Varanasi, April 14: For devotees visiting Varanasi or seeking blessings at Kashi Vishwanath, a visit to the Sakshi Vinayak Temple is deemed essential. It is believed that here, the deity Sakshi Vinayak records the presence of pilgrims, confirming their visit to Kashi.
In this temple, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the witness or ‘Sakshi.’ The belief is that whenever a devotee travels to Kashi, Lord Ganesha becomes a witness to their journey and conveys this to Lord Shiva.
Located in Vishwanath Gali, the temple may not be grand in size, but its spiritual significance is profound. It is said that if a person visits Kashi without paying homage here, their journey remains incomplete. Regardless of how many grand temples one may visit, without a visit to Sakshi Vinayak, the full benefits of the pilgrimage are not realized.
This temple holds particular importance for those performing the Panchkoshi Parikrama, a sacred journey around Kashi, covering approximately 10 miles. After completing this pilgrimage, devotees come to the Sakshi Vinayak Temple to register their presence, ensuring their journey is validated.
Another unique aspect of this temple is that Lord Ganesha is depicted holding a pen in one hand and a book in the other. This symbolizes that he keeps a record of every devotee’s journey, noting who has visited Kashi and which deities they have worshipped. This is why he is referred to as Sakshi Vinayak.
It is believed that the temple was constructed in the 18th century by the Maratha Peshwas. Built in a square structure, it may appear simple, yet the faith surrounding it is deeply rooted.
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