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Vishalakshi Temple

Vishalakshi Temple

pilgrimage site · Uttar Pradesh

Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is one of the Shakti Peethas, the sacred shrines of the Divine Mother in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism.

State
Uttar Pradesh
Type
Pilgrimage Site
Best season
Winter

Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is one of the Shakti Peethas, the sacred shrines of the Divine Mother in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. According to tradition, this is where the earring of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra divided her body. Here the Goddess is worshipped as Vishalakshi (Manikarni), and her guardian Bhairava (a form of Shiva) as Kala Bhairava. It is counted among the eighteen Ashtadasha Maha Shakti Peethas — the most revered of all the seats of the Goddess. Shakti Peethas are among the holiest pilgrimage sites for devotees of the Goddess, drawing pilgrims especially during Navratri and Durga Puja. Each is tied to the legend of Sati, whose body parts fell across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, sanctifying the ground where they landed.

When to go

Navratri (around October and April) is the most auspicious time; winter months are comfortable for a quieter visit.

Why visit

A small shrine near Mira Ghat that most people walk past on their way to Vishwanath. Its own day is Kajali Teej, in the monsoon, when the lane outside fills up properly.

Cultural notes

Presiding deity (Shakti): Vishalakshi (Manikarni). Bhairava (consort/guardian): Kala Bhairava. Associated relic: the earring of Goddess Sati. This is one of the 18 Ashtadasha Maha Shakti Peethas. The site forms part of the Shakti Peetha pilgrimage circuit rooted in the Daksha Yagna legend.

Vishalakshi Temple guide & itineraries

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