(Image source from: Lesser known facts)

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the famous pilgrim centers for Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva. The holy place stands on the Western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Here are few interesting and lesser known facts and beliefs about the holy place.

•    Mughal Emperor Akbar gave permission to build the original temple.
•    The original temple was later destroyed by Aurangazeb. After destroying the temple, he built a mosque in its place.
•    The present temple was built by the great Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, the Queen of Indore.
•    Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar took the initiative to build the latest temple, besides offering required funds.
•    Kashi was originally derived from the word KAS meaning ‘to shine’.
•    A golden chatra is there on the top of the temple. A belief is that if a wish is made after seeing te chatra, it will surely be fulfilled.
•    Another belief is that the first ray of light fell on Kashi, when the earth was created.
•    It is said that the lord Shiva’s idol was hidden in a well to protect it from destruction, when Aurangzebs planned to destroy the temple.
•    The well is still present there in between the temple and mosque.

-Sumana