Kashi, also known as Varanasi or Banaras, is one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world — the spiritual capital of India and the eternal abode of Lord Shiva. The lanes of Kashi (Varanasi) are dotted with countless Shivlings, from grand Varanasi temples to humble shrines, each brimming with history, stories, and divine energy. In this blog, we explore the names of the most famous Shivlings in Kashi (Varanasi), their locations, and why they are revered by millions of devotees.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most famous Shivlings in Kashi, their names, locations, and why they hold such deep spiritual importance.
List of Famous Shivlings in Kashi (Varanasi)
| Shivling Name | Location | Significance |
| Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga | Vishwanath Gali | One of the 12 Jyotirlingas; absolves sins & grants moksha |
| Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev | Luxa, near Bengali Tola | Self-manifested Shivling that grows each year |
| Mahakaleshwar Mahadev | Daranagar | Shiva as the conqueror of time (Mahakal) |
| Mrityunjay Mahadev | Daranagar | Worshipped for long life and freedom from disease |
| Omkareshwar Mahadev | Near Kedar Ghat | Embodies the divine sound “Om” |
| Annapurna Devi & Vishweshwar Shivling | Next to Kashi Vishwanath Temple | Removes poverty & blesses with nourishment |
| Bharat Mata Mandir Shivling | Near Kashi Vidyapeeth | Located in the Bharat Mata Temple complex |
| Aadi Keshav Shivling | Rajghat | Marks the ancient beginnings of Kashi |
| Kedarnath Mahadev | Kedar Ghat | Associated with Kedarnath Jyotirlinga of Uttarakhand |
| Gangeshwar Mahadev | Near Manikarnika Ghat | Represents Shiva on the banks of Ganga |
| Neelkanth Mahadev | Near Kaal Bhairav Mandir | Symbolizes the blue-throated form of Shiva |
| Rameshwar Mahadev | Rameshwar Ghat | Linked with the Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga |
Why Kashi is Called the City of Shivlings?
According to Hindu scriptures, Kashi was established by Lord Shiva himself and is considered his eternal abode. It is said that there are more than a lakh Shivlings scattered throughout the city — some large and magnificent, some small yet powerful, tucked away in quiet corners.
The Shivlings of Kashi are not just stones — they are embodiments of divine energy, places where devotees feel the presence of Lord Shiva. Whether it’s at the grand Kashi Vishwanath Temple or a tiny shrine hidden in the bylanes, every Shivling has a story to tell.
Also Explore Ganga Aarti
Famous Shivlings in Kashi: A Sacred Journey
Here is a list of the most revered and famous Shivlings in Kashi that every devotee and traveler must visit:
1. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
- Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India and the most famous temple in Kashi.
- Why visit: It is believed that a darshan here absolves all sins and grants moksha.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the heart of spiritual Varanasi. The Jyotirlinga here is worshipped as the ‘King of the Universe’ — Vishwanath. Devotees queue for hours to catch a glimpse of the sacred lingam and offer milk, flowers, and bilva leaves.
2. Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev
- Location: Luxa, near Bengali Tola
- Significance: Known for its self-manifested (swayambhu) Shivling that grows slightly every year.
- Why visit: Its unique growing Shivling symbolizes the eternal and ever-expanding energy of Shiva.
The peaceful vibe of this temple makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
3. Mahakaleshwar Mandir
- Significance: Represents Lord Shiva as the conqueror of time (Mahakal).
- Why visit: Believed to protect devotees from untimely death and negative energies.
This ancient temple is a serene spot where you can sit, meditate, and soak in the spiritual energy.
4. Mrityunjay Mahadev
- Significance: Worshipped for health and long life.
- Why visit: Devotees chant the Mahamrityunjay Mantra here to overcome diseases and fears.
The temple complex has a sacred well whose water is considered medicinal.
5. Omkareshwar Mahadev
- Location: Near Kedar Ghat
- Significance: Another form of Lord Shiva, embodying the divine sound “Om”.
- Why visit: Known to bless devotees with peace and wisdom.
This temple beautifully captures the essence of Shiva’s cosmic vibration.
6. Annapurna Devi & Vishweshwar Shivling
- Location: Next to Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Significance: Annapurna Devi, the goddess of food and nourishment, sits beside a small but powerful Shivling.
- Why visit: Believed to remove poverty and hunger from devotees’ lives.
7. Bharat Mata Mandir Shivling
- Location: Near Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth
- Significance: Although famous for the map of India, the temple also houses a beautiful Shivling.
8. Aadi Keshav Shivling
- Significance: Said to mark the beginning of Kashi.
- Why visit: Represents the ancient origins of the city and its connection to Shiva.
Other Notable Shivlings:
- Kedarnath Mandir (Kedar Ghat)
- Gangeshwar Mahadev (near Manikarnika Ghat)
- Neelkanth Mahadev (Kaal Bhairav area)
- Rameshwar Mahadev (Rameshwar Ghat)
These lesser-known shrines still hold immense spiritual power and are worth visiting for a deeper experience of Kashi’s divine aura.
The Spiritual Significance of Visiting These Shivlings
Visiting the Shivlings of Kashi is not just a ritual — it is a journey of the soul. Devotees believe that:
- Worshipping these Shivlings washes away sins.
- Offering water, milk, and bilva leaves pleases Lord Shiva.
- Circumambulating (parikrama) around them grants blessings and inner peace.
- Kashi is so sacred that even a glance at its Shivlings can open the path to liberation.
Tips for Visiting Shiv Temples in Kashi
- Start early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Wear modest and comfortable clothing.
- Carry offerings like milk, flowers, incense sticks, and bilva leaves.
- Hire a local guide if you want to learn about the stories behind each temple.
- Be respectful of local customs and other devotees.
Also Read: Ghats in Varanasi and Ramnagar Fort
In conclusion, Kashi is not just a city — it is an experience of devotion, a sacred place where time slows down and the divine feels close. The Shivlings of Kashi are living symbols of faith and spirituality, each carrying centuries of prayers and stories. Whether you’re a devotee, a spiritual seeker, or just a curious traveler, visiting these sacred sites will leave you with a sense of peace and wonder.
So next time you’re in Kashi, take a quiet walk through its ancient lanes, stop by a temple, and let the presence of Shiva touch your heart.