Vishalakshi Temple

Vishalakshi Temple in old Varanasi is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi, a form of the Divine Mother whose name means the wide-eyed goddess, read as a sign of her compassion and her watch over Shiva's city. It is counted among the sacred sites linked to Goddess Sati, and devotees see a visit here as a natural companion to worship at Kashi's great Shiva temples.

The shrine sits in a crowded, very old part of the city, a short walk from the cremation ground of Manikarnika Ghat, and pilgrims bring flowers, vermilion and prayers throughout the day. It is easily combined with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and with the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, all within the same historic quarter of lanes, temples and old wells.