Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

In Kashi, the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is renowned for its liberating and immensely beneficial glory. Let us explore the story of Vishwanath Jyotirlinga.

The importance of the Vishveshwar Jyotirlinga:

Soot Ji says that the Vishweshwar (Vishwanath) Jyotirlinga in Kashi can absolve even the greatest sins. Everything visible on this earth is a form of the eternal, immutable, and blissful Brahma. When the blissful Supreme Being, who is unique and infinite, was absorbed in their state of absolute oneness, a desire arose to become two. At that moment, the Supreme Being manifested in a Sagun (qualified) form and was called Shiva. Shiva divided Himself into two parts - one in the form of a male, and the other in the form of a female. The male form is 'Shiva,' and the female form is 'Shakti.'

Now, these forms of Chidananda, Shiva and Shakti, though remaining unseen themselves, gave form to creation through their nature as Prakriti and Purusha, and then became invisible. When Prakriti and Purusha did not see their parents before them, they both fell into great doubt.

Seeing Prakriti and Purusha in doubt, the Nirgun (attributeless) Supreme Being directed them through a divine voice, "You both must perform penance. Only then will the supreme creation expand from you." Hearing this, Prakriti and Purusha were puzzled. They asked, "Lord! Where should we perform penance? We have no place.

Then the Nirgun (attributeless) Shiva created a marvelous city, which was five kosas in length and width and extremely beautiful. This city was a manifestation of Shiva Himself and contained all necessary facilities. Shiva sent this city to Prakriti and Purusha. The city settled near Purusha in the sky. Then Purusha, who is Lord Hari, resided in the city and performed penance for many years, meditating on Shiva and desiring to create the universe. In this way, through the penance of Prakriti and Purusha, the creation of the universe began.

During the intense penance of Prakriti and Purusha, streams of white water began to flow from their bodies, filling the entire sky. Witnessing this extraordinary scene, Vishnu thought to himself, "What a wondrous thing this is!"

Suddenly, in his amazement, Vishnu shook his head, causing a gem to fall from one of his ears. The place where the gem fell became the great pilgrimage site known as Manikarnika. At that time, the streams of water started flooding and overflowing the entire Panchkroshi area. Seeing this, the Nirgun (attributeless) Shiva immediately lifted the area with his trident.

Then, Vishnu, along with his consort Prakriti, began to rest in the city. From his navel, a lotus emerged, and from that lotus, Lord Brahma was born. This was also the result of Shiva's will. Following Shiva's command, Brahma started the creation of the universe. He created fourteen worlds in the cosmos, which the great sages described as extending fifty crore yojanas. However, Lord Shiva wondered how beings, bound by karma in the universe, would reach Him.

Lord Shankar said, "This Panchkroshi Kashi is a place of great welfare among all worlds; it ends the bondage of karma, imparts knowledge, and illuminates the path to liberation. Therefore, this place is very dear to me. Here, the Supreme Being Himself has established the 'Avimukta' Linga. Hence, Hari, you must never leave this place." Saying this, Lord Shankar lifted the city of Kashipur with his trident and placed it in the mortal world so that beings could come there and attain liberation.

When a day of Lord Brahma comes to an end, causing the entire world to be destroyed, Kashi Puri still remains untouched. At that time, Lord Shiva holds it on his trident. And when Lord Brahma creates the new universe, Shiva reinstates this holy city on the earth again. Due to its unique feature of providing liberation from the bondage of karma, this place is named 'Kashi.' In Kashi, the Avimukteshwar Linga always resides, granting salvation even to those burdened with great sins.

Kashi is such a sacred place where beings can attain the highest form of liberation. For those who cannot achieve liberation anywhere else, Varanasi is the final refuge. This supremely virtuous Panchkroshi is capable of destroying millions of sins. The beloved city of Shankar, Kashi, always provides both enjoyment and liberation.

Lord Shiva, the Lord of Kailash, is said to be inherently sattvic (pure) and externally tamasic (associated with darkness or ignorance). He is also known as Kalagni Rudra. Despite being Nirguna (without attributes), this Lord Shiva has manifested in a Saguna (with attributes) form.

Rudra spoke to Lord Shiva, "Vishwanath! Maheshwar! I am a part of You; there is no doubt about it. Mahadev! Please be merciful to me. Lord of the Universe! For the welfare of the world, you should always remain here in Kashi. Jagannath! I beseech You to stay here and uplift the beings.

After this, Avimukta, who controls the mind and senses, also repeatedly prayed to Lord Shankar. With tears in his eyes and joy in his heart, he said, "O Devadhidev Mahadev, you are truly the Lord of all three worlds and worthy of worship even by Brahma and Vishnu. O Divine One! Please accept Kashi Puri as Your abode. I will remain here, seated with unwavering devotion, meditating on You to attain inconceivable bliss. You alone are the giver of liberation and the fulfiller of all desires; no one else. Therefore, may You, along with Uma, always reside here for the benefit of all beings. Sadashiv, may You help all beings cross the ocean of worldly existence. I repeatedly pray that You fulfill the needs of Your devotees.

When Vishwanath prayed to Lord Shankar in this manner, the Lord of All, Shiva, decided to permanently reside in Kashi for the benefit of the world. From the day Lord Shiva established Himself in Kashi, it became the supreme city.

Verified from Puran............

Writer :- krishna