Temple of Shiva in Benares, This temple is the famous temple of Shiva of Kashi Vishvanath. Kashi was the original name of Varanasi (or Benares) and Vishvanath is the name of the ordained god. Viśvanāth means Ruler of the Universe and this temple is among the twelve Shiva Jyotirlinga (highly venerated) temples in India. In the background can be seen the Gyanvapi Mosque, built by the Mogul Emperor Aurangzeb. This site has been controversial since the original Kashi Vishvanath temple was destroyed and dedicated as a mosque. The present golden temple in the foreground was built in 1780 by the

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Size: 4004px × 5378px
Location:
Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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