Kashi Vishwanath - the oldest amongst the Jyotirlings resides in the prehistoric city of Kashi in Uttar Pradesh. Older than history itself, it is the favourite residence of Lord Shiva.Lord Shiva is infused in the very soul of Kashi and the focal point of his presence is the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirling. Vishwanath refers to the lord of the Universe who is Lord Shiva.
It is mentioned in the Shiva Puran that once Maa Parvati asked Lord Shiva to enumerate the importance of Kashi Vishwanath.Lord Shiva was quite pleased with her question and replied to her lovingly that Varanasi was his mysterious shrine .It was the cause of salvation of the people in every respect.Residence in Varanasi had always been appealing to Lord Shiva.Shivapuran propounds that two entities always shall receive liberation in this world, one who is the devotee of Lord Shiva and the other who has perfect knowledge.People of all castes,creed,gender and stages of life shall attain freedom if they die in Kashi .
When the Purusha and Prakriti were formed they wanted a place to conduct penance.Hence, a beautiful city named Kashi, endowed with requisite articles and excellent brilliance was created by Lord Shiva.Lord Vishnu meditated in this beautiful city for creation. He performed severe penance in Kashi for a longtime.Due to Lord Vishnu’s penance, there were auspicious water bodies that were generated. To have a look at this beautiful sight Lord Vishnu shook his head whereupon a jewel fell out of his ears. That place came to be known as Manikarnika.When this holy centre of Kashi began to float on water it was held in one place by Lord Shiva’s trident.Lord Vishnu himself resided in Kashi along with his Prakriti and Lord Brahma was born out of his umbilical cord.Lord Shiva himself stationed the Shivaling of Avimukta yielding salvation to anyone who seeks it.
The Shivaling of Avimukteshwara stays in Kashi as Kashi Vishwanath and yields salvation to anyone ,even great sinners.Kashi became the most excellent centre for all since Lord Shiva came to Kashi.
One doesn’t need to tour heaven to see the abode of Gods,Kashi will do just fine.
Har Har Mahadev.
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