cycle rickshaw and reach this temple by foot.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Jambukeshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L2fcmL5Rx8&t=11s
TYPES OF POOJA
The temple is open from 04.45 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Mangala Aarti is held at 04.45 a.m., Bhog at 10.30 a.m. and Shayan Aarti at 10.30 p.m.
POOJARIES OF THE TEMPLE
Shri Subhash Chandra Tiwari is one of the Poojaries of the temple and he can be contacted on his Cell No. (0)9415446300 for performing any special pooja etc.
JANAKESHWAR
Lord Shiva was describing the various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koop (Wells) and places of worship in Kashi. Lord Shiva described such places with pleasure (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).
Janakeshwar
In the vicinity of Malteeshwar is the Janakeshwar Ling. By worshipping this Ling, the devotee will be blessed with ultimate knowledge. In the vicinity of the Ling is Kalodak Koop (Well). The water from the well is capable of curing all diseases.
LOCATION OF JANAKESHWAR
Janakeshwar is located at K-52/39, Mrityunjay Mahadev at Daranagar. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO.
LOCATION OF MRITYUNJAY MAHADEV TEMPLE AS PER GOOGLE MAPS IS GIVEN BELOW
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.
JATEESHWAR (PATALESHWAR)
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.
From Rameshwaram area (South India) one Shiv Ling has appeared in Kashi in the name of Jata Dev. The Ling is known as Jateeshwar and is located in the vicinity of Eka Danta Vinayak.
Jateeshwar (Pataleshwar)
A devotee who worships Jateeshwar (Pataleshwar), will get all his wishes fulfilled and will attain Moksha.
LOCATION OF JATEESHWAR (PATALESHWAR)
Jateeshwar (Pataleshwar) is located outside House No.D.32/118, Bengali Tola. Devotees can travel upto Bengali Tola Post Office Gully by rickshaw and then walk on foot. Pataleshwar is quite famous.
TYPES OF POOJA
The deity is open for worship practically throughout the day through a grill opening.
JAYGEESHYESHWAR
Lord Shiva was in Mandarachal and it took a long time for him to return back. One highly learned Sage named Jayageesh undertook austere penance in a cave seeking return of Lord Shiva to Kashi. Lord Shiva finally arrived in Kashi after King Divodas moved away from Kashi (Kindly refer Divodaseshwar). By the time the Sage had become emaciated due to intense Tapas and fasting.
Jaygeesh Cave
Immediately after arriving at Kashi, Lord Shiva deputed Nandi with a divine Lotus with instructions that the latter should touch the Sage with the Lotus. The Sage immediately became very active and accompanied Nandi to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty. He immediately started singing praises of Lord Shiva by way of various Mantras and slokas. The Lord was immensely pleased with the sage and granted him a divine boon. The Sage requested that the Lord should always be present in a Ling which would be installed by him (Sage).
Jaygeshyeshwar
The Lord agreed to it. He further stated that those who worship the cave where the Sage worshipped the Lord, and practiced Yoga will attain Siddhi. Devotees should regularly worship the Cave for all sorts of accomplishments in life. Lord Shiva further stated that devotees who worship the Shiv Ling installed by the Sage, known as Jayageesheshwar, in the location of Jyeshteshwar will be absolved of all their sins. A devotee who feeds a Shiv Bhakt (devotee of Lord Shiva) in the Jyeshteshwar Kshetra(Region/area) will derive the benefits of feeding one crore hungry people.
LOCATION OF JAYAGEESHESHWAR
The cave where Sage Jayageesh undertook austere penance is located at K.66/3, Ishwar Gangi (Agni Kund). For directions to reach this place, kindly refer Agni Dhruveshwar. The Shiv Ling installed by the Sage is located at K.63/27, Bhoot Bhairav locality, near Jyeshta Gauri. For directions, kindly refer Jyeshta Gauri.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Jayageesheshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyIiP3ax344&t=6s
TYPES OF POOJA
The place of worship is open throughout the day and devotees can worship as per their convenience.
JWARA HARESHWAR
On a request by Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva narrated the various deities/Shiv Lings/Teerths (Sacred Ponds) spread over the expanse of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).
Towards the east of Gopreksheshwar, devotees can find Jwara Hareshwar Ling (referred to as Vijwarar in Kashi Khand). Devotees who are running high fever get rid of their ailment by worshipping Jwara Hareshwar.
Jwara Hareshwar
One point needs to be mentioned here. When Kashi Khand was conceived and even after a long time when it was actually written, medical science had not at all made any progress. Any fever was considered to be serious because in those days, people used to follow strict regimen of exercise, diet, fasting etc. Most of the people were healthy and with the human body’s immune system taking care of any external attack, only a few people used to fall sick. If at all they fell sick, it was much beyond mild ailment.
In the present day environs, with medical advancement and diagnostic and pathological facilities available, people may not attach much importance to mild fevers etc.
LOCATION OF JWARA HARESHWAR
Jwara Hareshwar is located at J.6/85, Jaitpura, on the way to Skanda Mata temple. Devotees can reach this place by rickshaw via Jaitpura Police station. Skanda Mata temple is quite famous. There is another temple No. Ck.2/4, Patani Tola, where people claim that Jwara Hareshwar is located. However, Pandit Kedarnath Vyas who has done extensive research has given the Jaitpura address for this temple.
Jwara Hareshwar (Patni Tola)
The compiler personally enquired at the Jaitpura Jwara Hareshwar temple and was advised that even now devotees who are afflicted with fever etc., (despite consuming medicines) pray to Lord Jwara Hareshwar and get quick relief.
One point needs to be mentioned here. According to the direction mentioned in Kashi Khand, Jwara Hareshwer is located to the east of Gopreksheshwar (Lal Ghat, Machhodari/Gai Ghat). Towards the east will be the area encompassing Prahlad Ghat, Trilochan and River Ganga.
Jwara Hareshwar at Jaitpura falls to the west and the temple of the same name at Patani Tola would fall to the South. One reason for this anomaly could be that on account of invasion and destruction of temples, some Shiv Lings may have been shifted away from their original place, after Kashi Khand was actually written. There have been historic evidences of various temples being destroyed and constructed at other sites.
So, the devotees should get a clear picture and not get confused.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Jwara Hareshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyIiP3ax344&t=6s
TYPES OF POOJA
The temple remains open from 04.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. and from 03.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m. Aarties are conducted at 06.00 a.m. and 07.00 p.m.
POOJARIES OF THE TEMPLE
Shri Kailasnath is the Poojari of the temple.
JYESHTESHWAR
The importance of Jyeshteshwar Ling has been described amply in Kashi Khand, Chapter 63. Lord Shiva said, in the Jyeshta Month (May 20 to June 20), Chaturdasi day before Poornima (Shukla Paksha Chaturdasi), people should have darshan of Jyeshteshwar Ling and they will attain all happiness in life and heaven after death. If the above day falls on Monday with Anuradha (Anusham) Star, it is all the more auspicious.
Jyeshteshwar
Just as darkness disappears with Sunrise, all the sins accumulated over several years disappear with darshan of Jyeshteshwar Ling (Kashi Khand, Chapter 63). A person who performs Shraaddhha ceremony for his ancestors with ghee (clarified butter) etc. near Jyeshteshwar Ling does a great service to his ancestors. A person who does Pooja of Jyeshteshwar and gives alms to a Shiva Devotee gets the punya equivalent to feeding a crore people (Kashi Khand, ibid).
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE
Jyeshteshwar temple is located at K-62/144, Sapt Sagar Mohalla. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Maidagin. People can approach Maidagin by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw or even car. From Maidagin it is advisable to walk on foot. A famous landmark near this temple is the Kashi Devi Temple.
Please watch our YouTube Video about Jyeshteshwar at following Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrVdSI1zOKI&t=11s
TYPES OF POOJAS
The temple is open for worship from 05.30 a.m. in the morning to 12.30 p.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Aarties are held both in the morning and evening.
According to old timers, the temple timings are flexible and the poojari may be requested to open the temple as per the convenience.
