Kashi, also known as Varanasi or Banaras, is considered the oldest living city in the world. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands on the western bank of the holy Ganga river and is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that a visit to this temple and a dip in the Ganga here can liberate one from the cycle of birth and death (moksha).

Lord Shiva is said to whisper the Taraka Mantra in the ears of those who die in Kashi, granting them salvation. Because of this belief, countless devotees come here in their last days, hoping for moksha.

Historical Background:

The original temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times by various rulers. The present structure was rebuilt in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Indore. In 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project was launched, creating a grand path that connects the temple directly to the Ganga River, making access smoother for pilgrims.