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Tucked within the vibrant, winding lanes of old Varanasi lies the sacred Kal Bhairav Temple, dedicated to one of the most fierce and powerful avatars of Lord Shiva. Known reverently as the Kotwal of Kashi (the police chief or protector of Varanasi), Lord Kal Bhairav is believed to guard the holy city against evil forces and ensure spiritual order.According to age-old tradition, every pilgrim visiting Varanasi must pay homage at this shrine to seek permission from the deity before beginning their spiritual journey in Kashi. The atmosphere inside the inner sanctum is charged with intense devotion. The silver-faced idol of Kal Bhairav is adorned with vibrant marigold garlands, and he is depicted holding a trident while seated on his divine vehicle, a dog.Devotees offer mustard oil, traditional sweets, and black protective threads called Ganda, which priest tie around wrists to ward off negative energies and evil spirits.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is widely regarded as one of the most revered spiritual sanctuaries in Hinduism. Located in the ancient city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara, meaning the 'Ruler of the Universe'.Standing gracefully on the western bank of the sacred River Ganges, the temple is an essential pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees worldwide. Visiting Kashi Vishwanath and taking a dip in the holy Ganges is believed to cleanse one's sins and lead to liberation (Moksha).The newly constructed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor seamlessly connects the temple complex directly to the historic ghats, offering a spacious, majestic, and serene experience for pilgrims traversing from Lalita Ghat directly to the inner sanctum.