Shri Vishalakshi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple Varanasi

Overview

Shri Vishalakshi Mata Shaktipeeth, also called Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, is at Meer Ghat on the bank of the Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is regarded as a Shakti Peeth, a holy seat of the Divine Mother, Adishakti. The Puranas count Vishalakshi Manikarnika among the Shakti Peethas, and the Devi Purana mentions the Vishalakshi temple of Kashi. Vishalakshi means the large-eyed one, a name of Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. The temple follows the Nagara style of North Indian architecture, with a tall spire and carved flowers and patterns on its walls and doors. It is small, yet graceful, with paintings, lion figures and marble work. The sanctum has two idols of the Goddess: the old black-stone Adi Vishalakshi and a newer, decorated idol used for darshan. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have placed a Sri Yantra here. Lord Shiva and other deities have small shrines within.

Darshan timings

Evening Time

12:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Morning Time

4:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Before you visit

Dress code

Traditional and Formal clothes

Prasad

Available

Photography

Not allowed

Festivals

• Navratri

History

A story is told of Kaushalya, a devotee of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati from Varanasi who spent her days in meditation. Moved by her devotion, they chose to appear to her. While she meditated on the Ganga bank, Parvati appeared in a vision as a glowing figure with large, kind eyes and blessed her. In gratitude, Kaushalya wished to build a shrine. The Goddess appeared as Vishalakshi, meaning the wide-eyed one, and told her to build a temple. She said that devotees could seek spiritual insight and wisdom there and that her kind glance would bless sincere followers. With the Goddess's approval, Kaushalya began the construction on the Ganga bank.

Location

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Stay nearby

• Sri Vasavi Athidi Nivas - Varanasi
• Shri Kishan Beriwala Smruti Bhavan (Luxa Road) - Varanasi
• Varanasi - Shri Krishna Dharamshala (Near Railway Station)

More about this temple

Prasad and offerings: Common prasad includes ladoo, flowers, kumkum and vibhuti. Popular offerings are a red sari, sindoor, bangles and coconut. A belief holds that offering kumkum on 41 Tuesdays is a devotional practice here. Annadan: Food is not served daily. On Navaratri and other festival days, Kanya Puja and bhojan are held for little girls. Festivals: Navaratri (Chaitra and Ashwin) has big celebrations. Kajali Teej in August has special rituals and songs. Maha Shivaratri and Diwali are marked with grand prayers. Visiting tips: There is no parking near the temple, so walk or take an e-rickshaw. The lanes are narrow and crowded, so early morning is best. There is no entry fee. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs. Best time to visit: October to March. How to reach: By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is 25 to 30 km away. Taxis and public transport are available. By rail: Varanasi railway station is 7 to 8 km away. By road: Private and public transport run between nearby cities and the temple, or hire a taxi directly.

Frequently asked questions