Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
కాశీ విశ్వనాథ్
Lord Shiva as Vishwanath (lord of the universe) · Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh. The holiest of all Hindu pilgrimage cities. Death in Kashi is believed to grant moksha (liberation). Recently expanded with the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (2021).
Significance
The holiest of all Hindu pilgrimage cities. Death in Kashi is believed to grant moksha (liberation). Recently expanded with the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (2021).
Mythological Origin
Kashi is said to rest on Shiva's trident, hence not destroyed in cosmic dissolutions. Shiva manifested here as the eternal pillar of light (Jyotirlinga).
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.