Shri Kashi Vishalakshi

The Karna kundala(Ear ring) of Devi fell here. Hence Devi Maa here is also known as Manikarni or Manikarnika. The Puranas say that this city exists even after the Pralaya. The famous place ‘Manikarnika’ is located here and named so because the earring of Goddess Sati was like a pearl (Mani). Goddess worshiped here as Maa Vishalakshi & Lord Shiva as Kala or Kaal Bhairva. Some pundits feel that karna kundala is merely an ornament and not part of the body. Therefore this place can at best be considered as an upa-peetha, a minor or sub-centre. Another version says that this is a shakti peetha only because one of the three eyes (Akshi) fell here. As the divine eye can perceive the entire universe, Mother here is called Vishalakshi, the vast-eyed. Vishalakshi Devi temple is a powerful Shakti Peeth and any pooja, charity, recitation of Devi mantras performed in this premises is considered to yield very high results. Unmarried girls worshiping Vishalakshi Devi are sure to get married, the childless couple will certainly be blessed with a child, even the most unfortunate ladies will find all fortunes coming their way. Visalakshi devi is present on the bank of the river Ganges. The temple is very small. An idol of Gauri is present in front of Visalakshi. Sthala Purana: The word Visalakshi means the one who has big eyes. She is described as the one who rules the world. Tantras tell that she will be in the form of Mahakali. She will break the Karma bandhas after the death. Lord Vishwanath, in the form of Mahakala will give Moksha. Nearest Bus station: Varanasi(Benaras). Nearest Railway station: Varanasi(Benaras). Nearest Airport: Varanasi(Benaras). The temple of Visalakshi is present near the temple of Annapurna.