Varanasi, March 31: Varanasi, known as the city of Lord Shiva, is also revered as the city of deities. Each temple here, big or small, carries its own story and is steeped in devotion. At the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna rivers lies an ancient temple dedicated to Narayan. It is believed that Lord Vishnu first set foot in Kashi at this very spot.
We are referring to the Adi Keshav Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kashi. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Keshav form, holds profound spiritual significance. According to the Skanda Purana, it is a sacred site where Lord Vishnu first entered Kashi.
There is a mythological tale associated with the temple. It is said that once, Lord Shiva went to Mount Mandara, leaving Kashi deserted. Following the orders of Lord Brahma, a righteous king named Divodasa took charge of Kashi. King Divodasa was such a benevolent ruler that there was no sorrow or problem in Kashi. Lord Ganesha, disguised as a Brahmin, impressed the king and roamed around Kashi. When he did not return to Kailash, Lord Shiva became worried for his son and sought help from Narayan. Ultimately, Lord Vishnu arrived in Kashi with Lakshmi and Garuda. He bathed at the confluence of the Varuna and Ganges rivers and established a Shivling there. Since then, it has been known as the Adi Keshav Temple, and this confluence is also called Padodak Tirth.
The Adi Keshav Temple is the most prominent among the 16 Keshav temples in Kashi. The idol here is believed to have been established by Lord Vishnu himself. For centuries, this temple has been a center of faith and devotion. After the 1857 freedom struggle, the British turned it into a military outpost. Later, the Gwalior Scindia dynasty renovated it. Besides Adi Keshav, the temple complex also houses the Gyankeshav, Sangameshwar Shiva, and Panchadev temples. The Sangameshwar Shivling was also established by Lord Vishnu.
The temple is open from 6 AM to 12 PM and again from 4 PM to 10 PM. Located in the old city of Varanasi, the Adi Keshav Temple is near the Rajghat at the Varuna-Ganga confluence. Locals refer to it as Adi Keshav Ghat or Rajghat.
Visitors from other cities can travel by private vehicles or hire taxis. Several regular buses operate to the temple. Auto-rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws can easily take you to Rajghat or Adi Keshav Ghat. Festivals such as the Varuni Mela, Antagrahi Mela, Mahabarani Mela, and Vaman Dwadashi are celebrated at the temple.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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