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“Har Har Mahadev! Kashi ke Kankar mein bhi Shankar vaste hain.”

• City: Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
• Temple Name: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Situated on: The western bank of the sacred Ganga River
• Accessibility: Nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (~25 km), Varanasi Junction is the main railway station (~5 km from temple).

Significance:

• One of the sacred twelve Jyotirlingas, collectively considered the most sacred and revered of all Jyotirlingas.
• Kashi is also known as the Eternal City, and Lord Shiva himself is said to reside here and grant salvation (moksha) to devotees.

The mythological and historical significance is significant and paramount.

• The original temple is believed to have been built by Lord Vishwakarma himself on the orders of the gods.
• It has been destroyed and rebuilt throughout history, most famously by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
• The current structure we see today was painstakingly rebuilt in 1780 by the great ruler Ahilyabai Holkar, who was from Indore.

Mythological Story:

• According to ancient mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva declared Kashi as his city forever, a holy city that was free from the ravages of time or any destruction.
• It is believed that when the world is consumed by fire at the time of the cosmic apocalypse, Kashi will be protected due to the presence of Shiva.

Architecture:

• Built in the unique and historically significant Nagar style of architecture.
• The main spire (Shikhar) is covered in gold, as is the dome of the temple.
• In the temple complex, there are several other smaller temples in the temple premises dedicated to other deities and these include Kala Bhairav, Avimukteshwar, Vishnu and Virupaksha Gauri, each of which is worshipped separately.                                                                   

Unique Features:

• A golden umbrella (chhatri) gifted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
• The temple is located in the heart of a densely populated city but is filled with immense religious fervor and peace.
• The temple forms part of the newly constructed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, which directly connects the Ganga Ghat to the temple complex. 

Rituals and devotional acts:

• Daily rituals include Mangala Aarti, Bhog Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, Shringar Aarti and Shayan Aarti.
• The Rudrabhishek ritual is considered very auspicious in this particular context. Devotees usually take a Ganga Snan (holy bath) before going to the temple.

Weather Note:

• Summer (Apr-Jun): 32-45°C – Hot and humid
• Monsoon (Jul-Sep): Heavy rainfall, moderate climate
• Winter (Oct-Mar): 10-25°C – Pleasant and best for travel

Surroundings:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat – Perfect spot for Ganga Aarti
• Manikarnika Ghat – One of the oldest cremation ghats
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• Tulsi Manas Mandir and Durga Kund

Bonus Points:

• It is believed that by chanting the name "Kashi Vishwanath" with pure devotion and a true heart, one can attain the highest degree of liberation.
• The Jyotirlinga here is Swayambhu (self-contained).
• Kashi is famous as the only place where one can attain Moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death due to the grace and mercy of Lord Shiva.

Travel Tips and Advice:

• Photography is strictly prohibited in the temple complex.
• The best time to visit is during the month of Shravan, Maha Shivaratri or Dev Diwali.
• Expect heavy crowds - advance reservations and VIP tickets can be taken for darshan.
• Wear traditional Indian attire to facilitate security checks.
• Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the holiest temple complex.

Summary Table:

“Har Har Mahadev!”- "Where time stands still, and the divine presence of Shiva can be felt in every breath – such is the glory of Kashi Vishwanath."