Vishwanath Mandir at Uttarkashi – Famous Shiva Temple at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand

Vishwanath Mandir at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the famous temples in the region. The temple is also referred as Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Information about the temple is found in the Kedar Khand of the Skanda Purna. Shiva mentions in it that Uttarkashi is the Kashi of Kaliyuga, the present age.

The swayambhu Shivling in the temple is very unique as it leans towards the south. This makes the Vishwanath Mandir holy and it is mentioned in some scriptures that the temple is as holy as all the 12 jyotrilingas put together.

Some legends suggest that it was on this Shivling that young Markandeya held on to escape from Yama. Shiva appeared and chastised Yama for attempting to take the life of a Shiva devotee.

The temple has a shrine dedicated to Ma Shakti. A 19.5 feet Trishul is found in the temple. As per local legend the trident has the combined power of Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra, Shiva’s trident and Parashuram’s axe.

There are murtis of Ganesha, Dundiraj, Rishi Markandeya, Sakshi Gopa, Goddess Parvati and Nandi in the temple.