Vishalakshi Temple is situated at Mir Ghat, near Manikarnika Ghat, on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in Varanasi, not far from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is one of the Shaktipeeths of India. Vishalakshi means ‘one with wide (or large) eyes.’ Mata Sati’s earrings fell at this spot, giving the name—Manikarnika Ghat. It is also believed Mata Sati’s face also fell at this spot. Vishalakshi Temple is also one of the Ashta-Dasha (Eighteen) Maha Shaktipeeths.
The story of Daksha Prajapati’s Yagya is well known. Mata Sati sacrificed Her body in honour of Lord Shiva. In doing so, she created 51 Shaktipeeths all over India. These Shaktipeeths are storehouses of divine energy and are a very significant part of our Sanatana Dharma. Also check out 108 Shaktipeeths.
Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
In the sanctum of the Varanasi Vishalakshi Temple are enshrined two murtis of Vishalakshi Devi. The first is the original ancient Murti known as Adi Vishalakshi. The second is a newer Murti that was enshrined when the temple was renovated by a group of Tamil devotees.
Adi Shankaracharya visited this temple in the 8th century CE and enshrined a Shri Yantra. The beautifully decorated Gopuram over the main entrance depicts Mata Lakshmi sitting on a lotus with elephants on both sides.
The outer room of the temple has Shivlings along with Nandi, a Ganesh sculpture, and a statue of Adi Shankaracharya. Another room of the temple has the Navagrahas (Nine Planets). In the verandah, we can see depictions of the 12 zodiac signs and the marriage of Lord Shiva and Minakshi Devi.
The Three ‘Eyes’ Temples of India
Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi is one of the group of three temples in India connected with the eyes of the Goddess. The first is Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Meenakshi means fish-eyed. The second is the Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram. Kamakshi means Love Eyed. The third is the Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi. Vishalakshi means wide- or large-eyed. All three temples are considered immensely important religious destinations.
Festivals of Vishalakshi Temple
The two Navratris are the main festivals in this temple. Along with the Vishalakshi temple, devotees visit the Nav Durga temples during these periods. Another important festival is the Kajal Teej, celebrated on the third day of the Bhadon month (Krishna Paksha).
Vishalakshi Temple Timings
The temple remains open for all days of the week, but it will be beneficial for you to refer to temple timings for better convenience.
| Temple Opening Time | 6:00 AM |
| Temple Closing Time | 10:00 PM |
| Days | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM | 09:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM | 09:45 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
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How to Reach Vishalakshi Temple
Varanasi is the oldest city in India and holds significant pilgrimage value, where one can perform various rituals at the Ganga Ghat. It is easy to reach Varanasi from any part of the world. Also check How to Reach Varanasi?
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Vishalakshi Shakti Peeth is Varanasi Junction Railway Station, also known as Banaras Junction, which is 4.5 km from the railway station. You can hire a private taxi or shared auto from the station that will drop you at your location.
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, is the nearest airport to Shree Vishalakshi Temple. The temple is 25.9 km away from the airport. You can hire a private taxi from the airport, which will drop you at your location in 40-45 minutes.
By Road
Road connectivity is very good in Uttar Pradesh State. You can come from any part of UP to Varanasi. The closest bus stand is Chaudhary Charan Singh Bus Stand, Varanasi.
The Vishalakshi Temple is 3.9 km away from the bus stand. You can take a private or shared auto from the bus stand, which will take you to the temple in just 10 minutes.
Best Time to Visit Vishalakshi Temple
There is not any best time to visit Sri Visalakshi Temple, Varanasi. You can visit this temple any time according to your convenience, but if you want to explore all the Varanasi ghats and temples, then November to March is suitable for you.
Vishalakshi Temple Entry Fee
No entry fee is charged to visit Sri Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi.
Places to visit in Varanasi Near Vishalakshi Temple
Here is the list of places that you should include in your journey to Varanasi and the Vishalakshi temple.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
This jyotirling is around 1.0 km away from the Vishalakshi Temple, which you can travel to by walking from one place to another.
There are 85 very famous and holy ghats in Varanasi. The nearest ghat to Vishalakshi Devi Temple is Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is around 600 meters away from the temple.
Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Varanasi
This temple is also known as Kashi Karvat Temple. People from various places come to visit this holy temple and take blessings. This temple is approximately 1.5 km away from the Vishalakshi Devi Temple. Auto rickshaws are available from one temple to reach another, or you can choose to reach it by walking too.
This very famous temple of Lord Shiva is situated only 1.6 km away from Mata Vishalakshi Devi Temple in Varanasi.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple holds significant historical and religious value.
Pita Maheshwar Temple is around 1.4 km away from Vishalakshi Temple.
Pashupatinath Temple, Varanasi
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Pashupatinath, which means ‘Lord of Animals.”
This is the only temple of Pashupatinath in Uttar Pradesh.
Pashupatinath Temple, Varanasi, is around 150 meters away from the Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi.
Mata Siddheshwari Temple is approximately 1.5 km away from Mata Vishalakshi Devi Temple.
Annapurna Temple, Varanasi
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna.
Devotees who visit Vishalakshi Temple prefer to visit Annapurna Devi Temple too.
Annapurna Devi Temple is only 220 meters away from the Vishalakshi Temple.
Varanasi Tour Package
YatraDham.org has arranged a perfect tour package that will help you to explore Vishalakshi Temple and other major attractions of Varanasi. Check out the packages below for your convenience.
Hotels in Varanasi
Here is a list of some of the best hotel options that you can check out while planning your journey to Varanasi. All the stay options are attested and authenticated by Yatradham.org, so you can trust the location and book your stay freely.Ayodhya Varanasi Tour Package
- Rahi Tourist Bungalow
- Hotel Shivanand Varanasi
- Aditya Ashram sewa Samiti
- Shri Tailang Swami Guest House
- Ganga Darshan Guest House
- Niran The Tent City, Varanasi
