Vishalakshi Temple,Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh

Introduction to the Vishalakshi Temple

The Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, or Vishalakshi Temple, is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in Mir Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Mother Vishalakshi or Vishalakshi Gauri (wide-eyed Devi), an incarnation of Parvati, graces the temple. This revered temple has a profound significance in Hinduism. This sacred place in Varanasi is part of the famous triad, Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi, and Kashi Vishalakshi temples.

Legend of the Vishalakshi Temple

According to legends, Sati was Prajapati Daksha's daughter. She married Shiva against her father's wishes. Once, Daksha arranged a Yagna and invited all Devas, deities, and other Ganas to attend it. However, he did not invite Sati and Shiva.

Sati went to the Yagna without Daksha's invitation. Daksha humiliated her by ignoring Sati and mocking Shiva. Feeling insulted, Sati jumped into the Yagna fire and immolated herself.

After hearing of Sati's death, the enraged Shiva came to the Yagna spot. He beheaded Daksha, took Sati's corpse, and started dancing ferociously. To appease him, Vishnu sent his Sudarshana chakra, which severed Sati's body into 52 pieces which fell on earth. The places where her body parts fell are now recognized as Shakti Peethas. Sati's earring (Karna Kundala) is believed to have fallen in Varanasi. So, Manikarni or Manikarnika is named after her.

Another version states that one of Sati's three eyes (Akshi) fell here. This could be one reason why the deity here became known as Vishalakshi.

The Architecture of the Vishalakshi Temple

The Vishalakshi Temple has a unique South Indian architectural style. An ornamented gopuram stands before the main entrance. Beautiful carvings of lions are on both sides of the main gate, and a marble relief depicting Lakshmi Devi is on the top. She sits upon a lotus flower with elephants on both sides pouring water over her; this famous illustration is of Goddess Gajalakshmi.

A marble statue of Adi Shankaracharya is in a cross-legged sitting position opposite the main door behind the main shrine.

On the right side, there is a sacred storage area. A sculpted horse and an alternative image of Mother Vishalakshi are kept there, and priests bring them out during special processions.

There is a smaller shrine dedicated to Shiva, where a big Shiva Lingam represents male creative energy. Nine statues on an altar in the room represent the planetary deities in human-like form. Visitors worship the sculptures regularly and offer flowers, leaves, and bright vermilion powder.

The Vishalakshi Temple houses a hall before the main shrine, which is the most decorated area. The four concrete pillars of the hall have sculpted reliefs of floral designs, Yantras, and protective figures. The canopy-like ceiling is above the area, painted with a grid of 12 squares, each comprising the symbol of a different zodiac sign. Above the main shrine, a high-relief depiction of Shiva and Meenakshi's wedding can be seen.

The sanctum (Garbhagriha) has two idols of the primary deity Vishalakshi. The original is a smaller black idol of Adi Vishalakshi on the left backside, and the other is a black stone image decorated with jewels and flowers.

Saint Adi Shankaracharya performed prayers to renew the powers of the Vishalakshi Temple and Mother Vishalakshi and installed a Sri Yantra here. The temple had suffered several invasions.

Significance of the Vishalakshi Temple

The prominent six locations in Varanasi represent Shastanga (six-fold) Yoga. The holy River Ganga, the Vishwanath Temple, the Vishalakshi Temple, the Kala Bhairava Temple, the Dhudiraj Temple (Ganesha temple), and the Dhandapani Temple (Shiva and Muruga temple) are among them.

Before worshipping Mother Vishalakshi, devotees bathe in the holy water of the river Ganga. According to believers, offering Pooja and reciting hymns to Mother Vishalakshi can bless them with success and wealth. Unmarried women pray to get married, childless mothers ask for progeny, and others seek good fortune.

Festivals in the Vishalakshi Temple

The Vishalakshi Temple grandly hosts Navratri (October) and Chaitra Navratri (March) for nine days and honors Nava Durga.

The annual festival Kajali Tij (Black Third) is held in August. During this festival, women sing songs. They celebrate it, especially for the welfare of brothers.