Vishalakshi Temple Varanasi

Mir Ghat of Varanasi gives way or access to Dharma Kupa & Vishalakshi Temple (विशालाक्षी मन्दिर), inhabited by the goddess Vishalakshi — literally, ‘the large-eyed’, an epithet of Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi is one of the ‘shaktipithas’ of India. It is located at few minutes walking distance from Kashi Vishwanath temple. As per a legend, it is the site where ‘karnakundal’ (कर्णकुण्डल - earrings) of Sati had fallen. Owing to this reason, the goddess is also called Manikarni Vishalakshi or Manikarnika Vishalakshi. Therefore, some people consider it as ‘uppeeth’ (उपपीठ). But majority of the Hindu faithful believe in the legend which claims that Goddess Sati’s one of the eyes had fallen at the temple site. Since divine mother’s body part had dropped here, the temple built over the site is considered one of the fifty one Shaktipeeth (शक्तिपीठ). According to Skand Purana, Goddess Vishalakshi appeared as housewife & offered food to Maharshi Vyas while none was ready to feed the sage. In this instance, Goddess Vishalakshi's role was similar to Annapurna Devi. Goddess Vishalakshi is frequented and worshipped by the devotees to attract her grace. The deity is worshipped by the childless couples for progeny. The festivals of Navratri, Durga Puja and Kajli Teej are celebrated with religious fervor in Vishalakshi Temple. As a tradition, incense, lamps, garland of flowers, necklaces, pearl jewelry, new clothes etc are offered to Goddess Vishalakshi after taking holy dip in the Ganga.