INVC News
Kashi : Discover the fascinating history and controversies surrounding the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and explore its transformation under the visionary Vishwanath Dham Project. Unravel the sacred saga of Gyanvapi Vs Kashi Vishwanath Temple in this comprehensive article.
Introduction
India, the land of spirituality and diverse cultures, is home to numerous Hindu temples that hold historical significance. Among these, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, situated in the ancient city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras, stands out as one of the most revered and sacred sites for Hindus. However, its history has been marred by disputes and reconstructions since the Mughal period. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in fifteen points, shedding light on the controversies surrounding it.
1. The Ancient Origin
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds an ancient legacy, believed to exist from time immemorial. Legend has it that this sacred place is the original abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As a result, the presiding deity here, Avimukteshwar, is revered as the first linga, Adilinga. The temple’s antiquity is also referenced in ancient scriptures such as the Mahabharata and Upanishads.
2. Renovation by King Harishchandra and Emperor Vikramaditya
In the 11th century BC, King Harishchandra undertook the first known renovation of the Vishwanath Temple. Later, in the 1st century BC, the temple was restored by the illustrious Emperor Vikramaditya.
3. Destruction by Muhammad Ghori
Tragedy struck the temple in 1194 when it was brutally demolished by the invading forces of Muhammad Ghori, who looted and razed it to the ground.
4. Rebuilding and Demolition by Sultan Mahmud Shah
The resilient spirit of the local people led to the reconstruction of the temple after its destruction by Muhammad Ghori. However, their efforts were short-lived as Sultan Mahmud Shah of Jaunpur demolished it again in 1447.
5. Grand Reconstruction by Raja Todermal
In 1585 AD, with the generous support of Raja Todermal, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was reconstructed to its former glory. This grand endeavor was spearheaded by the skilled artisan Pt. Narayan Bhatt.
6. Threats During Shah Jahan’s Reign
In 1632, Emperor Shah Jahan issued orders to demolish the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and sent his army to execute the task. The temple’s central structure miraculously survived due to the strong resistance of the Hindus, but 63 other temples in Kashi fell to the invading forces.
7. Aurangzeb’s Decree and the Gyanvapi Mosque
Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, further intensified the temple’s plight by issuing a decree in 1669 for its demolition. The Gyanvapi Mosque was erected on the site, replacing the once-magnificent temple.
8. Maratha Sardars’ Efforts
Between 1752 and 1780, the valiant Maratha Sardars, Dattaji Scindia, and Malharrao Holkar made valiant attempts to reclaim the temple.
9. Mahadji Scindia’s Order for Compensation
On August 7, 1770 AD, Mahadji Scindia issued an order to seek compensation for the temple’s demolition from Emperor Shah Alam of Delhi. However, the East India Company’s rule in Kashi at that time halted the restoration efforts.
10. Ahilyabai Holkar’s Renovation
The temple finally saw a ray of hope during the reign of Queen Ahilyabai of Indore, who oversaw the renovation between 1777 and 1780. She commissioned the reconstruction of the Vishwanath Temple, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab contributed a golden canopy to adorn it. Additionally, Maharani Baijabai of Gwalior and Maharaja Nepal made significant contributions to the temple’s beautification.
11. The Gyanvapi Masjid
The Gyanvapi Mosque stands as a visible reminder of the turbulent past, constructed on the orders of Aurangzeb by demolishing the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
12. Hindus’ Claim on Gyanvapi Campus
In 1809, the Hindus of Kashi occupied the Gyanvapi Mosque forcibly, asserting their claim over the area known as Gyanvapi Mandap, now referred to as Gyanvapi Masjid.
13. Temples and Destruction during 11th to 15th Century
Historical records from the 11th to 15th century mention several temples and their unfortunate fate of being converted into mosques during various rulers’ regimes. Prominent writers of that era, such as Jinprabha Suri and Vachaspati, highlighted the significance of Baba Vishwanath, emphasizing it as a sacred Dev Kshetra.
14. Vishwanath Dham: A Modern Marvel
In recent times, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple witnessed a transformative development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary project, Vishwanath Dham. With an investment of over Rs 800 crore, the temple complex underwent a massive expansion, spanning an area of more than 5 lakh 27 thousand square feet. The project included the acquisition of over 300 buildings around the temple, costing about Rs 400 crore. The ongoing construction focused on creating improved entrances and pathways, enhancing the devotees’ experience.
15. Preserving the Heritage
During the demolition of the acquired buildings, more than 40 temples were discovered, testament to the rich historical and cultural heritage of the site. The Vishwanath Dham Project endeavors to preserve and rejuvenate these invaluable treasures, securing the legacy of Kashi Vishwanath Temple for generations to come.
Conclusion
The history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a testament to the indomitable spirit of devotion and the resilience of the Indian culture. Despite the challenges posed by time and invasions, the temple has risen repeatedly, symbolizing unwavering faith and reverence. The ongoing Vishwanath Dham Project adds a new chapter to this ancient temple’s saga, promising to elevate its significance in the hearts of millions of devotees worldwide.
