Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Kasai Viswanatha Temple complex

Kasi Viswanatha temple complex is one of the largest one in India. The lingam idol of this temple is very small compared to many of the even lesser known Siva temples. The belief is that this Siva Lingam is a representation of the cosmic nature of the world.  Here the devotees themselves can do the abhisheaka (pouring water) to the lingam and offer pooja. Pouring water is one the main offerings in the Siva temples as Lord Siva is supposed to be very hot.

After worshipping the Sivalinga next the devotee is supposed to go and worship the Annapoorneswari goddess, consort of the Lord Siva, which is near to the Viswanatha shrine. The goddess is in the posture with a golden laddle and the food vessel in the left hand depicting the imge of the mother who gives food to the hungry children. The goddess is considered as the mother superior of the universe.

Next to that the devotees is t go and worship Kala Bhairava in the shrine next to the goddess. Kala Bhairava is a portion of Lord Siva himslef and is considered as the Yama Dharma the god of death.

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