Shree Gauri Kedareshwar Temple
Varanasi, Varanasi
Timings
From 5:00 am onwards
About the Temple
Shree Gauri Kedareshwar Temple is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri, revered for its divine atmosphere, spiritual significance, and timeless traditions.
History & Significance
Shree Gauri Kedareshwar Temple is one of the most revered Shiva temples in Varanasi, located near Kedar Ghat on the sacred banks of the River Ganga. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kedareshwar and Goddess Gauri (Parvati), the temple has been a center of devotion for centuries and holds a special place in the spiritual landscape of Kashi.
According to the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana and local tradition, the Kedareshwar shrine in Varanasi is regarded as a sacred representation of the Himalayan Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. It is believed that devotees who worship Lord Kedareshwar here with sincere faith receive spiritual merit comparable to offering prayers at Kedarnath, making the temple especially significant for those unable to undertake the Himalayan pilgrimage.
A popular legend tells of the sage Vashistha, who was a devoted worshipper of Lord Kedareshwar in the Himalayas. As he grew old and could no longer travel to Kedarnath, he prayed to Lord Shiva in Kashi. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested at Kedar Ghat in the form of Kedareshwar, allowing devotees to receive the same divine blessings without leaving Varanasi.
The present temple is widely believed to have been rebuilt or patronized during the Maratha period (17th–18th centuries) by devotees inspired by Kedarnath. Although the exact date of construction is uncertain, the temple has long remained an important destination for pilgrims visiting Kashi.
Adjacent to the temple is the sacred Gauri Kund, an ancient holy water tank mentioned in traditional texts. Devotees often take a ritual bath or offer prayers at Gauri Kund before entering the temple, believing it purifies the mind and soul. The temple continues to host daily worship, Rudrabhishek, special festivals such as Mahashivratri and Shravan Maas, and numerous religious ceremonies throughout the year.
According to the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana and local tradition, the Kedareshwar shrine in Varanasi is regarded as a sacred representation of the Himalayan Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. It is believed that devotees who worship Lord Kedareshwar here with sincere faith receive spiritual merit comparable to offering prayers at Kedarnath, making the temple especially significant for those unable to undertake the Himalayan pilgrimage.
A popular legend tells of the sage Vashistha, who was a devoted worshipper of Lord Kedareshwar in the Himalayas. As he grew old and could no longer travel to Kedarnath, he prayed to Lord Shiva in Kashi. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested at Kedar Ghat in the form of Kedareshwar, allowing devotees to receive the same divine blessings without leaving Varanasi.
The present temple is widely believed to have been rebuilt or patronized during the Maratha period (17th–18th centuries) by devotees inspired by Kedarnath. Although the exact date of construction is uncertain, the temple has long remained an important destination for pilgrims visiting Kashi.
Adjacent to the temple is the sacred Gauri Kund, an ancient holy water tank mentioned in traditional texts. Devotees often take a ritual bath or offer prayers at Gauri Kund before entering the temple, believing it purifies the mind and soul. The temple continues to host daily worship, Rudrabhishek, special festivals such as Mahashivratri and Shravan Maas, and numerous religious ceremonies throughout the year.