Kashi And Shiva – Some Interesting Facts On Varanasi And Shiva

Kashi, or Varanasi or Banaras, is of great importance in Hinduism as it is one of the holiest cities. It is believed that God Shiva founded that Varanasi city. As per Skanda Purana, Kashi rests on the point of his trident. It is His permanent earthly abode and He is always present here.

The spiritual importance of Kashi is found in the Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana. In the chapter, Shiva tells his son Skanda, or Kartik, that the three worlds form one city of mine and Kashi is my royal place in the city.

When there is an end to one cycle of creation through pralaya or great deluge, Kashi is the place from where the next cycle of creation begins.

The most important temple dedicated to Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is located on the banks of Ganga in Kashi.

Did you know?

The fourth khanda in the Skanda Purana is the Kashi Khanda, which has 11,000 verses in praise of Kashi, the nagari of Shiva.

Shiva told Lord Vishnu that Kashi perpetually remains in Satya Yuga.

All time is auspicious in Kashi  and not even the worst planetary conjunction can have any effect on Kashi.

Yamraj, Yamdut (messengers of yama) and Kali Yuga cannot enter Kashi.

Varanasi is said to be the point at which the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas appeared.

More on Kashi

• Dying in Kashi in Hinduism

The main belief is that Kashi is the city of Shiva and he will not allow any devotee to suffer after death. Therefore, whoever dies in Benares escapes from the cycle of birth and death. (know more about this aspect of Kashi here)

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the Twelve important temples dedicated to Shiva in India

Know more about the twelve popular temples dedicated to Shiva here.